The Covid-19 Pandemic has created unprecedented challenges across the world. In Wapello County, our local nonprofit organizations have had to work through increased cost of service delivery, increased demand in the community need, and staffing issues, much like the rest of the county. As part of our Nonprofit Pandemic Support Fund program, we heard stories of extreme challenge, perseverance, and grit from those organizations serving in the greater Ottumwa area, and we are sharing those challenging yet inspiring stories with you over the coming weeks, starting with First Resources Corporation.

As an organization responsible for the direct care of over 400 clients, many of which require 24-hour care, closing their doors or reducing service offerings was not an option for First Resources Corp. Pandemic-related staffing challenges and high attrition plagued First Resources, requiring their team to clock over 51,000 hours of overtime to serve their clients. Those hours represent a three-times increase in normal overtime hours for the organization and added over $500,000 in unbudgeted wages to ensure clients did not see an interruption in services.

Government-mandated closures also led to significant lost revenue for the organization when they were forced to close hourly and day habilitation services from March 17 – July 1, 2020. In addition, these closures created a ripple effect in revenue loss and staffing expense, as it required additional staff to be needed at site homes during closures.

In addition to wage and revenue costs, First Resources has also seen increased costs trickle down to other budget areas:

• Due to staff attrition and increased recruitment efforts, advertising costs have significantly increased.
• Thousands of dollars have been spent to ensure staff and clients have the necessary personal protective equipment required to slow the spread of the virus.
• Hazard pay has been given to staff working at sites directly impacted by Covid-19.

Marc Roe, Chief Strategy Officer at First Resources said, “On many occasions, we have been placed in a position in which our staff were working multiple extra shifts to ensure that we maintained proper care levels for those we serve.  The Pandemic Support Grant from the Legacy Foundation has allowed us to cover overtime expenses incurred during this time.  We are truly thankful to the Legacy Foundation for their support, to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of those that we serve.”