BROWNSVILLE – Hundreds of employees that were laid off from Southwest Key Programs in Cameron County returned to hear from the founder of the organization.

Dr. Juan Sanchez said the layoffs were necessary because of the significant decrease in the number of unaccompanied minors entering the Rio Grande Valley.

The meeting happened at the Brownsville Event Center.

Dr. Sanchez said 48 percent of their government funded budget was cut.

“What we’re telling people is that they’re being terminated. We don’t have a choice. Thousands of kids would come here three months ago and then all sudden from serving 3,000 kids to 2,500 to today a little over 800,” he said. “We’re thanking them. We’re giving them whatever benefits we can until the end of May or the middle of June. We also have Workforce here. They can talk about job opportunities that may exist.”

Dr. Sanchez said he hopes to continue working within the juvenile justice system.

He said he will continue to work with youth through La Esperanza Home for Boys and any future projects that may come.