Guardian Advocates development coordinator, Linda Johnson, was on a mission ahead of schedule Tuesday evening at Rochester City Hall during Rochester City Council meeting on a mission for continued help with funding.

Having a passion for helping others in the community, for the past seven years, Johnson and other local volunteers help Guardian Advocates by providing services that protect local seniors and the at-risk population of adults with mental health issues that may not have the voice that they need, preventing exploitation, abuse and neglect. Prior to the program, Johnson said those vulnerable and without support were left unheard, struggling to fend for themselves. 

In 2012, the Indiana Supreme Court started an adult guardianship program by voting it into law, creating the Indiana Guardianship State Office in 2014. The idea behind the concept was to have all 92 counties in Indiana covered by a program to help adults lacking support or protection.

As of 2023, 52 counties in Indiana are providing that protection to vulnerable adults in need of help, with more than 20 programs available that have helped 800 people in the state so far.  Now setting aside more than $1.3 million annually for the program, Johnson said funds are running out, but the need for the program remains higher than ever. 

Previously receiving $5,000 for the last last three years from the City of Rochester to help with the program, Johnson presented Guardian Advocates needs during to members of the Rochester City Council on Tuesday in hopes the much needed funding will continue, or even increase for 2024.  Johnson said during the past year the program had a 20 percent increase in clients. With the increase, means an increase of cost, rising their projected budget for next year over $260,000. 

As of July 1, Fulton County remains 8 percent of client referrals out of the five counties Guardian Advocates Inc represents. Although no official decision was made from council members at Tuesday's meeting, a final decision on funding for the Guardian Advocates Inc program will be discussed and finalized at a later date. Johnson is thankful for the help over the years in Fulton County from the Rochester City Council, Fulton County Commissioners, and Northern Indiana Community Foundation.