Nurturing Community – Community Referral Agency (CRA)
As published in the Intercounty Leader on February 21, 2023
The Community Referral Agency (CRA) has resources in Polk, Burnett and Barron Counties to provide emergency shelter and support to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are free and confidential and are extended to all people in need, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, gender, race, religion, age or sexual orientation. In 2023, CRA provided 9,564 meals and a bed count of 3,188 nights for 503 adults and children. In addition, CRA monitored 1,841 hotline calls and provided client assistance more than 6,700 times.
CRA advocates are passionate about helping families in need and will assist them every step of the way. CRA services include operating a safe shelter for survivors and their families; forming interactive groups for at-risk youth in our local schools; providing advocate support to clients for medical and legal resources; and working toward preventing violence in our communities through educational training to organizations, law enforcement, schools and churches.
Volunteers are the heart of CRA and there are many opportunities to share time and talents. Needs include child care for shelter residents; transportation; fostering pets for victims in
shelter; teaching life skills or hobbies; or assistance with weekly groups. CRA also conducts several fundraising events during the year to keep up with the needs at the shelter and welcomes volunteer help and participation.
Financial donations to CRA as well as supplies and grocery items are always encouraged. Monthly needs lists are available on the CRA website at www.crashelter.org with a variety of shopping cart items needed to help those in shelter. The website also provides a variety of convenient ways to make a financial contribution to CRA programs and services.
If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, CRA can help you discover ways to keep yourself and your children safe. If you have questions regarding the different types of abuse, or want to help someone you know, or are just trying to understand the cycle of abuse, CRA has advocates with the experience to help and inform you. CRA is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, offering a safe and secure temporary shelter. Contact CRA at either the toll free number 800-261-7233 or the text line 715-553-3359.
To learn more about CRA, go to the website www.crashelter.org or find us on Facebook at crashelter. Office phones are Polk 715-825-4414; Burnett 715-349-7272; and Barron 715-651-4969.
The Northwest Alliance Community Foundation is an affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation. We support our area nonprofits with educational opportunities and grants. Please consider joining us by making a donation. See our website nacommunityfoundation.org for more information or email nacf.hq@gmail.com.