Community Action 2012-2013 Annual Report

Table Of Contents

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

About Community Services

11

Letters From The Chairman & Director

12

Six National Goals

13

Employment Skills & Job Placement

14

Pathways Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency (PASS) Eviction Prevention Program

15 16

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

17

Emergency Assistance

18

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Community Partnerships Youth Enrichment Program Leveraged Resources Financials Community Action Partners Community Action Advisory Board Locations

Food Assistance

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

About Community Action

“There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.”

Lyndon B. Johnson

THe missiOn: To remove barriers and create opportunities for lowincome individuals and families that will enable them to become more self-sufficient.

HelPing PeOPle HelP THemselves:

THe visiOn:

Since 1974, the Palm Beach County Community Action Agency has assisted families in moving away from government assistance. This federally funded program is a part of national movement to fight poverty on the local level. For nearly forty years, Community Action has allocated funding to fill service gaps. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, Community Action seeks to maximize the return on investment with the people we serve.

To be an innovative resource agency that improves lives within the community.

THe PROmise OF COmmUniTY ACTiOn: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.

Our agency offers services in the following categories:

N Small Business Startup

We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

N Employment Skills Training N Housing

N Utility Assistance N Transportation N Food

N VITA Tax Assistance N Childcare

N Case Management and Referrals

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

“For the war against poverty will not be won here in Washington. It must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House.”

letters From The Chair & Director

Lyndon B. Johnson

W

I

hat an awesome year this has been for Community Action! We have made tremendous progress in the past year building a stronger bond with our community, enhancing agency capacity and creating opportunities for low income individuals and families.

am proud of the accomplishments our agency has made throughout the past year! We’ve made tremendous strides in filling service gaps in our community and facilitating real change within the lives of our families.

This year, Community Action made enhancements to a new electronic transaction system that has increased productivity and saved the county thousands of dollars. As stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals obtain employment skills and jobs creating a tremendous return on investment. In the past twelve months, we have doubled our number of community partnerships and conducted short, intermediate and long range plans to strategically address the needs of our community.

Over the past year, we provided services for more than 20,000 individuals. With a strong focus on providing employment support Community Action helped more than 60 working families avoid eviction and assisted over 120 families in obtaining skills that would lead to employment. Our agency will continue to focus on fulfilling the promise of Community Action and we will always strive to help people help themselves and others.

Community Action continues to lead in fighting the war against poverty throughout Palm Beach County. We take pride in creating opportunities for low income families, teaching them to advocate for themselves and giving them a hand up not a hand out!

mary Wilkerson Chairperson, PBC Community Action Advisory Board

Channell Wilkins Director, Palm Beach County Community services Department

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

six national goals

Low-income people become more self-sufficient

Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

“Poverty is a mindset.

You can’t get rid of poverty by giving people money.”

The condition in which low-income people live are improved

Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results

4

Low-income people own a stake in their community

Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems

2012 - 2013

Annual Report

employment & employment support

N Obtained Employment

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

67

N Obtained Employment Skills

104

N Obtained Post-Secondary Certificate

101

COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs PARTiCiPAnTs OBTAin emPlOYmenT

Certification

N Obtained Before/After School

43

N Obtained Health Care Services

44

Assistance

N started new Businesses

N Obtained Telephone Lifeline

20 110

This year, Community Action worked with over a dozen agencies to provide trainings and employment support to over 200 low income families. The agency assisted 67 individuals in obtaining employment. Many participants also learned ways to save energy and manage their household budget.

In addition, to gaining employment skills, Community Action assisted 20 families in starting their own business.

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Pathways Torwards Achieving self-sufficiency (PAss)

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

John F. Kennedy

COmmUniTY ACTiOn AnD TlJms AssisT FAmilies in liFesTYle CHAnge

HeAlTH eDUCATiOn OUTCOmes N 100% Increased Knowledge

The Community Action Agency teamed up this year with the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society, Jerome Golden Behavioral Health Center, Debthelper.com and other entities to implement the Pathways for Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) best life program.

