Hello friends,

It’s been a few months since I wrote to you about how we were “weathering the storm” related to the current financial climate. When I last wrote, I mentioned that we anticipated that cuts would be coming in the near future. Sadly, I am writing today to let you know that that future is now here. 

As you all are likely aware, the new federal budget signed into law on July 4th made huge reductions to Medicaid at the federal level, and each state is now tasked with figuring out how to address these reductions internally. It’s likely that many, many people in Virginia are going to lose their healthcare coverage — very likely including many of those Bacon Street serves. This means that more kids and families are going to be struggling to get the mental and behavioral healthcare they need, and also that Bacon Street will be getting paid less to serve them. 

Mental and behavioral health services are often some of the first types of services that are cut or reduced in these kinds of circumstances. However, we know that mental and behavioral healthcare are vital for a healthy society. As a supporter of Bacon Street’s mission, and the kids and families we serve, we know you know this too. 

It’s tempting to feel helpless in the face of these daunting circumstances, but there are still things you can do to protect your community in the times to come.

How you can help

Over 60% of funding for Bacon Street comes from donations, so when giving goes down, it makes it harder to do our mission. We are asking you RIGHT NOW to consider making a gift to Bacon Street to help us get through this particularly challenging time. Funding is down and expenses are up, so every dollar matters!

I’d like to particularly challenge you to consider making a SUSTAINING GIFT that keeps us going for the long term. You can make an automated monthly, quarterly or yearly donation using this link or the button below, making giving even easier. EVERY dollar matters, so whether you’re interested in giving 5 dollars a month or 200 dollars a month or can only make a one-time donation, we are grateful for whatever you are able to do! 

I’d also like to encourage you to SHARE A STORY about how Bacon Street has impacted you and your family with others, so that they can also see how much our work matters in their community. Your story can make a real impact! If you’re interested in helping us get the word out about Bacon Street, please share your story with us here.

As always, THANK YOU for all that you do to help us keep our mission going! You are what makes it possible for us serve the kids and families in our community who need us.

With heartfelt warmth,

Kim Dellinger
Executive Director
Bacon Street Youth and Family Services