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Speakers urge council to back VNA services for seniors
Summary
Two public commenters, including an identified VNA director and Georgia Lupisto, told the council that VNA meals, home visits and programs keep seniors safe and connected and urged local support to leverage federal funds for expanded services.
A man who identified himself as a director and as a son told the Galesburg City Council on Sept. 29 that supporting senior services is a moral investment, not charity. He said local backing could unlock more than $700,000 in federal funds for meals and care.
“I stand before you tonight as a director. Yes, but first and foremost, as a son,” the speaker said, urging the council to “stand with seniors.” The commenter described his father, Ben Bennett, as part of the community and framed senior supports as a way to protect families now and in the future.
Resident Georgia Lupisto followed during public comment and described using the Visiting Nurses Association’s meal-delivery and gym services while caring for family members. “Just a service like getting meals delivered to our home was such a relief,” she said, crediting VNA staff for compassionate care and noting that some seniors receive a warm meal five days a week through the program.
The comments came at the start of the council’s budget work session, which focused on the draft CY2026 spending plan. Neither commenter asked the council to vote on a specific ordinance during the meeting; both speakers urged continued or increased support for services that help seniors remain in their homes and reduce caregiver strain.
Council members and staff did not take formal action on the request during the session; staff said budget documents and grant opportunities will be part of ongoing budget deliberations in October and November.
