Ann Haas speaks at February Lion meeting

STILLMAN VALLEY – Ann Haas, executive director of the Rock River Center, spoke at the February meeting of the Stillman Valley Lions. She spoke of the many services the center provides to the senior citizens of the area – Medicare counseling, transportation, education, low vision services, games, drivers ed. and other quality of life programs. She mentioned that their “new” facility is full (service statistics expanded by 62% in 2 years) and reviewed their funding situation. About 1/3 of their funding comes from state and federal grants and they are one of the area’s United Way agencies. Due to financial cutbacks by the State of Illinois, over half of United Way agencies are using up their cash reserves, more than 1/4 are contemplating having to close if the situation continues, about 1/3 have had layoffs and 6% have been skipping payrolls according to Ann.

“Taking care of the least of these” is apparently not a prevailing philosophy in Springfield.

Pictured with Ms. Haas are Tom Goral, who is on the committee for the RRC What’s Cookin’ fundraiser to take place at Barnacopia on March 12, and SV Lions President Marty Typer who also is Vice President of the RRC board. Courtesy photo