An outreach program for at-risk teens in Galesburg has been forced to close because of the state budget impasse. The Boys and Girls Club of Knox County and other agencies held a press conference today to talk about how the budget crisis is affecting local children.
Jeannie Shelton, from the Boys and Girls Club, says 30 at-risk teens attended the after-school program, Teen REACH, every day. They learned about the dangers of drugs, gang violence, and bullying-- and received tutoring to prepare for college.
Last year, she says 9 high school seniors graduated from the program, and are all now attending college. But without state money, the organization has had to lay off 5 employees and close the program.
Neal Waltmire, with the Responsible Budget Coalition, says two other services for children are threatened by the Illinois budget impasse. The Easter Seals of Central Illinois autism and early intervention programs may have to reduce staff in December if state money is not available.
He says the loss of the Teen REACH program in Galesburg could mean students' grades will fall and crime will go up. And if the autism program closes, schools and families will have to pay more for special education and medical services.
Waltmire wants residents to contact their elected officials and urge them to stop cutting services for children and families.