Cumberland Co. rape crises center may close

FAYETTEVILLE, NC (AP) – Cumberland County’s only rape crisis center
may have to close after an unexpected loss of funding.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Tuesday that the center’s
three employees have been told there is no money to pay them this
week.

Agency director Deanne Hardin said the workers are still showing
up because they don’t want to abandon their clients.

Hardin said she learned last week the center had lost out on an
anticipated $35,000 private grant. She plans to reapply for the
money Aug. 1. Additional state funding for this year has not yet
been allocated.

The center served 476 victims of sexual assault and rape last
year, about 90 percent of whom were from Cumberland County or Fort
Bragg. Services are free to victims.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)