The United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania board of directors looked over the 2012 annual report, which documented an array of successful community activities and initiatives but noted the continuing need to find new funds through private donations and other sources.
The biggest reduction in programming, Executive Director Michael Hanley said at Thursday night's meeting, has come in the areas of child care and senior activities. There has been more than a 25 percent decrease in county funding for the child care program.
"We're struggling to keep programs going," he said after the meeting. "(We) keep things going bare bones where we can."
The program that provides financial assistance for low-income families to enroll their children in day care has shrunk, leaving the county with a long waiting list of families vying for a spot in the program.
Senior centers have also seen a reduction in hours, specifically the Mid Valley and Carbondale senior centers, which are open only a select few days a week now, Mr. Hanley said.
The decrease in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant program and state and county assistance has left the agency exploring new avenues and seeking private donations to make up the balance and keep all of the services offered available to the public.
About 14 percent of UNC's revenue in 2012 came from private donations, according to the annual report.
"We're very aggressive at looking at foundations both locally and nationally," he said.
Operating on a $4.8 million budget in 2013, down slightly from last year's budget, UNC will wait to see what becomes of the governor's budget in Harrisburg and the allocations from Washington, D.C.
"We're holding our breath," Mr. Hanley said.
UNC also announced at the meeting it will host the 13th annual Mardi Gras fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 6-10 p.m. at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel. Tickets are $70 a person and can be purchased by calling 346-0759 or visiting www.uncnepa.org/donate.
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