The Learning Connection is calling for public support after its funding was reduced by The United Way of the Flint Hills.
The United Way allocated $18,750 to the program this year, down from $27,500 in 2006. According to local United Way director Duane Dreiling, the new funding level represents about 63 percent of The Learning Connection’s budget.
“We had the same amount of money to allocate to agencies as we did last year,” Dreiling said. “After looking at the number of patrons served and the impact, our committee and board felt they were obligated to put money into programs that were meeting more of the critical needs of the people in our community.”
“That was not an easy decision at all,” he added. “It’s not that any of the programs are less important. We just feel we have an obligation ... to put the money where the greatest need is in our community.”
Cheryl Patton, the director of The Learning Connection, said the United Way’s decision was a “breathtaking surprise.” Without a replacement for that funding, she said, The Learning Connection would not be able to keep the doors open.
“Right now, we can go with our full program, full steam, for about a month,” she said. After that, she said, its survival would be month-to-month.
She said the agency wasn’t doing anything different, other than trying to adjust the classes it offered to meet the target areas set by the United Way. About 41 percent of the classes hit a target area, she said.
“If the classes aren’t the kind that appeal to people to come, then we don’t have the statistics,” Patton said. “So we’re darned if we do and darned if we don’t.”
According to its application, Dreiling said, about 935 people were served by Learning Connection courses in 2006. The prior year’s application showed 1,593 served.
Patton said that counting classes and programs, 1,144 people were served in 2006. Figures from 2005 weren’t immediately available.
Patton said she had applied to the Emporia Community Foundation and was hoping for a good response from the Farmer’s Market.
This morning, she said, her first two community donors had arrived.
“That’s two $50 checks in a few minutes,” she said. “I’m smiling.”
Comments
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Posted by midnight_rider (anonymous) on May 3, 2007 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would hate to see the farmers market not be available. But I am confused that the number of people served by the Learning Connection do not match up.
UW director said on the application that in 2006, 935 people were served, yet Patton said 1,144 people were served in 2006. Then Dreiling said on the prior years application that 1,593 people were served, would not the prior year be 2005. yet Patton says the figures for 2005 were not available. What am I missing here.
Posted by JFish (anonymous) on May 3, 2007 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I realize that the United Way has to set their support to various agencies by some measure. But using just straight out statistics does not by any means measure the value of the agency.
I moved to Emporia a bit over 12 years ago. TLC was one of my first experiences and actually made a difference in my acclimating myself to Kansas and to this region. I didn't just take a class here and a class there, but met people, got involved with people, enjoyed people. I've been able to learn and to share using The Learning Connection. I became a "local" in Kansas, largely due to the influence of The Learning Connection. TLC has made a real difference in my life.
The Learning Connection is this amazing thing. Emporia and the entire region is SO lucky to have it.
I will be donating something. And I'd encourage the community to help. Take a class, teach a class, donate time, treasure, talent. TLC is worth it. If you have not had an experience with TLC, find a catalog and check it out.
Posted by daveedailey (anonymous) on May 4, 2007 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I quit donating to the United Way when I discovered the salary amount on the people working for them. Also the way they treated people after Katrina. Sorry, but I have found better things to do with what little money I have. I would much rather choose the people myself to give money to, than an agency.
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