I recently attended a fundraiser for a non-profit organization in our community and was reminded, again, how fortunate we are to have so many organizations in St. Charles County that help those in need. From adults and children with disabilities, resources for troubled youth, assistance for those with housing needs, and food pantries, to programs for helping individuals with social, educational and financial challenges, our county is truly blessed with so many organizations and individuals who help others.
While many, if not all, of the organizations have their own fundraisers to supplement the costs of their programs, staff, supplies, etc., and while many are eligible for funding from state and national grants, you, through St. Charles County Government, assist as well.
More than 40 years ago, St. Charles County voters approved a tax of up to 16 cents per $100 of assessed property valuation to provide community-based programs and support for citizens with developmental disabilities. Staff of the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County (DDRB), along with a nine-member board of directors, oversees funding from the tax – making certain that money is being spent appropriately, and in the best way possible, so that those who need assistance are fully included in our society. The DDRB does this by providing funding to agencies in St. Charles County that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, and by providing case management to individuals 16 and older.
Similarly, in 2005, voters approved a 1/8-cent sales tax to fund the Community and Children’s Resource Board of St. Charles County (CCRB). The CCRB Board provides funding to non-profit organizations in St. Charles County that programs that impact children’s mental health, outpatient children’s substance abuse treatment, and/or the prevention of child abuse and neglect services.
With this funding, and through volunteers and donors who give time, talent and gifts to all of our organizations, we are making a difference in the lives of so many of our citizens. This is just one of the many reasons St. Charles County is a great place to live, and just one of the many reasons I am proud to live and lead this great community.