Message from the Executive Director – Fiscal Year 2008

Fiscal year 2008 could best be described as a year of action and diversity for Family Counseling Center, Inc.

Results of the previous year’s fiscal audit required action to reduce expenses and increase revenues where possible.   Decisions were made to phase out some programs that were providing much needed client services, but which were a negative drain on the agency’s budget.  Reorganization, reallocation and not filling positions vacated by resignation, termination and retirement became a priority in an effort to bring the agency in line with a positive balance of income over expenses.

Individual contracts for services were reduced where applicable.  The Administrative Division Director position was abolished and job tasks divided and distributed to other existing staff.  “The Haven” a program to provide housing, counseling, support and substance abuse treatment for the homeless was phased out.  As the state of Illinois continued to increase the “fee for service” concept of billing, necessary action was taken to ensure designated staff met their billing requirements.  The state of Illinois Department of Human Services redirection and interruption of rules and regulations established by the federal government resulted in the loss of the Assertive Community Treatment program and the implementation of the Community Support program which required the necessity to reduce the number of staff positions and the downward reallocation of a position.  Additional action was implemented by the agency to reduce commodity, travel, equipment and training expenses.

The much-anticipated Grand Opening of the $6.2 million – Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Facility in Vienna was a major move of diversity on the agency’s part.  The grand opening held on April 15, 2008 acknowledged the contribution the facility would be to individuals and families throughout our region.  Forty-six apartments for seniors 65 and older who had some need of assistance was a major venture the Board of Directors unanimously agreed on.  It is the first time in the agency’s history that such a bold and innovative goal had been established and met.  Meeting the needs of a community while diversifying the agency’s income is a plan that has brought both praise and recognition to the agency.
 
Economic and state budget woes create emotional and challenging times for each of us.  Facing these challenges and making necessary decisions is not an easy task.  It has required significant commitment and dedication to getting the job done.  I am very proud of the employees of this agency who can and do step up to do their part.  The willingness of our employees to do more sometimes with less speaks volumes about who they are and how they care for others as they make a difference in the lives of their clients/consumers.

Individual performance is most often the result of good leadership.  The Family Counseling Center, Inc. Board of Directors is to be commended for their foresight and leadership in moving this agency forward during these difficult economic and changing times.  Without such leadership we would not have ventured into new frontiers.  Each step we build takes us to a new level and opens the door with new possibilities, while all the time expanding our ability of “Helping others help themselves.”

Larry W. Mizell
Executive Director