Local nonprofit Everfull is facing significant financial shortfalls that threaten the continuation of its Friendship Meals and Meals on Wheels programs across a 10-county area, which serve vulnerable populations.
On May 22, Everfull distributed a letter to its employees notifying them of the funding shortfalls, which could disrupt essential services as of July 1. The letter outlined the current situation and noted that the need for these services has greatly outpaced both donations and the allocated budget for this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, 2025. Despite ongoing efforts, Everfull projects that its allocated funds and cash reserves will be depleted by June 30, without outside intervention.
The 10 counties threatened for closure are Chautauqua, Cowley, Elk, Greenwood, Harper, Kingman, McPherson, Sumner, Reno and Rice. An average total of 94 meals are served in Greenwood County per day, with 68 of those being in Eureka. The Eureka location also preps the meals for Elk County, which averages 56 per day, for a total of 150 daily meals.
According to Charles Johnston, Executive Director for Everfull, “There has been no substantial change in the situation including no additional communication from either the South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SCKAAA) or the Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) regarding their ability to help Everfull solve this budget issue.”
He later noted that he hoped to have an update no later than June 2. The Eureka Herald also requested a copy of the fiscal year budget, as well as funds needed to overcome the deficit; however, neither were available as of presstime.
“Everfull remains ready to be a part of the solution. However, the problem is so large that we cannot solve it without cooperation and partnership from SCKAAA, KDADS or our communities. As Everfull is a nonprofit organization, please consider donating to Everfull as we continue to attempt to raise the funds necessary to continue serving the most vulnerable among us,” concluded Johnston.
Community members were planning to come together on Tuesday, June 3, at 6 p.m., to discuss potential solutions and gather support from local residents and organizations.
Monetary donations may be sent to Everfull, 209 N. Oak Street, with “Friendship Meals” in the memo line.
