Enid, Okla. — Several Oklahoma organizations are bracing for the consequences of federal budget cuts, with two local groups in Payne County voicing significant concerns over potential funding reductions. These groups, which provide vital services to victims of domestic violence and at-risk youth, fear that the cuts will leave vulnerable populations in an increasingly precarious situation.
Payne County Youth Services, a nonprofit that offers emergency shelter and interventions for youth ages 7 to 17, is particularly worried about the future. The organization provides critical mental health and substance abuse counseling throughout the county, helping children and teens navigate difficult circumstances. However, much of its funding comes from federal grants, which are now in jeopardy.
Janet Fultz, the executive director of Payne County Youth Services, expressed her concerns about the disappearing federal funds. “At this point, we’re having to assume that those grants are not going to be available to us through federal dollars,” Fultz said. She explained that the organization has already begun monitoring the online portal for federal grant applications, only to find that many of the opportunities are no longer available. As a result, Payne County Youth Services may be forced to reduce its programs or, more alarmingly, cut staffing positions.
Brandi White, executive director of Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services, a domestic violence shelter serving women and children, shares similar concerns. Wings of Hope offers a variety of services, including prevention programs, counseling, and court advocacy for victims of domestic violence. The shelter also relies heavily on federal funding, which constitutes about one-third of its annual budget.
“We really have no guarantees that all of that funding will be coming back again,” White stated. “It’s definitely just a trend that has us concerned.” The potential loss of federal funding could drastically affect the shelter’s ability to support women and children facing crisis situations.
Together, Payne County Youth Services and Wings of Hope are awarded approximately $1 million in federal funding, a significant portion of their operational budgets. However, as the two organizations brace for potential cuts, both directors acknowledge that local donations are unlikely to fill the void left by federal funding reductions.
“When we start making cuts to programs, it does affect your community,” White said. “It does affect the women and the kids and the victims in your community at a level that maybe people don’t understand.” With increasing demands for services and fewer resources available, these organizations are left with few options.
News 4 reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice for comment on the possible budget cuts, but did not receive a response. As the uncertainty around federal funding continues, the future of critical services for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable residents remains in jeopardy.
