Community Dinners Support Grand Canyon Park Employees Post-Shutdown
The Grand Canyon Conservancy is actively supporting local federal employees affected by the recent government shutdown through a series of free community dinners. These gatherings not only provide nourishment but also serve as a reminder of the care and appreciation for those who work in the national park and surrounding businesses.
Why It Matters
The recent federal government shutdown had significant repercussions for thousands of National Park Service employees. As they work to recover from the financial and emotional impacts of that disruption, community initiatives like these dinners play a crucial role in fostering resilience and solidarity among affected families.
Key Developments
- Community Dinners: The Grand Canyon Conservancy, in partnership with local businesses, is hosting a series of 12 free dinners for park employees and residents of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village.
- High Attendance: The last dinner attracted around 250 attendees, reflecting widespread feelings of undervaluation among park employees.
- Ongoing Concerns: Employees continue to express anxiety over their job security, particularly with the budget resolution set to expire at the end of January.
Full Report
Dinners Foster Community Support
At Plaza Bonita restaurant in Tusayan, park employees and their families have gathered to enjoy complimentary meals featuring fried chicken and tamales. Elizabeth Silkes, the CEO of the Grand Canyon Conservancy, commented on the initiative, stating, "This is one way for us to show our support when the community has really been suffering."
Ashley Dickerson, an employee at the park for three years, described how the shutdown’s impacts extended beyond missed paychecks, affecting her mental and physical well-being. She noted, "The impacts of stress on your mental health… on your relationships with family and friends" created uncertainty and anxiety about her future.
Local Businesses Feeling the Strain
The shutdown not only affected employees but also local businesses that rely on park traffic. Javier Rosas, manager of Plaza Bonita, mentioned that local patrons had significantly decreased during the shutdown, saying, "Normally, here with us, Thursday was a local day… and now with this shutdown, there’s no more Thursday."
Families Share Their Struggles
The shutdown’s financial strain is palpable among families. Cassidy Gibson shared that her husband, who works on the park’s trail crew, faced financial difficulties despite eventually receiving back pay. "We had to use our credit card more than we’d like… it was hard. You know, that’s our livelihood," she remarked.
Meanwhile, Kim Acker, a 14-year employee of the Interior Department, faced a medical emergency just as the shutdown began. This added to her uncertainty about federal employment’s reliability. "Can I afford to be missing paychecks if I’m going to have these bills that are due?" asked Acker, highlighting the deep-seated anxieties prevalent among her colleagues.
Acker expressed that while the conservancy’s dinners have uplifted spirits, they still do not erase the concerns about potential future shutdowns.
Context & Previous Events
The impacts of the previous federal shutdown were severe, with estimates indicating that approximately 9,200 National Park Service employees were furloughed. The shutdown followed significant layoffs from the previous spring, contributing to a climate of uncertainty and diminished morale among park employees. The Grand Canyon Conservancy’s ongoing efforts to provide community support reflect the importance of solidarity during these challenging times.
