 Marcy-Newberry Association closes its doors
After 130 years of providing crucial social services to the Chicago Near West, North Lawndale and Austin communities, Marcy-Newberry Association, Inc. (MNA) has announced it is closing its doors.
After an unsuccessful effort to raise much needed funds to offset the growing deficit, the Board of Directors of Marcy-Newberry Association, Inc. took the following action "to cease all programming activities after Friday, June 28, 2013 and that the final closing process be done by assigned staff in collaboration with the City of Chicago."
According to the agency's press release, recent budget cuts, sequestration, reduced revenue from private funding sources have all taken its toll on Marcy-Newberry Association, Inc.
Executive Director Benjamin J. Kendrick has served the community for 34 years and says he's heartbroken that the agency could not overcome this hurdle.
"We had a donor who would have given us a $150,00 grant if we could get it matched, which would have forestalled us from closing," said Kendrick. "Unfortunately, we could not get the matching donors. Marcy-Newberry touched the lives of thousands of children and parents who have come through our doors. To say it's all over, is very difficult."
Another long-time staff member is the Rev. Margaret Ann Williams, Associate Executive/Director Church Relations, who worked for the organization for 49 years. She says Marcy-Newberry's closing will leave a huge void in community-based neighborhoods in need of human services. MNA currently serves mostly the West side of Chicago from infancy to seniors in seven locations, plus seven Day Care Home providers and three partnerships.
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Newberry's Children Community Choir participated in over 30 performances last year. They took first place in Dwayne Wade's 2012 Talent Search.
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Over 600 families will be in search for child care, after school, summer camp, youth enrichment, and evening programs. Kendrick says they are working with those parents to refer them to other nearby agencies and programs to make sure the children have a place to go.
"As United Methodists, we grieve at the loss of this long-standing ministry in Chicago's communities. Our prayers are with the children and families, employees and staff of Marcy-Newberry," said Bishop Sally Dyck. "Many churches volunteered, supported and gave to Marcy-Newberry over the years. We hope they will continue to support new or existing ministries critical for at-risk youth and children in our communities."
For more information please contact, Marcy-Newberry at 312-829-7556.
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