2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Transcript of 2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT
Center for Community Service 9159-C Brookville Road Silver Spring, MD. 20910
Mailing Address 4808 Moorland Ave. Ste 802 Bethesda, MD. 20814
www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org www.awidercircle.org ♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608♦ p: (301) 608----3504 3504 3504 3504 ♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608♦ f: (301) 608----3508350835083508
“My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground “My apartment burned to the ground and we lost everything.and we lost everything.and we lost everything.and we lost everything. It's been a It's been a It's been a It's been a struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is struggle trying to rebuild… [but] it is so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that so nice to have an organization that can provide help.can provide help.can provide help.can provide help. Now I can get Now I can get Now I can get Now I can get uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby uninterrupted sleep since my baby will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib will be sleeping in a crib ---- we had we had we had we had been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”been sleeping in a twin bed together.”
— Montgomery County client, served in 2008
2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT2008 ANNUAL REPORT
“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed.“I am so excited to sleep in a bed. I am 43 and I am 43 and I am 43 and I am 43 and I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore.I can't do the floor anymore. I am so excited I am so excited I am so excited I am so excited for this bed.”for this bed.”for this bed.”for this bed.” —- Deborah, DC public housing resident
recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one the region’s finest small charities.”
A MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
1111
This year, A Wider Circle’s work on behalf of our region’s most vulnerable residents has grown dramatically. For the sixth consecutive year, almost every single indicator of success saw significant increases here at A Wider Circle. And compared to 2007, the changes were even more dramatic. The number of people served grew from 7,225 to 9,006. The number of homes furnished went from 545 to 828. We increased the number of educational workshops delivered from 253 to 393. Financially, we increased our total revenue from $243,000 to $360,000.
The increased revenue inspired us to look at finding a larger home for the organization, one where we could combine our office and warehouse space and serve our clients seven days a week. In October 2008, we opened our new Center for Community Service, allowing us to make major changes to our operations, each of which resulted in more people getting the help they need.
Our educational programs saw one of the most exciting expansions, as we held our first ever adult education workshop series, featuring classes on stress management, financial planning, interview skills, and more. 23 adults graduated from the eight-session series, one of whom stood up at the graduation ceremony and exclaimed, “This is my first graduation ceremony ever!”
While calls for help increased significantly in 2008, there was also an increase in the calls totototo help. These calls came from all across the region, and they took the form of in-kind donations, volunteers, and those looking to teach courses or connect with families in need.
Unfortunately, poverty grew in 2007, which provides strong inspiration to us. A Wider Circle is here because poverty ought not be here - not in a region with so much. Recession or not, we can do better. At A Wider Circle, we are determined to lead this change.
Mark Bergel, Ph.D. Executive Director, A Wider Circle
Landon Butler & Company, LP
David Levine
Sharon Long
Alexandra MacCracken
Hilda Maibach
Manfield Charitable Fund
Mary and Daniel Loughran Foundation
Richard and Lynn Matheny
Kate Miller
Linna Barnes and Christian Mixter
Montgomery Alliance
Katharine Picard
Matt, Polly, and Ella Poffenroth
Jeffrey and Sara Rosen
Gary and Sheryl Rosenbaum
Jon Simon of Parkway Custom Drycleaning
St. Luke's United Methodist Church
Bonnie and John Staffier
Claire Reade and Earl Steinberg
Lisa Stransky Brown of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Deborah Miller and Adam Strickberger
Amy Taylor
The Carl M. Freeman Foundation
The Emmanuel and Anna Weinstein Foundation
The Ernst and Gertrude Ticho Charitable Foundation
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
Edward and Susan Thompson
TKF Foundation
Alan and Judith Tobin
/training/etc
Tyco Electronics
Sidney Wallace
Leslie Weber
Wellness Corporate Solutions
George Yin
12121212
Phyllis Aaronson
American University Honors Program
Astec Power Company/Emerson Network Power
Brian and Hedy Bannon
Richard and Mimi Bergel
Kenneth and Sheila Berman
Gary and Carol Berman of the Berman Family Foundation
Cindy Bertaut of Brooks Glogau Photographers
Annie Blattner
Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP
Tim Brennan
Buchbinder, Tunick & Co. LLP
Mr. H. Lawrence Clark
Clark CARES Foundation
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares Foundation
Pamela Loprest and Hugh Courtney
Richard and Pamela Feinstein
Stephen Foster
Gannett Foundation
Paul Fetters and Mary Beth Gardiner
Henshel Foundation
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Toby and Marvin Kaulkin
Kensington Business Solutions
Adam Kernan-Schloss of KSA-Plus Communications
James and Luan Kerr
Joseph and Kathy Kolar
Alan Krigel
Cathy Landau-Painter
DONORS 11111111
I am starting off fresh in a new area because of an abusive relationship. I came to Washington with nothing, and now I have a lot to be thankful for. A Wider Circle provided my family with our household needs. A Wider A Wider A Wider A Wider Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.Circle was a big part of my family's new start.
