I am writing this in response to many of the articles generated regarding government program cutbacks and their disdain with that. I want to start by using the words: “work” and “balance.”

I am a retired social worker and worked for 35 plus years at a local hospital and the community. I visited people in their homes and saw their children in schools and in the community as well. During that time frame, I worked with several populations of people. I do feel we have a responsibility to help vulnerable populations like veterans, the elderly, children, etc., with government subsidies. I will add, however, that these subsidies were not or should not have been created for perpetuating long-term government dependence. But that is what is occurring in so many cases.

Instead, we should be encouraging help on a temporary basis until people get back on their feet again in the case of a setback. I believe in giving the people the tools they need for being independent and paying their own way through training programs and developing a trade/vocation. Help them to be proud of being self-sustaining instead of being forever dependent on government systems. I really believe you will see a drastic decrease in Mental Illness and substance abuse issues as a result.

Lisa Covitch

Altoona