Nonprofit organizations nationwide are facing severe federal funding cuts; critical programs supporting housing, food access, rural development, and violence prevention are under threat, and the impact is deeply felt locally. Here in San Luis Obispo County, that crisis threatens the essential work of Lumina Alliance. As the only rape crisis center in the county, Lumina Alliance provides full wraparound care to survivors including emergency shelter, therapy, legal advocacy, prevention education, and 24/7 crisis response. Almost half of the organization’s $1.9 million operating budget comes from federal dollars and with those on the chopping block, there can be scaling back of services just as demand is rising.

Nationally, 1 in 4 women experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. Within the county that translates to over 35,000 women—and with 1 in 3 children in the U.S. exposed to domestic violence in their lifetime, that means nearly 13,000 local children are impacted right here at home. 

These numbers aren’t abstract: they are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. Without access to vital support, survivors and their children are left vulnerable to cycles of trauma that ripple throughout the community and affect us all.

That’s why our community matters now more than ever. Lumina Alliance exists because of people who believe survivors deserve safety, healing, and hope. By donating, volunteering, advocating, or simply sharing the mission, you help keep crisis lines open, ensure safe shelter, and make trauma-informed therapy possible at no cost. As nonprofits face shrinking government support, your support keeps this lifeline strong so every survivor in San Luis Obispo County has access to the safety and healing they deserve.

Please consider donating.