CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Putting people before politics is the focus of a conference between religious leaders and Senator Joe Manchin Monday morning.

Senator Manchin will meet with, and hear from, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, of the West Virginia Conference, as well as everyday families concerned about the loss of federal programs and benefits that meet the basic needs of people.

Bishop Ball says the the potential cuts can really impact those already struggling to make ends meet.

"The faith community needs to take the responsibility to be the voice for children, for vulnerable adults who don't have a voice at the table but are greatly affected by the decisions made there," said Ball.

Nikki Kinder is a student at Marshall University who says she relies on a grant to help fund her higher education.

"I grew up in a single-parent household so they don't have the funds to allow me to go to school so I would definitely have loans for the rest of my life verses being in school without any loans and I will graduate with possibly less than $10,000 in loans which I'm very thankful for," Kinder said.

Nearly 100 attended Monday's conference with Senator Manchin.