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OCCK tells commissioners it served 122 Ottawa County residents, warns of funding uncertainty
Summary
OCCK representatives reported the nonprofit served 122 county residents with home‑based supports, assistive‑technology loans and transportation ties, noted a $250,000 assistive‑technology purchase and said future state funding changes could affect services.
Sheila Nelson Stout, representing OCCK, told the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners that OCCK provided ongoing services to 122 county residents last year, including independent‑living assistance, attendant care and assistive‑technology support. “We served a 122 people,” Stout said, noting the number has doubled from an earlier recorded year when OCCK served 61 people.
Stout described a loan program for ramps and other equipment and said OCCK purchased a lift‑equipped van and $250,000 worth of assistive equipment with grant funds to allow staff to bring technology and demonstrations to rural households. “We bought a $250,000 worth of equipment that people could use,” she said, explaining the van and equipment let residents try assistive devices before purchase and help families stabilize after a crisis.
The presentation highlighted OCCK’s coordination with local EMTs and county partners to reduce repeat emergency calls: staff said they receive many after‑hours referrals and are pursuing additional training and occupational‑therapy support for rural responders. OCCK also said it relies on county contributions and grants and is bracing for possible state and federal funding changes. Stout said OCCK did not request an increase from Ottawa County this year but expects pressure on resources if statewide cuts occur.
Commissioners thanked OCCK for the presentation and asked staff about program reach, funding formulas and how ramp loans and the new van will be administered. OCCK leaders said they will continue outreach and training to reduce crisis calls and to help residents remain in place.
