Karla Mapes

REAL Services Executive Director Karla Mapes says they've had some carryover money from last year to help the first households signing up for energy assistance but that won't last if the federal government shutdown continues much longer.

South Bend-based REAL Services, still hopeful that the GOP-controlled Congress won't support the cuts, took Rep. Rudy Yakym on a Meals on Wheels ride-along Friday.