Marina
The Emporia Rescue Mission is set to deliver a financial operations plan to the City of Emporia by Monday afternoon, fueling efforts to keep Abundant Harvest, the mission’s food kitchen, operating through the end of 2025.
This development follows a last-minute agreement between the City and United Way of the Flint Hills to continue services while a long-term solution is secured.
Background: Closure Averted for Now
- The Mission’s board originally announced an October 1 closure due to “declining finances”, blaming staff salaries (70% of budget), food transport costs ($100 per trip), and facility upkeep.
- Swift intervention from the City of Emporia and United Way led to a commitment to extend operations through 2025, buying time to secure a sustainable future partner.
Financial Details Underway
- City Manager Trey Cocking requested a detailed budget for continued operation by Monday noon.
- Board President Peter Deblonk confirmed a committee has been compiling the necessary figures, working diligently to complete the request.
- An audit, which has never been conducted in Deblonk’s two decades of involvement, could now be prompted, as the board welcomes transparency.
Interim Operations Setup
- Abundant Harvest’s kitchen and equipment will be available for City and United Way use.
- Not all former staff will return, as their services may not be restored under the temporary plan.
- There’s no confirmation yet on service hours or offering changes — that detail remains pending based on financial clarity.
Operational Scope Through 2025
Though the Rescue Mission, City, and United Way are coordinating short-term support, service at Abundant Harvest is still slated to end after 2025, allowing more time to identify a long-term successor to carry the mission forward.
Summary: Abundant Harvest Continuity Effort
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Planned Closure Date | Originally set for October 1, 2025 |
| Primary Closure Causes | Salary costs (70% of budget), transportation (~$100/trip), facility upkeep |
| Current Support | City of Emporia and United Way of the Flint Hills |
| Financial Plan Deadline | Expected Monday afternoon (budget for remainder of 2025 operations) |
| Audit Status | No audit historically; board open to conducting one |
| Facility Usage | Kitchen and equipment made available under interim arrangement |
| Staffing and Hours | Staff not fully restored; hours/services subject to financial agreement |
| Long-Term Outlook | Set to close after 2025; partnering goal to find permanent successor |
Community and Next Steps
- The United Way supports a “wraparound” approach—exploring financial, operational, and partnership avenues to sustain Abundant Harvest for now.
- The City seeks clarity on budget breakdowns and potential funding structures before committing further resources.
- Board leadership insists the financial plan will open up possible pathways—including evaluating a future relocation to reduce costs—beyond 2025.
Emporia Rescue Mission’s delivery of a detailed financial operations plan is a pivotal step toward keeping Abundant Harvest alive for now. With City and United Way backing, the kitchen will remain open through 2025, serving as a vital lifeline to the community.
As the budget comes into focus, education of the public and alignment with a long-term partner will be essential to preserving this critical service. Stay tuned—as this story evolves, KhVOE and local partners will provide swift updates.
