Message from the Executive Director – November 2002

The fiscal year 2002 annual report is a product of the accomplishments of Family Counseling Center staff. We play an integral role in the delivery of services to Johnson, Pope and Hardin Counties, and some specialized services to the 7 southern most counties of Illinois. Thanks to a hard working committed staff, we do a commendable job of meeting the challenges and needs of the community day to day.

This year brought emphasis to my philosophy of life. At a final exam in experimental psychology while in college, we were given the task to write our philosophy of life. Little did I realize how often I would draw upon what I wrote that day. It was, Life is a continuous process of change and a learning experience; how we adapt to that change or affect that change determines our future.

After much delay because of rainy weather, we finally broke ground on the new Garden Apartments in Vienna. The 8 unit apartments are scheduled to open in November, 2002. This is a new venture for our agency, which will provide many of our consumers with the avenue to experience a new level of independent living. We are fortunate and proud to have brought this dream to reality. At a time when there was forecast of a possible recession, the world was shocked as we witnessed the horror of the tragedy of September 11th terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. This resulted in state revenues tumbling downward, funding cuts and threats of more significant cuts, increased insurance premiums, loss of programs and tight fiscal times. The agency was required to borrow from capital reserves to meet payroll and to pay bills, all due to the state=s cash flow problems and the lengthy period between billing for and receipt of state payments. Reduction of funding, delays in receiving payments, and loss of programs also resulted in establishment of waiting lists of persons in need of services. The cost-of-doing-business increase from the state was cancelled, resulting in no funds to grant employees wage increases.

All this brought us new challenges and demands. Employee turnover was reduced from past years, employees pulled together and it soon became apparent what a wonderful staff we have! We went to Springfield and lobbied alongside our consumers, their parents and friends. We sent and helped consumers send cards, letters and make phone calls to state legislators and the governor. We spoke to the media; we affected change in policy and we adapted to the change. We are a better agency today having learned many of our strengths and weaknesses. We will be stronger tomorrow because of this experience. And yet, we realize that there are more tough times before us. Together, we will continue to prepare and work to position our agency for the changes that lie ahead. We will seek opportunities and strive for the best services possible for those we serve.

The Tri-County Board of Directors, employees, consultants, stakeholders, clients and consumers make up a winning team, a team with whom I am proud to be associated.

Larry W. Mizell
Executive Director