03/24/2026
I have worked at Straits Area Services for over 26 years, the last 10 of which I served as the executive director. We are accustomed to budget cuts and program changes, and with the bigger picture in mind, we have adopted and persevered for the individuals we serve.
But over the past few years, providers under North country community mental health have received inadequate funding as the cost of running our valuable services have increased substantially.
Grand Traverse Industries, Bergmann Center, Crossroads Industries, and Straits Area Services have been working together to protect this vulnerable population’s freedom of choice, community inclusion, and comprehensive opportunities not found anywhere else.
While words of support are being spoken to the community in response to our concerns, we, the providers, continue receiving unsustainable funding. If nothing is done, our programs will start to disappear one by one as early as this year. What will happen to the individuals who need these programs?
It’s time we stand up and fight for the
population that needs us the most.
Please share and help us advocate the importance of these programs for the people we serve
Providers say they could have to reduce services in the coming months.
