OREGON — State budget cuts have slashed funding for many social service agencies around the state, leaving them scrambling to make ends meet, however, many area organizations have a consistent source of funding in the Ogle County Community Mental Health Board.
The board — referred to as the 708 Board because of House Bill 708 that allowed taxpayer funds to be available on the county level for mental health services — was established in 1968 after Ogle County residents passed a referendum that provided local tax dollars for care of county residents requiring mental health services.
The board disperses funds each year to H.O.P.E., Sinissippi, Village of Progress, Lutheran Social Services, Easter Seals Children’s Development Center and Ogle County Hospice Association. Board chair Kathe Wilson said the six agencies deliver approximately 200,000 hours of service to Ogle County residents at a cost to taxpayers of about $5 per hour.
“The services being rendered by our six funded agencies are effective, efficient and comprehensive,” she said.
“Our tax dollars are being used wisely and prudently. The goal of these services is to provide cost effective care that will frequently lead to greater independence and productivity.”
Wilson added that the board is thankful that residents understand the need to provide mental health services to county residents.
“We remain grateful for the kind and generous support of Ogle County taxpayers and pledge our continued vigilance in the monitoring of our county’s mental health services,” she said.
H.O.P.E. Executive Director Ruth Carter said the 708 Board’s funding is one of the few dependable sources of funding that the local domestic abuse agency and the six other agencies supported by the board have.
“The 708 Board’s funding for H.O.P.E. has been consistent,” Carter said. “State funding is not what is has been and the 708 Board advocates for agencies in an ongoing and consistent way so we can continue to offer services.”
H.O.P.E. is a 24-hour staffed agency in Rochelle that serves victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Ogle County and provides shelter for victims and their children. The agency also educates the community about domestic violence, offers counseling, court advocacy and many other services. Carter said funds from the 708 Board has helped the agency cope in light of state budget cuts that have caused a tight budget.
“These funds give clients and their children the opportunity to receive counseling and support in order to move beyond their fears and regain their own personal sense of control in their lives,” she said. “Several H.O.P.E. clients receive ongoing counseling to assist in maintaining their safety, regaining their confidence, building their resources and linkage with needed assistance in order to maintain financial independence.”
Village of Progress Executive Director Craig Carpenter said funds from the 708 Board back in 1968 made it possible to start the agency.
“Our roots go back to the beginning of the 708 Board,” he said. “They are largely responsible for getting us started and they have been great supporters since then for more than 40 years.”
Village of Progress is a agency that assists Ogle County adults with disabilities and provides training to promote greater independence.
Carpenter said while state funding has not been reliable as it deals with massive debt, the 708 Board is steadfast.
“While state funding is up in the air, it’s nice to have the 708 Board stability for a portion of our funding,” he said. “The board members themselves are committed to various agencies that receive funding from them. They are an outstanding group of people and we are lucky in Ogle County to have the dedication offered by the 708 Board.”
