ARPA's Impact in Topeka: How once-in-a-lifetime funds are making a difference

In this episode of the Topeka Talk podcast, hosts Gretchen Spiker and India Yarborough kick off a three-episode series about how funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, commonly known as ARPA, is impacting social services in the Topeka area. It's been about a year since the City of Topeka, through its governing body, allocated $10 million in ARPA funding to community organizations in Kansas' capital city. In episode one of the series, Spiker and Yarborough sit down with Topeka City Council member Spencer Duncan, who helped spearhead the city's grant allocation process, to learn more about the local dissemination of ARPA funding, which key focus area emerged, and much more. Following the conversation with Duncan is an interview with Sarah Elsen, executive director of Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, who dives into how ARPA funding will impact child care providers, and families seeking care, in Topeka. Listen in to learn more from two community conversations you don't want to miss!