HeAlTH sCReening & PHYsiCAl HeAlTH OUTCOmes N 75% Improved Blood Pressure N 82% Improved Cholesterol N 75% Improved Blood Sugar N 65% Reported needing Less Medical Attention DieT & nUTRiTiOn OUTCOmes

N 95% Tried something new N 90% Purchased healthier food N 75% Drink more water and eat healthier foods

PASS is a community-based lifestyle improvement program designed to help low-income individuals reduce health risks associated with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and much more. Activities conducted during this program included financial workshops, health screenings, health education workshops, diet and nutrition workshops, physical fitness activities, and a 5K run/walk.

FinAnCiAl mAnAgemenT OUTCOmes N 65% Improved Budget N 25% Improved: Credit Scores, Lowered APRs, NSF, Check Cashing, Late Fees N 30% Obtained/Increase: Checking/Savings Account OTHeR FAmilY OUTCOmes N 84% Families improved or maintained nutrition N 95% Families obtained access to services N 78% Families improved or maintained physical or behavioral health N 76% Families increased functioning or coping skills N 45% Families obtained medical insurance and/or a medical home

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

As a result of this program, participants improved their body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure, nutritional intake and coping skills. They also learned how to manage their finances, found jobs and gained employment skills, started their own businesses, and learned to live more happy, healthy and prosperous lives.

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

eviction Prevention Program

N Prevented Eviction

“Your personal philosophy is the greatest determining factor in how your life works out.”

COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs FAmilies sTAY in THeiR HOmes

67 Families

N Remained in home

89%

N Remained in home

71%

after 6 months

after 12 months

N Families obtained adequate, safe, affordable housing

N Families increased their knowledge and/or ability to manage income

In 2012-2013, Community Action helped 67 working families remain in their homes. Each household that participated in the Eviction Prevention Program learned to manage their finances more effectively by participating in the financial management course offered by the agency and Debthelper.com.

Families submitted a budget that showed how they would manage and use the assistance provided by Community Action to pay off other debts that were outstanding. After conducting a six, nine and twelve month follow-up, over 70% are still in their homes.

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

low income Home energy Assistance Program (liHeAP)

N Restored Electricity/Prevented Disconnections

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”

COmmUniTY ACTiOn ResTORes eleCTRiCiTY seRviCes FOR seniORs, CHilDRen & DisABleD inDiviDUAls

19,664

N Prevented Disconnection for Household

772

N Prevented Disconnection for Household

1,398

N Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

81

N Percentage of Households who maintained

86

N Number of Participants completing and

336

with Seniors (55 & Older)

with Disabled Individuals

Participants whose homes were weatherized as a result of referral to local program their services on for 6 months

increasing knowledge from Energy Efficiency Workshops

The Following occurred as a result of Participants receiving services through the liHeAP Program:

During grant year 2013, Community Action helped over 700 families with Seniors to prevent disconnection or restore their electric service.

N Prevented children from entering into foster care due to utility services disconnection

Community Action also serviced over 900 families with disabled household members. Many of the families served participated in an Energy Efficiency Workshop presented by Florida Power & Light.

N Enabled families to maintain their groceries

N Enabled families and youth to maintain their educational requirements and family functioning

The Head of Household for each family took a pre and post test, reflecting their new knowledge on how to save energy to reduce their energy cost. Seniors were also referred to Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. and their Weatherization Program to help them reduce the cost of their energy bill.

N Increased disposable income for Senior Citizens

N Increased the ability for Senior Citizens to stabilize their financial crisis due to fixed income N Enabled families who received disability to maintain machines that offer life support Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

emergency Assistance

““You don’t have to worry about burning bridges, if you’re building your own” Kerry E. Wagne

COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs ResTORe WATeR & gAs seRviCes WATeR seRviCes ResTOReD

N Total Families Served

N Household with Seniors (55 & Older)

N Household with Disabled Individuals

In 2012-2013, Community Action helped over 200 families maintain/restore their water and/or gas services. Community Action supported families that needed to cover their basic needs, in order to go out to school and to work.

206 56 29

Community Action worked with over twenty utility companies in Palm Beach County, including Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, City of West Palm Beach, and the Glades Utility Authority.

gAs seRviCes ResTOReD

N Total Families Served

N Household with Seniors (55 & Older)

N Household with Disabled Individuals

22 4

Seniors who received services from Community Action, received a monthly discount from the City of West Palm Beach.

