Midstate nonprofit says it’s on verge of shutting down

(Harrisburg) — A midstate nonprofit says it’s running out of money.

Neighborhood Services helps people with intellectual disabilities, addiction, and mental health issues…

Based in Lancaster, it serves more than 350 people who struggle with managing their money or going through daily life because of a disability or disorder.

But the group says its budget got tight after it lost a grant and the United Way changed its funding formula.

It says it’s laid off three of its eleven staff members, and is only paying essential bills at this point.

Kari Stanley, executive director of Neighborhood Services, says some of its work is literally the difference between freedom and jail.

“We work with all of our district justices to ensure that there is some payment going to those fines. Without those payments, those individuals will end up in jail,” says Stanley.

Stanley says it’s hoping to partner with another nonprofit to cut administrative expenses and continue its mission.

She says Neighborhood Services has about three to six months before it would have to shut down.

“What you’re going to see is that more individuals are going to have to deal with the reality of living in poverty and economic distress without support,” she adds.