Family Focus, the social service agency founded 42 years ago in Evanston, is considering selling the former Foster School building at 2010 Dewey Ave. which houses its programs here.
In a letter published Wednesday evening in the newsletter of 5th Ward Alderman Robin Rue Simmons, Family Focus CEO Merri Ex says the agency is no longer in a position to support the costs of maintaining the century-year-old building.
Ex says the agency’s six other centers around the metro area don’t face similar costs because they are in rented facilities.
Last month the agency threatened to lay off most of its staff because of delays in payments for services from the state, but a last-minute agreement by the state to make a portion of those payments let the agency avert the layoffs.
Ex says that for now the agency’s programming will continue in the building and that once a potential buyer for it is identified, the agency “will identify alternative spaces in Evanston to continue programming in a location that is convenient to our community.”
Is Family Focus a victim of increased taxes?
Well, if you check the building’s tax records you will know the taxes DOUBLED in the second installment. I bet that has something to do with it. The first installment this year was $5,659 and the second one is $10,611. Quite a bump.
The city’s decision to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour from $8.25 likely had an effect on the non-profit as well.
Democrat state lawmakers just raised income taxes, too!
Our government is making it hard for every one, even non-profits. And folks are voting with their feet.
We need to vote da bums out.
“We need to vote da bums out.”
As always, thanks for your oversimplified suggestion to a complex problem.