The Support Cafe, formerly The Recovery Cafe, in downtown Rochester will have to dip into reserves to continue providing specialized services for those in need.
That comes from the cafe's executive director, Pat Brown, who learned earlier this week that the Trump administration has announced the cancellation of roughly $11.4 billion in COVID-era funding for grants linked to addiction, mental health and other programs.
Brown received word of the cuts Tuesday night via email from the Indiana Department of Health, which urgently requested pausing all work associated with the funding, as it awaits guidance on the effective stop date.
County health departments and other nonprofit groups also are being affected. For the cafe, the funding is directly tied to free services offered by its licensed therapist, August Cox.
"We've been working more closely with 4C Health and finding ways that we can help them with capacity and share patient care," Brown said. "Things have been hitting a stride, and now this is kind of a big blow to that."
Fortunately, the cafe has some money set aside to continue providing therapy services.
"We've got probably a six week reserve where we can still provide these services at no change," Brown said.
He added that state and local health departments have expressed a desire to help after that window of time.
"We have groups around the state, and here at home, looking for money to help us continue working this way," he said. "They see as providing an essential service."
Brown spoke highly of Cox and noted it would be a huge loss for the community if her services weren't available.
"There are not very many places where you can walk in and see a licensed clinical therapist within a few minutes," he said. "She's addressed everything from suicide and eating disorders to addiction and divorce."
Acknowledging the value she brings, especially to a small town, Brown noted the cafe worked to ensure it had a few weeks of padding for her services.
Additionally, since the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was launched, there have been talks about threats to funding and possibilities of services being disrupted at the cafe.
"It seems to me that the things that DOGE is doing are targeting the people who are already in a compromised position in life, and that's just evil, cruel and unnecessary," Brown concluded.
May primary ballots set for Vermillion County
SW Parke identifies 'Big Five' themes for Revision Project
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
