Senior centers adjust state cuts

At the Indian River Senior center in Millsboro they are doing more, with less. 

Program organizer Janet Laws, says they are just starting to feel the effects of state budget cuts announced this summer. 

"We lost 20% of the funding that we get from the state which amounts to $33,000. So right now we have to find ways to get the $33,000 in addition to what we need to run the center."

The center serves about 1200 seniors in the area and is looking for ways to keep things running smoothly. 

Fees for meals and events aimed at keeping seniors connected to their community are being re-worked to make up for the money the center has lost this fiscal year. 

Center organizers say this year they are stuffing these envelopes and sending them out and asking for donations to make up the money they lost from the state.

"We are sending out membership donation letters just like a lot of the fire companies and other organizations do."

Besides the donation letters,  the center is relying more on kind-hearted volunteers like, Sheila Morgan, who are helping to stretch the non-profit's dollars during meal time. 

Morgan says she is working with the revised food budget and has been able to serve nutritious meals to clients.

"I've taken over doing a lot of the cooking on Wednesday for the seniors. It's really hurting and we don't want to cut anything else out on these people. For some people this is their only form of recreation."

Executive director, Janet Laws, says she hopes lawmakers will rethink the cuts because most seniors are on fixed incomes.

Legislators thought they would be able to save and cut the seniors which to me is one of those most vulnerable segment of the population right now."