As discussions about federal funding cuts continue, Caring Connection in Benton Harbor faces uncertainty regarding its financial support.
CEO Robin McGinnis indicated that the organization’s overall funding is still uncertain, putting them at significant risk.
“It depends on whether the federal government cuts Medicare and Medicaid, which is how the majority of our senior services are paid for,” McGinnis says. “The domestic violence and sexual assault program, that too depends on the federal government and whether they give the state of Michigan the money that we need.”
Programs that rely on federal funding include the domestic violence shelter, adult day services, and the safe and secure program, among others. McGinnis mentioned that the government has informed the organization of a substantial cut to the domestic violence and sexual assault program.
With state officials unsure about the future, McGinnis believes it may be necessary to start exploring potential solutions for the nonprofit.
“We have been meeting to discuss different scenarios and we’re not quite sure the plan until we know what the money is going to be,” McGinnis says. “So can we look for more volunteers to help us out? That’s certainly a possibility. Do we put a hiring freeze on? I mean all of those things are in discussion.”
McGinnis also shared that the Berrien Community Foundation and Corewell Health Foundation have reached out to offer assistance. She emphasized that local nonprofits will continue to stand up for what is right within the community.
