photo by: Dylan Lysen/Lawrence Journal-World

A Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence vehicle is pictured on July 9, 2021.

Citing expected government cuts, the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence has announced a “reduction in force” that will affect dozens of employees.

The Boys and Girls Club, in a Monday news release, said that on Friday it announced “a necessary reduction in force,” resulting in “the elimination of seven positions and impacting more than 20 staff members.”

The release notes the the club historically relied on government funding to sustain its programming. It said that this year the group is projecting a budget shortfall exceeding $650,000 and that the deficit could grow to $1 million in anticipation of further funding cuts.

Laci Maltbie, the CEO of the club, said in the release that this reduction in force represents a difficult decision that became necessary “in order to protect the long-term health of the Club.” Despite the cuts, Maltbie said the programs and services for the club would “continue as normal.” The club is a major provider of after-school programs in the Lawrence community.

“The children, families, and employees who are part of the BGCLK family are our priority and our commitment to them is unwavering,” Maltbie said in the release.

The club operates in 12 locations in Lawrence and serves more than 1,300 youths each year — including 40% of Lawrence elementary school students.

The Journal-World emailed Maltbie a detailed list of questions asking for clarifications on if any workers were let go; whether the Club had a reduction in funding from federal, state or local governments or a combination of funding; how much of the Club’s overall budget is changed by the reduction in force and if there will be disruptions to its programming, among other questions. Maltbie had not responded to the full list of questions by press time.

This is a developing story and will be updated.