Debbie Ortega — far left, at her inauguration on July 20 — is concerned about the lack of information and fears the city may not be able to get out of its contract because the relationship with Rocky Mountain Human Services was outlined in ballot language. (Denver Post file)
RE: “RMHS woes still a mystery,” Aug. 9 Jeremy Meyer column.
As a family with a 15-year-old “client” of Rocky Mountain Human Services (RMHS), I am appalled at the way that RMHS is insisting that its providers basically work for free 17 percent of the time (currently 7 percent, but by March 2016 it will be higher) — and without accountability or transparency. I applaud both Jeremy Meyer and Councilwoman Debbie Ortega, who are trying to gain answers about what is really going on at RMHS.
I look forward to attending that long-overdue City Council meeting currently scheduled for Sept. 15.
Gabriele Lawrence, Denver
This letter was published in the Aug. 16 edition.I totally agree that there is a lack of transparency and dishonesty in the quasi-governmental agencies (about 20 community-centered boards across Colorado). Parents can’t reach board members directly with concerns that affect their loved ones and their communities. They get letters from CCBs as scare tactics and can’t discuss them in private with a single board member. They fear reprisal to their children’s welfare for speaking out publicly, as I am doing now. What services will be withheld now? Will my child be kept on the wait list for residential services longer than the 14 years we’ve already been on it?
In Larimer County, the story is the same: long waiting lists, and a hierarchy that is beyond belief.
Deborah G. Ham, Fort Collins
Please keep the pressure on RMHS. The problem with RMHS is an example of deficits within the entire community center board (CCB) system. When agencies do not have someone looking over their shoulder, things can go wrong with a lot of money. The state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing does not have the power to control the CCBs. The services provided by the CCBs are desparately needed by individuals with developmental disabilities.
Elizabeth Wuest, Littleton
This letter was published in the Aug. 16 edition.
