Though I understand the difficult position of the governor for developing the state budget for 2004, the Displaced Homemakers Network of New Jersey Inc. (DHNNJ) and the people we serve are outraged.
The DHNNJ represents 16 programs across New Jersey serving women who are widowed, separated, divorced, have a disabled spouse or one who cannot support the family. The programs assist women and their families in rebuilding their lives by providing counseling, workshops, computer training, re-entry to school, career counseling and job readiness. Displaced homemaker programs are a positive alternative to welfare.
Thousands of concerned residents signed petitions and wrote letters urging reinstatement of the proposed 50 percent budget cut announced by the governor in his February address. Gov. James McGreevey recently responded to supporters that "while this is a slight reduction in funding, it does underscore this administration’s commitment to helping New Jersey’s most vulnerable citizens." This is far from a "slight reduction" — it is a 50 percent cut and represents a 78 percent cut during the last three funding years.
The services provided by these programs are a payback system. Participants go through a profound transformation and instead of draining the state’s economy, they become productive tax-paying residents and positive parent role models.
In Monmouth County, the displaced homemakers program at Brookdale Community College teaches women to use computers — often for the first time — among other critical services. Self-esteem, confidence and employability begin to soar as a new flame ignites from the ashes left after broken dreams. Is it worth losing tremendous potential and complicating the suffering by holding back what amounts to a tiny drop of state funding? Let’s not allow this to happen.
This decision will be finalized June 30. Everyone can help — please call the governor today at (609) 292-6000.
Robin Vogel
Fair Haven