In the latest round of layoffs, Focus on the Family has let go 110 workers, reducing its staff to 750--and by nearly half from eight years ago.

Announcing a $27 million reduction in its budget earlier this month, the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based organization said that the move was "necessitated by twin economic challenges."

Gary Schneeberger, Focus' vice president of ministry communications, cited the continuing economic downturn and the February departure of the organization's founder James Dobson.

"Business analysts say it's not unusual to see organizations transitioning from a founder's leadership to lose 50% or more of their support," Schneeberger said. "We feel blessed that even though the pain of these reductions is very real, we have not been affected to that degree. We still expect to receive more than $100 million this year from our friends--that's a lot of resources to do a lot of good work."

The cut in its workforce focused in the information technology, communications and legal departments, Focus officials said. Most of the staff impacted by the latest layoffs will remain on the payroll until Aug. 20. Besides severance packages, counseling and job placement were offered.

There were only minimal reductions in Focus' "core mission and competencies" such as its daily radio broadcast, Web site content and resources for couples and parents, Focus officials said.

"This is not a happy time, obviously, having to say goodbye to some of our ministry family," Schneeberger said. "But our mission, and the measure of our success, isn't how many of us work here, it's whether those of us who work here are helping families thrive. We are, and we will keep doing so robustly."

Focus' 2010-11 financial year budget was slashed to $105 million--a $27 million reduction from last year's budget. Focus' budget for the 2008-09 financial year was $160 million. Schneeberger told Christian Retailing that donations were down approximately $19 million compared to budgeted income for the financial year, which begun Oct. 1, 2009.

Schneeberger added that the organization will continue to promote responsible social policy that benefits families through the leadership of Focus President and CEO Jim Daly.

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