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OPTIONS Needs Your Help Now Dear Friends, Everyone worked very hard to “Stop the State Budget Cuts” and we greatly appreciate your efforts to educate legislators and the governor about the necessity for full-funding for these services. We also appreciate the time, attention and support our local legislators gave to our concerns. Despite the best efforts of service providers and advocates throughout the State of Louisiana who provide services for men and women with disabilities, budget cuts are now a reality. In February OPTIONS and all the other community service providers had our reimbursement rates cut approximately 3.5%. Now we are experiencing additional cuts! Our legislators were able to reduce the cuts somewhat, but the effect is still devastating. OPTIONS operates a very cost-effective and efficient program, and there are not many places in the budget to cut. OPTIONS employees are not getting pay raises; some hourly rates have been reduced to reflect the reduced rate of reimbursement; four paid holidays have been eliminated; leave benefits have been reduced; OPTIONS’ contribution to staff retirement plans has been reduced, and administrative functions are being consolidated as much as possible while making sure we still comply with all state and federal regulations. All of the budget cuts have been made with the ultimate goal of maintaining the high quality of service provided by OPTIONS for men and women with disabilities while trying to be as fair as possible to the dedicated staff who provide these services. It has been very difficult to make these cuts, but OPTIONS staff have reacted in a most professional manner, accepting the reality of the situation with good grace and renewed commitment to the men and women they serve. We will continue in this dedication, but we must now ask the community for help. Every challenge is an opportunity, and OPTIONS is facing the challenge of the budget shortfall as an opportunity to reach out to more people in this area. Our base has always been the generous support of the community, and we know that, together with your help, we will find the funds necessary to provide the support and assistance people with disabilities, who want to help themselves, need to succeed. Here’s
how you can help! We realize that money
is tight for everyone and many of you have already donated to OPTIONS this year,
but if you can make a special donation to OPTIONS right now, it will assist us
to continue providing the services people with disabilities need to live and
work in our community. Please also ask your friends and family members to
consider making a donation to OPTIONS.
Click here to see how you can make a donation to OPTIONS. Your assistance is most appreciated. Thank you for your on-going support. Sylvia Bush
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