The Parsons City Commission on Monday agreed to recommend a payment of $8,000 from the D.V. Reed fund, created for the needy poor, to the American Advocacy Initiative.
The stated reasons for the funding request are to assist victims of domestic violence, provide rides to treatment for drug addicts and expand the reach of the AAI’s newly created neighborhood association program.
Specifically, the money will: Help purchase and install emergency home security measures for domestic violence survivors.
Help provide emergency hotel vouchers for victims of domestic violence.
Support safe transportation for residents seeking rehabilitation and recovery services.
Expand and amplify the neighborhood association through community events, resource kits and resident- led improvement initiatives.
A trust fund created by David V. Reed - in the amount of $65,000 to $80,000 — was left to the Southeastern Kansas Home for the Friendless Association. In 1934, that group became the Parsons Old Ladies Home and moved its facility from 24th and Grand to 1607 Main. When the home ceased operating in July 1977, the interest from the trust was transferred to the city under the direction of Reed’s will. The city receives interest income from the trust once a year to be used for the “needy poor.” Reed died in January 1928.
Requests for spending down the interest have gone to the probate court judge in Labette County for final approval. As of last year, the
See CITY, Page 3.
principal amount of the trust was just over $800,000.
City commissioners asked if the stated use of the money fit requirements in the trust. City Attorney Ross Albertini said while the stated use of the money didn’t mention the needy poor, he said many people impacted by domestic violence are on the lower end of the income bracket.
Commissioners said they have given money annually to a number of local organizations that provide goods and services to the needy poor. While supportive of the new organization, they wanted to make sure the spending followed the trust’s directive.
Taylor Moreland, one of the organizers of AAI, said expenses would be recorded in a ledger and this information will be shared with commissioners.
Commissioners were also concerned about AAI getting inundated by requests from some citizens who work the system and try to get funding from one organization after another.
Moreland said she and others in AAI verify the reasons behind the requests before offering money.
Commissioner Leland Crooks suggested twice a year or quarterly reports to the city for now.
“Because we’re going to get questions about it. I want to make sure you’re covered and we’re covered,” he said.
Commissioned voted 5-0 to approve the request.
