The state budget impasse restored funding to human service agencies that went unpaid for more than two years. But a nonprofit that provides support for victims of domestic abuse still hasn’t gotten paid for services provided during that time.
The Center for Prevention of abuse is waiting on about three-quarters of a million dollars from the state. That’s about 15-percent of its overall budget. Executive Director Carol Merna says nevertheless, she feels some level of comfort knowing the agency's contracts will eventually be fulfilled.
“We’re pleased, we’re grateful," Merna said. "It was a long wait, 736 days of uncertainty is not good for any business, including nonprofits.”
During that time, the Center had to discontinue two programs -- a self-neglect service for the elderly and disabled, and “Safe from the Start”, which provides therapy for children from birth through five affected by trauma.
Those programs have been brought back since the state passed a budget.
“I had a young man tell me the other day he lived here when he was in third grade, and we want to be able to continue to do that,” Merna said, holding back tears.
Merna says the Center for Prevention of Abuse is still conservative with its spending because even with a budget in place, the partisanship in Springfield is not reassuring.