9

N Families maintained physical health and well being

N Senior citizens and individuals with disabilities maintained independent living

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Food Assistance

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

Norman Vincent Peale

N Total Number of Volunteers

N Total Number of Volunteer Hours N Pounds of Produce Gleaned

FeeDing OUR ResiDenTs THROUgH CROs minisTRies AnD Jl CARes minisTRies

2009 10,050 319,483

As a result of the Agency’s Partnership with Christians Reaching Out to society (CROs) ministries, the following occurred: N Hundreds of families were alleviated from hunger

N Over a dozen food pantries maintained fresh fruits and vegetables that were made accessible to low-income families Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers' fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fields where it is not economically profitable to harvest. The recovered food is then given to local agencies with feeding programs for homeless, working poor or low-income individuals and families, free of charge.

During Grant Year 2013, Community Action invested in the gleaning of products such as sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant, and tomato. These products were distributed to food pantries all over Palm Beach County to reduce hunger.

JL Cares Ministries also contributed to stopping hunger in Palm Beach County by distributing its products to food pantries in the Delray Beach area.

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

volunteer income Tax Assistance (vita)

“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.”

vOlUnTeeR inCOme TAX AssisTAnCe (viTA)

2012- 2013 viTA TAX N Total Number of Applications

86

N Total Earned Income Tax Credits

$84,600

N Total Tax Returns

$232,590

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free income tax preparation services to low-income households with less than $51,000 total annual income.

During tax season 2013, Community Action processed 86 income tax returns, resulting in $232,590 in tax returns. Palm Beach County residents were able to save money instead of paying fees charged by tax preparation companies. They were able to use their refunds for many purposes such as paying off debt, investing in education or housing, or opening a bank account.

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Community Partnerships

“Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

WORking WiTH THe COmmUniTY N Non Profit

Community Action Program has enjoyed numerous partnerships within Palm Beach County that have satisfied its Six National Goals.

Community Action Program along with its community partners have combined, organized, and adjusted available resources to ensure that the needs of low-income people and communities are addressed.

2013

N Faith-Based

N Local Government

N State Government Entity

N Federal Government Entity

N For-Profit Business or Corporation N School Districts

18 4

The Agency has participated in community group meetings, and has performed outreach activities, looking to reach the maximum feasible amount of community partnerships. This past grant year, the Agency also referred customers to other organizations for volunteer opportunities, community forums and other events to encourage low income participants to take stake in their own communities.

15 4 4 10

gOAls meT

N Low-income families improved access to employment, housing and other services

1

N Institutions of Post Secondary

2

N Financial / Banking Institutions

1

N Health Service Institutions

1

N The number of jobs and essential services were increased N CAA resources expanded capacity of other agencies to serve low-income people

Education / Training

N Utility Vendors

N Economic development in the community resulted in employment opportunities for low-income people

N The scope and number of volunteer opportunities for the community increased N The number of low-income families who participated in community groups or initiatives, community boards or councils that provides input to the decision making and reflect the needs of low-income people increased N The number and scope of opportunities for low-income persons to participant in advocacy activities resulting in policy and program change increased

26

N Low-income volunteer participation reduced the need and increased the capacity for the agency staff to perform additional functions N The number of low-income families owning a business increased Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Youth enrichment Program

“Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.”

emPOWeRing PAlm BeACH COUnTY’s YOUTH

N 77% of participants increased their knowledge on ways to avoid situations that lead to criminal behavior.

N 85% of participants increased awareness on ways to prevent diseases that adversely affect the low income community.

N 80% of participants demonstrated an increased knowledge of physical fitness activities that will prevent diseases that are prevalent within the low income community.

N 75% of participants showed an increase of knowledge as it relates to entrepreneurship.

N 75% of participants increased or acquired knowledge on various leadership styles, types, and theories.

Community Action sponsored a Youth Enrichment Program this fiscal year. The agency’s research indicated that many young adults were unable to obtain employment due to their criminal background history as youth.

PROXY OUTCOmes

N Reduced Juvenile Crime in the community

N Decreased probability of youth being denied employment due to criminal record.

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

In addition, there were very limited resources available to prevent youth between ages 12 and 17 from entering into the criminal justice system. For this reason, Community Action designed a program to teach youth life skills, conflict resolution/anger management, making healthy choices and building healthy relationships. This program also provided trainings on entrepreneurship, computer skills, and health and wellness.

