Social Service Cuts

For this Missourian assignment, we went to the Voluntary Action Center. The story was about the city's proposed cuts to funding for social services like the VAC. The VAC strives to "address unmet needs in our community, giving low-income people the opportunity to gain independence, overcome crisis, meet their basic needs, and improve their quality of life." Edward Willis (and Christina Montgomery) was nice enough to consent to let me photograph him; several people I talked to that were waiting in the very small lobby weren't so aminable.


Edward Willis, 57, looks over information on obtaining diabetic testing strips while Christina Montgomery of the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) contacts Kilgore's Medical Pharmacy regarding his prescriptions. Willis was referred to the VAC by his doctor. "It's a good place to come to," he said, "People who need help need a place to come to."


Edward Willis, 57, talks with Christina Montgomery of the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) about his health issues, including his need for diabetic testing strips . Willis was referred to the VAC by his doctor. "It's a good place to come to," he said, "People who need help need a place to come to."

While I was waiting in the lobby for someone to show who *would* agree to be photographed, I overheard a very interesting conversation. Sometimes, people just amaze me, and I say that not in a complimentary way. A woman, we'll call her Lydia, was being interviewed for assistance and it was very shady. In the lobby, there are signs *everywhere* saying that you must provide income statements for *everyone* in your household, aka where you live. You must also list all of dependents. So, she's in there and the man starts questioning her further because he had earlier that day processed a different woman's application for the same address. It turns out that the other woman was Lydia's sister. But she didn't bring of her income info. Then he was asking about Lydia's children and yes, she has a daughter, but no, Lydia doesn't know where she lives (even though she's a minor), and even though Lydia says that she's a good parent, she proves by explaining that she talks to her on the phone, but doesn't know where she is/lives. So, when the man has finally had enough of her song and dance, he tells her that he can't help her out, because she doesn't have the proper paperwork. And she starts to be belligerent, asking him how she's supposed to get to work now... Like it's his job to shuttle her to her job. And, hello, is there a reason why she didn't have a plan to get to work? And why would she expect a handout for that day? Interesting to say the least.