During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the funding and future of the Family Preservation Program, which has been operational for over 30 years at Greenbrier Children's Center. The program, designed to assist families at risk of losing their children to the Department of Family and Children Services, is facing a potential funding cut for fiscal year 2025. Advocates for the program urged the commission to reconsider this decision, emphasizing the critical services it provides to vulnerable families.

The program's representatives highlighted the challenges they have faced, including staff turnover and the need for additional counselors to meet the growing demand for services. They shared poignant examples of families in crisis, such as a grandmother seeking help for her grandchildren, underscoring the immediate need for support. The representatives stressed that the program employs a two-generation approach, addressing the needs of both children and parents, and provided statistics indicating a significant number of families currently receiving assistance.

Commissioners engaged in the discussion, seeking clarity on how the program measures success and the metrics used to justify funding. The representatives explained that success is gauged through individual family plans and the achievement of specific goals, alongside metrics such as the number of families served and ongoing support provided.

In addition to the Family Preservation Program, the meeting also featured a presentation from Curtis V. Cooper Primary Healthcare, which expressed gratitude for past funding and shared updates on their expanded services, including dental care and support for pregnant women. The organization emphasized its role in reducing healthcare disparities and improving access to essential services for underserved populations.

Another nonprofit, Shelter From the Rain, presented its mentorship program for single parents, highlighting its impact on families and the importance of providing tailored support to help them achieve personal goals. The program has seen positive outcomes, with many participants reporting significant improvements in their circumstances.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by community service programs and the critical need for continued funding to support vulnerable populations in Chatham County. The commission is expected to review the funding requests as part of the budget considerations in the coming months.