SCCMHA - What's New

Early in 2005 the First Choice Committee was developed as a subcommittee of the Quality of Life (QOL) Workgroup at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority. The QOL Workgroup determined that one way to improve the quality of life for adults living in foster care homes would be to provide these individuals with some additional discretionary funds during the holiday season. The First Choice Program was developed to help raise these funds.

SCCMHA serves persons with serious disabilities which result in a significant life functioning impact. Persons served have extremely limited resources, and are often receiving minimal disability coverage which barely covers their basic housing, necessary care and supervision costs. These individuals often have less than $50 per month that must pay for other necessities or needs, including medical co-pays and any personal care items or expenses, including clothing. Many individuals have no family resources to assist them with any unmet needs.

Imagine how you would live your life if you had such limited funds- $50 or less per month– to cover your necessities and occasional personal wants. Often these individuals who suffer from serious disabilities are unable to afford an appropriate and warm winter coat, let alone a small radio, or an occasional magazine or book. Many consumers already take advantage of available local resources for reduced cost or used items, but this often does not adequately meet the individual needs of the person and still involves the use of their severely limited personal funds.

Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority was fortunate to have the Saginaw News run a feature on the First Choice program in their July 20, 2005 newspaper to help raise awareness of the program and the need for such a program. Please see the Saginaw News article below

The goal of The First Choice committee is to collect enough funds to provide each consumer, who is receiving services from SCCMHA and living in an adult foster care home, with a gift card during the holiday season. These individuals will then be free to spend this gift card on whatever they want. Their “First Choice” gift card may be used to meet a current need or to help them obtain a personal wish. The bottom line is that it’s their own Choice!

The success of the First Choice program is directly related to the generous contributions made by SCCMHA staff, stakeholders and the residents of Saginaw County.

SCCMHA is very pleased with funds raised through the first two years of First Choice campaigns. Nearly $12,000 in funds were raised in 2005 and $13,500 in 2006! Shortly before the Christmas holiday (221) $50 gift cards were distributed in 2005 and (281) $35 gift cards were distributed in 2006 to individuals served by SCCMHA, most of who reside in licensed residential homes. SCCMHA appreciates everyone who made a contribution to the First Choice Program during 2005 & 2006. SCCMHA heard from providers and consumers directly about the positive impact of this small token on their spirit and lives.

Please click the link below to view the Saginaw News article that was issued in February 2006 featuring the success of the 2005 First Choice Campaign.

Please click on the links bellow to view photo summaries from the 2005 and 2006 First Choice campaigns to see how powerful your donation was or could be.

The only negative comment heard and understood by SCCMHA was that the program couldn’t provide a card to all persons living in residential settings. SCCMHA had to unfortunately limit distribution of the cards based on the amount of funds raised; therefore, some homes had residents who received cards and some who did not. The hope for 2007 is to raise enough funds to support the current consumers of SCCMHA, up to 800 adults who reside in licensed residential homes settings, with a minimum $50 stipend or gift card.

We’d greatly appreciate your support in this very important project to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities!

If you are interested in supporting the First Choice Program please complete the First Choice pledge form below. Completed forms can be forwarded to Jan Histed at SCCMHA, 500 Hancock Street, Saginaw, MI 48602.

If you have additional questions regarding the First Choice program please contact the following individuals:

The Origin of the First Choice Program