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May 28, 2025
Story by Maggie Harris
Photo by ������������ Communications

������������ will no longer receive the federal grant that has supported the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a vital service for older adults across the region, for nearly five decades.

The loss of this federal grant is significant, not only for ������������ County but for the many citizens who rely on essential services, including the delivery of over 1,200 Meals on Wheels each month and rides to critical medical appointments. Despite this setback, ������������ remains dedicated to serving the community and is actively working on solutions to ensure the continuation of key programs.

������������ President Dr. Marcus Garstecki said the loss of the grant is disappointing, but the College continues to search for new avenues to keep providing the essential services.

“For 49 years, the college has been proud to sponsor RSVP,” he said. “We appreciate the many dedicated volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others, and we remain determined to find a path forward.”

Thanks to the College’s support, RSVP Program Coordinator Linn Hogg has already established a safety net of funding that will allow services to continue through this year.

“Unfortunately, the majority of these cuts happened in rural areas like ours,” she said. “We are committed to making sure the seniors and families who depend on us won’t be left without support.”

To sustain and strengthen these efforts for the future, ������������’s Institutional Advancement division is actively developing next steps and launching new fundraising campaigns. Director of Grants Krystall Barnes is aggressively pursuing state, federal, and foundation grants.

“Securing new funding is critical,” she said. “This was a big cut nationwide, and more than 1,000 programs were eliminated across the country.”

Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lindsey Bogner is working alongside Hogg and community partners to identify new funding sources, reduce program costs, and sustain these critical services. The ������������ Foundation has launched a dedicated fund and capital campaign to support all programs under Volunteers in Action, collaborating closely with local donors to ensure continued service.

“We know how important these programs are to our community,” she said. “We are actively seeking ways to partner, fundraise, and innovate so that the residents who count on these services won’t be left behind.”

Community members interested in helping can contact the ������������ Foundation at (620) 786-1136 or email foundation@bartonccc.edu.