DANVILLE — State budget uncertainty has caused Crosspoint Human Services’ officials to do something they have never done in its almost 30-year history.

All of the mental health service provider’s programs also could be in jeopardy.

Crosspoint Human Services, 210 Ave. C, on Thursday closed intake to all persons seeking mental health services until Gov. Pat Quinn and the General Assembly pass a budget that adequately funds human services in Illinois.

“Kids and adults in crisis will be the only persons served,” Crosspoint’s Executive Director Thom Pollock said in a press release.

“Negotiations between the governor and General Assembly leadership have failed to address Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens,” Pollock said. “I have read in press reports that the budget passed by the General Assembly and awaiting Gov. Quinn’s signature anticipates 50 percent or greater cuts in funding. I cannot in good conscience admit someone to services that I will have to discontinue for lack of funding.”

Due to work demands, Crosspoint turned away 100 persons seeking services in May.

Pollock said the mental health service provider will continue to serve children and anybody in crisis.

But Crosspoint will refer others in less severe conditions to other professionals.

No employees are affected by the intake closure.

Pollock said if full state funding is restored, the doors for daily intake will re-open.

If there is only partial state funding, some programs likely will close.

More dire cuts?

In a letter to Quinn and state representatives, Pollock says “If there is not an Illinois budget that fully funds human services, Crosspoint will have no other option but to make people homeless and/or terminate essential medical treatment, caused by the unemployment of dedicated employees.”

A continued under-funded state budget could mean the closing of at least one group home, reduction by half the capacity of the shelter for women and children who have experienced domestic violence and/or homelessness and exclusion of treatment for all the uninsured and underinsured.

Crosspoint partners with Your Family Resource Connection to make available nine rooms at the downtown shelter for domestic violence victims, in addition to homeless shelter rooms, according to Maretta Withers, domestic violence program supervisor at YFRC.

Pollock also stated, “failure to reach full funding by November will essentially close our doors for all programs Crosspoint operates because we cannot survive on funding at a 50 percent level even with timely payments.”

Pollock added that in spite of Crosspoint employees not receiving wage increases the last four years, their health benefits will cost an additional $100,000 this year.

Crosspoint’s 200 employees provided services to more than 5,500 people last year.

History

Crosspoint Human Services was formed in 1980 by combining the services of the Vermilion Mental Health and Developmental Center incorporated in 1955 and the Retarded Children’s Center incorporated in 1964.

Crosspoint is a private, not-for-profit Illinois corporation serving Vermilion County. It is governed by a voluntary board of directors.

Crosspoint provides mental health services to people of all ages, services to persons with developmental disabilities and shelter and services to women and their children who are coping with domestic violence and homelessness. Additional Crosspoint services include psychiatry, nursing, housing, therapies and life skills training.

Crosspoint is licensed by the Department of Public Health to operate a community living facility, is licensed by the Illinois Department of Human Services to provide Medicaid mental health services, Community Integrated Living Arrangements and Day Training.

The organization is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Public Aid, Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board, United Way, donations, fees and private contracts with long term care providers.

Forum

At 11:30 a.m. Monday, the Vermilion County Provider’s Council will convene a community forum at Temple Plaza at the intersection of Vermilion and North streets.

The event will provide a forum for agency representatives and consumers to speak out on the consequences of budget cuts. They will be from area agencies that address substance abuse, mental health, developmental disability, youth, elderly and recovery services.

A portion of the agenda will be set aside for state Sen. Mike Frerichs, D-Gifford, and state Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville, to address their constituents.

FYI

For information on Crosspoint Human Services’ programs and services, call 442-3200.