The Director of the Family Crisis Support Network (FCSN) in Atlantic is dispelling rumors the shelter for abused women and their children is closing due to a loss of approximately $240,000 in state funding, and a failure to receive other forms of grants or funding. Richter says there are no plans to close the shelter at this time. Speaking before a meeting of the Cass County Board of Supervisors this (Wednesday) morning, in Atlantic, Richter addressed some questions that have arisen over what the shelter can and cannot do at this point. 

She says the can no longer serve victims of crimes, because that option has been taken away from the state. Richter says those agencies that have been serving crime victims, are only recognized as doing so. The FCSN is a member of two coalitions which allows their staff to work with victims of crime, but effective July 1^st, any entity not funded by the state will not be recognized as a Crime Victim Service Agency. 

Richter says because the FCSN is a private, non-profit agency governed by a local Board of Directors, there is no reason to shut the shelter down. She says conversations with other entities within the County have been held to determine if there is a need to keep the shelter open. The final decision she says, will come with time. 

Last month, Richter said they have enough money in their “Rainy Day” fund to keep the shelter open. She says one option they could consider, is becoming a “Transitional Housing” facility, instead of a “Shelter.” She says there are numerous grants that can be applied for if they change the basis for their service, but the FCSN is not making a decision on that at this time, and it will stay open as a shelter until such time as it is no longer financially feasible to do so.

(Updated 6/20/13 w/edits)