During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial challenges facing a local program that relies heavily on volunteer support. The program's coordinator highlighted a significant decrease in available non-reverting funds, which had previously been used to supplement county funding. As these funds dwindle, the coordinator anticipates a return to greater reliance on county resources.

The budget request presented included a total of $379,490, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year. The coordinator noted that grant funding has also seen a reduction, further complicating financial planning.

A key point of discussion was the struggle to recruit volunteers, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, which has deterred many potential participants, especially from the retirement community. To address this issue, the coordinator proposed the creation of a new staff advocate position to manage caseloads that would typically be handled by volunteers. This position aims to ensure that children in need receive adequate representation.

Additionally, the coordinator introduced a stipend program for existing staff who take on extra caseloads outside of their regular duties. Staff members would be eligible to receive $130 per month for each case they manage, with the potential to handle up to four cases at a time. This initiative is designed to incentivize staff participation and alleviate the burden on the program.

The coordinator expressed optimism that the stipend program could encourage staff involvement, while also acknowledging that the staff advocate position would likely have a more significant impact on managing the caseloads effectively. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by organizations reliant on volunteer support and the innovative strategies being considered to adapt to these changes.