Service groups team up

GLENDALE — Faced with relentless pressure to deliver more services with dwindling resources, nearly a dozen local nonprofits are banding together to convince more people to direct discretionary funds to the social service sector as a harsh economic recession takes hold.

The Executive Coalition, composed of the executive directors for 11 major nonprofit social service agencies, met Wednesday to finalize plans for a public education campaign meant to introduce more people to the impacts of the local nonprofit sector on the community.

Last year, more than $20-million worth of free services was rendered in Glendale through the combined efforts of agencies — such as New Horizons Family Center, which provides after-school programs for low-income children, and PATH Achieve Glendale, the city’s largest homeless services organization, according to the coalition.

Despite the output, the amount of charitable giving to many nonprofits has fallen in tandem with the worsening economy, just as demand for services is increasing from an ever-growing low-income bracket, group members said Wednesday.

The formula has put nearly all of the coalition members in a precarious position.

The YMCA of Glendale expected to net $80,000 from its annual Christmas Tree lot. Instead, it earned just $20,000, Chief Executive John Thomas said.

A 20% budget gap that continues to grow at the Glendale-Crescenta Valley American Red Cross has forced Executive Director Ron Farina to lay off the agency’s emergency services director.

“Where else to make cuts, we don’t know,” he said.

As if dwindling contributions weren’t enough, those nonprofits that depend on government funding have been placed in an anxious limbo as state and county officials cope with crushing deficits.

The county Department of Mental Health — which provides for 85% of Verdugo Mental Health’s annual budget — faces a projected $52-million budget gap next fiscal year, putting clients at risk of premature discharge if alternate funds can’t be secured, Chief Executive Lynn Brandstater said.

Funds from the agency also make up 45% of New Horizons’ budget.

“I’m getting hit from all sides,” New Horizons’ Executive Director Maria Rochart said.

The Glendale Assn. for the Retarded, which provides residential and vocational programs for developmentally disabled adults, is awaiting a verdict on the state budget, which provides for 60% of its budget.