Streator Unlimited has had to cut staff hours because of a reduction in cash flow from the state.

The organization that serves people with disabilities recently released its fiscal year 2009 annual report. Changes in staff compensation include a reduction in scheduled weekly hours, a doubling of contribution to health insurance and a reduction in the 401(k) match from 3 percent to 1 percent for calendar year 2010.

"It has been hard on our employees to have less income," Executive Director John Mallaney told The Times. "They work very hard. They're very dedicated to the people they serve. We haven't had to lay anyone off."

Despite the cuts and changes Streator Unlimited is experiencing, Mallaney feels most proud of his staff and their continuing efforts during the economic crunch.

"It's the dedication of staff (I'm most proud of)," Mallaney said. "I have an overall gratitude that people are so dedicated."

With the state's budget crisis, the organization has had to seek funding through loans and fundraisers.

"Definitely the challenges of being funded by the state of Illinois in two ways: they've gotten behind in payments and we've had to take out loans," Mallaney said. "It's continuing to hold an axe over our head, so to speak."

Even though the fundraisers help Streator Unlimited, it's difficult for them to make up for the majority of funding expected from the state.

"(Fundraisers) help just a little bit," Mallaney said. "It hasn't been a great economy. They help preserve things but they can't totally cure the problem for us."

Mallaney said Streator Unlimited is creatively dealing with the reduction in funds.

"We're trying to spend as little as we can while providing services," he said. "We ask people for donations, and we try to bring in contract work."

The organization does, however, have good to report as well.

"We're hoping to get funding for Knox Estates through federal stimulus money," Mallaney said. "It's a 50-50 chance. We should know in four to six weeks."

If funding comes through for Knox Estates, the group home will be downsized from a 16-bed facility to two eight-bed facilities. Mallaney anticipates the change providing all residents with their own bedroom, as well as flexibility with activities the residents would like to do.

A project in the works for next year includes the construction of a large vegetable garden behind the main building, if some soil is donated.

"It will be a learning experience for people we serve, and they will also be able to enjoy the benefits," Mallaney said. "We'll find a lot of help if we're able to move that forward."

Streator Unlimited's annual report is available at www.streatorunlimited.org.