Concerned citizens,
Archuleta Seniors Inc. (ASI) welcomes your perspective as you may not have taken advantage of our services personally or participated in our community surveys.
We would like to clarify any misconceptions around ASI’s reasons for approaching the County government with a proposed collaboration.
Since 2014, ASI has succeeded in providing continuous quality programming for our 60+ community. Our meal programs served over 700+ unduplicated clients this year. Participation is on a suggested donation basis. No one 60+ is denied services due to an inability to pay. More than 55 different devoted volunteers deliver meals and provide daily welfare checks to the homebound and assist in the Community Café. Other programs include, medical monitoring, exercise, balance, art & social programs offering support for caregivers and resources to maintain independence, and combat loneliness and isolation.
Recent presentations by the ASI executive director to the BOCC have documented the positive impact ASI provides our aging adult community. ASI’s request to form a formal collaboration with the County is not based on fiscal insolvency. Colorado’s population aged 55 and older is expected to increase by 35% over the next decade. ASI’s funding partner San Juan Basin Area Agency on Aging (SJBAAA) has informed us to expect an 18% reduction in current funding levels by 2026.
ASI continues to explore funding options to address future shortfalls. A strategic plan has been developed and will be implemented and/or adjusted based on the BOCC’s decision.
A formal County partnership would enable ASI to qualify for additional funding and grant opportunities offered specifically to governmental agencies aiding the underserved citizens within our community. Partnering with the County would also provide our hardworking staff with the security of a living wage, health insurance, and retirement benefits that our small non-profit is currently unable to provide. This will greatly improve recruitment and retention of quality staff in the short and long term.
Regarding cutting staff, ASI’s Community Café prepares meals for both our seniors and a local preschool totaling 200+ meals daily along with managing the details and demands of a professional commercial kitchen with only 3 FT and 3 PT trained staff. ASI’s administrative staff consists of 3 FT employees who, along with the assistance of a volunteer board, manage the administrative duties of a challenging non-profit. This includes programming, grant writing, training, bookkeeping, fundraising, budgeting, and the accurate detailed reporting required to remain compliant and eligible for future funding.
If the BOCC decides to collaborate and take on the skilled staff of ASI as County employees, the $280,000, currently provided to ASI annually would instead be reallocated toward wages, taxes, and benefits. The County estimates wages and benefits at $610,000, meaning an additional investment of $330,000. Decision-making regarding personnel would rest primarily with the executive director operating within the HR policies of Archuleta County. ASI will maintain management of all other fiscal responsibilities associated with the functioning of the non-profit and advise the executive director regarding implementation of the strategic plan.
ASI will continue to diligently maintain high quality needed services & invest in our amazing aging adult community.
Sincerely,
Crystal Gillich, ASI Board VP
Pagosa Springs, CO