I spent 3yrs. working with an extension of SEMHC and believe me when I say that the funding from the state for people with social & developmental challenges need a great deal more money. The state made major changes a few years ago to separate certain areas of mental health services & it seems to have become increasingly difficult. The direct support staff get very little wage-when I left 2 1/2yrs ago I was only earning $8.25/hr-I worked many o/t hours just to earn enough to pay my bills & part time job that only paid $7/hr. We assisted adults to live independent lives-work, school, housing, etc. All the things "normal" folks take for granted was a challenge for our folks. I miss them greatly, the rewards far outweighed money but I'm single, this county has become expensive to live in & I got tired of working 80-90 hrs a week just to try & keep my head above water. Our governments need to multiply by 4, at least, just to keep up with the rising costs & to provide the much deserved support the people need just to make it another day.