Dew the Right Thing: Habilitative Systems, Inc. CEO Discusses Mental Health, People With Disabilities and the State Budget Stalemate

Valerie F. Leonard
Published: October 5, 2015

Donald J. Dew, CEO, Habilitative Systems, Inc.

Donald J. Dew, the CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), will be a guest on the Nonprofit “U” radio blog talk show on Monday, October 5, 2015, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nonprofit "U" is an online forum where nonprofit stakeholders can discuss the latest developments in the sector and increase their capacity to serve their clients and build sustainable communities. Valerie F. Leonard, an expert in community and organizational development is the host. The show will stream live from BlogTalkRadio.com/nonprofit_u. The archived podcast will be available on BlogTalkRadio, Valeriefleonard.com/NonprofitU, iTunes and Stitcher.

Dew will give an overview of HSI’s programs and services; discuss the impact of the Illinois budget crisis on social service agencies and share ways nonprofit leaders may advocate on behalf of “the least of these”. There will be opportunities for listeners to call in with questions and participate in live chats. Nonprofit professionals, educators and community stakeholders are especially encouraged to call in and share their stories. The live call in number is (347) 884-8121.

“We are facing a fundamental shift in the funding environment for social service agencies”, Dew said. “Not only is there less funding available for some of our most vulnerable citizens, the state is raising the bar to qualify for the services. As you can imagine, some people with disabilities and mental health issues may miss treatment altogether. If we’re not careful, we’ll be spending more money institutionalizing people than treating them at the community level. We need common sense approaches that will save taxpayers’ money and have maximum benefit to the clients.”