Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting | April 21, 2026

Boatcombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – April 21, 2026

On April 21, 2026, the Boatcombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee convened to finalize preparations for their grant application, ensuring vital home and community care services are available throughout the county. This meeting, attended by committee members and County staff, focused on reviewing current spending, addressing funding needs, and ultimately deciding how to best allocate grant resources.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on reallocating funds from organizations that were not spending their allocated amounts at a sufficient pace. The committee engaged in discussions regarding the performance of several providers, including Mountain Aging Partners, Adult Day Health, and N-Home Aid. A particularly notable discussion involved Blue Ridge Pride, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ elders. While recognizing the importance of their work, the committee ultimately voted to reduce their funding by $7,335 due to concerns about slow invoice submission. These reallocated funds will be distributed among other deserving organizations.

Beyond the adjustments to Blue Ridge Pride’s funding, the committee approved a series of fund reallocations aimed at supporting critical services. $8,000 was approved for Working Wheels, a transportation service vital for many residents accessing healthcare and other essential appointments. $10,000 will bolster Memory Care services, while $8,000 was designated for Mayhack, a health and housing provider. Additional funds were allocated to Better Together ($7,828), Jewish Family Services ($4,000 – focused on end-of-life management), and the Institute for Preventative Health and Advocacy ($41,000). The committee opted to take a more supportive approach with the Council on Aging, an organization facing challenges. Rather than immediately reallocating their funds, they decided to invite them to present a plan for addressing those issues at a future meeting.

The discussion reflected a consistent commitment from committee members to being responsible stewards of public funds and ensuring those resources effectively address the needs of vulnerable populations in Boatcombe County. Concerns were voiced regarding the financial stability and management practices of Council on Aging, which prompted consideration of supporting newer organizations demonstrating strong performance. The committee acknowledged the importance of providing services to marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ elders and individuals recovering from stroke.

What Happens Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting: County staff member Billy will follow up with all providers regarding their spending plans and report back to the committee. Committee staff member Allison will finalize recommendations for Billy, as well as continue exploring ways to streamline the grant application process. Finally, the committee will consider a proposal requiring budget training for all providers and adjusting meeting schedules to allow for more in-depth discussions. These changes are aimed at ensuring a more efficient and effective grant application process moving forward, ultimately benefiting the residents of Boatcombe County who rely on these crucial home and community care services.