Wrong Main Culprit Tagged for Cuts

We wish to clarify certain points created by the Aug. 28 article (“Anti-Poverty Agency Lays Off Nearly Third of Its Staff”) regarding staff reductions at the Orange County Community Development Council (CDC), a private, nonprofit corporation that is the official Orange County anti-poverty organization. The 16-person staff reduction was one of several measures taken to reduce costs and avoid a projected operating deficit.

Contrary to the article’s inference, the major reason for the financial cutback was not related to the Orange County Food Bank Program. Rather, it was required due to lack of response to the CDC Weatherization Assistance Program that installs energy-saving measures in the residences of low-income families.

The remaining projected shortfalls resulted from higher operating costs associated with increased community needs and demand for services. Although the cost of the food program was noted, it was neither the predominant factor nor the singular cause for the staff-reduction action.

The article left the distinct impression that CDC client services programs, especially Orange County Food Bank programs, might be greatly reduced or eliminated. This is absolutely not the case. The very highest priority has been given to the continuation of services to low-income persons and families. Food Bank services, crisis intervention services and information and referral services will continue with minimal disruption and no anticipated decreases in service levels.

Together with thousands of other California nonprofit organizations, CDC is adjusting to an extremely uncertain financial future.

The recession, shifting priorities, availability of grants and contracts, and ability of the private sector to support charitable activities will certainly impact CDC’s future operations.

There is a strong commitment to the people of Orange County and to the future as CDC strives to accomplish its mission to help low-income persons overcome the causes and effects of poverty.

CLARENCE W. RAY, Executive Director, Community Development Council, Costa Mesa