MARC set to lose government funds

Rockdale’s Milam Adult Resource Center—better known as the MARC Center which serves many special needs people—is facing a funding crisis.

The MARC board has been informed by Central Counties Services (formerly Central Counties MHMR) headquartered in Temple that they will be terminating their contract providing day programming at the MARC Center at the end of August 2025.

“Central Counties Services has provided staffing and programming at MARC since 1992,” Ann King, MARC board of directors president, said. “Reason given is that funding from Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) is insufficient to continue with a day program in Milam County,” King said.

King was told of the development at a meeting she attended in Temple. She termed the development “devastating” for the MARC board and families of those served but said the MARC directors and parents and families will be meeting “to explore options and find a solution to keep the center open.”

HISTORY— MARC is 60 years old, dating back to Feb. 10, 1965, when 15 Milam County families met to form a program to help individuals with special needs. Rockdale and surrounding communities in Milam County have supported the popular organization since.

MARC operated in a frame building on Grace Street which over time grew crowded. In 2000 the MARC board and generous citizens of Rockdale and surrounding communities built a new facility on Pecos Street for the growing number of special needs adults.

In 1992, the MARC board contracted with Central Counties Services. The MARC board provides the building and its maintenance and a transportation van, King said. Central Counties is responsible for paid staff, individual skills training and utilities.

CLIENTS—“ Currently there are 21 special needs people being served at our center,” King said, “and six more have completed paper work and are ready to start. In addition there is a waiting list of people who want to come to the center.”

Meanwhile, Central Counties Services will continue to operate day programs in Temple, Killeen and Copperas Cove, she said.