LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) – Volunteer organizations based around Lawrence, KS, say DOGE cuts to AmeriCorps have pulled more than 80 people away from positions in multiple groups across the region.
The effort to slash funding across the federal government hit AmeriCorps last week, 30,000 staffers told they were no longer employed by their organizations. Members of the United Way of Kaw Valley, Center for Supportive Communities, Ballard Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence released a joint response and explanation of the cuts that have reached them.
“We, collectively and unified as the Douglas County agencies directly impacted, want to share opportunities for our community to support AmeriCorps members, agencies, and the families and children we serve. You will notice a theme to the four agencies that lost AmeriCorps members or VGF funding—we all serve families and children, some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
20 AmeriCorps members working with the Center for Supportive Communities, an organization that works with families and children in mental health crises, were let go. The same is true for same with five staffers working on food insecurity efforts through the Ballard Center, and two others working to recruit and coordinate volunteers with the United Way of Kaw Valley. The biggest cut included 55 positions with the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence.
The affected agencies say they’re doing what they can to sustain their programs but encourage supporters to voice their concerns to our elected leaders, providing contact information for the state’s Congressional delegation.
Rep. Tracey Mann: (202) 225-2715Rep. Derek Schmidt: (202) 225-6601Sen. Jerry Moran: (202) 224-6521Sen. Roger Marshall: (202) 224-4774
“Douglas County’s children, families, and community organizations cannot absorb this blow alone. With your support, we will fight to protect our neighbors, sustain our programs, and restore the workforce pipeline that AmeriCorps has so long represented.”
The nationwide cuts to AmeriCorps are being challenged by attorneys general of multiple states.
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