Community services provider says demand rising in Dickinson County, asks commissioners to review funding

OCCK representatives told the Dickinson County Commission during the study session that demand for the organization's services in the county has increased, and they asked commissioners to continue supporting the program.

"We served about 500 more people in the county and roughly 1,200 more people regionally than the year before," said Jenny Richardson, an OCCK representative, describing a rise in calls and referrals. She outlined programs including transportation, assistive-technology outreach, job fairs and a mobile van equipped with assistive devices that OCCK brings to communities.

The presentation stressed the agency’s role helping older residents remain in their homes, assisting veterans, and training people for jobs with local employers. Richardson described a case in which OCCK staff responded to a hospital call and arranged transport and follow-up care for an isolated patient, concluding the intervention preserved the person's independence.

Commissioners praised the work but asked for more detail on OCCK’s budget and how county funds are used. "It would be helpful if next time you could bring last year’s budget and a proposed budget so we can see how our appropriation fits into the whole," one commissioner said.

OCCK representatives said they would provide budget documents and noted the agency relies on many funding sources, including federal, state and local grants. The presentation also highlighted partnerships with area employers, the hospital and local recycling and transportation services that OCCK uses to extend its reach.

The commission did not take action at the meeting; staff and OCCK agreed to follow up with budget materials at a later meeting.