The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 25 heard a presentation from Elevate asking the county to provide a formal letter of approval so a locally operated residential program can increase its authorized capacity from four beds to five. Kira Roberts of Elevate said the county’s approval is part of the state process and that staff would not seek county funds for the change.

Roberts said the request is procedural: “We would need a letter of approval from the board of supervisors.” A program representative described the home’s mission and outcomes, saying it serves people with intellectual disabilities and mental-health diagnoses with short-term, skills-focused stays and that “we had almost killed his mom…we helped him, and now he…hasn’t been to the hospital almost a year,” citing one success story in which a resident reached stable housing and employment after the program.

The provider told the board the homes are built to support five beds but currently are authorized for four and said adding a fifth bed would help stabilize staffing and create jobs once staffed for five. Board members asked for a formal request and details the board could incorporate into a supportive letter or resolution; supervisors said they had not yet received an official packet for action.

The board did not take formal action on the request at the meeting. Staff advised the provider to submit a written request and the specific language the board would be asked to approve; supervisors indicated they would place the item on a future agenda for formal consideration if the documentation is received.