The fate of essential services for vulnerable children in Hamilton County hangs in the balance as commissioners prepare to make a critical decision this Monday. At the heart of this discussion is the funding for Jobs and Family Services (JFS) a lifeline for countless families and foster children in the region.
The current levy supporting these services is set to expire at the end of the year, prompting a urgent debate among county leaders about how to sustain this vital safety net.
Theresa Tillman-Paige: A Foster Mother’s Perspective
For Theresa Tillman-Paige, the work of JFS is not just a service but a lifeline. Over the past 16 years, she has opened her home in Mount Auburn to approximately 60 foster children, providing them with love and support during their most challenging years. “That was my thing, to help them,” she shared, reflecting on her journey.
Tillman-Paige emphasized the unique challenges faced by teenagers in the foster system. “Usually, by the time you’re 16, 17, you’re not going to get adopted,” she noted, highlighting the critical role JFS plays in supporting these often-overlooked youth. She expressed deep concern about the potential impact if the levy funding expires without a replacement.
“Invest in our children,” she urged, underscoring the long-term benefits of supporting these services. “They’re the ones who will be our next leaders.”
The Commissioners’ Dilemma
Commissioner Alicia Reece has been a vocal advocate for finding creative solutions to fund JFS without placing an undue burden on property owners. During a meeting on Tuesday, she proposed exploring the possibility of borrowing against future stadium earnings to alleviate some of the financial strain. “If we’re going to save the children, we’ve got to at least get as creative as we do with these stadiums,” she stated before walking out of the meeting.
Commissioners Denise Driehaus and Stephanie Summerow Dumas have been working to balance the need for increased funding with the imperative to minimize the impact on residents. Summerow Dumas acknowledged the difficult choices ahead, stating, “My opinion is to get as much money to supplement these services without hurting the residents. It’s going to hurt no matter where we go.”
Driehaus suggested adding a relatively low-increase option collected over four years to the list of options for commissioners to consider. She also encouraged JFS to explore further cost-cutting measures. “I see the strategies to continue to cost cut, again, there are numerous, and I appreciate that too,” she said.
The Path Forward
The commissioners will convene at 10 a.m. on Monday at 138 E. Court Street in room 605 to deliberate on the future of JFS funding. The meeting agenda and available options can be accessed here.
As the community watches closely, the decisions made this Monday will shape the future of support for vulnerable children in Hamilton County. The outcome will not only impact the services provided by JFS but also reflect the county’s commitment to its most precious resource: its children.
