Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) and Senior Centers
The Bittersweet Future of Senior Centers
In a move that has sent shockwaves through southwestern and central Arkansas, the Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) has decided not to renew its contract to manage eight regional senior activity centers. This decision comes after a decade of financial losses totaling over million, compounded by rising inflation costs for food, fuel, and utilities. The council cited shrinking funding options from federal and local sources, especially as COVID-19 funds begin to dwindle.
The Immediate Aftermath
The CADC’s unanimous vote at an emergency board meeting on May 13 meant that the nonprofit’s contract will come to an end on October 31. After that, the management of these senior centers will revert back to the state’s West Central Area Agency on Aging (WCAAA) and CareLink non-profit corporations. The transition is expected to be challenging, given that the CADC will deplete its reserves to pay for the remaining two months’ worth of salaries for its 540 employees, estimated at 0,000 every two weeks.
Financial Stresses Mount
Losses have been mounting steadily for the CADC. In 2021, they reported a loss of 0,000. This figure increased to 6,000 in 2022 and .5 million in 2023. The council expects to end 2024 with an overall deficit of up to .3 million—a first for them. Despite their efforts to manage these losses, senior centers like the Murfreesboro one face an uncertain future. The center already operates on a reduced schedule of three days a week.
Community Efforts Sought
Barbara Flowers, the Executive Director of WCAAA, has emphasized that all options are on the table to keep the centers open. This includes potentially reducing the number of operating days to three days a week. The community is rallying together to find a solution. CareLink CEO Luke Mattingly has expressed his commitment to trying to save all centers but acknowledges that it won’t be easy. He has stated that they will do everything possible to ensure the survival of these vital community assets.
Nutritional Programs Continue
Despite the uncertainty surrounding senior center operations, an essential program under the CADC continues: the USDA Commodity Food program. This program distributes canned and packaged foods to eligible households in the service area, aiming to enhance the nutritional status of children, seniors, and communities.
Community Concerns
Seniors are deeply concerned about the potential closure of these centers, which not only provide physical activities but also serve as community hubs. Local seniors were part of a recent meeting attended by state, county, and local elected representatives. They emphasized the importance of these centers and the need for ongoing support from local authorities to ensure their continued operation.
The future remains uncertain for these regional senior activity centers, but the community is holding out hope for a last-minute resolution that will allow them to stay open and continue serving their vital functions within the community.
