Non-profit plans staff cuts

VIRGINIA, Minn. -- Layoffs are pending at an Iron Range nonprofit that helps battered individuals and their children.

Virginia-based Range Women’s Advocates has to lay off four of its eight workers after it failed to win a five-year, $500,000 state grant. In addition, one employee is retiring, meaning the group will have three paid workers.
The money would have paid general operating expenses.
The nonprofit advocacy organization works to meet the needs of battered individuals and their children through advocacy, prevention and education. It serves northern St. Louis County. The group provided 1,497 services to 753 people from Jan. 1 through July 31, according to the nonprofit’s board chairman.