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Developmental Pathways outlines local supports; says small investments prevent crises
Summary
Developmental Pathways told the board it served 204 Elbert County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in FY25 and 331 residents with all disabilities; the nonprofit reported $41,000 in unmet‑needs support last year and urged local partnerships to address provider shortages and Medicaid pressures.
Developmental Pathways, a nonprofit that provides long‑term and early intervention services, presented an annual report to the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners on June 10, detailing services and local needs for residents with disabilities.
Matt Van Auker, chief executive officer, introduced the organization and said DP has supported Elbert County residents for more than four years. Dina/Dyna Fried, director of community engagement, said in fiscal year 2025 DP supported 204 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a total of 331 county residents with disabilities.
Fried described the organization's unmet‑needs fund as targeted assistance used when "traditional systems stop short." She reported DP provided about $41,000 in unmet‑needs funding last year for Elbert County residents, with $36,000 going directly to supports families requested and $5,500 covering scholarships to make programming accessible. For fiscal year 2026 to date, DP has provided over $20,000 in supports and expects that number to grow through June.
Kim Tenner, director of government affairs, summarized DP's wraparound work and local impact metrics: in Elbert County last year DP supported 36 intake/enrollment assists, 17 resource navigation supports, seven waiver enrollments and seven benefit‑loss preventions; DP completed 16 local agency partnerships and presentations to increase community awareness.
Commissioners asked about funding and financial stewardship. Van Auker said DP's next fiscal year budget exceeds $80 million across contracts funded by federal, state or local tax dollars and county mill levy stewardship; he described contract areas including early intervention and long‑term care case management.
Presenters warned of system pressures that could increase unmet needs: provider rate cuts (a 2% provider rate cut this year), eligibility and access impacts from federal changes, and overall Medicaid cost pressures. They invited commissioners to a virtual town hall July 1 to discuss changes in early intervention and long‑term care, and noted a community Iron Will Ranch inclusive rodeo event July 18 in Elizabeth.
Commissioners thanked the presenters and asked DP to continue coordination with county staff to expand local access to supports.
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