Lessons in Determination and Change

By Susan John, Executive Director

This past fiscal year and this current fiscal year have certainly been a year of crucial adjustments.  Our agency has been hit with the largest unprecedented funding reduction in the history of services. Reductions last year totaled over $180,000 dollars and we have received an additional four percent reduction statewide so far this fiscal year (July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010). Additional reductions may be necessary beginning the early part of 2010.

The agency has adopted a formal spending reduction plan which included an increase in Service Coordination caseloads, not filling vacant positions, cutting contractual services, curtailing staff travel, reworking van routes to save time & money, reducing overtime, and many additional items that assisted us in meeting the needs of the consumers this past year.  With the additional budget reductions looming, it is with determination and creativity in looking at ways to trim, reduce and still maintain consumer safety and accountability that we will place our focus.

The economic recession, along with the funding reductions, may present new and unpleasant challenges but we are determined to do all we can to insure services.  For the first time in the history of the MR/RD Waiver, caps or limits on the amount of service are being placed on specific services.  Service Coordinators have been working diligently with families to insure their knowledge of the caps and the impact they may have on direct services to individuals and their families and to look for other ways to fill these gaps.  In the area of HASCI (Head & Spinal Cord Services) caps are also being placed on waiver services.  The unprecedented economic situation has affected all areas of service delivery.

As an agency, we continue to look for other funding sources (i.e. donations, in-kind contributions, volunteers), etc… to fill the gaps created by the reductions.   We ask each and every one of you to share your ideas and experience in filling the gaps and assist us in making community connections that would benefit our services.

As we move forward into 2010, there are many blessing that we too need to celebrate.  For the past 6 years, Horry County Disabilities & Special Needs has been working diligently in seeking funding to expand the current administration and Conway Adult Day Programmatic space.  Due to budget reductions, it appeared as if no hope for this expansion was possible.  With the great assistance from Representative Tracy Edge and the approval of the SC DDSN Commission, Horry County Disabilities has been awarded $1 million toward this project and we are presently working with and architectural firm out of Florence to move the project forward.  Please say prayers that the project can be completed within budget and we can move towards serving additional consumers once the economic situation improves.

Those who receive services teach us lessons in determination each and every day.   Every one of them is an example of self determination in meeting the day to day challenges of life.  As an organization, we will follow their examples of determination and move forward in whatever challenges come our direction. 

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

Contact Information

Mailing address: 250 Victory Lane, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 347-3010
FAX: (843) 347-7308
Email: dsn@sccoast.net