Urbana-based RACES, or Rape Advocacy, Counseling, & Education Services, says the 11-month budget impasse has forced the agency to cut services like one-on-one counseling, and medical advocacy.  A part-time employee, funded by the local United Way, will help maintain the agency's 24-hour crisis hotline. 

Staff cutbacks and emergency fundraising have enbabled Rape Advocacy, Counseling & Education Services --- RACES, for short --- to stay open, despite the loss of state funding due to the state budget impasse.

Some Illinois social service groups say within a few months, they'll be forced to either close their doors or borrow money if the governor and legislators can't agree on a budget.  Directors of agencies like the Vermilion County Rape Crisis Center and Circle of Friends Adult Day Care say they're worried for both their employees and they people they serve.