MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — A major Montgomery County non-profit appears to be in financial trouble.
The Arc provides services to people with special needs, including children and seniors.
Last Tuesday, Arc terminated two beloved directors at its Karasic and Family Infant and Child Care Center.
It’s not clear how far and wide the impact will be felt -- and that’s a major source of frustration for those who depend on its services.
For parents whose children attend the child care center, the sudden termination of two beloved directors last week came as a shock.
Parents wrote a letter to the center saying they were ‘furious’ at the loss of the directors and the lack of communication.
They have collected more than fifty testimonials in support of the former directors and are asking for both directors to be re-instated. They also want to see the financial details for themselves.
According to its own website, The Arc is one the oldest and largest non-profit agencies in Montgomery County. It employs 490 people and has an annual budget of about 24 million.
In a video posted to the organization’s website, Montgomery County ARC’s CEO Chrissy Shawver responded to concerns.
“It was clear that we needed to make immediate reductions…We’re saying goodbye to several dedicated employees - some of whom have been with the Arc for many years," Shawver said. "I know they will be missed, and I sincerely wish them well in their future endeavors."
Shawver refused to comment to WUSA9. It’s not clear how many other director-level employees were also let go -- or how these cuts will affect services.
In the video, Shawver said changes to the funding from the federal and local governments were to blame.
“Funding is getting tighter every year," Shawver said. "External pressures bearing down on us include Montgomery County’s higher minimum wage and changes in the way we are paid through Maryland’s DDA."
A meeting is planned for Tuesday night for Parents and Arc Administration.