A Jackson County organization that provides services for abused children just got a big financial boost from commissioners.
They voted unanimously to allocate more than $60,000 of American Rescue Plan money to AWAKE Children's Advocacy Center.
The money is needed to make repairs to the agency's home in Sylva, including heating, windows, doors and siding.
AWAKE executive director Crystal Jones said the funding comes at an opportune time, with funding challenges during COVID and an increased need as kids return to school.
"We've had about a 82% increase in new families that we've served over the last year or so. And, we've had about, I want to say, about a 350% increase in the services for child medical evaluations," Jones said.
Jones said those percentages can come down with prevention and outreach efforts. She said having a fully repaired, safe and secure building will help in that endeavor.