Capper Foundation abolishes 13 positions

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jun 14, 2002 by Chris Moon Capital-Journal

Cutback: Funding drop caused by economic environment necessitates job cuts

By Chris Moon

The Capital-Journal

The Capper Foundation on Thursday announced the elimination of 13 full- and part-time jobs, citing the recent economic slump as the cause.

Nine employees will be laid off either immediately or during the next two months at the Topeka-based nonprofit organization, which provides services for people --- primarily children --- with physical disabilities. Four vacant positions will remain unfilled.

"We've been on this path for the last couple of years, looking at efficiencies and how to operate more cost-effectively," said Jim Leiker, president of the Capper Foundation.

The organization has suffered a general decline in funding --- from private donations to grants --- over the past year, Leiker said. Eighty percent of the organization's $4.3 million annual budget is generated by charitable contributions, and many of those are tied to the stock market, he said.

"As you can see, the market's been pretty low," Leiker said.

The foundation recently completed a three-year strategic plan, accompanied by a $100,000 budget reduction for the fiscal year ending July 31, Leiker said. Next year, the organization faces a $323,000 budget reduction.

Staff cuts make up a large part of the effort to slice operating costs. All staff eliminations are in support positions, such as administrative assistants and secretaries. Most are 10- or 20-hour-a- week posts. Four are full time.

Before the cuts, the foundation employed 77 people, including four at its satellite office in Kansas City, Mo. A half-time position will be eliminated at the satellite office.

"I think most people are pretty aware of what's going on in the (economic) environment," Leiker said. "Emotionally, it's pretty hard to reduce staff. It would be pretty hard on anybody."

On June 7, Leiker sent a letter announcing the changes to parents of children in the foundation's Kidlink Preschool and Childcare Program, which provides day care to children with and without disabilities. That program, which serves 18 to 20 children in two classrooms, has been targeted for consolidation, Leiker said.

When school starts in August and a number of children transfer to kindergarten, Kidlink will be reduced to one classroom while the foundation addresses further possible changes.

"Whatever we do, we'll try to do in a quality manner," Leiker said. "And I think we can do that. It's just a way of pulling in the reins and tightening our belt. It's a common theme these days that businesses are trying to do more with less, so we'll try to do that."