SANDPOINT — A local nonprofit with a mission to provide a safe environment for victims of violence through support and a variety of services has been approved to accept a grant of more than $200,000.  

During the Tuesday business meeting, a representative from the prosecutor’s office, Nate Adams, announced that Lillybrooke Family Justice Center has been awarded an Idaho State Child Advocacy Center grant in the amount of $233,750 for the 2026 fiscal year grant cycle.  

To accept the funds, county commissioners Asia Williams and Ron Korn voted to open the prosecutor’s budget and allocate the funds appropriately. The funds, according to a memorandum submitted to commissioners, will be used to further LBFJC’s mission to support victims of violence in Bonner County, providing critical services to vulnerable populations. It will further support efforts to improve outcomes for children and families in crisis.  

CAC spending restrictions require LBFJC to properly use the funds. Without proper utilization, unspent dollars from the grant will be returned to the state.  

The prosecutor’s office shared that proper use of the funds includes supporting staff and organizational sustainability, which directly correlates to salary adjustments as a “primary retention strategy, especially for rural CACs where staff perform multiple roles.” 

LBFJC will increase the pay of four staff roles, including the CAC director with a $10,000 (13.7%) increase, the assistant director/forensic interviewer/CAC staff advocate with a $7,500 (10.4%) increase, the felony victim/witness coordinator/CAC staff advocate with a $7,500 (12.8%) increase and the CAC financial officer/office manager with a $5,500 (8.5%) increase.  

The pay increases are contingent on the availability of CAC funds, where supplemental pay will be discontinued and reverted to the original amount if funds are unavailable in future years.   

LBFJC stated that the approved pay increase aligns closer to rural CAC benchmarks and supports long-term stability.  

The adjusted salaries were approved unanimously in a 2-0 vote, with Commissioner Brian Domke absent from the meeting. 

The prosecutor’s office was further approved to enter a court-appointed special advocate attorney agreement with Margaret Williams.  

Through Sept. 30, 2026, Williams will provide legal services where the Bonner County courts are required to appoint an attorney for Court Appointed Special Advocate.  

CASA is a nonprofit organization that advocates and represents a child victim in court for child abuse and neglect across north Idaho. According to CASA officials, the role of a CASA is to present the court with an informed and objective perspective regarding the best interest of the child.  

Williams will be compensated at an hourly rate of $225 per hour. The payment includes secretarial allowance and any expenses and supplies necessary to carry out duties outlined in the attorney agreement.