The Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) in Charles City has survived the latest DOGE cuts, but the program’s future remains uncertain.
A division of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors, program director Jennifer Lantz says over 75% of FGP’s funding has come from the federal government. Lantz says that, earlier this week, DOGE cut over $400 million from Americorps’ overall $1 billion budget.
Lantz says FGP in Charles City, which also coordinates services in Cerro Gordo, Mitchell and Chickasaw counties, did not receive an email, but other AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors grants in Iowa were notified that their grant is done. She adds that it’s unknown if more are coming, which would be extremely unfortunate for the elderly people who drive FGP.
Lantz adds many foster grandparents suffered severe depression during COVID, when they had to stay home and avoid contact in public.
Lantz notes that Americorps programs were in all 99 counties in Iowa, but the latest DOGE cuts eliminates 16 programs in the state and over 1000 programs across the US.
FGP has been in Charles City for 35 years, in North Iowa for 53 years, and just celebrated 60 years for the program nationally last week.
*To voice your support of Foster Grandparents, visit www.voicesforservice.org and click “Take Action.”
