COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Hard work. Low pay. That's what 35 members of City Year are doing to make a difference in Columbus' inner-city schools.
The community service organization faces a 44 percent cut in city funding next year and a six percent cut in funding from United Way.
To be proactive, the organization has cut as much as possible.
Current funding comes from the city of Columbus and state and federal commissions for community service.
City Year plans to ask its national leaders at its Boston headquarters for more funding if Columbus' income tax hike doesn't pass in the special election Tuesday, August 4.
A call for help also will go out to its corporate sponsors, but some of them are even cutting back.
City Year allows people ages 17 to 24 to perform 1,700 hours of community service in exchange for a modest stipend of $160 per week before taxes.
Those who complete the program receive an educational award of $4,750. But participants said the valuable lessons they learn about teamwork, leadership and diversity mean much more than the money.
Columbus city council was to vote on a possible $63,050 in funding for City Year Monday night.
City Year received more than $60,000 in city funds Monday night, but the money did not come from general funds; it came from bed tax money raised when out-of-towners and others stay in hotels or motels.
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