BLACKWOOD, N.J. – Some local news from New Jersey isn’t great for a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities. Budget cuts from the federal and state levels are hitting the Centers for Independent Living hard.
Programs crucial for the community, like food pantries, are set to lose funding. For the Center for Independent Living South Jersey (CILSJ), this is particularly challenging. Since 2020, they have run a curbside food pantry that helps 30 to 40 families each week. But now, due to these cuts, the future of this pantry, along with other vital services, is uncertain.
The New Jersey State Budget plans to cut $3 million from all 12 Centers for Independent Living in the state. This means each location could lose around $225,000. Salema Banner, the Program Manager at CILSJ, expressed deep concern about what these changes mean for their clients.
In her words, “We put our heart and soul into helping the community. Telling people we can no longer assist them is heartbreaking. Many kids and seniors with disabilities depend on these services, and this will negatively impact the entire community.”
The cuts affect more than just the food pantry. State funding has also supported food deliveries for homebound veterans, security deposits for housing, and driving lessons for people with disabilities.
Community members are feeling the pinch. Cheryl Aiken from Wenonah shared, “I’m grateful for the food pantries. With prices so high now, I’ve had to make tough choices.” Tom Wolf from Blackwood added, “Without the pantries, my wife and I would really struggle. They help us a lot.”
In response to these devastating budget cuts, the Centers for Independent Living are planning a rally. They hope to gather support in Trenton or Washington, D.C. While facing these challenges, some community members and agencies have stepped up to offer resources to help the CILSJ continue its mission.
For those interested in supporting CILSJ, their office is located at 141 South Black Horse Pike in Blackwood. You can reach them at 856-853-6490 for more information.
Check out this related article: Help Save Kenosha’s Food Pantry: Community Support Needed by March 15!
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