(Spirit Lake)– A ribbon cutting was held today (Tues.) for Family Crisis Centers’ new location in Spirit Lake. Executive Director Jessica Rohrs says they’re excited to now have a physical presence in the Iowa Great Lakes…
“You know, Family Crisis Centers has been serving the Spirit Lake community and our surrounding communities for years. Our advocates have maybe been meeting at libraries, the courthouse, really anywhere that the individual wants to meet, but it’s good to have a home here in Spirit Lake, now.”
Family Crisis Centers provides services and advocacy to crime victims. Rohrs says they cover a large area of northwest Iowa…
“Our domestic violence division serves 17 counties in northwest Iowa. Our homicide and violent crimes serves 29 counties, and then we also have a statewide call center, so we’re answering phone calls from victims in all 99 counties in Iowa. Last fiscal year we answered over 48,000 incoming calls.”
Rohrs adds they’ve been around awhile already and that they look forward to serving the region many more years…
“Family Crisis Centers started in Sioux Center, Iowa in 1982, so we’ve been around for quite awhile. It started as a domestic violence program but since has grown to serve victims of all violent crimes. So we have great community support. We receive state and federal funds, but then we also rely on community and donors to help that as well.”
She adds the month of October has an added significance to them…
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and if there are people out there who need our help, want our help, just wanting to let them know our help is confidential. Nobody gets told that you’re coming to us for help. It’s complete confidential, it’s free. You can always call us at 712-722-4404 or you can text us anytime of the day. That’s you text Iowa help to 20121. Advocates are available 24/7 so even if it’s 3:00 am, give us a call.”
The Family Crisis Centers office in Spirit Lake is located at 3121 Highway 71.
