Kima Hall, CDA’s Program Director, and Richard Freeman, CDA’s grant writer were laid off as of March 23, 2009 because of the shortage of money needed to cover CDA’s payroll beyond April 2009. Jim Prinster, CDA’s Executive Director has resigned as of March 31 because he also knew that we cannot sustain his salary.
While we are very sad that we had to let them go, it was the only fair and sound decision that we could make. Needless to say, it was a laborious and painful resolution.
I would like to thank them on this forum for their continued enthusiasm, professionalism and hard work as staff members of Colorado Discover Ability.
We are one of the most unique adaptive organizations in the region. While operating without any full-time staff is difficult, thanks for the cadre of dedicated volunteers we manage to sustain our programs on a minimal budget and without any staff. Can you name one company that can be as successful as we are without the staff of 10, 15, 20 or more employees? Over the years, starting with Tyler, we as a group have progressed to be experts in the field that is complex and poorly funded. We operate a successful, professional snowsports school and a diverse summer program. We developed programs that function so flawlessly and independently that are now completely self-sufficient. We, the volunteers, provide continuity on all levels of the organization, from management to office support. We have formed life-long friendships with other volunteers and with some of our guests. We’ve all done well.
For this summer we all are working on some of the most exciting programs in years, primarily on an expansion of the river program into white-water adventures and we will potentially reach more people with disabilities than we have in previous years. For the next winter season, we will have more well-trained, expert instructors than ever before and we’ll have additional winter sports programs. We are also working closely with other adaptive programs and commercial entities because we know that the strength comes from numbers.
While I am personally saddened by the layoffs, I am looking forward to working with you on programs and advocacy issues for people who count on us to provide them with equal access to the great outdoors of Colorado and Utah.
I am pretty sure that Despite the current economic turmoil, CDA will survive. For more than 25 years Colorado Discover Ability has operated on a minimal budget. While operating without enough money to provide all services is not the most favored, CDA has a history of functioning with efficiency and thriftiness.
What are your thoughts?
Personally I think change is good. Sometimes it means making some hard decisions (layoffs) but the end result is very often much better. I am excited about the future and proud to be a part of this organization. I can’t wait to see where we progresses to. Thank You to everyone who makes this all happen, anyone of us alone could not do a tenth of what we do, together however, we move mountains!
By: Gingerq on March 25, 2009
at 3:38 am
I agree with Ginger. Change is good, even when difficult. You are in good hands. It has been my honor to work with you all and my heart is still with CDA. Thank you to every one of you who has obliged me when I’ve asked for your assistance. You made what time I had on staff an absolute gift. Hugs out to you all.
By: kima on March 25, 2009
at 4:29 pm
I am very saddened by the layoffs, but I do understand it all. I am wondering what the future will hold. It seems without full-time staff it will be very hard to co-ordinate projects and trips, since we all have to work “regular” jobs. It leaves very little time for life. To sum it all up, I am shocked. Blessings to those whom need it most.
By: Mike on March 26, 2009
at 8:18 pm
Mike,
It is unnerving but our unique structure allows us to survive the tough times. The key programs were are and are run by volunteers. Just a few volunteers have coordinated most of the extended river trips and that is how we managed summer events for the past few years. If we spread the load among us, we might even be able to sustain most of the programming for now. I am sure that we will have to scale down but not by a large percentage, most likely by 20-30%.
Few Board members (Steve, Dan, Pete) took on the job of writing grants and we are hoping to be financially back on track by August, which will allow us to find a new, qualified Executive Director who will take on the development. There are some other ideas floating around but it will take few weeks to analyze them and see how they translate into operational effectiveness.
You are correct, who we need the most right now is a person that can do development, to include funding, as well as a programs coordinator.
I feel terrible about the layoffs because they directly and immediately affect people’s lives. On top of that, we are all very close and laying off people you know and really like is something you’d rather never have to do.
Come on April 7th to the meeting or share your ideas thorough a venue that is most comfortable for you.
By: Martin Wiesiolek on March 26, 2009
at 10:49 pm