.png)
A survey of Salvation Army youth programs in more than 80 cities shows more than eight in 10 programs saw increased demand from children and families in the past year as unemployment and funding cuts strained charities.
The survey released to The Associated Press found 56 percent of the charity’s youth programs — including camps, preschools, daycare and after-school programs — are operating at or beyond their capacity.
The report, “Growing Up in a Downturn,’’ also examined the Great Recession’s effect on youth programs since 2008. Since then, 41 percent of the programs have had to cut back services or close their doors because of insufficient funding. Sites in Los Angeles, Rockford, Ill., and Memphis, Tenn., were among those forced to scale back.
The survey released to The Associated Press found 56 percent of the charity’s youth programs — including camps, preschools, daycare and after-school programs — are operating at or beyond their capacity.
The report, “Growing Up in a Downturn,’’ also examined the Great Recession’s effect on youth programs since 2008. Since then, 41 percent of the programs have had to cut back services or close their doors because of insufficient funding. Sites in Los Angeles, Rockford, Ill., and Memphis, Tenn., were among those forced to scale back.
Salvation Army Commissioner William Roberts, the charity’s national commander, wrote in the report that the increasing demand shows parents across the country are facing daily questions about how to provide for their children when even social service programs have to make cuts.
“Should they spend their latest pay check on food or rent?’’ he wrote. “How can they spend time with their children while working two jobs?’’
In raw numbers since 2008, attendance at Salvation Army daycare programs increased by more than 40,000 children. Overall, the charity has seen an increase in need across all of its programs. In 2010, it provided assistance to 30.2 million people in the U.S., compared with 28.9 million in 2007.
Source : http://articles.boston.com
“Should they spend their latest pay check on food or rent?’’ he wrote. “How can they spend time with their children while working two jobs?’’
In raw numbers since 2008, attendance at Salvation Army daycare programs increased by more than 40,000 children. Overall, the charity has seen an increase in need across all of its programs. In 2010, it provided assistance to 30.2 million people in the U.S., compared with 28.9 million in 2007.
Source : http://articles.boston.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment