Apace Becomes Financially Independent From Jefferson County

By Theodore BallApace, formerly Region V Services, has informed the Jefferson County Commissioners that it will no longer need funding from the county. This decision was made by the organization to better conform to how Developmental Disability (DD) providers are funded in the state of Nebraska.Each participant the organization serves has Medicaid hours allotted based on their individual needs. The funding given follows the participant and is no longer tied to a geographic service area. County funds were a primary source of funding for Apace for many decades but now equate to .005 percent of their budget, according to Apace. Chief Executive Officer of Apace, Matt Kasik, wrote in a letter addressed to the county commissioners, “I am grateful for your continued support and partnership. Apace is among the best DD providers in Nebraska, and I believe the support we receive from our county boards is one of the reasons why. My hope is that this funding change provides relief for you and your board, as I recognize the challenges that county boards are facing with evolving tax legislation.”Apace is an organization that aims to help developmentally disabled individuals providing resources to them. This includes working with local employers to find opportunities for these individuals, growing their passions and careers and providing housing. The organization is working on building a group housing project in Fairbury. This project aims to provide a home for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Apace Foundation completed its first group home in Nebraska City in January this year, Fairbury is set to complete its construction by the end of July. “The land and the home being built in Fairbury costs $350,000. We are funding this home through donations from family and community members and through the Apace Foundation,” said Apace Fairbury Area Director Lisa Meyer. “Apace Foundation owns six group homes in Fairbury, however, we have noticed our current homes do not allow individuals to age in place. There are stairs or other obstructions which make it difficult for people to age in place and we often have to find other homes or options for them as they get older. Our goal is to have homes that are handicap accessible for people where they can live comfortably for many years to come.” Apace is hosting its first annual Jail’n’Bail fundraiser at the “On the Bricks” Event Center August 27, 2024. For the event you can put in a warrant to have willing friends, family, or co-workers arrested. All warrants must be submitted no later than August 15. Call in a warrant at 402-729-3306.

Arlene Sillman Panko

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