Community organization could shut down

New Haven (WTNH) - For forty years, a community-based non-profit organization has been proving critical services to New Haven residents, but now Junta for Progressive Action is in danger of closing because of these tough, economic times.

Half of Junta's funding comes from the state and that money will be cut under Gov. Jodi Rell's budget proposal.

Four years ago, Angela Morero could only dream of her new life in the United States with her daughter. She moved from Nicaragua and settled in New Haven, learned English and got a job. She credits Junta with her success.

"This is really important to me. If I'm going to be in this country, I have to learn English and learn how to communicate, learn how to find a job and how to help my daughter with her school work," Morero said.

More than 1,000 people participate in Junta's English as a Second Language classes, thousands more are in their after school activities and programs and countless have received help from Junta to fight foreclosure.

But all those services, and much more, could come to an end.

"I feel like it's a criminal act. And maybe those are really harsh words but I really do feel that we all know that the economy is hurting," said Sandra Trevino, Executive Director of Junta. "We all know that we do have to cut back because of the deficit but now is the time when you can't close these services because a lot of people are going without."

Currently Junta serves about 5,000 people right here in the New Haven community. And with the downturn in the economy, they expect that number to double.

"I don't know what we're going to do if we need help. Where are we going to go? We don't have the economic power to go and purchase services in a lot of places," said Morero.

To find out more about Junta or to make a donation, click here.