Twin Falls officials have established a Family Assistance Center at Sawtooth Elementary School to provide counseling, victim support, and emergency resources to residents in the wake of a recent tragedy that struck the community.
The center operates as a coordinated effort among the Twin Falls Police Department, FBI, and Twin Falls County Office of Emergency Management. It offers counseling services, spiritual guidance, American Red Cross assistance, and information about Idaho Victims Compensation programs. The facility also helps residents recover personal property left at the scene of the incident.
The in-person center was scheduled to close on Wednesday, August 9, at 8 p.m., though support continues through other channels. A virtual Family Assistance Center remains available online for those seeking assistance after the physical location closes.
Services Extend Beyond Immediate Witnesses
Officials emphasized that the center’s resources are open to all community members, not just those directly present during the incident. Lieutenant Steven Gassert of the Twin Falls Police Department noted the broader impact of such events on the entire community. “This type of tragic incident, all members of our community are a victim of this incident. They are affected by the situation one way or another,” Gassert told KMVT.
The Twin Falls Police Department’s Victim Witness Coordinator remains available for follow-up support. Additionally, mental health providers throughout the Magic Valley area stand ready to assist residents processing the tragedy and its aftermath.
What Comes Next
While the physical Family Assistance Center concludes operations this week, the virtual platform will continue offering resources and connections to counseling services. Community members seeking ongoing support are encouraged to contact the Twin Falls Police Department or access mental health services through local providers. The closure of the in-person center marks a transition to longer-term recovery and healing resources for Twin Falls.
Those needing additional assistance can reach out to local mental health professionals or contact the Twin Falls Police Department directly for victim support referrals.