FROM the DIRECTOR

August is here and it is time for me to gear up for the 2011 agency budget. This includes not only a proposal to United Way for 2011-2013 funding but also the time for finding out where the budget falls to us from Dane County Department of Human Services.  Last year at this time I lead the Case Management campaign of “Each Citizen $1.57 For Every Senior”.   

This year the State Department of Health and Human Services is leading the way for Dane County to begin implementing the Family Care model of services to all citizens. This means funding will switch to entitlement and eliminate waitlists for services. This will be good for Dane County Seniors. There will be a launch of an Aging Disability Resource Center (ADRC). This will then become the one stop shop for all to receive services in Dane County. Looking at what an ADRC does it really mirrors what NWDSS and the other 14 focal points do in the county. 

I have testified to keep our current network intact and integrate into the new system of service. The County could determine with the state how this would look.  This will only occur after the Dane County Board and County Executive agree with the state. It is the network’s suggestion to use the “no wrong door” coordination of services. This would then include the focal points in the service delivery of the ADRC. Of course the network is concerned about proposed or anticipated cuts to our county funded programs of Case Management, Nutrition, and Supportive Home Chore and how this will impact our own budgets.   

Budget Hearings will be coming up at the county level in the next month. I encourage you to contact our Dane County Supervisors Kurt Schlicht and Patrick Downing to state your intentions on the county board maintaining current funding our local senior programs. In fact ask for additional funding as the population is aging. The 2010 Agency budget was very tight the NWDSS Board approved a 1% increase. What will 2011 bring? Each year I work on the budget the harder it becomes! We look to keep costs very low and request and receive in-kind donations. Local municipalities have shown dedication to our mission. Soon I will be attending their meetings to discuss 2011 budgets. I ask all of you to contact also you local boards regarding NWDSS funding for 2011. If you would like to attend the any of the upcoming Dane County Budget meetings or local municipal meetings with me please contact me with your intentions. I will try to coordinate transportation if need be. 

Fundraising is becoming more and more important to NWDSS Budget. As we continue to receive cuts from Dane County we need to make up this difference.  Instead of cutting programs or staff we fundraise to maintain what we have. This year we have received many new dollars to NWDSS and will continue to look for additional ways to bring in new money. It is hard to balance fundraising, marketing and providing programs of high quality.

Thank you for all the contributions received to NWDSS this year!Thank you for the opportunity to advocate and represent you. Please stop in to see me or give me a call, I look forward to hearing from you this month!

~ Dee Suchomel, Executive Director