CBA announces layoffs amid federal cuts, dried-up pandemic funds
Photo courtesy of City of Lowell
By Peter Currier
LOWELL >> Coalition for a Better Acre announced in a letter Wednesday it would be laying off staff amid a shaky economy, dried-up pandemic relief funding and cuts to federal funding that benefited the organization and its mission.
In the letter from CEO Dan Rivera, he said, “CBA has been forced to make the painful decision to conduct layoffs during this time of increasing economic uncertainty and reduced funding.”
“Doing so ensures CBA’s fiscal stability and our ability to continue to serve those families who call our properties and the Acre neighborhood home,” Rivera wrote. “This has been a painful process, and we are heartbroken to say goodbye to so many dedicated and talented colleagues. We also know this will be hard for them, and for their families. For the staff who remain, the work of rebuilding will require commitment and fortitude. Thankfully, they are up to the task.
“Please stand by CBA during this difficult time. We remain committed to our mission: working alongside residents to build better futures at home, school, work, and in their neighborhoods. And we need you now, more than ever,” the letter continued. “As we navigate the road ahead, I ask you for your support, your wisdom, and your participation.”
In a phone call Thursday, Rivera said CBA finds itself in a similar place to a lot of organizations between the expiration of COVID-19 relief funding, an economy on unsteady ground and the Trump administration’s cuts to federal funding for nonprofit organizations.
“We had to take a hard look at our books and decide to take this action,” said Rivera, who was named CEO last month after serving as interim CEO for the prior eight months. “We wanted to do it in a responsible way to make sure we can still provide the same services to the community.”
The layoffs include nine full-time staff and two part-time staff, Rivera said, but for now they intend to maintain their current level of service across all of their programs, including the Youth Educational Success after-school program at CBA’s Moody Street center, and their English for Speakers of Other Languages courses.
As far as maintaining their work with their food pantry, Rivera said they are reviewing the program now to find a way to keep it going despite the layoffs and federal cuts for organizations like the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, which CBA sources food from.
CBA employees are unionized, Rivera said, noting that the union “fought hard for their union members,” before eventually reaching an agreement for a reduction of staff.
“It is not a great time to have to do this, because we know there is going to be more need now than ever,” said Rivera. “So we had to make sure we did it in a way where we can continue to serve people.”
There are a few avenues people could provide assistance to CBA, Rivera said. The annual Acre Cleanup event is set for April 26, which CBA would be seeking volunteers for regardless of layoffs. The 6 Degrees of the Acre fundraising event will take place June 26, and Rivera said they are seeking volunteers in general, especially to help with their food pantry. The pantry at 450 Merrimack St. is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Rivera said they need volunteers to distribute, pick up and drop off loads of food during those times. He also noted the organization still intends to expand the food pantry at 466 Merrimack St. as planned.
CBA is also seeking volunteers for the YES after-school program and their English language-learner programs. Any who wish to volunteer can reach out to Rivera at [email protected].
Even in a time of fear among immigrant communities amid a crackdown from the new Trump administration, Rivera said they will continue to support immigrants who seek out CBA services.
“That is the heart of this agency, and we will continue to do that,” said Rivera. “Even if it is a tough time to be supporting immigrants.”
Mostly, Rivera said he feels for the employees who had to be laid off.
“We know it has been painful for the people that have been impacted. As much as we talk business, there are a lot of people here sad to see them go,” said Rivera.
In a text Thursday, 18th Middlesex District state Rep. Tara Hong, whose district includes the Acre, said he was “saddened to hear the news about the layoffs at CBA.”
“My heart goes out to everyone affected. I’m committed to supporting CEO Dan Rivera and the CBA team as they continue to do the work our community needs.”