The Safe Center LI, Nassau’s only agency for domestic violence and sexual assault victims, announced it is discontinuing services Friday.

The closure will impact all their client services, including its Safe Home, hotline, advocate response, and Child Advocacy Center staffing. 

Ama Karikari, of Freeport, says the news came as a shock to clients like her who say the Safe Center changed their lives. 

"I cannot tell you what an amazing resource it was. The professionalism of the staff, their understanding of the broad range of domestic violence,” she said. "I just couldn't believe it. It really came out of nowhere."

As News 12 has reported, the center scaled back services and reduced staffing because of financial struggles.

The Safe Center LI Board president Shanell Parrish-Brown says not enough grant funding has come in from the county and other areas to reimburse them for services.

"We were operating too close to the margin and essentially, it takes more money to run operations than you actually tend to get in from grant funding,” she said. "The county sort of left the Safe Center out to dry."

Nassau County officials say Nassau University Medical Center will provide assistance on a temporary basis. 

In a statement, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in part, "The Safe Center LI, has closed amidst concerns the county has with respect to levels of service not up to standards, and mismanagement of funds.”

"That's completely erroneous,” said Parrish-Brown. 

Blakeman went on to say, "Another provider, Safe Horizon, has been offered the county contract and while expressing interest has not yet agreed to take over the operations of Safe Center LI."

"Safe Horizon, by the way, has not been contacted,” said Parrish-Brown.

Karikari says she hopes something similar can fill the void that’s been created once the Safe Center shut its doors.

"We need to actually put our dollars where our hearts should be in terms of making sure that these resources are available,” she said. 

In a statement to News 12, Safe Horizon said:

"Our number one concern is the survivors of Nassau County, as it has been since we began conversations with the county in December. We’re saddened that last-minute changes in the county’s contracting process means there are more conversations to be had about feasibility and long-term commitment for these services. We hope we can find ways to be helpful to survivors and families as the process unfolds."

Even though the center is closed, Nassau County says there are still resources available to those who need it.

Those who need help can call the Nassau County Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault Hotline at 516-542-0404.