Illinois children and families held hostage

Human service programs that aid at-risk populations such as military veterans, domestic-abuse victims, the elderly and children are in jeopardy because of the Illinois budget stalemate. Earlier this week, the CEOs and top leaders from 25 social service groups in Illinois, along with the people they serve, united in a call for action to end the budget impasse.

"The time to act is now," said Scott Humphrey, CEO of One Hope United. "We are all standing together to send Springfield a clear and unified message: Illinois' most vulnerable citizens can no longer be held hostage. We are here as caregivers, and will not take sides in a political fight. People are suffering. We need Gov. Rauner, Speaker Madigan and Senate President Cullerton to come together on a legally binding budget."

Thousands of lives are being affected by the government's indecision. Funds are running out for programs that create a safety net on situations ranging from mental health to homelessness. That leaves an already at-risk community with a greater margin of uncertainty.

"I needed help from my doctor and my therapist to manage severe anxiety and depression," said Angela Love, who received care from Metropolitan Family Services, a leading human-services provider struggling with the elimination of funding for psychiatry, among numerous other cuts. "Metropolitan helped me find hope and transform my life. We need to protect funding for psychiatrists so that others like me can receive the life-saving services they need."

With the budget impasse nearing 100 days of uncertainty for programs that work to build a better society for everyone, the leaders of the following organizations rallied together to call on the governor and legislature to do their jobs and pass/sign a legal budget:

1. A Safe Haven

2. Alternatives

3. Bridge Family Services

4. Catholic Charities

5. Chicago Community Trust

6. Center on Halsted

7. Donors Forum

8. Envision Unlimited

9. Gateway Foundation

10. ICOY

11. Illinois Partners for Human Service

12. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

13. Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

14. Maryville Academy

15. Metropolitan Family Services

16. OMNI Youth Services

17. One Hope United

18. The Night Ministry

19. UCAN

20. Universal Family Connections

21. Volunteers of America of Illinois

22. Youth Outreach Services

23. Youth Service Project

24. YMCA

25. YWCA