For Immediate Release

Contact:
Lisa Reyes
(847) 221-7825
lreyes@littlecity.org

Executive Director Shawn Jeffers addresses the community in response to 50-percent budget cuts proposed by State General Assembly and implores residents to join in Little City advocacy efforts

PALATINE, IL – June 24, 2009 – Little City Foundation Executive Director Shawn Jeffers today announced Little City’s opposition to the Illinois General Assembly’s proposed 50-Percent Budget Cuts and describes its unjust, negative impacts on social and human services.

“We stand here today where a system of care has been put into place and is now slowly being dismantled needlessly, harming the most vulnerable of us,” commented Jeffers.  “I am appalled that Illinois ranks 51st in the nation for state funding to the developmentally disabled…and now in addition to that, a 50-percent budget cut was proposed as a solution versus looking at other unnecessary expenditures and streams of potential revenue.” 

[Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfZfeddUJio]

Little City Foundation Executive Director Shawn Jeffers speaks out against the 50-Percent Budget Cuts forcing draconian cuts on the State’s disabled children and adults

The proposed “Doomsday Budget Cuts” will take away $6-8 million dollars of the non-profit organization’s operating budget closing Little City Foundation’s entire Families One Grant program and crippling its Foster Care Program, Community Integrated Living Arrangement Program (CILA), Community Living Facility (CLF), and Children’s Group Homes (CGH), as well as drastically cutting fees for its vocational and day programs.

Individuals and wards of the state that Little City Foundation cares for will receive 50 percent less funding for medicine, therapy, and basic necessities if the budget is passed on July 1.

In addition, approximately 60-75 families who rely on Little City Foundation’s Families One program will receive zero funding.  The foster parent per diem will drop by 50 percent and foster parents will lose most if not all of their support services including mentoring, counseling, tutoring and respite. 

All of Little City Foundation’s programs will suffer with an overall reduction of funding by 30-40 percent. 

Residents of Little City Foundation look for answers at the State Capitol and rally with thousands of others against the historic 50-percent proposed budget cuts to the State’s disabled children and adults

Little City Foundation calls on the community to contact their state legislators to voice their opposition to the “Doomsday Budget Cuts.”

For full information on how to help, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@littlecity.org or 847-221-7825.

###

About Little City

Established in 1959, Little City Foundation is committed to developing innovative and personalized programs to fully assist and empower people with disabilities in all stages of life.  Little City offers a variety of residential options for children and adults, as well as vocational and employment opportunities.  Programs and services include a special needs foster care and adoption program; in-home support to families raising a child with developmental disabilities; a full complement of recreational activities, including Special Olympics competition; a Resale Shop that provides employment for people with disabilities; and an award-winning Center for the Arts program that features visual, performance, media and fabric arts.  The organization has a 56-acre campus in Palatine and offices in Chicago. Visit www.littlecity.org.