As the economy worsens, many people are feeling the punch. Government funding for many services is being slashed and many seniors are paying the price.

Senior citizens centers in particular are facing tough times. These centers are vital to many seniors and they depend on them for a connection to the outside world, hot meals, and transportation. But, they are having to find creative ways to continue their service levels with less financial support. Jobs are being cut and activities are being eliminated in order to survive.

Some are even having to charge for services, such as van transportation, that were formerly free, and many seniors simply can’t afford these changes:

Two dollars may not seem like much money, but it’s enough to prevent Frances Podolski from going to her local senior center for a hot meal and some company.

On her fixed income, the Pawtucket resident can’t afford the $2 fee. Without that thrice-weekly visit, Podolski gets depressed. She had to cut back to once or twice a week, until a small grant from a bank allowed the center to temporarily cover her fares.

To many, these activity centers may seem like an “extra,” an easy target to reduce expenses, but they are lifelines for some of our most vulnerable citizens. They not only provide a social outlet, they may be the only source of nutritious food for some and may make the difference when someone needs to see a doctor.

I’m sure that our lawmakers have some tough decisions to make, but I think there’s more than meets the eye when considering funding for these types of services.