‘It’s dire:’ Bartlett Center grapples with funding emergency as cuts threaten organization

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Every morning begins with a glimmer of hope for LaTonya Williams, executive director of the Bartlett Center, as she carries out the first of daily searches for potential grant opportunities.

For the many non-profits and social service groups scrambling in the wake of drastic cuts to grant funding, it's more than just assistance; it’s a vital lifeline drying up. 

"I look every afternoon over naptime in the building, since it's usually kind of quiet. And I look every night before I go to bed, just in case I missed something," Williams said. "In the past, it was easier. But that's all kind of dried up now."

The Bartlett Center, a critical support system for more than 200 kids and families each year, is sounding the alarms about a drastic reduction in outside funding sources that have long supported operations. They range from licensed preschool and childcare services to afterschool and family resource services, among many others.

Established in 1939 in Midtown, St. Joseph, the Bartlett Center is now operating at less than 40% of its regular funding capacity compared to previous years, despite key support from the City and the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.

Until now, a majority of its grant funding -- a total of around $200,000 -- came from outside organizations in the form of federal grant awards or donations, which have either been eliminated or frozen.

"That (40%) is on a good month, if that. When I say things are really dire, I mean extreme," she said. "If enrolling more kids means I need another member of the staff, then I'm not able to enroll more kids."

It's a reality that's caused lost sleep and mounting stress for her and others working overtime -- sometimes 18-hour days in a variety of roles -- to help maintain services, particularly as the number of parents seeking childcare continues to grow.

The Bartlett Center currently provides support for newborns all the way up to high schoolers, with students from nearly a dozen schools across all age levels. It's a major lifeline for parents, as well, who often struggle to find childcare services in St. Joseph, which is often regarded as a childcare desert.

"I'm looking at these parents, and I know that I'm their only avenue, and at times now I have to tell them no, and it breaks my heart every single time," she said. "A majority of our kids are those other agencies are not able to accommodate. And we're able to do that."

That includes assistance for kids with developmental disabilities like autism. A large number of kids come from very challenging home environments or have been through trauma, including some who have faced homelessness.

Williams has seen many cases where stable and consistent childcare has helped parents maintain jobs, particularly if an emergency arises and the parent is unable to leave work, highlighting the greater role childcare services play in family stability.

"So it's also an employer issue. So employers want their employees to work, but you can't come to work if they don't have childcare," said Tama Wagner, member of the Bartlett Center Board of Directors.

Add to it the fact that many households have had to balance growing challenges with rising costs, and in recent weeks, uncertainties about the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds.

Despite near-daily concerns about the future of the center, Williams was adamant: Closing is not an option. 

With most staff working hourly, the center has had to streamline services to ensure staffing can be maintained for all programs.

Prior to the latest funding cuts, the Bartlett Center was experiencing a gradual decline in financial support post-COVID-19. Williams is aware of the similar challenge that many other organizations are facing.

"Even a year ago, I was able to apply for a grant for special needs or inclusionary efforts. I'm no longer able to do that. It plays a really big part in this," Williams said. "It's easy to say. It's a preschool. It's a daycare. It's an afterschool. No, it's way more than that. We give people a lifeline."

The Bartlett Center has a storied place in St. Joseph's history. Named after the Rev. George A. Bartlett, the center began as one of the few places in St. Joseph where Black residents could gather for recreation, education and civic engagement.

Post segregation, the center has since evolved into an all-encompassing organization, offering spaces for youth athletics, community outreach and academic support to pair with childcare and afterschool programs.

“Bartlett Center has a long history of stepping up for families. We’re committed to providing high-quality youth, family, and community resources, and we’re grateful for the staff, partners, and supporters who help make this mission possible," Bartlett Center Board President Jayne Roberts said. "“Our board is dedicated to ensuring Bartlett Center remains a trusted, transparent, and mission-driven resource for the families we serve.

As Bartlett Center officials exhaust efforts to strengthen financial support, they're staying optimistic, particularly as the state prepares to roll out a new child care subsidy model designed to provide more financial stability for providers. 

The program shifts subsidy payments to a “pay on enrollment” mode at the beginning of the month based on authorized enrollment, not just attendance as previously. 

"It will enroll at the beginning of the year. And that's going to be a game changer," Williams said. "It's a new day and we're adjusting. We need a new plan, a new business model moving forward."