— Bernadine, 2008 client
A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in A Wider Circle would like to thank everyone who contributed $500 or more in support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:support of our work in 2008:
The mission
of A Wider Circle is simple: to help individuals and to help individuals and to help individuals and to help individuals and families lift themselves families lift themselves families lift themselves families lift themselves
out of povertyout of povertyout of povertyout of poverty.
At the heart of this mission is the realization
that breaking the cycles of poverty requires a deep
commitment to the physical, intellectual, and
emotional needs of our region’s most vulnerable
families.
GOALS
1) Provide cutting edge health and wellness information free of charge to people who would not otherwise have access to it
2) Address basic environmental needs and improve the quality of life for all people, from providing furniture and home goods to planting community gardens and contributing to the overall beautification of neglected areas
3) Empower children and adults by educating them on the ability they have within themselves to create and maintain healthy lives
4) Offer opportunities for people of all ages throughout the region to be involved in community service
5) Serve as a model for the delivery of such programs to other cities across the U.S. and worldwide
MISSION 2222
NEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBOR----TOTOTOTO----NEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBORNEIGHBOR The collection of donated furniture and home goods (e.g., beds, dressers, sheets and towels) from families with more than they need and the redistribution of these items to families transitioning out of homeless and battered women’s shelters, recovering from a crisis, or otherwise living without basic need items PUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESSPUBLIC HOUSING WELLNESS Holistic wellness programming for seniors and individuals with disabilities who are living in public housing - providing health workshops, basic need items, and beautification of the grounds
OUR PROGRAMS 3333
WELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABYWELL MOTHER, WELL BABY Low-income pregnant adolescents are provided with educational workshops such as newborn care, parenting skills, and financial management, along with the basic items they need to raise a healthy child (e.g., cribs, changing tables, car seats, strollers, and more) SCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITYSCHOOL COMMUNITY Comprehensive after-school programs for children at low-income schools, along with educational workshops for parents, faculty, and staff SHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORTSHELTER SUPPORT Wellness workshops (e.g., healthy self-esteem, stress management, and yoga) for shelter residents, followed by the provision of basic need items for families as they transition out of the shelters
By every measure, the growth of A Wider Circle in 2008 surpassed expectations, leaving us poised to play an even larger role in the greater Washington DC community.
We serve the community through five programs:
As we move forward, we will continually refine these programs and look for places where we can expand to better serve and bring us closer to the defining aspect of our work — ending poverty in the nation’s capital region.
Ms. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, ChairMs. Pam Feinstein, Chair Consultant, Resolution Health, Inc.
Dr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, ViceDr. Pamela Loprest, Vice----ChairChairChairChair
Labor economist and Senior Research Associate, Income and Benefits Policy Center, The Urban Institute
Dr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, SecretaryDr. Anne Thompson, Secretary
Child psychologist who works in her own practice and at Kidspace
Mr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, TreasurerMr. Jason Dahl, Treasurer Financial Planning Assistant, AFS Financial Group.
