craigdailypress.com

Shirley Stehle knows what its like to need help from Horizons Specialized Services.

Her 21-year-old son, Matthew, is one of 15 people in Moffat County on the nonprofit's waiting list.

"Right now, there are just no openings," Stehle said.

Matthew is blind and has developmental disabilities.

Stehle said she has always tried to use Horizons sparingly. But in May, when Matthew finishes school in Colorado Springs, she expects to need the organization's help on a larger level.

In the fall, Moffat County voters rejected a tax increase that would have allowed the nonprofit to provide services to some of the people on the waiting list.

"There are still people who need services," Stehle said.

Next month, Horizons will host a public forum to discuss how the nonprofit can help the 15 people who still need it and how the public thinks the organization can improve.

The forum is scheduled for 5 p.m. April 4 at the Moffat County School District Administration Building Board Room, 775 Yampa Ave.

Susan Mizen, Horizons executive director, said the state requires the group to host a public forum every year.

This year, Horizons, which serves five counties in Northwest Colorado, decided to hold the forum in Craig, in part because of the failed mill levy, Mizen said.

"I'm really curious to see what will come out of it," Mizen said.

The group is always looking for ways to save money Mizen said.

Last year, Horizons consolidated three of its group homes in Craig into one in an effort to cut costs.

But despite the organization's efforts, it can't help everyone who needs it.

Mizen said she expects Horizons clients and their families to attend as well as other caregivers in the community.

But she also wants people who voted against the mill levy to be there.

"We plan to do a lot of listening," Mizen said.

Although the campaign failed in the fall and Horizons won't get the $350,000 annually in added funding, it helped to get the organization's name out, Mizen said.

"We feel like with the campaign, we reached so many people," Mizen said.

But despite the group's inc--reased visibility, there are still people who need help and aren't getting it.

"The waiting list is still there," Mizen said.

Brandon Johansson can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 213, or bjohansson@craigdailypress.com.