Boysville Struggles with Looming Budget Cuts

Sep 14, 2010

Reported by: Lauren Lea, News 4 WOAI

NON-PROFITS STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT

Non-profits struggling to stay afloat may be facing another round of steep cuts.  Individual donations and contributions from foundations dropped during the recession, and still many people are not contributing as much as they had in the past, according to Boysville spokesperson Beth Reinhardt.

They're running $800,000 short of their budget and they've already made drastic cuts.  They've cut one-third of their staff and closed four of their cottages.  They're also caring for 80 children at a time rather than 120.

"There were almost 6,000 confirmed cases of abuse last year so where do all these children go, especially if we're having to cut programs?" Reinhardt asked.

Boysville cares for abused or neglected infants and children for months or even years.  Last month, they turned away 15 infants and toddlers who needed a home. 

If they cannot provide shelter for a child in need, the child will have to go to another home, which may or may not have room.

Reinhardt says a recent fundraiser didn't raise as much as they had hoped, so they're looking for alternative ways to shore up the budget.

If you'd like to make a donation to help children in need, please click here.