nonprofit helping those in need

CHAPEL HILL/ORANGE COUNTY– * Click here for full article*

Across Orange County, numerous residents are grappling with challenging life situations that many cannot comprehend. With only a limited number of domestic abuse shelters available in the area, countless individuals are left to endure their struggles in silence, facing economic repercussions and enduring loss, often without any explanation or means of support.

 As of August 2023, a significant reduction in federal funding has led to substantial staff layoffs and the discontinuation of programs at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center (OCRCC) in Chapel Hill. “Our local rape crisis center is currently experiencing a serious financial deficit due to a decline in federal funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) over the past three years, which continues to diminish,” stated Anna Lynch, a Board Member of the OCRCC.

Fortunately, the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) (beginning its seventh decade of service) operates as a non-profit organization providing safety and shelter for both men and women in Orange County. With a dedicated network of 6,000 residents, members, volunteers, and donors, the IFC is committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and responding to its impacts within the community.

To get a better glimpse of the IFC’s role in Orange County, Development and Communications Manager Stephani Kilpatrick shared with TLR, “ With interest in anti-poverty work, I first joined IFC in 2002 as a social work intern. After graduating, I volunteered at IFC while employed at another area nonprofit. I began working at IFC as an employee in 2009 and I’ve appreciated the growth of IFC and myself personally over the years,  continuously deepening our understanding of poverty and all the systemic factors that are at play, as well as our individual roles in the system,” said Kilpatrick.