Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Cub Center
Proposed federal budget cuts could significantly impact the Young County-Olney Senior Cub Center, which is already grappling with shrinking revenue, rising costs, and growing community need.
Cub Center Director Angela Lockard told the Enterprise that the Center was recently warned of a delayed payment from the Area Agency on Aging, the primary source of federal support for its nutrition and transportation programs. The delay would have pushed back reimbursement for services provided in April, with the first missed payment expected in June. However, Mrs. Lockard said the agency has since reinstated funding for the current fiscal year, offering only temporary relief.
“We were told funding from the Area Agency on Aging would be delayed with the first delayed payment in June, which covers April units served,” she said. “This includes the nutrition program and transportation program. We have since been informed funding has been reinstated for this FY2025 and to expect cuts for the coming fiscal year.”
Even without the cuts, the Center is operating under financial strain. “This year has already been extremely tight,” Mrs. Lockard said, citing an 18 percent drop in revenue compared to fiscal years 2023 and 2024. At the same time, expenses are up—11 percent from last year and 23 percent from two years ago.
The House-passed federal budget bill, approved May 22, proposes deep cuts to SNAP and Medicaid programs, which Mrs. Lockard warned could worsen the burden on local providers like the Senior Cub Center.
“Under the bill passed by the House, this would pass the burden to the states. That means that Senior Centers and Meals on Wheels are going to see an increased need for services, but inadequate funding to meet that need,” she said.
The Center already has been forced to reduce its Meals on Wheels delivery roster, placing more than a dozen clients on a waiting list, Mrs. Lockard said. Despite these challenges, the Senior Center Board of Directors has authorized the use of the organization’s financial reserves to maintain current service levels while they pursue additional funding sources.
Annual revenue for the Cub Center includes a mix of state and federal reimbursements for services, foundation grants, client contributions, private donations, and local fundraisers. Mrs. Lockard said she hopes the uncertainty surrounding federal funding will motivate community members to step up.
“Hopefully, this will all be considered by donors as they are looking to support the Center,” she said.