The Jewish federation in Metrowest New Jersey is facing a $3 million shortfall as well as layoffs and a possible reduction in services, according to the New Jersey Jewish News.
UJC MetroWest is reducing its operating budget by $1 million through staff cuts, salary furloughs, and belt-tightening. But that will not be enough to close the gap between its annual goal and the needs of the agencies and programs it funds in full or part.
“We are living in very challenging economic times that are testing the basic fabric of our nation and our citizens,” said UJC MetroWest executive vice president Max Kleinman. “Here in MetroWest, we are not immune to the economic crisis and we have begun to feel the impact of this downturn.”
Last year, the organization’s fund-raising campaign raised $23.8 million. According to Scott Krieger of Livingston, who chairs UJC MetroWest’s UJA campaign, the campaign is 15 percent behind where it was last year at this point.
“We’re concerned the campaign could drop below $20 million this year,” said Krieger, a principal in a Livingston accounting firm.
The organization has already instituted mandatory furlough and an across the board 5 percent reduction in salary for staffers.
