Sequestration could impact Fort Myers non-profit which caters to elderly

By Julie Salomone

CREATED Feb. 25, 2013

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  • Sequestration could impact Fort Myers non-profit which caters to the elderly. Video by fox4now.com

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- Congress needs to act by Friday or automatic budget cuts known as the sequester will target education, the military and government services. 

A Fort Myers non-profit which caters to the elderly could be in trouble if cuts happen.

Dee Moore is the mother of 11 kids and she's now in her 80s. When her daughter goes to work, Dee goes to the Senior Friendship Centers in Lee County, a non-profit that serves the elderly. 

"What does this place mean to you?" I asked. 

"It means alot. I have people to talk to and not sit home by myself," said Moore. 
 
Non-profits like this one could face possible cuts, if Congress fails to act by Friday.
 
"We at the moment are looking at placing a hold on adding new clients and seeing what happens with the funding," said Nancy Green-Irwin, Executive Director of Senior Friendship Centers. 
 
The executive director says they do get federal funding. They also receive funding from the state and private donations, but any cuts would jeopardize their daycare services and meal programs. 
 
"These may be the only meals they receive during the day and can't afford food or have to decide between medication and rent," said Green-Irwin.
 
There are already seniors on a waiting list to get meals and at-home services. Green-Irwin fears any cuts could hurt their overall mission.
 
"We serve those most fragile, the most at-risk at being placed in a nursing home and those with low income." 
 
The need to help the elderly will only continue to grow with time says Green-Irwin. She wants this organization to be able to help everyone with open arms.
 
The non-profit has served Lee County for nearly 40 years and keeps the elderly from having to go to a nursing home which is often a very expensive option.
 
For more information visit: www.friendshipcenters.org or call (239) 275-1881.