Cedar Rapids aid group faces loss of funding

A Cedar Rapids-based program that helps hundreds of young people in Siberia is facing a crisis of its own. “REAP International” is losing its federal government support. REAP Director Bill Mueller says the program works with schools in remote parts of the nation offering new ideas to Russia’s young people to help reform an old way of life.REAP stands for Rural Enterprise Adaptation Program. Without aid from Uncle Sam, REAP is now looking for private sponsorships and donations to continue its work. Mueller says that might mean some advantages.Mueller says REAP has helped develop businesses and has kept schools operating in Siberia.He hopes businesses and individuals in Iowa and other states will see the benefits of the program and help keep REAP alive, along with the direct link between Iowa and Siberia.