The Resource Exchange serves nearly 13,000 infants, children, teenagers, adults and seniors across El Paso, Teller and Park counties by advocating for independence and inclusion.

By partnering with more than 200 community organizations, to which they refer their families, The Resource Exchange has been able to dramatically increase opportunities for those it serves who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health conditions or long-term care needs.

When The Resource Exchange (TRE) started in 2019, it served about 3,000 individuals. The mission was clear: to be nimble, relevant, responsive, innovative, transformative and entrepreneurial. The person-centered approach in coordinating care, promoting choices and collaborating with community partners was transformative for the organization and the community.

Now, The Resource Exchange employs 600 people and is pleased to have more than 100 volunteers supporting its mission. The growth has created many challenges, but staff have consistently demonstrated their commitment to evolving the organization’s practices to accommodate that growth and to improve the experience of those they serve.

“Staffing levels continue to be a problem we face,” said Colleen Head Batchelor, TRE’s chief executive officer. “ESF donations are always incredibly useful, however this year they are critical to maintaining consistent services for individuals due to the Colorado state budget challenges and the federal budget cuts. TRE has already experienced budget cuts this fiscal year and more are likely. We also anticipate additional cuts in the next fiscal year.”

The workforce challenges began during the COVID pandemic but have been exasperated by system changes over the past three years. ESF funds allow TRE to protect its staffing levels, provide the necessary support to staff to prevent turnover, and to fill gaps in services created by these budget cuts.

“This means protecting the workload and caseloads of our staff so that they can continue to meet the needs of individuals we support,” Batchelor said.

Over the next few years TRE will focus on stabilizing operations impacted by system change and budget crisis, which includes automating administrative processes, pursuing support to develop AI-assisted case management. AI assistance would allow employees to focus on the “people side of the work” while AI manages the administrative.

“We are also focused on continuing and improving our advocacy for the importance of the services provided for people with disabilities and how those benefit local communities, workforce and families,” Batchelor said.

There are a host of ways to support the mission of TRE, Batchelor said. One of the area’s most in need of volunteers is in respite programs which support families of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their siblings.