Your Opinion: CMCA director responds on purchase of business

Dear Editor:

Recently a reader brought up some interesting issues about our decision to buy Café Via Roma, and I wanted to clarify a few points. Central Missouri Community Action is a private tax-exempt organization, not a "quasi-governmental entity." Further, we are not using any tax dollars for this purchase. We are taking a risk by using the unrestricted funds we have earned or raised over the years to invest in this business. We are playing by the rules, using the tools available to us, and participating in a free market.

CMCA relies heavily on federal and state grants and contracts, but these revenues have been volatile over the last few years. To offset this volatility, CMCA made a commitment to think more creatively about diversifying our revenue. We have studied other "social enterprises" and have determined that such an approach is a good fit for us. CMCA has established several fee-based initiatives internally, and is now generating income to offset costs and establish innovation capital.

This approach supports our long-term sustainability and helps to generate resources to subsidize our own programs. The board of directors believes this a responsible and business-like way to take control of our revenues so that we can ultimately serve the communities in Central Missouri better. CMCA will invest 100 percent of the profits from Café Via Roma back into the communities we serve.

We are sensitive to the appearance of conflict of interest on our board. The owner of Café Via Roma has recused herself from any votes and discussions regarding this purchase. She will resign from the board prior to closing on the sale so that she can work with us to make a smooth transition.

Café Via Roma will be a training site for clients who are participating in the Missouri Work Assistance program. Any employer can participate in this "work first" program and we would welcome new training sites. Those participants will be trained in the food industry and receive support to address other circumstances which may affect their success in the workplace.

CMCA's mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-reliance. We want to create opportunities to work and instill work habits that build confidence, success, and hope for a better life.