TRENTON — Wynona's House will go on, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said today — even if the county has to find the money the nonprofit child abuse investigative and treatment center lost under the new state budget. DiVincenzo also said that based on numerous conversations he's had with administration officials while Gov. Chris Christie has been away on...
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr.TRENTON — Wynona's House will go on, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo said today — even if the county has to find the money the nonprofit child abuse investigative and treatment center lost under the new state budget.
DiVincenzo also said that based on numerous conversations he's had with administration officials while Gov. Chris Christie has been away on vacation, he is hopeful the governor will help save the Newark facility.
But there has been no definitive talk about how much money, if any, the state would be willing to restore, DiVincenzo said. Christie's budget, signed into law on June 30, eliminated $573,000 or 75 percent of the program's state funding, leaving them with $191,000. The substantial loss would force the program to close, top officials at Wynona's House have said.
Since 1999, Wynona's House has brought law enforcement, medical, child welfare and mental health professionals under one roof to aid child victims of sexual and serious physical abuse.
"They are committed to work with us, to make sure there is no interruption of services,'' the county executive said. "I take them at their word. Every commitment this administration has made to us in Essex county has been kept.''
Whatever Christie decides, DiVincenzo said, the program will survive. "Whatever it takes - if it takes additional dollars on the county side, I am willing to make that commitment.''
"Every urban center should have a facility like this. it's really a model program for the entire state,'' he added.
Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, declined to discuss where negotiations stood at this time or whether the state intended to restore any funds. "At this stage, we are working with the county executive to be sure there is no interruption in services.''
The cut to the program's budget, sparked outrage from child welfare professionals and Democratic lawmakers, who scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday to discuss all of the governor's last-minute budget cuts that will affect children.
Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), one of the most outspoken critics of the blow to Wynona's House, said he hopes the program will be able to go on as it has for more than a decade. "They have been able to use every dollar efficiently and effectively. I just hope this is all true, there are no strings attached, and they will be able to operate as they have been.''
Nancy Ericka Smith, who chairs the nonprofit's board, expressed gratitude to the county executive. "Thank you Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, who has supported Wynona’s House from day one — when it was still a dream, from all of the children and families who are served at Wynona’s House.''