Chief Development Officer Kate Peters spoke with WLDS-WEAI News this week and says Girls Scouts of Central Illinois is suffering more than $75,000 in cuts from United Way.
Peters says the lack of a state budget is impacting a large of amount of not-for-profit organizations.
“The United Way funds many non-profits, some of whom provide food, housing and shelter. They are hurting right now. Some of this United Way funding is being directed to agencies that are providing those critical services,” says Peters.
Peters notes she was caught by surprise on a couple budget cuts, while others were suspected. Outreach programming is arguably needed most in bigger markets like Springfield, Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign and Decatur, says Peters.
“The reductions in funding that we are seeing impact our ability to take girls who are at risk or low income. They wouldn’t normally be able to participate if we didn’t take it to them in their school or social service agency,” says Peters.
Even with the massive cuts coming from United Way, Peters says the local Prairieland United Way agency is still supporting the Girls Scouts of Central Illinois.
“We are so appreciative of the strong partnership at Prairieland. It is enjoyable and true collaborative effort. Certainly they see the value in girl scouting and we are thrilled to be able to provide that,” says Peters.
To donate or get involved with girl scouts, go online to www.getyourgirlpower.org.