InterServ sees funding slash due to government shutdown

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Interfaith Community Services, Inc. (InterServ) announced the alteration of its services to seniors and adjusted operational hours at its Community Center.

According to a press release from InterServ, several of its programs have seen funding slashed due to the recent government shutdown.

The agency will see a significant reduction in funding for its Senior In-Home Services and Senior Nutrition Services.

Due to the cuts in the Senior Nutrition Services Program, InterServ will serve congregate meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on Monday, Nov. 10.

Cuts within the local program have also affected the Meals on Wheels Program.

Seniors who rely on these meals every day will only receive three total meals per week.

The InterServ Community Center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. Youth Programs will operate regularly out of their own facilities- 228 Cherokee and Northside locations. Mitchell Woods child care will operate under regular hours as well.

Contracted funding from the local Young at Heart Resources was reduced by 75% on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown and the failed attempts to pass a Continued Resolution (CR) for the previously approved budget.

The cuts to the state agency have trickled down to the local level.

InterServ officials said it will continue to monitor the status of funding sources generated out of Washington, D.C. However, the changes to InterServ's hours of operation will remain in place until the end of 2025.

For questions concerning the affected programming or how community members can help support the programs, contact InterServ at 816-238-4511 or via email at rd@interservstjoe.org.

InterServ has been providing services to St. Joseph and the surrounding communities since 1909.