Agency's Budget Dilemma Recognized by WSAZ
The following story and video appeared on a WSAZ news broadcast Monday, March 30, 2009. The video and text also appeared on WSAZ.com
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The tough economy isn't playing favorites -- just ask the 600 people who take advantage of services offered by the Cabell Wayne Association of the Blind.
That agency has discovered its budget is being slashed nearly in half by October.
For roughly 20 years, the funding for the blind association has come from the James and Alice Teubert Charitable Trust. Now the association's been told its current $900,000 operating budget will be cut closer to $400,000.
Paul Slone, director of the Cabell Wayne Association of the Blind, said a cut in staff and services is inevitable. That's going to hurt because -- up until now -- the services have been free.
"We evaluate and assist their needs, and we purchase the items and training and all that we need, so if you're blind and visually impaired, up to this point, Cabell and Wayne counties is the only place in nation that does that."
Heather McComas has been taking advantage of the transportation and technology services for almost 20 years. She was born with a kind of cancer that robbed her sight at the age of 12.
"My wish is everyone tries to understand they're doing the best they can," she said.
The association's board of directors is looking at options. It could be July until they're finalized.
The agency is currently selling Easter peanut butter eggs as a fundraiser. The $5 eggs help pay for eyeglasses and transportation costs to those who may need them.
However, Slone realizes there's no way that many eggs could make up the difference of $400,000. The effort now is to apply for additional grant money. The agency is also putting together a proposal that may make them eligible for some federal stimulus money to help keep the staff of 16 employed.
From www.wsaz.com. Used by permission.
See video HERE.
A similar story appeared in the Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch on Wednesday, April 1, 2009.
Read the article HERE.
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The PAUL SLONE ACTIVITIES CENTER
Cabell-Wayne Association of the Blind is pleased to announce its newly constructed activities center - the PAUL SLONE ACTIVITIES CENTER is complete and available for public use.
CLICK HERE for a brochure and more information.
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