Residents said they oppose the city's proposed cuts to the Adaptive Recreations Program, which provides arts and recreation services at Paquin Towers.

The City of Columbia is proposing to cut the program from the new budget. The program costs the city $88,000 a year. It is available not only to residents at Paquin but all Columbia Residents.

"The council has asked proposal for a scaled back Paquin program. We believe that we can provide very basic service for about $61,000 net. That's what's one the table right now," said City Manager Bill Watkins.

Ann Doherty, a resident at Paquin Towers, participates in the Adaptive Recreations Program. Thirteen years ago, she was in a car accident that changed her life.

The Adaptive Recreations Program helps her by providing monthly trips to restaurants, fitness walks, crafting, and grocery shopping.

"It would be very difficult for me to get what I needed because I had to give up my car," Doherty said.

Now the city wants to slash or limit the program because of budget cuts.

"It's a pretty flat budget here, so we are looking to save as much money as possible," said Third Ward Council Representative Karl Skala.

Paquin residents gathered about 150 signatures from Columbians to defend the program that helps them forget about their disabilities.

"It keeps us alive, keeps us from sitting in our rooms and doing nothing. We just want to live in peace," said Paquin resident Orene Henderson.

Paquin residents said more than 3,500 benefited from the program in June. Residents plan to attend the next council session to express their opposition to the possible cuts in the program.