SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The White House estimates 2,300 disadvantaged and vulnerable children could be affected statewide if those looming automatic spending cuts take effect.
With the Sequester around the corner, there will be less money coming from Washington which will affect key social programs already feeling the financial pinch.
"Just the feeling of not being able to support your child is a terrible feeling to have," says local mother Lindsey Sheedy, a single mother raising 3-year-old Cadence
Along with Sheedy, close to 150 Schenectady County families lost their childcare subsidy at the end of last year.
Consequently, her childcare expenses skyrocketed from $84 a week to nearly $300 - a cost she could not afford - forcing her to temporarily leave her job to take care of her daughter.
"I honestly have no idea where I'd be if it wasn't for my family because they've helped me every step of the way," said Sheedy.
In recent years, counties have been receiving less money from the state and federal government to help - which means they've had to drop families who previously qualified.
The Workforce Development Institute tried to pick up the slack, which Ed Murphy says is why they've already run out of money this fiscal year.
"We're waiting to see what we get in the next budget, so between December 31st and April 1st, those people are without child care," said Murphy.
And the problem is spreading.
Close to 200 Albany County families are set to lose their subsidy in July and 100 in Rensselaer County by the end of the year.
And if the automatic spending cuts take effect, it'll only exacerbate the financial pain.
And by now not having that little bit of help she needs - Lindsey's plans to better her and her daughter's futures must be placed on hold.
"It's tragic to work with them. It really is. We find so many courageous people who are going to work and raising their kids and have hope in America and in the future. And then they feel like they get slapped down," said Murphy.
"It feels weird not working. I love every minute I'm spending with her now, but it's really taking a hit because I feel like I'm going down instead of up," said Sheedy.
If no deal is reached in Washington, the sequester kicks in Friday.
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