RIVERVIEW CENTER INC.

RIVERVIEW CENTER INC. With the closing of the FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER SEXUAL ASSAULT ADVOCACY SERVICES in March 1997, victims had nowhere to turn until Riverview Center, Inc. of Galena, Illinois opened an office in Dubuque.

Riverview offered a 24-hour telephone service for immediate assistance. This could include someone to talk with, a person to accompany them to a medical examination, or support when discussing an incident with police. Riverview was also ready with long-term care including counseling.

Riverview received a $105,000 grant from the state of Iowa and a $6,000 grant from Dubuque County to set up its Dubuque office. It had to raise an additional $22,000 from private donations. (1)

In 2021 the organization received a $575,000 grant from the Office on Violence Against Women which would provide survivors of sexual or domestic violence with 6-24 months of rent assistance. Those receiving aid would have have access to resources including medical, legal and social service advocacy, counseling, and educational/occupational support.

In 2021 Riverview served 14 counties in northeast Iowa in addition to Jo Daviess and Carrol counties in Illinois. An estimated 10% of the 1,600 people receiving non-profit service in 2020 faced emergency housing issues. To address these needs, Riverview worked with the Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA Victim Services Shelter, Opening Doors, and Almost Home. The grant would allow Riverview to expand these partnership and reach additional clients. (2)

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Source:

1. Sisco, Becky. "Sex Assault Victims Have Advocate," Telegraph Herald, November 22, 1997, p. 3A. Online: https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=aEyKTaVlRPYC&dat=19971122&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

2. Kelsey, Elizabeth, "Riverview Center Lands Housing Grant," Telegraph Herald, October 12, 2021, p. 2A