The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau says employing teens in its summer job program has been difficult because of the lack of donations and grants available in the faltering economy.

Officials at the bureau say funding was slashed $20,000 this year. The bureau, which places at least 200 teens at jobs in the city each summer and pays them, operates completely on grants and donations. The teens are provided with on-the-job training and work experience they may not otherwise get at less prestigious summer positions.

Despite losing money to operate the organization and pay the teens, the bureau says it will focus on helping young people with the resources available.