Written by Adrian Jamieson, CASI Executive Director
What does $3.3 billion in federal funding really mean for families in Southern Indiana? For some, it means warmth in the winter. For others, it means access to a doctor when it matters most. On May 12th, CASI hosted a public panel highlighting the importance of federal funding to nonprofits and the community in Southern Indiana.
Panelists:
Dr. Beth Keeney, LifeSpring Health Systems
Brad Wood, Ohio Valley Opportunities
Shilese Stover, Southern Indiana Works
Moderator: Adrian Jamieson, Community Action of Southern Indiana
According to the Urban Institute, nonprofits in Indiana have $3.3B in federal grants to facilitate throughout the state of Indiana for various purposes. The panelists shared some of the impacts of some of these dollars.
Dr. Beth Keeney highlighted the value of accessible, low cost physical and mental health to the community. “It means [being a Federally Qualified Health Center] that nobody has to go without healthcare… You don’t have to default to the emergency room, you can access the right level of care, at the right time.” As a Federally Qualified Health Center, LifeSpring is able to accept all patients, regardless of their access to insurance.
Community Action Agencies, such as OVO and CASI have also traditionally leveraged significant federal resources to support local communities. Speaking on the Energy Assistance Program, Brad Wood shared the life saving impact of the program. “This past winter, we assisted over 5,700 families…it’s a program that helps hardworking families during the cold winter months not freeze.”
Over the past year, SIW has worked to expand one of its federally funded programs. “Indiana’s JAG program is among the best in the nation…We have over 21 JAG programs regionally – we’ve grown. But, the current Indiana State budget does not include funding for JAG,” said Shilese Stover. The State of Indiana receives its funding for this program through several Federal funding sources.
All organizations highlighted the importance of overcoming misconceptions associated with their programs. Adrian Jamieson shared, “I think the most common misconception I have to overcome is that, the work that we offer doesn’t create impact beyond the single service. So as an example, how does providing someone with a food box move them out of poverty? When we know that providing food to families frees up financial resources for other needs like housing and transportation, it improves health, and it creates a stronger sense of community.”
Click here to watch the full recording of the panel.
