Pulaski County Human Services Director Jackie Frain recently approached the county commissioners humbly requesting funds to keep the organization afloat. Frain says that another budget cut is on its way in July, and they’re already struggling to stay above water. She said that her oganization has not requested money from the commissioners in eight years because they were previously able to raise funds and receive grants to cover what shortfalls they had, but with the additional budget cut on its way down, she fears the worst.
Frain requested a $40,000 “shot in the arm,” which she says would help them get through the summer months. She says that because her organization does not do fundraising for themselves, but rather lets smaller groups organize fundraisers for them, they have been receiving overwhelming support for the food pantry– but food doesn’t pay the bills.
Frain says they have cut down their organization to three full-time employees and four part-time employees, some of whom work less than 20 hours per week. Frain presented statistics to the commissioners explaining how they help a large portion of the Pulaski County population.
The commissioners took her request under advisement to allow them time to get a feel for how the county council would like to handle the situation. The matter is expected to be discussed further at the next meeting of the county commissioners, to take place May 21 at 8 a.m. ET.
