Montgomery, AL – After decades of providing vital counseling and school-based services to survivors of abuse, the Family Sunshine Center (FSC) will close its Community Counseling Centers in Montgomery and Wetumpka as well as its CARES (Children Advancing Through Recovery and Empowerment Services) Project at the end of this fiscal year. These closures come after significant reductions in federal funding, nearly a 30% cut, that Executive Director Tay Knight calls “devastating” for thousands of survivors who have relied on these programs.
For nearly 45 years, FSC has expanded and evolved its programs to meet the changing needs of survivors. Knight said these cuts threaten to undo that progress, pushing services backward at a time when the demand for help is higher than ever.
“These programs have been a lifeline for thousands in our community.” Knight said. “Without these funds, we simply cannot maintain the same capacity while also meeting the core service requirements set by state law and our partner coalitions.”
The Community Counseling Centers have provided accessible, trauma-informed therapy for survivors across the River Region. CARES, once recognized as a national model, placed counselors in local schools to help children cope with trauma experienced at home, in their communities, or at school.
Up to 21 staff positions will be cut as part of the changes. FSC is committed to supporting these team members with resources, networking opportunities, and connections to other agencies so they can continue serving the community. Clients will be guided to other public and private counseling services in the region to ensure continued access to support.
Knight emphasized that FSC will continue seeking new funding and partnerships to address the increasingly complex needs and co-occurring issues that survivors face. “Our mission remains the same: to promote safety, recovery, and renewed self-reliance for the people we serve,” she said.
Despite the closures, FSC’s commitment to survivors remains steadfast. The organization will continue providing the core services the community depends on, including crisis intervention and response, residential services, case management, crisis counseling, and advocacy. These programs will remain in place to ensure survivors have access to safety, support, and the resources they need to move forward.