Janet Baker Executive Director of KC Shepherd Center discussed the dual mission of the Shepherd Center, celebrating older adults in Kansas City while serving low-income, older African American adults primarily through the meals on wheels program. She highlighted how funding cuts have significantly reduced their ability to serve clients, with the number of served individuals dropping from 1,200 to 600 in two years. Janet also shared that they had to surrender their senior companion program to AmeriCorps due to conflicts with diversity, equity, and inclusion values, which she expressed regret over. She concluded by appealing for community support to help fill plates for older adults in need.
