Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) is announcing a change in hours for Community Services at its Moniteau County Family Resource Center. Community Services will now be available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community Services staff provide such services as Energy Assistance and Family Support and work to engage the community to end poverty. As a result, applications for summer emergency energy assistance can be made by appointment only. Applicants are reminded that in order to qualify, there must be a shutoff notice dated after June 1.
The decision to reduce Community Services two days per week was a result of a reduction in Community Services Block Grant funding from the 2011 Federal Budget. The reduction in funding reflects the 2011 budget Congress passed in March, six months after the federal fiscal year began. Staffing changes are necessary to operate within the available funding.
Further cuts in funding are anticipated in the next fiscal year as Congress looks to the 2012 federal budget.
Darin Preis, Executive Director for CMCA, said, "the shifting CMCA is undergoing now is a step in the right direction to ready us for cuts that come later down the line. This is a very challenging time for community action agencies and the participants in our programs. As our economy begins to show signs of recovery, we hope Congress will consider the devastating effects further withdrawal of federal investment will have on our community and identify a more balanced approach to deficit reduction in the next Federal Fiscal Year."
To find out how to support the sustainability of CMCA, access advocacy tools and find out additional information please contact Darin Preis at [email protected] or call (573) 443-8706 or visit www.friendsofcmca.org.
CMCA serves eight counties to empower individuals and families to achieve self-reliance through a variety of programs. By providing Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Head Start and Early Head Start, Employment and Training, Foster Grandparents, Housing Development and Family Support services, the agency assists people in poverty cope with everyday emergencies while also providing educational and personal development opportunities to overcome poverty.