To the editor:

Since the article announcing Gov. Graves’ veto of funding for our center, many of our staff have heard from concerned members of the community. We appreciate the expressions of support for our work.

We want to assure community members that we are maintaining all of our services. Our center will continue to be available 24 hours daily for any personal concern. Our safety programs will continue to be available to children throughout Douglas County. Our services for groups of people affected by trauma will continue. Our suicide-prevention activities for people in Douglas County and throughout the state will continue.

The loss of the $35,000 grant from the state is very significant. Our response is to have one of our staff working even harder at identifying alternative funding sources, and submitting those applications. We must remain hopeful that sufficient resources will be secured, to meet the needs of people who rely on our support during times of crisis.

We will continue our work, guided by our mission: “Our trained volunteers and staff provide personal assistance through counseling, education, and information services that are readily available to people in need.”

Marcia Epstein, director,

Headquarters Counseling Center,

Lawrence