The Department of Public Welfare’s funding cut is a crushing blow. Funding has been tight for years, and now even more families won’t get served.

Last month, I talked to Tom Dareneau, Executive Director of Arc Advocacy Services, about this very issue. It was just after the Senate passed the $700 billion Wall Street bail out bill. At that time, he wasn’t sure how or if the bill would filter down to The Arc and other social services organizations.

But one things was certain. There has been a shortage of funding for advocacy, residential, and other specialized programs for years. The governor’s ‘08 budget left little room to offset the emergency waiting list. Now, with this latest cut, it seems that list will only grow.

Despite this, Tom had hope during our interview. He told me how The Arc has been stepping in as an authorized representative payee for Arc members receiving government entitlement. The organization manages their money to ensure basic living expenses are covered and bills are paid on time. Chris L’Huereux is one such member, whom we introduced on the blog last week.

Learn more about the funding issues The Arc is facing by watching my interview below. For those who want to help, Tom says the most important action to take is to get involved. Whether it’s through The Arc, your child’s school, legislation, awareness campaigns, donations, or simple feedback on how we’re doing, any and all involvement helps.