Trump Funding Freeze Would Hurt At-Risk Kids In Newark, Nonprofit Says

UPDATE: The White House has rescinded the federal freeze order, multiple reports said Wednesday afternoon. Read our update to this article here.

NEWARK, NJ — The Boys & Girls Club of Newark is among the groups that would feel a devastating financial hit from the Trump Administration’s proposed federal funding freeze, representatives with the local nonprofit say.

The White House has announced plans to put a blanket pause on federal grants and loans, including those that have already been approved. Officials said the freeze is needed to ensure that funding complies with President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, including declarations involving transgender rights, environmental justice, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

A deadline for the funding freeze was set to take place on Tuesday evening. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the freeze.

• See Related: Here’s Who Would Suffer From Trump Funding Freeze In NJ, Advocates Say

Ameer Washington, CEO at the Boys & Girls Club Newark, is among those decrying the freeze.

According to Washington, the nonprofit has six funding sources that could be impacted. These funds represent more than 10 percent of its annual budget of $5 million and could affect funding for 35 to 50 team members in direct service with youth.

What kinds of programs could be affected? They include meal service at after-school programs, food distribution to families, mentorship for at-risk youth and “critical funding related to safety at our facility,” Washington said.

“We believe these services are of vital importance to the work we do in our community,” Washington added. “Our hope is to see funding restored to ensure our constituents can receive these services that they rely on for their well-being.”

• See Related: Newark Ranks High On List Of New Jersey's Worst 'Food Deserts'

Newark Councilman Patrick Council said the funding freeze would jeopardize a range of programs in the city’s South Ward.

“I am deeply saddened at the actions of this president,” Council said. “They are emotional, insensitive and puts not just Americans but several organizations in Newark and the South Ward in jeopardy of the services they provide to our residents.”

“His decision to freeze federal funds threatens and disrupts education, healthcare, food programs, housing assistance and disaster relief,” Council added.

“This blatant attack on programs that serve/assist many of our residents creates uncertainty and chaos for many community entities as well as state and local government that depend on federal aid,” the councilman concluded. “We must unite together to speak out against this fruitless decision and have a strong unified voice from our state and federal officials around this matter.”

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