“I Can’t Breathe”

The last words of George Floyd.  As millions of people globally take to the streets to raise their voices about the horrific killing of George Floyd, the ongoing problem of injustice and racism in our nation, we ask you to join us for positive change.

At Crisis Intervention Services we are advocates of social change, working every day in the fight against personal violence. With individuals and families already suffering from violence in the home and in their communities in Southeast Iowa, the additional burden of dealing with the COVID – 19 Crisis escalated the numbers of persons seeking our services and refuge. The constraints of shelter in place left the most vulnerable trapped with their abusers without access to their usual safe havens, schools, churches, and community activities.  

Our community members who were struggling to make ends meet now face a job loss, food scarcity, and housing evictions as they lose their means of income to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table through no fault of their own. Our staff is grieving for our communities and our clients as we continue to reach out and connect to let them know we are here for you!

We are grateful to law enforcement in Iowa who have supported their community members’ voices to be heard where they have handled protests with Peace and not with violence. Communities nationwide have not been so fortunate and continue to be systematically brutalized. 

At Crisis Intervention Services of Southeast Iowa, we are committed to working to defend human rights and reject racism, oppression, and all forms of violence. Will you join us in peacefully and strategically working together to interrupt white supremacy, oppose police violence, and offer support to people of color in our communities who have or are suffering from racist oppression.

Together we can model a higher ethical code, reform criminal justice systems at the local and state levels, develop 21st-century processes in law enforcement, and work together towards creating safe communities where all life is respected. Will you join us in creating a new era of public safety? We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us to create meaningful, substantial, and last change – if we join Together.

Respectfully,

Sondra Prochaska

Executive Director

Crisis Intervention Services