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Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging closing due to budget impasse

An agency that provides vital care for local senior citizens is closing its doors.

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- An agency that provides vital care for local senior citizens is closing its doors. The Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging says the tough decision comes from the ongoing Illinois budget battle.

For Rita Melgoza and Florence White, there is nothing puzzling about it.

“They (lawmakers) just need to turn it around. Put themselves in our place,” says Florence.

Every morning, Rita and Florence go to the Rock Island County Senior Center for a hot meal, to socialize and play games.

The "Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging" helps provide dozens of services to seniors across 10 counties in Illinois. Now, because of the budget crisis, they no longer receive federal funding and can't afford to keep their doors open.

Barbara Eskildsen, executive director of the agency says the lack of funds has forced the center to temporarily close. “It's going to be awful for the people we serve,” added Eskildsen.

Florence has been coming to the center for 12 years. She says the center is part of her survival. Without it, life would drastically change.
“We don't have anything saved up. We get help down here for the lights and gas. So it would be hard,” says Florence.

Rita Melgoza also relies on the center for meals. Closing it, would hurt.
“I would end up going without,” explained Rita.

With less than two months before they close, the agency is scrambling to find resources for those they serve.

“Where are these people going to go for the assistance that they need? It’s just very impacting. I mean where do they turn to?” asked Eskildsen.

The agency says they will provide services through august and close September 2nd. They encourage everyone impacted by this to contact their lawmakers.

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