Dr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, FounderDr. Mark Bergel, Founder
Executive Director
Mr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, MemberMr. Sean Fromm, Member Vice President of Technical Services Group, ZeNETeX, LLC
Ms. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa StranskyMs. Lisa Stransky----Brown, MemberBrown, MemberBrown, MemberBrown, Member
Realtor, Coldwell Banker
During 2008, interns were again a vital part of our success. Fifty-two students from across the country
brought their enthusiasm, skills, and interests to A Wider Circle. Interns contributed to every aspect of the organization, including curriculum development, workshop facilitation, community outreach, program planning, management, and marketing.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PERSONNEL 10101010
INTERNS
Ann WiardAnn WiardAnn WiardAnn Wiard Volunteer & Intern Coordinator
Layne AmerikanerLayne AmerikanerLayne AmerikanerLayne Amerikaner
Director of Development
Alicia GutierrezAlicia GutierrezAlicia GutierrezAlicia Gutierrez Client Services Coordinator
Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Erin Dodson Client Relations Coordinator &
Assistant to the Director
Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Jessica Halperin Marketing & Fundraising
Coordinator
P. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye HanifeeP. Kaye Hanifee Donor Relations Coordinator
Dr. Mark BergelDr. Mark BergelDr. Mark BergelDr. Mark Bergel Founder & Executive Director
Brian HalprinBrian HalprinBrian HalprinBrian Halprin Director of Community Outreach
STAFF
FINANCES
REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE REVENUE
Cash Cash Cash Cash
Individual Donations $142,906
Foundations and Grants $204,950
Fundraisers $31,000
Corporate Support $15,600
Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue Total Cash Revenue $394,456$394,456$394,456$394,456
In In In In----Kind SupportKind SupportKind SupportKind Support
Donation of office and storage space $133,847
Donations of furniture $167,865
Total In Total In Total In Total In----Kind Support Kind Support Kind Support Kind Support $301,712$301,712$301,712$301,712
Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in Total Revenue (cash + in----kind)kind)kind)kind) $696,168$696,168$696,168$696,168
EXPENSES EXPENSES EXPENSES EXPENSES
Payroll $115,234
Office and Storage Facility (in kind) $133,847
Furniture (in kind) $167,865
Consultants and Professional Fees $4,056
Marketing & Fundraising Supplies $2,938
Community Outreach $47,262
Equipment and Maintenance $28,470
Office Rent and Utilities $50,077
Printing and Reproduction $14,545
Telephone and Fax $7,574
Postage and Delivery $3,618
Technology $5,690
Travel $1,001
Insurance $4,518
Dues and Memberships $5,025
Total Expenses Total Expenses Total Expenses Total Expenses $591,720$591,720$591,720$591,720
Net Net Net Net $104,448$104,448$104,448$104,448
Total Fundraising Expenses $35,275
Total Administrative Expenses $22,957
Total End-of-Year Net Assets $233,018
Overhead and EndOverhead and EndOverhead and EndOverhead and End----ofofofof----Year Net AssetsYear Net AssetsYear Net AssetsYear Net Assets
9999
2008
4444
• Served 9,0069,0069,0069,006 people (1,781 moremoremoremore people than in 2007!)
• Furnished the homes of 778778778778 families (more than 3,500 children and adults) moving out of battered women’s and homeless shelters or otherwise living without their basic needs
• Delivered 393393393393 workshops on topics such as healthy self-esteem, stress management, financial planning, nutrition, yoga, and leadership to children and adults in low-income schools, shelters, and public housing residences
• Provided 350350350350 families with food and gifts during the winter holiday season
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A Wider Circle’s services continue to spread across the region, with the following among our many accomplishments:
2008
Our growth over the years... Families served during holidays
Workshops delivered
Houses furnished
We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!We recycled nearly 500,000 pounds of furniture in 2008!
THE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVETHE BIG MOVE In October 2008, A Wider Circle moved both its offices and warehouse to a combined two-story warehouse/office space in Silver Spring, Maryland. A Wider Circle’s new Center for Community ServiceCenter for Community ServiceCenter for Community ServiceCenter for Community Service is a dynamic resource, a place out of which we provide truly holistic support to families in need—seven days a week!
