Thursday, March 19, 2009

Rock the Budget!!!


WWW.ROCKTHEBUDGET.ORG

Rock the Budget is a campaign by Lauren’s Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.) to help raise funds to continue serving children with developmental disabilities despite recent budget cuts limiting state reimbursement for services.

On Friday the 13th, February, 2009 the “Division” (DES-DDD = Department of Economic Security – Division of Developmental Disabilities) cut vital funding for services for children with special needs in Arizona.

The Division cut provider rates for therapeutic/habilitative services by 10%, music therapy services by 55%, and ALL early intervention for children (0-3 years old) who do not qualify for long term care!

L.I.F.E., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been impacted greatly by these cuts. These funding cuts will have a total impact to our organization of over $500,000 from March 1st to December 31st of this year.

This irresponsible fiscal decision from DES-DDD will profoundly inhibit our ability to continue providing services to our kids and to their families, not to mention the 180+ employees who have dedicated their lives to these children through their professions.

Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic treatment at the lowest cost to our families. Many of our families are already in crisis due to the emotional and economic toll it takes to have a child with developmental disabilities.

To date we have relied solely on the legal responsibility of our state/federal government to fund the development of the children who we are committed to serve and from community support.

To continue offering these life-changing services, we are asking you for a one-time contribution of $5.00.

With your help, combined with the help of your family, your neighbors, your friends, and your co-workers, your $5 donation can help in ways that you may or may not be able to fully appreciate.

As most of you should know, Jon and I both work for L.I.F.E. and it is an AMAZING place! This is a great opportunity for people to come together and make something great happen for these children and their families.

Go visit the website and DO YOUR PART! It doesnt take much. If everyone helps a little, we can make miracles happen!

www.Rockthebudget.org GO NOW! Please!