March 9, 2007

Freeport, IL – VOICES Domestic Violence Program is moving to a new home this month thanks to a loan from the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

The Treasurer’s Office is backing a $300,000 low-interest loan from State Bank in Freeport which will enable the agency to move without missing a day of service.

The move was prompted by a 90-day notice to vacate the property served to VOICES in December, according to its loan application. The agency did not have the finances to move and, as the only agency that serves victims of domestic violence in Stephenson County, it did not want to close its doors.

VOICES Executive Director Anita Rumage sought assistance from State Sen. Todd Sieben (R-Geneseo) and State Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica), who recommended a low-interest loan program run by the State Treasurer’s Office.

The Treasurer’s Office provides Illinois community service organizations with access to affordable capital so they can enhance and expand services that benefit the public good. Nearly $73 million has been awarded to not-for-profit agencies since the program’s inception.

The low-interest loan program was under a moratorium while newly elected State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and his administration audited the efficiency and effectiveness of the office. When Giannoulias learned the agency had just 90 days to relocate, he made special arrangements to lift the ban.

“VOICES provides a safe haven for women escaping dangerous relationships. Lifting the moratorium was clearly the right thing to do for the agency and the people it serves,” Giannoulias said.

VOICES will move at the end of March to 1401 Crestwood Drive, Freeport. The new location is 6,400 square feet, compared to the 4,000 square feet VOICES currently occupies. The additional space will allow VOICES to hold all of its programs in-house. Previously, the agency rented space for functions such as Kids Camp.

“We are appreciative of the efforts made by both our local legislative leaders as well as the Treasurer’s Office on VOICES behalf. VOICES new facility allows us to continue to provide services to our existing clients as well as enhance those services provided,” said Gail Clore, president of VOICES board of directors.

VOICES Domestic Violence is a not-for-profit agency that was created in 1982 to serve the needs of battered women in Stephenson County. It provides an array of free and confidential services to men, women and children, including individual and group counseling, legal advocacy, transitional housing and a 24-hour crisis line. Last year, VOICES served 451 clients and answered 5,777 crisis calls.

The Treasurer’s Office operates several low-interest loan programs that target not-for-profit agencies, businesses, day care providers and people with disabilities.

Get more information about the Treasurer’s low-interest loan programs or call 312-814-8310.

For more information on VOICES, contact:
Executive Director Anita J. Rumage at 815-235-9421 x223 or arumage@voicesdv.org.