WORCESTER, Mass. - It's been one year since the announcement of canceling about $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and nearly $8 billion for a variety of foreign aid programs.

“The loss of federal funding came a year ago," Melanie LeBoeuf said. "And, for us, our membership, our listeners really stepped up.”

Melanie LeBoeuf said the federal cuts to funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting led to some uncertainty for WICN, but the community rallied behind Worcester’s NPR station.

“It's been really great," LeBoeuf said. "It's been a good year, but I think this is when we're going to see the challenge. With the cut of 18% of our budget, $100,000, I think this is going to be the year that we really learn a lot about where our new norm is.”

WICN saw a rise in both listeners and donations in the last year, now LeBoeuf said the goal is to maintain the level of support and grow from it.

“Leaning on the community, not just our memberships," LeBoeuf said, "but as our partners of the arts and culture world is important to us.”

“It's been rewarding to see that sense of community," Gary Bohan said, "really rise to the occasion.”

Volunteer host Gary Bohan said he takes pride in being a part of the WICN community and echoes the federal cuts have led to inspiring support.

“I mean, as a volunteer host, when I got the news, it's, ‘What can I do to help?’," Bohan said. "I know that the feedback and response financially, volunteer response and donations has been extremely positive.”

Still, without about $100,000 a year from the federal government, WICN plans to continue to be there for the community which has answered their call.

“I just want to thank their community," LeBoeuf said, "our listeners, our supporters of foundations, the community foundations that stepped up this year to make sure that we're staying strong.”

LeBoeuf adds it’s hard to regain federal funding once it has been cut… but they always hold out hope.