Feb 2011 News

FROM THE DESK of AL WEST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Office of Human Concern (OHC)

Dear Friends:

I have been associated with the Office of Human Concern, Inc. (OHC) since 2003 and have not seen such a huge proposed cut in funding for our programs.

The Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives is proposing a cut of $100 Billion in the current fiscal year (2011) spread over a variety of domestic programs.

Among many of the domestic programs being cut, the Community Action program funded through a block grant (CSBG) is being slashed by 50%.  Understandably, cuts are going to be necessary, but in the mix…Community Action funds (CSBG) for OHC is cut in half now  (March 2011) by the House appropriators.  For the Office of Human Concern (OHC) in Rogers, this is a major blow to the future of OHC as an agency and with this cut of 50% OHC will be unable to support its programs.  Programs like energy assistance and a variety of food programs would disappear.  Should this happen for Senior Services, the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas (AAA) would assume the operation of our senior centers until another service provider could be found.  For Weatherization we can only hope that another non-profit agency would be able to add them to their other programs. 

 Like other community action agencies in Arkansas, OHC has used the CSBG funds to support programs such as Senior Services, Weatherization, Utility Assistance,  and to attract other funds to serve our communities,  as well as to launch new programs and services such as last year’s Farmer’s Market Senior Nutritional program.
Now is the time to contact your congressman and show your support of OHC to continue to provide close to $5 Million in programs in Benton, Carroll and Madison Counties.  We would encourage you to let the Arkansas delegation know what it would mean to you, if there was no community action in your community.
 

Contact:
Congressman Steve Womack
3333 Pinnacle Hills, Suite 120
Rogers, AR 72758
Phone: 479-464-0063

Senator John Boozman
213 W. Monroe, Suite K
Lowell, AR
Phone: 479-725-0400

Senator Mark Pryor
Attn: Steve Patterson, Chief of Staff
The River Market
500 Clinton Ave, Suite 401
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 479-725-0400