Everfull, a Hutchinson based organization that operates Friendship Meals programs in 13 counties in south central Kansas and Meals on Wheels in most, has announced it will end services in ten counties effective July 1, including Kingman, McPherson, Reno and Rice.
The South Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging, the Arkansas City-based entity that Everfull acts as a subcontractor for, made a decision June 3 to begin termination of that contract, reasons for which Everfull executive director Charles Johnston told Ad Astra News have not been explained.
In an interview with Ad Astra News last night, Johnston said there has been no communication between SCKAAA and Everfull about the contract cancellation. “There were other pieces of that contract that allowed them to, essentially, seek corrective action against us if they thought there was a problem, but beyond just saying they intend to cancel the contract, there’s been nothing,” Johnston said.
The written form of termination is still “being negotiated” according to Johnston. In a verbal notice of termination SCKAAA said they are planning to provide meal services on July 1, though how is still not known. Johnston said Everfull is ready, willing and able to continue to serve these meals if they are willing to address a funding issue addressed in March.
SCKAAA has said they will provide senior meal services in the ten counties as of July 1, but no details of that have been announced. Everfull will continue to offer meal programs in Butler, Sedgwick and Harvey counties under a contract with the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging.
The first indication of issues between Everfull and SCKAAA came to light about two weeks ago. Ad Astra News at that time reached out to SCKAAA executive director Jodi Whitmore for comment. Her response was, “Our attorney will get you a response.” There has been no contact from SCKAAA or their attorney since.
