Dane County Giving $58,000 in Emergency Shelter Funding to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. to Help Maintain Services During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 25, 2020
Ariana Vruwink, 608-267-8823
County Executive

County Executive Joe Parisi announced Dane County will give DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc.) $58,000 in emergency funding over the next two months to help maintain its services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The State of Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” orders to curb the spread of COVID-19 are expected to result in an increased need for services provided at DAIS. Unfortunately, this time of need in the community coincides with recent funding cuts to DAIS, lost revenue from event cancellations, as well as other funding challenges, which have put a significant strain on the organization’s capacity.

“DAIS is an invaluable organization in our community, and we are committed to making sure those experiencing domestic abuse continue to have access to essential resources, especially during this challenging time,” said County Executive Parisi. “DAIS offers important services to some of the most vulnerable in our community, and we are happy that our financial support will help them continue their work over the next two months.”

Dane County’s emergency funding will help ensure the continued operations of DAIS’ most essential services, including the 24-Hour Help Line and the only shelter for domestic violence victims and their children in Dane County. DAIS has proudly been serving survivors of domestic violence and their families for 43 years. These additional county funds will allow the organization to once again rise to the occasion when called upon by the community’s most vulnerable.

“In the wake of funding challenges elsewhere, we are incredibly grateful for the County Executive’s leadership in response to COVID-19,” said Shannon Barry, Executive Director at DAIS. “As Dane County’s only domestic violence shelter and service provider, we know the need for our services will be greater now than ever; this funding will help us serve and support our most vulnerable as they navigate these turbulent times.”

DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc.) has a mission to empower those affected by domestic violence and advocate for social change through support, education, and outreach. In addition to its domestic violence shelter and 24-Hour Help Line, DAIS provides legal advocacy, emergency safety planning, support groups, children’s programming, and primary prevention and education programs.