The society released plans of a ''restructure'' yesterday, saying it needed to change the way it operated to keep afloat.
This included closing its Hillside Rd op shop and disestablishing two full-time roles, leaving one full-time and one part-time employee.
Acting president Michael Harrison said the society had overspent for years and the committee decided it could not continue to operate in the same way.
''We've got to peel it right back so we can start moving forward. This is a watershed moment.''
The shop was closed before Christmas, and was expected to reopen briefly this week.
However, it could not because of building consent delays for internal work, including fixes in its kitchen.
The society would try to sell the building.
The shop was not financially viable as it required a full-time employee, Mr Harrison said.
Its closure was not related to staff performance, he added.
''With these changes it gives the society opportunities for the future.''
The financial struggles came from increasing competition for grants, which meant declining funding.
''Every organisation is in the same situation, but perhaps we're being a little more honest than a lot of others.''
Finance worries and other ''distractions'' had affected the organisation's ability to communicate with the public.
''We're still fighting the battle but we need to engage more with the community to get support that we're not getting from anywhere else.
''Financial and volunteer support is going to be really important.''
Last year the committee worked though legal issues with staff over personal grievance claims.
Mr Harrison said he could not speak specifically about the incidents.
''I can't say it made everybody happy but the issues have been concluded.
''It was a tough year for the committee.''
