Creating a future that's mission-focused

By Marisa Geitner, president & C.E.O. of Heritage Christian Services

Any time your budget is tied to government funding, there will be fluctuations in funding.

This year we’re facing a budget cut, and our reimbursement rates haven’t been adjusted for inflation in several years. We’re also figuring out how to adapt to a Medicaid system that’s being completely redesigned, meaning how care is coordinated– and what it will pay for – will be vastly different than what we’re used to. Plus, the state is working on standardizing its reimbursement rates. So, for example, an agency that provides the bare minimum in its day programs and an agency that enriches its day programs will be paid the same.

It’s natural to have concerns about changes in our funding. It’s healthy to wonder. But we need to focus on the task at hand – creating a future that’s as much about our mission as it is about the numbers.

• We have many people in need; we must create supports and services that remain relevant as the system changes.  Our services must be individualized, flexible and affordable.
• We are collaborating differently with similar agencies to prepare for the Medicaid redesign and may begin to share services as a means of directing even more dollars to our care.
• We’re fortunate we have employees whose high quality of care makes it possible for the Heritage Christian Foundation to continue to grow.  That money, a savings account of sorts, is a resource for the agency now and will steady us in the future.
• We will continue to invest in those employees because they create the culture that is the Heritage Christian difference.

Employees at Heritage Christian often support people as they build relationships and volunteer in the community.

Our competitive advantage is the power of prayer and commitment to a common purpose. Together – with God’s guidance – we’ll weather this change and thrive as we meet the demands of those in need with the highest quality supports and services.

Any ministry that’s not constantly reforming isn’t living up to its full potential. And we won’t settle for anything less.