September 3, 2003
Dear American Red Cross Volunteers,
As you probably are aware, the effect of a down economy and stock market have challenged all businesses to tighten their belts and still find ways to meet customer needs.
The American Red Cross is no different. Fundraising and grant support for the Red Cross and most nonprofits is significantly down. Your local Red Cross Board of Directors has been wrestling with balancing the need to be good stewards of the funds we do receive and meet the service needs of the people we serve.
Over the last few years we have been fortunate to be able to use funds held in reserve to provide service in our Chapters jurisdiction, which includes Newaygo, Muskegon and Oceana Counties. However, our local volunteer Board of Directors has determined that this can not continue. Therefore, tough decisions have been made to balance our Chapter's budget.
Several steps have been taken to cut expenses including cutting non-essential travel and training, freezing salaries of the Chapter's small staff and cutting back wherever possible.
In addition, three staff positions have been eliminated. Two of them in the Muskegon Office . . . and the position Scott Adrian held in Newaygo County. Funding for the office rent in Fremont will also end soon.
Scott's last day was August 22, 2003. He has done an admirable job creating, enhancing and managing services in Newaygo County. We will miss him.
The Board of Directors and the remaining staff all have reinforced our commitment that service delivery will remain at the same high levels in Newaygo County. We know we can do it with your continued help!
To support your efforts, you will find below a list of individuals who are available to assist you and answer all of your questions. To get assistance we have a local or toll free phone number for you to use:
Over the next several weeks we will be working diligently to assess current systems to help you as volunteers continue the same high level of service you have provided in the past.
Working together we will keep Red Cross services strong in Newaygo County and work our way through these tough times.
