A charity that helps young people with disabilities through music, dance, and performance has proposed stopping physical workshops outside of the main centres as it attempts to find half a million dollars in savings.
StarJam, which holds free weekly performance workshops across the country, revealed today it was consulting with staff over a strategic proposal aimed at saving $500,000.
The charity, which has long relied on donations to sustain its services without government funding, said this past year had been its “toughest yet”.
It said the rising cost of living, increased operational expenses, and a significant reduction in funding had forced the organisation into a “precarious financial position”.
Under the proposed plan, physical workshops would only be held in the main centres of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch – online workshops would be offered in other regions.
“These are incredibly tough choices, but we are determined to keep StarJam alive for the young people and their whānau who rely on our services,” StarJam chief executive Gilli Sinclair said.
“The proposed changes are essential for us to overcome our financial challenges and continue delivering the impact our Jammers deserve. We are now seeking input from all staff on the best way forward."
She pleaded for donations to prevent further cuts, saying further funding reductions could endanger even the scaled-back model.
"Without immediate financial support, we simply cannot sustain the services that have changed lives for over two decades," Sinclair said.
In April, the charity revealed it would have to close its doors within two weeks due to a short-term cash flow problem.
A fundraising campaign was launched to save the charity, reaching well above its goal of $100,000— but Sinclair said it wasn’t enough.
"After our successful SOS appeal earlier this year, we were hopeful for the future, but several crucial grant applications have not come through,” Sinclair said.
“Now, more than ever, we need the public’s help to ensure our Jammers can continue experiencing the magic of StarJam."
She said the young people attending workshops experience something “truly unique”.
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“Our weekly workshops, which are free, provide them with a sense of belonging and the opportunity to showcase their abilities, focusing on what they can achieve rather than what they can't.”
You can donate to StarJam here.
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