CENTRALIA — Illinois’ budget standoff is hitting some of the area’s most vulnerable, as it forces a local organization that helps victims of domestic violence to close its doors.
People Against Violent Environments, or PAVE announced Tuesday that it will close Friday, due to the state’s budget impasse and financial struggles.
The agency, with offices in Centralia and Mt. Vernon, will lay off seven employees, although two administrators will remain on call to talk with victims.
The closure is the first time in 30 years that the local services for victims in Clinton, Fayette, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington counties will be forced to close its doors due to finances.
Between 600 and 700 clients are helped each year through protection orders, transportation and safe places to stay while they try to rebuild their lives from domestic violence.
The organization hopes to reopen once a budget is passed and state funding returns.