Editorial - June 2002

Helping Amy’s House

June 28, 2002 - Local programs receiving state funding are facing the budget ax all across the state as officials try to make up a $1 billion shortfall. But it really hits home when we see it affecting Amy’s House, the only domestic abuse shelter in Lincoln County.

The budget cuts translate to a 75 percent cut in Governor’s Crime Prevention Committee money and the loss of all Department of Human Resources funds, according to Amy’s House Administrator Vicky Lingerfelt. The shelter needs annual funding of between $175,000 to $200,000 to continue 24-hour a day operations, 365 days per year.

“We’re in need,” said Lingerfelt who has worked with the shelter since it opened in 1995. She is now desperately trying to find assistance from foundations, but the outlook is bleak.

The cuts mean Amy’s House will lose its domestic violence counselor and its child advocate, both positions that play a crucial role in keeping abused women from returning home to a life of terror.

The United Way of Lincoln County recently increased the shelter’s funding from $25,000 to $38,000 for the 2002-2003 budget year. That helps. But Amy’s House can’t continue to function anywhere near the current levels without more help.

Amy’s House graciously accepts contributions from non-government sources, including church organizations and individuals. If you want to help, send a contribution to Amy’s House, PO Box 476, Lincolnton, NC 28092, or call Lingerfelt at (704) 736-0112.

It’s hard to imagine anything more needy than this life-protecting program.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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