Chaffee County commissioners heard July 16 that a year-long pilot of a Family Voice Council — a resident advisory network for local Department of Human Services (DHS) programs — yielded sustained participation, stipends for attendees and specific recommendations to improve access to county services.

David Graham, coordinator for the Family Voice Council pilot, described how the county recruited residents served by DHS programs, offered $100 stipends per meeting, provided meals and childcare, and organized two‑hour sessions where departments presented services and then solicited feedback. "Members were generally impressed that these departments were able to keep up with the intake of new clients despite there sometimes being a very small number of staff," Graham said, summarizing the council's view on staff performance.

The council began with about 10 recruited residents and ended with roughly five consistent attendees after attrition. Participants offered consistent feedback across departments: broad satisfaction with program quality, concerns about heavy caseloads in child-support and welfare units, and a recurring request that departments do more outreach to increase awareness of services. Council members recommended a universal application that would show clients all programs they are eligible for, an online tracker for application status, and an interdepartmental client navigator to help match residents with services.

County staff said they will use the pilot feedback to design a second round focused on specific communities, including outreach targeted at Buena Vista residents, and that they plan to continue the program locally after the state mini‑grant funding ends in September. Monica (DHS staff) credited local partners for operational support, including childcare during meetings, and said the county will pursue a second cycle using local funds.

Commissioners and staff praised the model; one commissioner said the stipends and tangible follow-up — departments returning with responses to participant feedback — helped retention and created local advocates who spread word-of-mouth. Staff emphasized outreach and follow-up as priority improvements for the next funding round.