Budget crisis squeezes state-funded social services

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Illinois organizations that are funded by the state are facing some difficult decisions because of the budget crisis in Springfield, including one group in the Albany Park neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest Side.

In one class, adults from a variety of different countries learn English, and down the hall, many more are working on their GEDs. At the same time, the Albany Park Community Center provides child care for hundreds of kids. But all these programs face cut backs if the state does not reach a budget decision soon. Executive Director Rodney Walker has already laid off staff members and furloughed many more.

"And if we don't get a budget decision soon, we will have to furlough more staff than we already have," Walker said.

To add insult to injury, Walker says 200 of the kids they serve will no longer qualify for child care here because of a new July 1 law that only subsidizes child care for a family of 4 making under $12,000 a year. That means parents earning minimum wage make too much.

"We don't want a parent to have to decide, 'Do I want to earn an education or do I need to stay home with my kids because our child care funding got cut?'" said Casey Smagala, director of development, Albany Park Community Center.

The 40-year-old nonprofit social service agency provides a unique opportunity for families by providing programs for adults and children.

"It's helped me because it's free I'm able to be with my children and study at the same time," said Juana Pedraza, a client.

Pedraza, 27, learned English and is now getting her GED. Walker hopes Springfield acts soon before the progress families have made is derailed.

"These are working families who are working at minimum wage, they're trying to do the right thing, and it's just unfair to pull the rug from underneath them when they need our help the most," Walker said.

Citizenship classes have already been cut at the Albany Park Community Center, and last year, teen programs were cut. Walker says if something isn't done by July 31, there will be more furloughs.