Local Medical Clinic Lays Off 50 Employees

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Funded by federal grants, and in part your federal stimulus dollars, and now out of cash, a local medical clinic walks out dozens of workers.

Maureen York says she'd be in wheelchair if it wasn't for her doctor at "The Effort", a non-profit health clinic.   But when she showed up for her appointment this week, her doctor was gone.

"All of my appointments were cancelled for no reason! And that's terrifying for someone in my position," says Maureen.

Making matters worse, Maureen can's get refills on her medication until she sees her doctor, and she says no one at "The Effort" will explain what's going on.

"I want my doctor back.  There's no reason for this," she says.

CBS13 tried to get some answers for Maureen, but an employee told us no one will comment on the layoffs.

"We will be hiring more people to expand our services," said Robert Caulk.

Former CEO Robert Caulk said that in March of 2009, right after "The Effort" received $13 million in stimulus funds.   Employees say he stepped down two weeks ago, and soon after, a meeting took place where approximately 50 people were let go with no explanation.  According to a former employee, they were told "we can't make payroll, so you have two days."

"I feel terrible for them.  They don't deserve this," says Maureen.