Federal funding cuts coming to Community Assistance Program, or CAPS, which helps keep seniors employed
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal funding cuts are coming to programs that help keep seniors employed.

Some organizations say they found just this week that the cuts will mean sending their senior clients home.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The Community Assistance Program, widely recognized as CAPS, announced they have received notification indicating that come Monday, they must deny assistance to 141 seniors who rely on them for employment opportunities. In the absence of federal funding, they fear some seniors might face homelessness.

Seniors Friday said they have worked all their lives, and they’ll have to keep working to stay afloat.

“It’s like a little piece of heaven to make ends meet,” CAPs client Sandra L. Robinson said.

At 67, Robinson reflects on her long work history, having started at 16, now witnessing the closure of her beloved Community Assistance Program. This senior community service initiative offers jobs and training to over 100 seniors with annual incomes below $18,000.

“We were told that if anybody worked after the first of July, they would not pay for it,” Community Assistance Program CEO Sheryl Holman said.

Holman revealed that the recent federal budget excludes funding for the program. Consequently, the Illinois Department of Aging is unable to approve seniors to continue their employment.

“I’m chasing dollars now,” Holman said. “This program is vital to them. They have nothing else. I mean, who can live off $1,000 a month?”

Holman says CAPS receives over $2 million in government funding. She says she has clients who will have no way to pay rent or for life-saving medication, like insulin.

“It’s going to be tight. I have my rent. I have my meals and the medication. And I depend on the job that covered that part of it,” CAPS client Tammy Spivey said.

The seniors are already sending letters out to their representatives and even working on their job resumes.

“I don’t want to stay at home and sit, and I’m not going to stay at home and sit,” CAPS Client Juanita Wright said.

Some, like Wright, are employed through CAPS, at the Atlas Senior Center.

Just a few weeks ago, they were celebrating Senior Day.

Now, they’re trying to keep hope alive.

“Seniors have paid their price. They’ve worked their timeline. And here they are again,” Holman said.

CAPS said their senior program is so valuable that their current waiting list is 120 people.

The Illinois Department on Aging did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Professor Proposes Renaming His School 'George Floyd University'... Then He Really Goes Off the Rails

Professor Suggests Renaming His School ‘George Floyd University’… Then Things Take a Surprising Turn

In this episode of “No, This Isn’t a Satire Piece From the…
Yikes: DNC Chair Ken Martin Makes Things Even Worse for Dems When Asked About 'Globalize the Intifada'

DNC Leader Ken Martin Puts Dems in Hot Water with Remarks on ‘Globalize the Intifada’

Those questions about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani might have…
Las Vegas woman describing shark attack in Florida.

Woman Attacked by Shark in Florida, Suffers Large ‘Barracuda-Sized Bite’ During Her First Visit

A VISITOR was severely injured when a shark bit her during her…
George Mason University faces investigation in Trump administration's anti-DEI crackdown

George Mason University Under Investigation Amidst Trump Administration’s Crackdown on DEI

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Thursday, the Trump administration initiated a civil rights…
NWS faces vacancies in Florida offices as 2025 hurricane season ramps up

NWS Struggles with Florida Office Vacancies as 2025 Hurricane Season Intensifies

Tom Fahy, the Legislative Director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization,…
Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files $20 million claim against Trump administration

After Release from ICE Custody, Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Administration for $20 Million

In New York, Mahmoud Khalil sat in his apartment holding his 10-week-old…
Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil over Bolsonaro presidential loss

Trump sets 50% tariffs on Brazil following Bolsonaro’s defeat in presidential race

The U.S. has had a trade surplus of more than $410 billion…
First responders at a collapsed tunnel site.

Tunnel Collapse Traps 31 Workers 450 Feet Below Ground at Los Angeles’ Massive $600 Million Sewer Project

SEVERAL construction workers were trapped underground after a tunnel collapsed in Los…
My partner's daughter is jealous of me

My Partner’s Daughter Feels Envious Towards Me

DEAR ABBY: I have been involved with my partner, “Gil,” for five…
New England serial killer fears reignited after paddleboarder's murder in quiet coastal town

Concerns of a New England serial killer resurface after paddleboarder is found dead in serene seaside community

Officials are advising residents to stay composed after a paddleboarder’s murder in…
Jeffrey Epstein's brother laughs at 'stupid' FBI memo defending controversial suicide ruling: report

Jeffrey Epstein’s Brother Mocks ‘Ridiculous’ FBI Memo Justifying Suicide Ruling: Report

Jeffrey Epstein’s brother has criticized federal investigators for their recent statement indicating…
Man in suit reviewing documents.

Evidence of Torture Discovered on Fired Putin Minister’s Body Before Alleged Suicide

The Kremlin has been charged with concealing the demise of a dismissed…