By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Governor Laura Kelly's office announced on Thursday the recipients of more than $6 million in grants to improve services for survivors of sexual assault, violence, and child abuse. BrightHouse was one of those recipients.
"We got $138,533," said director Sue Wray. "That's 3.9% less than what we asked for. You're always disappointed not to be able to get the full amount, but I know that the overall amount was a little bit lower, so everybody got a slightly reduced amount. We're very happy with that number."
The 2022 State General Fund Grant Program for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provides funds for sexual and domestic violence programs in communities across Kansas.
"The pandemic has not really effected our numbers, as far as them going down," Wray said. "People still need a lot of help and we are always happy to be available to help them out. Federal and State grants cover more than 50% of our operating expenses, so we really need them."
The programs are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of services such as emergency safe shelter, crisis helpline calls, crisis, intervention, on-going counseling and support, and advocacy to help victim and survivors increase safety for themselves and their families.
"We were getting about 35 or 40 clients a week altogether in Reno, Rice, Harvey and Kingman counties," Wray said. "Now we're getting more around 50 clients a week, anywhere between 50 and 60."
The BrightHouse 24-Hour Crisis Line is 620-663-2522.