January 28, 2025

The Compass Center Faces Immediate Service Disruption Due to Federal Funding Freeze

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2025

SIOUX FALLS, SD — The Compass Center (TCC), a vital provider of crisis intervention and violence prevention services in South Dakota, announces potential immediate disruption to critical community services following today’s unprecedented federal funding freeze.

The White House Office of Management and Budget’s sudden pause on all federal grants and loans threatens essential programs serving thousands of South Dakotans, including vital youth violence prevention initiatives and crisis response services.

“This isn’t just about funding—it’s about people’s lives,” says Michelle Trent, Executive Director of The Compass Center. “Every day, our services help prevent violence, support survivors, and build a safer community. Any disruption to these services puts our most vulnerable community members at risk.”

Immediate Impacts:

  • Suspension of Youth Violence Intervention and Prevention (YVIP) program
  • Potential disruption to crisis response services
  • Risk to ongoing victim support programs

The Compass Center leadership is available for immediate interviews to discuss:

  • The direct impact on South Dakota communities
  • The human cost of service disruptions
  • The urgent need for alternative funding solutions
  • The broader implications for victim services statewide

To schedule an interview, please contact Sydney Bartunek at 605-661-4645 or sydney@thecompasscenter.org.

National Impact and Resources

The National Council of Nonprofits, under the leadership of President and CEO Diane Yentel, characterizes this situation as “a potential 5-alarm fire for nonprofits and the people they serve.” This isn’t just a local challenge – it’s affecting essential services nationwide, from homeless shelters to food assistance programs to domestic violence services. For the latest updates on national implications and advocacy efforts, we encourage following the National Council of Nonprofits and Diane Yentel (@dianeyentel) on social media platforms.