Dear ASN Team,
This is one of the hardest letters we have ever had to write. Arkansas Support Network is facing
a serious financial crisis. Over the past several months, we have worked closely with our Board
of Directors and financial experts to gain a clear picture of our financial position and explore
every path forward for survival.
The reality is we cannot keep operating as we are.
We know the decisions below deeply impact many of you. We also know they will create
uncertainty, frustration, and disappointment and we do not take that lightly. As difficult as these
decisions are, they are vital to securing ASN’s future and ensuring no interruption in care for the
people we support.
What is changing
Effective August 14, 2026, ASN will implement a $15.00/hour wage cap for 1:1 Direct
Support Professional positions.
This is one part of a broader financial stabilization plan approved by the Board. Additional
actions include:
● Reducing administrative positions.
● Reducing executive and senior director compensation.
● Aggressively reducing overtime with goals of:
○ 25% reduction within 30 days.
○ 50% reduction within 90 days.
○ Less than 5% of total payroll within one year.
We recognize these are significant sacrifices and they are being made throughout the
organization as we work to keep ASN moving forward.
Why are these changes necessary
Several factors have created this financial crisis. ASN is funded through the PASSEs via
Supported Living. While Act 1023 was passed to give Supported Living providers a much
needed increase, those increases have not been implemented by the state.
At the same time, PASSE organizations have lowered service tiers and reimbursement rates for
many people we support. These reductions severely decreased ASN’s income, creating a gap
we can no longer absorb. In addition, overtime costs have remained at levels that are not
financially sustainable.
These challenges leave us with a difficult reality: we must make immediate changes if
Arkansas Support Network is going to remain financially viable and continue serving the
people and families who count on us.
What we tried first
Before making decisions that directly impact employees, we reduced administrative spending,
eliminated non-essential expenses and contracts, reviewed staffing throughout the organization,
and looked for every opportunity to reduce costs while protecting direct services and those that
provide them. While those actions helped, they were not enough to close the funding gap.
What will not change
Our commitment to the people we support does not change. Their health, safety, dignity, and
rights remain our highest priority. We will not knowingly implement any change that places
someone at risk.
Our commitment to employees
We are committed to treating every employee with fairness and respect. All staffing changes will
strictly follow ASN policy and legal guidelines and we will continue to communicate openly about
decisions and what they mean to team members.
Focusing on our mission
As we move through this transition, your role is incredibly important. Please continue to:
● Follow all Person-Centered Service Plans, safety protocols, and medication procedures.
● Record your time accurately in SETworks every shift. Please do not work off the clock.
Accurate timekeeping is essential for both payroll and overtime management.
● Report incidents, safety concerns, or rights concerns immediately.
● Participate in cross-training opportunities when requested so we can continue providing
uninterrupted services.
Overtime
Effective immediately, overtime will require prior approval. A new overtime authorization process
will be reviewed during upcoming agency meetings. Reducing overtime is essential to our
financial recovery, and we appreciate everyone's partnership in helping us meet these goals.
If your position is affected
Human Resources will contact employees whose positions are directly affected to discuss next
steps. Whenever possible, we will prioritize reassignment within ASN. If a position is eliminated,
HR will provide information about separation benefits, COBRA, unemployment resources, and
other available support.
Questions or concerns
Human Resources
Questions about pay, benefits, or how these changes affect you:
asnhrdepartment@supports.org
Compliance
To report a safety or rights concern:
asncr@supports.org
Ideas for reducing overtime or improving efficiency:
https://www.dspsupports.org/submit_ticket
Our commitment to long-term stability
We know this news is difficult. We also know that every decision we make affects real people,
our employees, the individuals we support, and their families. We did not arrive here quickly or
lightly.
We must make these tough decisions to protect ASN's future. Taking these steps gives us the
best chance to stabilize, rebuild, and keep serving the people we support for years to come.
Thank you for the compassion, professionalism, and heart you bring to this work every day. The
people we support are better because of you, and we remain deeply grateful for your
commitment during this extraordinarily difficult time.
With respect,
ASN Executive Leadership Team
Arkansas Support Network