Published: August 18, 2008 02:14 pm            

Agency unafraid of fundraising | Somerset aging group braces for shortfall

We admire the grit of the folks at Somerset County Area Agency on Aging. But then again, they probably have no choice but to take strong and unusual measures.

Noting that “we need the money,” agency Administrator Art DiLoreto and his troops are putting together a benefit concert. “This is an opportunity to get some funds for operating and other costs,” he said.

The beneficiaries will be the county’s senior citizens, whose numbers and needs are growing.

Although fundraisers are not unheard of in county agency circles, it’s new to DiLoreto’s office, although at one time it raised money through the sale of raffle tickets. That stopped after officials discovered they needed a small games of chance license.

Without additional income, the administrator said, the agency likely will have to make additional cuts in its in-home services – at a time when its waiting list is at more than 100 and increasing.

We do sympathize with those who are truly in need.

For DiLoreto and other county directors, here’s the problem: Service cuts are expected this year because state funding remained stagnant, despite an aggressive campaign to have the state allocate what agency advocates said was an $88.4 million surplus of lottery funds to agencies statewide.

Started in the late 1970s to be something related to meals programs or senior centers, Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging today offer a full range of services for older people.

For Somerset County and others, while the services are growing the funding hasn’t kept up. About 70 percent of Somerset’s money comes from the state, with another large chunk from the federal government and smaller amounts from the county and through donations.

In neighboring Cambria County, Administrator Veil Griffith said her agency has not yet had to resort to fundraising.

“We are fortunate in that we do not have a waiting list (for in-home services). We’re trying hard to manage our money so we don’t. We’re also making sure those on the list should be there, and we’re closely watching our overtime.”

Griffith also points out that, unlike in Somerset County, which operates a half-dozen senior centers, the 10 sites in Cambria are operated independently as 501(c) organizations and fundraising is conducted by individual centers.

Meanwhile, DiLoreto is hoping November’s concert, which is generously being co-sponsored by Somerset Hospital, Meyersdale Medical Center, Windber Medical Center and UPMC Health Plan, will net about $8,000.

We wish his office success and we credit its efforts, although we see nothing wrong with agencies helping themselves through fundraisers.

People are living longer and their needs are greater. Area Agencies on Aging will all be challenged to meet those needs. Fundraisers can be a part of that.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.