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Budget cuts forces JFS child care center to close

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By Bridgette Outten, Staff Writer 12:42 PM Friday, January 22, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — The effects of Job and Family Services of Clark County’s budget cuts continue as the agency closed the doors of a small child care center located on its Lagonda campus this week.

JFS has been reeling from a $3.15 million budget gap that has to be reconciled by June 30. The agency has had layoffs, slashed contracts and mandatory furloughs for employees to assist with the loss in funds.

The KidPlus Center, maintained by two full-time staff members of the Springfield YMCA, was located in the WorkPlus Center.

JFS administrators presented a contract cancellation to Clark County commissioners Tuesday, Jan. 19, noting that the termination is saving the agency approximately $32,000.

The center allowed JFS clients to take their children to play while the parents did things like fill out job applications, apply for benefits or meet with case managers, WorkPlus Deputy Director Lehan Peters said.

The center had been open since 2002 and served an average of 190 children and 125 parents per month, though it is not known how many of those numbers were duplicates, said Erin Thomas-Brodine, JFS contract manager.

The center’s last day was Friday, Jan. 15.

“It’s a disappointment,” Peters said. “But it’s a fiscal decision we had to make.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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