Where does the money and other resources come from?

Our legislation provides some funding through an annual $650,000 line item in the budget of the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. The money is divided among all the Councils statewide, so it doesn't go far. Most Councils supplement these funds in a variety of ways. They ask for donations of money, time, and materials from merchants and community groups, hold local fundraising events, and help people negotiate reduced fees for needed goods and services. Sometimes, money is not even what is needed. Instead, it is just an ear to listen or some hard-earned good advice. Councils have those to share in abundance.

The Regional Council will also be working on raising funds and developing resources for all the local Councils to make use of.