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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />OCTOBER 27, 1993 <br />seniors in their homes on a monthly basis, bringinq <br />them information on available proqrams. LeBarron <br />reported that in 1988 a grant was sought to expand the <br />program into Little Canada and other areas. The grant <br />was received in 1989 and the program was established in <br />Little Canada. However, the grant was for only one <br />year, and after that time period, the School District <br />funded the program. LeBarron reported that there has <br />been a vast reduction in funding, and without the <br />City's participation, the proqram will need to be <br />looked at. LeBarron felt the program was highly <br />important to the community due to the outreach provided <br />to isolated older adults. <br />Pedersen asked the average age of persons using the <br />program. <br />LeBarron replied that they are generally well over 60 <br />years of age and are more isolated than the average <br />senior. There are 60 residents in Little Canada who <br />have a blockworker visit their home on a monthly basis. <br />Scalze asked why the funding request was specifically <br />targeted to the blockworker program and not other <br />senior programs. <br />LeBarron replied that this program was receiving <br />funding which is no longer available, and additional <br />funding is necessary in order to maintain this program. <br />LeBarron reported that Title 3 funds are available for <br />some of the other programs. <br />Morelan asked if the program may be discontinued if the <br />funding request is not approved. <br />LeBarron replied that that was correct. <br />Scalze pointed out that the program is not an expensive <br />one, the key issue is getting volunteers to serve as <br />blockworkers. Scalze indicated that the program is not <br />reaching seniors in Little Canada who could benefit by <br />the program. Scalze felt that Little Canada was <br />underserviced by this program. <br />LeBarron replied that she would like to see the program <br />expanded. LeBarron pointed out that it takes a great <br />deal of people effort to go into communities and <br />operate this program. However, this is something that <br />will be looked at. LeBarron hoped that some time in <br />the future every neighborhood would have a blockworker. <br />LeBarron reported that it is very difficult to maintain <br />volunteers and keep them interested and excited in the <br />program. There is a great management effort involved <br />Page 12 <br />