Simplified: Federal funding cuts are creating a major funding gap for Solace, a Sioux Falls nonprofit providing crisis care and long-term healing for victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, human trafficking and child abuse. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

• Solace formed last fall as a combination of three nonprofits offering similar services: The Compass Center, Move to Heal and Family Services, Inc. The consolidated organization's goal is to meet people in crisis, walk alongside them in recovery, and supporting their journey to wellness.
• Last year, the organization provided more than 1,000 crisis services, several movement programs and about 900 outpatient therapy services. But funding cuts have limited the ongoing recovery resources and therapy for victims and left more than a dozen on a waitlist.
• Historically, federal funding has accounted for about half of the organization's budget – which was about $800,000 last year. So far this year, those funds have been cut by about 75%, though some funding is still unknown, Solace Executive Director Patty Brooks said.

"As of today, we have one crisis therapist who's available," Brooks said. "The wait list keeps growing. When I go to bed at night, I'm thinking: there are people in crisis who can't see a counselor for free."

Tell me more

So far, the funding cuts haven't prevented the organization from providing immediate crisis care.

• That includes meeting assault victims at the hospital and being a patient advocate in situations where someone has to provide evidence for a sexual assault kit.

But what has been affected is the ongoing support after that person is out of the emergency situation. Ongoing therapy is important in supporting an abuse or assault victim's healing journey, Brooks said, but Solace is limited in what it can do without the federal funding it previously relied on.

Brooks recognizes the organization needs to diversify funding streams in the future, but at the moment the need is urgent.

"We want to be able to keep these services free," she said. "We don't want people to have to decide to pay rent or get groceries, or get the healing they need in therapy."

How can I help?

You can support Solace through volunteer and monetary support. Learn more on their website.

Another form of support would be attending their upcoming fundraiser "Cultivating Courage," on Thursday, Oct. 8. Get tickets here.