Volunteer position? (Warning - LONG, but need advice)!)

[CathyCanada]

I am the Chair of a Pre-School Speech-Language Committee for our region. I have been doing this for the past 4 years, as one of 2 parent representatives and the "professionals" on the committee like to have a parent chairing because I have no "hidden agenda" other to ensure that all kids get screenings and services as quickly as possible. For other reasons, the other parent rep cannot be the chair. Seven years ago the government provided funding for this project and at that time I was President of our Parent group (of deaf and hh children) and speech services are something I have fought for, for Patrick since he was 18 months old. I didn't want other parents to have to go through what I did, so I continue to serve on this committee to ensure that wonderful project continues to do what it is mandated to do.

I'm rambling, sorry. We had a meeting today and have an annual budget of about $650,000 (most of which are salary & benefits) and our "waiting list" for kids to get services is one of the best in the province. The Lead Agency that houses the services has dropped a bomb and requested that we pay $57,000.00 for part of our System Co-Ordinator (a FABULOUS person) salary. Not only that, we have to let them know within 2 weeks. Our own budget is due at the end of the month. I know everyone is hurting for money and we want to be good community partners, but that is a helluva lot of money. We offered an alternative that would only (?) cost us $20,000.00.

I have a lot of work to do between now and next Wed (their board meeting) and I really feel like I am between a rock and a hard place. If we don't give them the money and the Lead Agency pulls out, we're screwed. If we give them the money, we have to lay off a Speech Path and that affects the services the kids will get. Ultimately the decision is mine. I didn't realize a volunteer position could be so stressful.

Any advice? Comments? Help?
It would be appreciated.
CC

 

[jipsy]

You have to choose what is best for the kids overall. Which person is more important to the kids and easiest to replace? I'm sure you've explained to them why you cannot pay the $57,000. Can you talk to the system co-ordinator directly? Are there any other kinds of benefits you could offer him or her in lieu of the large salary?

((((hugs)))) anyway.

 

[kejoda]

Cathy unfortuneately I know where your coming from. I'm on a commitee now fighting for more money from the gov.

Anyway have they told you how much of a % they want you to pay? Are they funded by the government? Why the sudden request and the need for an immediate answer? I'm not sure about any adivice I would have for you . I wish I did.

 

[CathyCanada]

jips (great picture by the way),
The System Co-Ordinator's salary is not negotiable and she earns every penny and then some. I'm afraid if we don't give them anything, they will pull out. Finding a new Lead Agency will be a real pain in the butt and for many reasons, a logistical nightmare.

We're hoping that they will accept our compromise of $20,000.00, it's not exactly chump change but we will still have to do a lot of juggling to find it in our own budget.

You're right, I have to do what is best for the kids overall and I don't like this gun to my head business. That is what it feels like and the fact they gave us 2 weeks to decide and do it, pisses me off.
Thanks!
CC

 

[CathyCanada]

kejoda,
We are both funded by the provincial govt and my first step is to the call the Ministry of Health and ask for the money and I'm sure they'll say no, but I have to try.

The reason the Children's Centre needs the money is to cover their own budget problems. Even though they agreed to cover certain expenses in their proposal to be the lead agency, they are now saying that is not economically feasible. I guess, like all projects funded by governments, they are hurting. Benefits went up 23% and that was a huge shock for everyone.

Thanks for the response.
CC

 

[WDWHound]

Cathy,
What is the impact to you if you lose them as a lead agency?

 

[CathyCanada]

Having to find a new location of which there is really only one place that would be plausible. Logistically with records, staff, etc being in other locations, it would be very difficult.
CC

 

[WDWHound]

Ouch!
Could you continue to provide reasonable services (albeit with a longer wait list) if you lose a speech pathologist?

 

[CathyCanada]

Yes, we can, but it comes back to what Jipsy said, I have to do what is best for the kids. Losing one speech path would make a significant difference and I know I don't have the $57,000.00 to spare and I can only hope they accept the compromise and don't pull out.

 

[glo]

Cathy in the long run the kids are what count, and either way it seems like they are going to suffer. Is there anyway, to somehow do fundraising, or ask parents to help in a way? I know it is a pain, but even if you can raise 5 to 10K more????


What about trying to find a co-partner? Or how about community sponsors for this, or does it have to be all from the goverment? Here at my school, we have about 15 different service providers, each with a few people. We aso have community buisness partners, that help out. Maybe you can try something like that.

I am grasping at straws, but it really stinks that the kids will be the ultimate loosers, and to be honest it stinks. Good luck, if anyone can do it you can.