More cuts in 2012 for ARC and others?

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Though he's been known to call himself "Walter" from time to time, Eric spends his days at ARC Gateway, pruning and digging in the plant nursery, until the plants look perfect and presentable.

"He is spectacular with the customer service, he's very out-going, loves the greeting the people who come in," said Events and Communication Director Angela Kullman.

Eric has Down syndrome. He works in the nursery while his parents are at work. He, and many clients like him, rely on the services ARC provides.

The benefits of ARC's plant nursery are two-fold. Not only does it give its workers a sense of pride in their job, but it's also a main source of income for the organization.

Facing yet another budget crisis, that income has never been more important.

In Tallahassee, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities tries to get a budget worked out with lawmakers that will fill the holes left by recent cuts. Early estimates have them needing nearly another $50 million, meaning agencies under them like ARC will feel the pinch.

Clients like Eric could lose services.

"You're not just talking about closing a program, you're not just talking about numbers and bringing a budget back into alignment," Kullman said. "Behind every number there's a family that is impacted by this and their loved one may not have the support to live independently, or maybe they would have to bring this person back into their house and provide care there. It spirals out from there and affects the family and beyond that the community as a whole."

There are also approximately 19,000 people on a waiting list, desperately hoping services will come their way soon. Agencies are bracing to turn thousands away, and maybe even say goodbye to some familiar faces.

"I don't want to see them miss a day of coming here, and being a part of growing plants and greeting customers, and making every life that they touch a little better," Kullman said. "These are some of the vulnerable citizens in our community, and they are not able to tell their own stories in a lot of cases, they are not able to get up in front of the people who are making these decisions and explain why it's important to maintain these services."

The Florida House has stepped up, offering an additional $65 million to the budget.

We're still waiting for the Senate's answer, but State Senator Greg Evers was not optimistic, saying it's far too early to tell. The agencies won't know for sure until the numbers are crunched.

Still, as ARC's flowers are in full bloom in just early February.

"It does seem like things are blooming early this year," Kullman said.

Many are optimistic of what 2012 has to bring. Maybe, ARC's future is as bright as the flowers.

You can help ARC Gateway by buying plants in the plant nursery or volunteering in one of their many positions.