Faced with a reduction of more than $1.2 million this year in state funding, Saratoga Bridges is turning to the community for donations.
The not-for-profit, which provides care and support to individuals with disabilities and their families in Saratoga County, is concerned about how the cuts will impact the services it provides.
“It’s unrealistic for us to think we can raise that much money in one year to completely prevent cuts,” said Saratoga Bridges Executive Director Valerie Muratori.
Cuts have been made to services across the board, according to Muratori. Funds were cut for residency spaces, community habilitation, day programs, family respite services, social clubs, recreational opportunities and family reimbursement for expenses incurred in caring for an individual living at home. The organization’s 2010 operating budget was $27 million.
The organization supports nearly 200 families in the county and has about 113 individuals living as residents in their homes. Muratori said another 150 individuals are on a residential wait list. About 800 people are served through day programs and social clubs.
“Most people looking for services in the community will call us first before the state because they know us,” said Muratori. “We’re very present around Saratoga or people hear about us through word of mouth. But because of the lack of funding you slowly try to get people into the program. It’s not as quick as it use to be because you’re managing a very finite amount of dollars.”
The organization has cut back on expenses by reorganizing 42 positions within the not-for-profit. They have either not filled jobs after employees have left, or asked employees to take on more responsibilities to combine positions. The group also explained to their 500 employees that they would not receive a raise at the end of the year, which most agreed was the right thing to do.
“We know with the price of food and gas going up, it does dramatically impact their ability to provide for their own families. We know that and we’re appreciative,” said Muratori.
As an experiment, the organization is installing a solar-thermal electrical system to power one of its homes and generate hot water more efficiently. If it works well, the systems will be placed in two more homes. They have also installed an oil furnace in one home that uses discarded motor from oil the organization’s vehicles.
“We do our own oil changes to help us save money,” said Muratori.
The organization is now taking what they call “baby steps” in their fund raising efforts.
Juicy Burger in Ballston Spa is holding an event on Dec. 11 to help out the group. From 5 to 9 p.m. 10 percent of the restaurant’s sales before tax will go to the organization.
Muratori said the hope is to raise about $10,000 at events like the one at Juicy Burger because that’s what it takes to provide reimbursement money or respite staff to 50 local families.
Saratoga Bridges is now fearful of additional funding cuts in the coming year.
With a mid-year projected budget shortfall of about $3.5 billion for the state, Muratori explained it’s likely more cuts will come their way.
“I think in this environment we just have to be prepared of the possibility they could ask us for more cuts, but I’m hoping they will think we have done our duty,” she said. “All I can say is I hope the cuts don’t come.”
Muratori asked that the community be aware that it’s not just Saratoga Bridges that is facing cuts, but all not-for-profits in the county.
“We would hate to lose these organizations if they can’t keep their door open in the future,” she said. “We’re fortunate because we’re not in that situation and we mostly have the community to thank for that.”
