This week’s “Letters to the Editor” section brings news from Greg Dickey, president of The Open Line, telling us that the agency will no longer be open on Mondays.  As Greg states, “The Open Line is not immune to the current state of the economy.”

                Last month, an editorial appearing in this newspaper opined that Montgomery County wasn’t immune to these challenging economic times.  Of the current county financing we wrote, “The crunch caused by the struggling economy caused significant cuts in the 2010 budget.  If it hasn’t yet, the fallout will eventually reach all of us.”  The Open Line is one of the local organizations that felt the pain of the county’s budget issues.

                Both confidence and concern is felt when reading Greg’s words;  confidence in The Open Line board and staff members knowing that they are doing their very best to keep expenses down while trying to meet the communities needs;  concern for the fact that The Open Line is fielding an increased number of clients accessing the services they provide.  No matter what, there are people who need help – now more than ever.

                The Open Line is one of several organizations that will participate in a summit this spring that hopefully will gather input from the community on how to work together to provide services within the Upper Perkiomen Valley.

                Also participating in the “Upper Perkiomen Valley Community Services: Committed to Caring, Stronger by Sharing – Forging Partnerships for a Brighter Tomorrow” workshop are representatives from Youth and Family Services, Upper Perkiomen Senior Citizen Center, Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, The Lincoln Center, Upper Perkiomen Ministerial Association, Freedom Valley YMCA, Upper Perkiomen School District, Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission, United Way and the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce.

                But, the one thing that they will need most at the meeting is you!  Public participation is essential.  Come to the meeting and listen to the issues.  Hear what services are provided, whom they help, how the organizations are funded and operated, where their current funding comes from, what are the shortfalls, and what the prognosis is for their future. 

                But don’t come to the summit empty-handed.  Bring your ideas and suggestions.  More money isn’t the only solution.  The organizations will find more ways to work together and find a more efficient and cost-effective way to provide the needed services.  And they will listen to your thoughts on how they can do that.   

                Don’t be afraid to engage in discussions on guaranteed funding versus public and private contributions.  Both are needed, but in what levels can they be obtained?  Are more fundraising opportunities on the horizon and are the volunteers there to support them? 

                In challenging financial times, when guaranteed funding isn’t guaranteed anymore, people need to develop workable alternatives.  This will be the public’s opportunity to contribute more than money to these fine groups and the people they serve.