Proposed federal budget could put Real Services funding at risk
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- ABC57’s Jackie Bauer sat down with the President of REAL Services, KJ Mapes, after a call for help was put out on Facebook to protect the agency that serves over 30,000 individuals across 5 counties, providing services like meals on wheels, in home help, and transportation services for seniors.
The post reading quote:
“REAL Services is deeply concerned about recent reports from Washington indicating that the Trump Administration’s proposed FY2026 federal budget would break apart and defund key services funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA)—programs that thousands of older adults in northern Indiana depend on every day.
Under this plan, essential services like Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, in-home help, transportation, and protections against elder abuse could be moved into separate agencies or eliminated entirely.
“Fragmenting and defunding these services not only undermines their effectiveness, it directly threatens the well-being of our most vulnerable residents,” said Karla Mapes, CEO of REAL Services. “Seniors could lose access to the very support systems that help them stay safe, nourished, and independent at home.”
REAL Services, as the Area Agency on Aging and Community Action Agency for our region, is urging Congress to reject these harmful changes and fully fund the Older Americans Act under a unified structure that prioritizes aging with dignity.
To help, contact your Members of Congress
Tell them you oppose the breakup and defunding of OAA programs. Ask them to protect services that provide meals, home care, caregiver respite, and elder safety.
Call: (202) 224-3121 to reach your Senators and Representatives.
Or use this sample email and send to your member: https://usaging.org/advocacyalerts
Have you or a loved one been impacted by senior services? Your voice is powerful. Send your story to: [email protected] – we’ll make sure lawmakers hear what’s at stake.
Tag your representatives and REAL Services (@REALServices) and use hashtags like #SaveSeniorServices #OlderAmericansAct #realAdvocacy
Our older neighbors and family deserve better.
Let’s make sure they have the support they need to age well—at home, in our communities, and with dignity.
Stand with REAL Services. Stand with older adults.
#REALAdvocacy #AgeWithDignity “