On Friday, the Community Opportunities Sheltered Workshop released a statement saying that the workshop is struggling financially due to uncontrollable inflation, instability in service market prices and business fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter also claimed that important SB40 grant funds have apparently come to an end.

Adair County SB40 Executive Director Crystal Aminirad says that is not true.

She said the SB40 board budgeted $100,000 this fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2023, to the sheltered workshop, all of which has been paid.

Aminirad said the workshop asked for an additional $50,000 in April, but the SB40 board declined the request, voting to not exceed SB40's budget.

The sheltered workshop provides employment to 47 disabled men and women.

Aminirad pointed out that only 15 of the employees meet the eligibility requirements of the tax levy for Adair County funding support.

The Community Opportunities' board claimed in its letter that SB40 determined that the workshop does not meet the qualifications to receive grants from SB40. Aminirad said that is also untrue, and the group has never been told that.

While the SB40 board is concerned about the current financial struggles of the sheltered workshop, it can still apply for grants in future fiscal years. The next one begins July 1, 2023.

"They're welcome to submit an application," Aminirad said. "I think giving their current financial position where they are so far deep in the red and their expenses are so far over their revenue. I think we will have more questions on the solvability of the organization."

Aminirad also added that Community Opportunities is a separate, stand-alone non-profit organization.

She said tax levy funds are one source of revenue for the workshop, but were never intended to be the only source of revenue.

KTVO reached out to the Community Opportunities Sheltered Workshop. We are still awaiting a response.

Community Opportunities Executive Director Arthythe Curtis has been in contact with the board of directors, and she told us the organization will have a response on Wednesday.