Sequestration causes OLHSA to reduce services and hours

As a result of the federally mandated sequestration that is now in effect, Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA), a Community Action Agency, will lose five percent of its federal funding equating to more than $800,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year. To minimize disruption of services provided by this nonprofit to local residents in-need, OLHSA will take the following measures, effective beginning Monday, March 11: * All of OLHSA's non-union employees will see their work hours and pay reduced from a full-time 40-hour week to 36 hours per week. * Three employees will be laid off. * Ten vacant positions will remain open. * OLHSA will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Fridays. This includes the main office in Pontiac, the Livingston office in Howell and partner locations across Oakland County. * All OLHSA services will be available during the adjusted office hours, however the capacity for programs to provide assistance may be reduced. * Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program hours will not be reduced. All WIC locations will be open and available as usual. For hours, locations and WIC information please call 877-526-2438. "The sequestration affects OLHSA's ability to provide assistance to those who need it most," said Ronald B. Borngesser, OLHSA CEO. "Just as everyone in our nation feels the pain of these cuts, so will OLHSA and our clients. Our hope is that a resolution is made swiftly so our loyal and dedicated employees can get back to supporting the community in every way possible." If the federal government does not resolve these cuts and agree on a long-term budget solution, OLHSA may take further cost-reduction measures, which are yet to be determined. Published: Thu, Mar 7, 2013