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Easter Seals outlines services for older adults, seeks $80,000 from county to sustain community programs
Summary
Easter Seals presented program outcomes and requested $80,000 to continue community-based services including Champlin Place, adult day programming and home care supports; agency cited reduced loneliness and caregiver relief as major impacts.
Stu Ssby, executive vice president at Easter Seals, told the subcommittee the organization provides a broad set of community-based services that support older adults to remain in their homes and communities.
Ssby said the organization opened Champlin Place in January 2024 and that the 72-unit facility is near full capacity with a waiting list. He asked the county for $80,000 to continue community-based services in Strafford County, noting that Medicaid and Older Americans Act reimbursement rates do not fully cover costs.
"These rates just don't fully cover the cost of providing services and require philanthropic funding to achieve financial sustainability," Ssby said, summarizing why county support helps preserve services for low-income residents.
Ssby highlighted program outcomes he attributed to the adult day program, including lower loneliness and depression measures and improved caregiver resilience. Committee members questioned the agency about billing cycles and the share of services delivered in Strafford County; Easter Seals said a significant portion of clients served across New Hampshire are Strafford residents.
Members expressed general support and asked for budget clarifications and billing timing to ensure alignment with county accounting and reimbursement cycles.
