Closure Day

I’m pretty sad, because I will not get to go to work tomorrow at Becoming Independent. Tomorrow, March 31st is a state-mandated closure day.

And it will be repeated within just five days.  We are scheduled for another state-mandated closure day next Monday, April 5. Each day we are closed Becoming Independent loses $50,000 in state funds.


So in less than one week, we are losing $100,000 in revenue that helps pay for our operations. This is not an easy fiscal challenge for a non-profit. And that’s not the only state funding cuts BI faces. Last year Sacramento cut our revenues by 3 percent. And now we hear the same 3 percent cut will be repeated this year, too.  This is why we're so focused on bringing in support from all of the people who value what we do here at Becoming Independent.  Please go to our Donate Now page and learn how you can assist.

But to the events of tomorrow:

             

And there are many more reasons why I'm sad about these closure days. Participants are loosing socializing time with me! But most importantly, the shutdown of BI virtually shuts down the “real world” of my friends. BI is important to people in helping them achieve their potentials, be with friends, and live meaningful lives. At home, they sit and wait for BI to re-open.  That’s what I’ll be doing too!

And, without BI in operation their parents, brothers and sisters, friends and other support people must provide alternative care and support that BI routinely provides. Also, tomorrow, most of the BI workforce that works out in the community in a variety of jobs will be staying home, not reporting to work, not earning their small but VITAL personal incomes.