Valley Counseling Services Inc., in operation for more than 50 years, is facing insurmountable budget constraints. In an announcement Tuesday morning, President and CEO Tim Schaffner said VCS is selling its assets to another not-for-profit in order to keep services intact.
“Unfortunately, we reached a critical fork in the road. We could not afford to continue to provide the services to our clients with the current budget cuts,” said Tim Schaffner, President and CEO of VCS. “We are fortunate to have found a larger agency that shares our mission, vision, values and - most importantly - one that specializes in helping other not-for-profits survive serious challenges,” said Schaffner.
Family and Community Services, whose corporate offices are in Ravenna, Ohio, has provided a variety of services in 11 counties for more than 60 years through a broad continuum of community-based programs. In the past several years, 13 not-for-profit agencies have joined their system to assure that their services could remain viable.
“The leadership and Board of Directors at F&CS believe strongly in the work of not-for-profits that serve families and communities and commit themselves to supporting these efforts,” said Mark Frisone, Executive Director of F&CS. “Valley has an excellent reputation and provides good quality care in this community. We only want to help see that this continues and grows,” said Frisone.
According to Frisone, Valley will retain its local leadership and offer the current services.
“I hope the community and employees think of us as a life preserver- we are here to save and continue the good work that has been done for so many years,” he added.
Valley Counseling Services, Inc. has served the residents of Trumbull County for more than 50 years. The staff of psychiatrists, nurses, counselors, social workers, case managers, and support personnel provide services for more than 5,000 people every year. The agency employees more than 80 people.
“While our services are available to anyone in our community, our particular mission is to be the community’s safety net for those most in need who may not have any other vehicle for support,” said Schaffner. “I am pleased that we have found a strategic way to continue caring for our clients.”
Like many other businesses, VCS has faced increasing costs and dwindling revenue. Because of the dire community need - especially over the past five years - VCS has chosen to provide reduced cost or free services to clients. Yet, during this time, the funding sources have been continuously reduced and the economic crisis has worsened the financial challenges.
“Despite efforts over the years to expand the funding base and diversify funding sources, we were unable to find revenue sources to compensate for this loss. Having depleted our reserves, the agency cannot continue to provide services under its current business plan,” said Schaffner.
On July 1, 2009, VCS was notified of a $1 million budget cut from the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. The agency relied heavily on this support but with limited resources there wasn’t the state funding available. April Caraway, Executive Director of the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board is very supportive of VCS and supports the purchase by F&CS.
“Valley Counseling Services has been a leading partner in providing services to our most vulnerable population for decades. It is our belief that joining this regional agency will assure that our constituents will continue to receive the care they need for many years to come,’” said Caraway.
The letter of intent begins the process of creating a transition strategy between VCS and F&CS. Effective April 1, 2010, services offered by VCS will be provided by F&CS doing business as Valley Counseling Services.
“It is the intent of all parties to assure that this transition occurs seamlessly to benefit the 5,000 clients currently being served,” said Frisone.
He reports the Valley Counseling name, office locations and services will remain intact.
“Plans will be communicated to VCS employees and clients as we proceed through this process,” said Schaffner. “We want this to be a new beginning for Valley.”
Courtesy: VCS
