County Board hears funding requests

The McLeod County Board took under advisement two requests for funding from nonprofit agencies at its Tuesday, July 19, meeting.
Jen Johnson, executive director for Save Avenues, asked the County Board to allocate $2,200 in 2017. The county provided $2,100 in 2016.
Johnson said Safe Avenues is an 18-county agency which advocates for victims of sexual abuse.
In 2014, the agency established an office in Hutchinson, and works closely with the McLeod Alliance for Victims of Domestic Violence, (MAVDV) which has an office just down the hall.
Johnson said MAVDV specializes in domestic abuse, while Save Avenues provides help for victims of sexual abuse. However, Johnson said, Save Avenues does provide emergency housing for abuse victims who come to MAVDV.
“It’s been a very good partnership,” said Johnson.
Johnson said Save Avenues assisted 14 victims in McLeod County in 2014, and 22 in 2015.
“Most of those are underage, between the ages of 13 and 17,” said Johnson.
Besides providing emergency shelter, Save Avenues can help with transportation, obtaining orders for protection, the legal process and financial help.
The other request came from Donna Whitcomb of Ecumen RSVP, which provides help for seniors.
Whitcomb said that, in particular, the group is looking for funding for its Bone Builders program. It is asking for $2,500 to help replace weight equipment.

For more, see the July 27 print edition of The Chronicle.