Oswego County OFA warns Go-Go Grandparents funding cut could halt transportation for older residents

Oswego County Office for the Aging staff told the advisory council April 10 that a state reduction in Go-Go Grandparents funding threatens the program that helps residents 60 and older travel outside the county.

Sara Sunday, Aging Services Administrator, said the state reduced the program allocation from $50,000 in 2025 to $13,000 for 2026, and that OFA has been able to carry forward some funding but expects the current balance to be exhausted by June. "The program costs about $5,000 per month on average," Sunday said. She said the agency has received approval from the State to use some Unmet Needs Program funding to contract directly with Go-Go Grandparents and that she will present funding options to the council at its May meeting.

Heather Snow of the Mobility Management program presented countywide transportation option information during the meeting, responding to council concern about how older residents without Medicaid can access out-of-county medical appointments and services.

The council did not take a formal vote on funding during the April 10 meeting; Sunday said staff will return with a concrete proposal and costs at the May meeting. The discussion distinguished between service continuation (a staff funding decision if allowed by State approval) and any longer-term policy or contractual commitments that would require further council review.

If the council approves use of Unmet Needs funds in May, OFA staff said it would allow continued service through summer while staff seek more stable funding; no final decision was recorded at the April 10 meeting.