With no payments from the state for the past 11 months, RACES (Rape Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services) has been forced to cut its services. As of June 1, RACES will only provide 24-hour crisis intervention services.
RACES serves Champaign, Douglas, Ford, and Piatt Counties. In 2015, RACES served more than 37,408 individuals, from ages 3 through adult. The organization provides free, confidential services to anyone who has been affected by sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. It also offers public education and training to schools, employers, and other organizations throughout our service area.
The United Way of Champaign County has funded RACES to maintain one part-time staff person to continue hotline operations and volunteer supervision. Crisis intervention and medical advocacy will be provided by highly-trained volunteers.
Listen to our conversation with Amy Williams of RACES for more information about the organization’s history and significance in our community.