I read an article today on-line regarding plans by Governor Quinn to eliminate funding for all drug treatment and prevention programs which translates into tens of thousands of people losing much needed help in overcoming their addictions.   Our focus at the Center is not geared toward drug treatment and prevention programs but urban families with greater needs.  The trickle down is that many of our families are touched in one way or another by drug and alcohol abuse.  

We also have a large number of individuals who recognize us as a safe place to receive encouragement, a warm place to rest their heads, and at times a meal.  These neighbors of ours are almost always struggling with a drug and/or alcohol related addiction and receive services from many of the organizations that will close as a result of this lost funding. 

The closing of their doors will greatly increase the burden on us, as a representation of the Church, to do more.  The question is how can we as the representation of the Church do more when we too have less economic resources available?  At the same time we, the Church, have a great opportunity to shine by pulling together and sharing resources so that we can meet the increasing needs in people’s lives and fulfilling scriptures such as Matthew 5:16. 

Below are news articles regarding this development.

http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=12497&type=top
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/20/quinn-budget-cuts-drug-treatment_n_825693.html