The St. Paul-based Amherst H. Wilder Foundation has announced that it is eliminating several programs and will refocus its priorities as part of a budget-cutting strategy.

Over the last five years, the foundation, which operates more than seventy health and human services programs in the metro area, has seen the total cost of those programs increase faster than its revenues. Coupled with a 17 percent drop in the value of its endowment and a slower than expected economic recovery, the foundation was forced to take action to preserve its endowment for future generations. To that end, it will reduce its annual endowment spending and budget by 35 percent and will discontinue its children's placement services, home health agency and homemaker services, employment services with correctional facilities, housing management services, and neighborhood leadership programs.

The program cancellations will eliminate some 260 jobs and affect some 5,000 individuals and families, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune reports.

After the cuts have been implemented, the foundation will focus its efforts on children and families, the elderly, and community research and leadership, with an emphasis on low-income, at-risk, and otherwise vulnerable members of the community. Programs in these areas will include community mental health services, services for caregivers, home-delivered meals, and the Youth Leadership Initiative.

"Going forward, our more focused organization will continue to be a leading social services provider for those most in need of our assistance," said Wilder Foundation president Tom Kingston. "We are committed to convening the community around critical issues and working with our partners to address the emerging needs of East Metro residents. Our decision to redefine our strategic direction will ensure that Wilder continues to address community needs today and for future generations."