5555
GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR
Our aim in 2009 is to strengthen our existing programs and create new ones where such programs would move us closer to our vision of ending poverty. Specifically, we aim to:
Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% Provide furniture and home goods to 850 families (an increase of 13% over the previous year). over the previous year). over the previous year). over the previous year). With the downturn in the economy, even more families are struggling to make ends meet. We know the resources exist to provide them with the help they need and our goal is help more families in need in a more efficient manner than ever. Increase client showIncrease client showIncrease client showIncrease client show----up rate by 20%up rate by 20%up rate by 20%up rate by 20% to surpass our show-up rate of approximately 50%, and ensure that our clients receive the basic items they need at the time of their appointment. Increase number of pickIncrease number of pickIncrease number of pickIncrease number of pick----up days to fourup days to fourup days to fourup days to four----five per week (up from twofive per week (up from twofive per week (up from twofive per week (up from two----three three three three per week).per week).per week).per week). Because our new Center for Community Service allows us to serve an increased number of clients, we also need to increase the frequency with which we pick-up items from donors. Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the Increase number of Agency Days to 10 per month (up from five in the previous year). previous year). previous year). previous year). Our relationships with the 200+ social service agencies with whom we collaborate remain critical to A Wider Circle and the work we do in the community. Increase number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to fourIncrease number of “shopping” days to four----five per week (up from three five per week (up from three five per week (up from three five per week (up from three per week). per week). per week). per week). In order to meet the demand we receive from clients, we are looking to build a larger client relations team to support the increased number of “shopping” days.
"Robin is so happy with everything. She was so excited that she got so much stuff. She is so grateful. I I I I have many more patients have many more patients have many more patients have many more patients that could use your help." that could use your help." that could use your help." that could use your help." — Montgomery County social worker
8888
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
A Wider Circle was recently recognized by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “one of the region’s finest small charities.”
Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes”Linowes Leadership Award for “unsung heroes” from the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
A Wider Circle was the recipient of several awards in 2008, receiving increasing recognition for its work in the region.
Dick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business AwardDick Price Small Business Award from the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce
Outstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader AwardOutstanding Community Leader Award from the Ward 7 Education Council
In 2008, A Wider Circle was also featured in the Washington Post, Washington Home and Garden Magazine, Street Sense, and Washington Woman.
Leadership AwardLeadership AwardLeadership AwardLeadership Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation
HHHHello, my name is Jessie Flowers and I am graduating high school in
Washington, D.C. I work for A Wider Circle after school, helping out with the families on Saturdays and doing various jobs in the office on weekdays. Some of the lives of the people that we serve have greatly changed since connecting with A Wider Circle. Families go from not having anything at all to having a warm bed that their children can sleep in for many nights to come. This organization has helped many families in the region, and they have not only helped those families, but they have helped mine as well.
In 2006, my family was getting put out of an apartment building. This left me and my family in a (new) empty apartment - sleeping and eating on the floor for a couple of weeks. Sometimes my mom would spend the night crying and hoping for change. When my mother informed Mark about our crisis, he was more than happy to help us. He gave us everything from kitchen items to beds to sleep on. My family and I will always be grateful to A Wider Circle.
7777
JESSIE’S STORY
… A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world … A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you make a year.make a year.make a year.make a year.
I have to say that working with A Wider Circle has helped me evolve as a person, mentally and physically. I realize that we as a race of people must work together to make things function as one instead of separately. In this rich and resourceful country that we live in, there should not be poverty. A Wider Circle has taught me that no one in this world should be forgotten, regardless of how much money you make a year. At A Wider Circle, every-body counts.
"On Monday I got a message from A Wider Circle to come in for the crib and other furniture. On Tuesday I got a call from Delia and she told me that she had delivered her son Andy. It was perfect.It was perfect.It was perfect.It was perfect. I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, I thought "Wow, they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib."they are going to have a crib." ” — Social worker from Prince George's County Community Resources Center
6666
GROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMSGROWTH IN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS We are working to provide educational workshops at an increasing number of sites. Requests continue to pour in from an increasing number of battered women’s shelters, homeless family shelters, and low-income schools. SIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACESIBLEY PLAZA’S SACRED SPACE Our objective for this beautification project is to transform the undervalued outdoor areas of Sibley Plaza, a D.C. public housing facility, into green, thriving spaces for residents to cultivate more peaceful relationships with themselves, each other, and their environment.
"My heart is full. I feel good. I got nice things that I really needed. I appreciate everything that I received. My children don't have to My children don't have to My children don't have to My children don't have to sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.”sleep on the floor anymore.” —Alexis, DC resident served in 2008