The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation presented a grant to the Oneida Crisis Center last week. This grant will be used to create safe, supportive, protected areas for the youth of Oneida and Franklin County. Funds will go to hosting youth-centered domestic violence prevention activities monthly during school year 2025-2026. Currently, OCC engages with Stone Elementary and Malad Elementary one month and the next month engages with Malad Middle, Malad High, and West Side High. 

The Child Advocacy Center is utilized for forensic interviews and temporary childcare. Children who have Adverse Childhood Experiences are at high risk; however, resilience building interventions have profound impact. OCC staff cannot reverse the trauma; however, we provide a moment of peace to boost resilience. Funding received will be used to acquire basic necessities, but also it will be used to show the children they have worth, and their voice is heard. This may be as simple as a pizza and a movie of their choosing.

The mission of the Oneida Crisis Center (OCC), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, is to educate and promote safe and healthy individuals, families, housing and a prosperous community by working to ensure peaceful family relationships and providing support to victims of abuse. OCC has provided trauma services to individuals for over 25 years and is the only such program to provide these services in rural Oneida County and Franklin County, Idaho. With an office and fully accessible emergency shelter facility in Oneida County, the OCC staff has substantial experience in developing community collaboration, offering regional support to other service organizations, and supporting individuals.

Recognizing the importance of our youth and that they are our future, OCC staff host school lunchtime activities and presentations to educate community youth about mental health and overall personal wellbeing. Staff focus on consent and mutuality within all relationships, so youth recognize what constitutes strong and healthy associations. This understanding may prevent individuals from entering or remaining in relationships where violence exists. More importantly, interacting with Oneida and Franklin County youth builds trust and creates brave spaces for them to tell their stories and receive validation. Local law enforcement conducts child forensic interviews within the OCC office and OCC staff provide temporary care for children placed in state custody. The individual impacted by violence along with their support have full access to OCC services.

The Crisis Center also hosted a Taco Tuesday event in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  We will bring you a report on services within the county provided by the Crisis Center, as well as information about prevention in the next issue.