Des Moines, IA – Orchard Place is deeply grateful to the Ochylski Family Foundation for their $75,000 gift supporting the Child Guidance Center (CGC) Sliding Fee Scale Program.
The Sliding Fee Scale Program provides support to children and families who are experiencing barriers to access such as low-income families, undocumented families, or those with high deductibles. Fees are adjusted according to the family’s income level. Jocelyn Wilson, the Director of Clinical Services at CGC, said, “The Sliding Fee Scale is just one of the practices we use to reduce barriers to access. This is one step toward our commitment to our mission of providing a safe environment for children and their families to heal, find hope, be empowered, and build resilience to overcome mental health adversity.” The families who rely on CGC services often face significant barriers to treatment including poverty, food insecurity, unstable housing, and trauma. Anne Starr, the Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Place, said, “Over the past fiscal year, 82% of Orchard Place youth were Medicaid eligible.”
The Child Guidance Center is a federally accredited community health center serving as a crucial safety net for youth and families experiencing mental and behavioral health challenges in Central Iowa. Last year alone, CGC provided essential services to 3,257 children with 67% of youth showing a positive change in emotional, social, and behavioral functioning.
With the support of partners, like the Ochylski Family Foundation, Orchard Place is able to foster a safe environment for hope and healing. Learn more here and join us in developing strong futures.