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OPINION

Olson: Funding delays put children, families at risk

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There’s an urgent call to action before us — a chance to protect the lives and futures of more than 20,000 Delaware children and families. And that’s just one organization’s reach. There are more of us. You may not always see us, but you know us.

We support moms and babies from day 1.

We answer the call when a child experiences trauma.

We walk alongside parents who foster or adopt.

We help people with disabilities live independently.

We bring meals to seniors.

But now, federal funding delays and potential cuts are threatening the very programs that keep people safe, healthy and supported. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet or a program report. At Children & Families First, these numbers are moms needing prenatal care, toddlers preparing for school, teens striving to thrive and families working to break cycles of trauma.

These are our neighbors.

They can’t wait. And neither can we.

That’s why I call on Delaware’s General Assembly to double down on its commitment to the nonprofit sector. Grant-in-aid reflects a proud history of bipartisan support for community-based services that lift Delawareans up.

Children & Families First and our nonprofit partners are ready to meet this moment — but we cannot do it alone. We urge our state’s leaders to not only fully fund but to increase grant-in-aid. When we invest in children and families, we invest in a stronger, safer and more vibrant Delaware for all.

The time to act is now. Delaware’s children and families depend on us.

Kirsten Olson

CEO, Children & Families First

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.

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