Included in those cuts is the elimination of more than $5 million in funding for the "NJ After Three" after school program. It will leave 12,000 students without a place to go.
The closing will impact nearly 200 families at the Cold Springs School in Gloucester City.
"We had not a clue that this was going to impact us immediately," said site coordinator Meghan O'Connor.
The program offers 5 to 13 year olds help with their homework, along with lots of activities, in a safe environment.
However, the program is set to end Friday, March 5th.
"They are being provided with life skills, social skills, that they don't necessarily get to participate in during the day," said development coordinator Tamika O'Connor. She said the program was stunned by the suddenness of the decision.
"There was no indication there would be any type of elimination or cutting of funding mid-year," said Chester.
The end of the program will also force 1,200 staff layoffs state-wide and has hit parents the hardest.
"Just trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my daughter after school," said Lisa Pierman of Gloucester City. "She's actually been in the program since Kindergarten and she's in fourth grade this year."
Single parents like William Laporte will miss it more than most.
"The after school program is just great, I love it," he said. "They help them so much."
There is no indication funding will be restored, but Tamika Chester remains optimistic.
"Maybe someone will be watching, hear our cries," she said. "Maybe someone will be watching this and say 'We need to figure out how we can help those children.'"
"NJ After Three" has started a petition to keep its after school programs open.
If you'd like to express your thoughts to Gov. Christie, follow this link to his website.
