SCCFF loses major funding sources

Money makes the world go around. Money also is necessary to help those who need a lift in life, a support system, a fresh start, a little assistance to begin a new, better life.

Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF) is focused on helping all victims of domestic and sexual violence, child abuse and stalking. With the current age of financial uncertainty, SCCFF may need some assistance of their own.

The Coalition has received some unfortunate news. Of three grants, which provide major funding for SCCFF operations and services, two will not make their way to the county's program.

"The impacts are huge!" emphasized Gayle Seratt, Executive Director for SCCFF, explaining how the decreased funding will be felt county wide. Not only will there be a decrease in services, but other agencies will be affected. One example is the Sanders County Sheriff's Detective position, which is partially funded through these very grants as well.

Most of the non-profit's funding comes in the form of federal grants, specific to certain criteria. The funding starts at the Department of Justice (DOJ), working its way to the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) then trickles to the State of Montana and finally ends up at SCCFF, although sometimes the State is bypassed, commented Seratt.

The good news first. The transitional housing grant, providing victims an opportunity for funding rent for 6 to twenty-four months while they get back on their feet was funded through September 2021. "This grant gives the victim space and one less bill to worry about," Seratt said, adding that victims can get an education and move on with their lives because of this program.

In addition, three one-year state grants will be awarded; the Montana Board of Crime Control, which serves victims of all crimes, the Department of Health and Human Services grant will help fund the emergency shelter in Sanders County and the Victims of Crime Act funding will help cover outreach in the community.

On the bleaker side of things, the Justice for Families and a rural grant will not be forthcoming. The Justice for Families grant allowed SCCFF to provide supervised visitation services, a service typically assessed a fee. The benefit to this is having a safe place for children to interact with parents, while avoiding parenting interaction when it is not healthy, according to Seratt. SCCFF had a no-fee designated supervised meeting location which they had to move out of because of the funding loss.

The grant also allowed contact with a law firm in Missoula for family law victim representation or legal advice. "We can still provide limited services," Seratt commented, "but we are not attorneys and will only be able to provide limited services." She estimated that well over 50 clients have taken advantage of this legal service the Justice for Families grant funded.

The rural grant "was a big $750,000, three-year grant." This grant funded a full-time detective and the development of a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). The CAC focused on sexually assaulted children, implementing a practice including forensic interviews, medical exams, attorney representation and training a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), who was available for everyone in the county.

"Our doors will stay open and advocacy will continue," Seratt promised. By decreasing services and hours, that's how. "Administration will go to part-time or less to keep the doors open, and we will have to let one victims advocate go."

SCCFF is trying to keep their heads above the water, but the funding cycles are not in their favor. "Applications are due in January 2019, then we hear in August or September 2019, then it goes to budget approval and funds would be here in January 2020," Seratt explained. "We really are trying to keep things afloat through 2020, but then we just don't know."

Fundraisers are going to be more important than ever for SCCFF. Seratt added that the community has always been so supportive, but now is going to be a crucial time for backing. "It all starts with the core of the victims," Seratt said. "I see a heart beating in these victims and every beat goes out and gets wider as it influences everyone. Without these funds, it will influence everything in our community."

Events, Outreach and Marketing Coordinator Crystal Buchanan explained that the community has been a staple in SCCFF operations. Blankets, quilts, pillowcases, picnic tables and wall paintings have been donated for victims staying at the emergency shelter. Toys, colors, stuffed animals, books and games have been donated for children, and toiletries have also been donated by various community members and groups.

"The group (SCCFF) wants victims to know the community cares about them," Buchanan said. She added that the organization has a great connection with the Montana Food Bank Network, allowing dollars to stretch further in providing food for victims. As always, donations are appreciated. Buchanan stated that toiletry items are in demand because many of these cannot be purchased with food stamps.

Two years ago, SCCFF set up an Amazon.com Smiles program recipient account. All purchases made through AmazonSmile qualify for a 0.5 percent return to SCCFF. There is no extra fee to the customer, all products are the same, same prices and same service. To support SCCFF through AmazonSmile visit smile.amazon.com and select Sanders County Coalition for Families as your donation recipient.

SCCFF is thankful for the 10 to 20 steady volunteers, according to Buchanan. They help deliver manpower in delivering fliers and brochures throughout the county, advertising events, and hotline operations. "It is great to see the community pull together and care so much about each other," Buchanan said.

Once again, this December SCCFF will be implementing the "Adopt a Family" event. A group in Plains will sew stockings to be filled with items disadvantaged families need. Buchanan said that usually within 72 hours of the event kicking off, people step-up, adopt a family and have donated items ready for delivery.

SCCFF also sponsors events throughout the rest of the year promoting healthy relationships. In February they have an advocate attend local high schools promoting healthy teen dating. Buchanan also brings art to local schools. She works with students to create masterpieces while incorporating artistic expression in the community.

SCCFF has been operating since 1993 when Juanita Triplett teamed up with local professionals to form Professionals United for Families, or PUFF, according to Seratt.

According to Seratt, PUFF was formed when Triplett saw a lot of resource duplication in the area and thought PUFF could help utilize each resource more efficiently and effectively. "In the last 35 years it has grown into more comprehensive, direct services," Seratt stated.

"Over the last 25 years, services have ebbed and flowed based on what funding is out there," Seratt commented as grants arry spending requirements. SCCFF has provided services to more than 3,400 people; men, women and children included. Seratt stated that five to 10 percent of their clients are men, and they are not a gender-bias organization.