We approach the New Year with optimism. I'm not sure what that's based on. Maybe it's just because we have a new calendar, a new slate to write on.
The past 30 months have been the most challenging since Transitional Living Communities opened its doors. We’ve faced one financial hurdle after another. Because of the employment situation our clients have a tough time finding work. Even though we’ve set up employment centers, many are still having difficulty.
But we’ve somehow managed to pay most of our bills in a timely manner. We’ve had to hold off paying property taxes until right down to the wire.
We've tightened our belt in many areas. We sold half our vehicles to cut expenses on maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. And, unfortunately, we've had to lay off some key personnel. We spent a lot of time shopping for inexpensive insurance. Many of our landlords agreed to cut lease and mortgage payments until times get better.
A constant source of amusement is when clients say "TLC is all about the money." Many of them have never faced responsibility or paid a fee for anything. So the $110 a week that they pay to be in our program is a challenge. Somehow they think because we’re a nonprofit they can live with us for free. They believe we get money from the government and therefore they shouldn't have to pay. The idea we get funding is a myth. Our money comes either from our business operations or service fees paid by our clients. And reality is that there are very few places one can live, unless it's home with mommy and daddy, for less than $110 a week.
What are we going to do different in 2011? Not much. We’re going to continue helping addicts and alcoholics. And hopefully we'll find creatve new ways to help them..
I work in the Tucson facility and we run into the same problem here. It's usually when clients are going through PAWS that the money subject gets brought up. I found that sharing my experience with the balance I had when I first started out helps the clients deal with the issue. I also let them know that if they work the program to the best of their ability, get a sponsor and home group, and work the 12 steps, the economic insecurity will leave them. I also ask residents that have had major balance issues to work with these troubled clients. Together, we find solutions to the problems that entries face. I always have to remember that I too was once an entry, and that early recovery can be a bitch at times. Working with others is always a learning experience, more so with me than the entry.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input.
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