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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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Wow I have a friend that has developed heart problems, hasn't been able to work. He's worked hard all his life, and paid his taxes. He was told he doesn't qaulify for public assistance, not even food stamps. And now he has to read about the "disappointing" loss of the DJFS babysitting service. I'm sure he would wonder, like I do. Why the hell were we paying for a babysitter anyway!! Maybe if DJFS hadn't created meaningless jobs, they wouldn't have the budget problems.

jim
8:58 PM, 1/22/2010

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Nobody is looking out for us. Just a few shouldn't be given free anything while the rest of us struggle.

The days of take and take and take with no giving back are over. They have bled the hardworking people for years. Enough is enough.

mac
5:45 PM, 1/22/2010

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The preceding comments are disgusting. You should be ashamed for hating your fellow human beings so much. You have NO IDEA what circumstances could lead a person into poverty and into need. I hope for your sake you never find yourself in a position of need, because if karma is real you will not find anyone to help you.

Spflder
3:32 PM, 1/22/2010

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Can't pay for babysitting 'cause spent it all on cigs, magazines, lottery ticks and nails. Did ya ever notice all dem gals got nice nails but in the welfare system. Better to look good and attract a welfare daddy.

bleeding us dry
3:25 PM, 1/22/2010

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Welcome to the real world.

Pay for your babysitting just like the rest of us.

bob
2:15 PM, 1/22/2010

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