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

leveraged Resources

“We become what we think about all day long.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

DOnATiOns, COnTRiBUTiOns, AnD vOlUnTeeRs N Food donations

1,500 lbs.

N Thanksgiving Donations

30 Turkeys = $260

N Christmas Donations

$11,000

N Publix Gift Cards N Low Income Volunteer Hours

$200 + $2,000 in Bread 380

N City of WPB Water Utilities Credit

$10,280

N United Way Turkey Vouchers

26 Cards = $260

N AARP Volunteers

$10,179

N JL Cares Packages of Food

4,400

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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This year, Community Action significantly increased its community partnerships and leveraged more resources for low income individuals and families. The agency also worked closely with the City of West Palm Beach to offer utility bill discounts for senior citizens.

In addition, Community Action collaborated alongside community based programs like United Way, Jonathan Landing Cares, various churches, and for profit businessess to receive and distribute donations. In addition, the program leveraged resources from the county to carry out its mission of moving low income families to greater independence.

2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Financials

“Economic disaster begins with the philosophy of doing less and wanting more.”

Health 1% Self Sufficiency 26%

Employment 37%

Community service Block grant $73,154

Administration

Direct Client Assistance $1,120,826

CsBg service Allocation

Linkages 3%

$99,525

Other Program

Total grant

$1,293,505

low income Home energy Assistance Program Administration

$334,093

Direct Client services

$3,057,789

Outreach expenses

$538,632

Total grant

$3,930,514

Nutrition 7% Emergency Services 11%

Education 4% Income Housing 10% Management 1%

COHAB 15%

Asian 3%

Divorced 1%

White 16%

Married 14% Single Parent 42%

Househol Type served

Other 1%

Multi 3% Roommate 4%

Hispanic 24%

ethnicity

Separated 2% Single 28%

Black 56%

Widowed 0% Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.”

Community Action Partners

N

Division of Senior Services

N

Debthelper.com

N

Anton Academy

N

Division of Human Services

N

Channel 5

N

Glades Initiative

N

Migrant Farmworker Program

N

Internal Revenue Services

N

New Beginnings Community Development Center

N

Head Start

N

Deaf Service Center

N

Urban League of PBC

N

Palm Beach State College

N

Century Village

N

Workforce Alliance

N

Palm Beach County Court Systems

N

Kingspoint

N

Safelink Wireless

N

Center for Enterprise Technology

N

Palm Beach Atlantic University

N

Jay’s Ministries

N

Home Education Loan Program

N

211

N

Florida Power & Light

N

TED Center

N

AARP

N

Lake Worth Utilities

N

Children’s Services Council

N

PNC Bank

N

Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. (WAP)

N

Bridges

N

A & Associates

N

CROS Ministries

N

Palm Beach County School District

N

Palm Beach Vocational Institute

N

United Way

N

City of West Palm Beach

N

Palm Beach County Housing Authority

N

Jonathan Landings Cares

N

Town of Jupiter

N

Jerome Golden BHC

N

Other Entities

N

Department of Children and Families

N

City of South Bay

N

T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society

N

Invictus

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Community Action Advisory Board

“If you don’t go after what you want; you could spend your entire life settling for what you can get.”

Mo Stegall

Authority Accomplishments

Resolution R2009-1549; adopted September 15, 2009 as required by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The board assisted the agency in implementing the work plan goals.

The board provided oversight and support to the director throughout the year. The board assisted with the community needs assessment, town hall meetings and the poverty symposium.

mission, Purpose & History To conduct regular assessments of resources needed in the low income community, encourage citizen participation, participate in the development and implementation of programs/projects and help foster cooperation between governmental agencies, community-based and non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses. Since 1974, the board has assisted in implementing the goals of the program. The board will also submit an annual report to the County Commissioners.

estimated staff Time It is estimated that approximately 152 staff hours were used to support the committee throughout the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Recommendations

Composition & membership

It is recommended that the board continue to provide the resources and support needed to serve the low-income community.

The Community Action Advisory Board is a tri-partite board that is comprised of fifteen (15) members. One-third shall be elected public officials (or a designee) holding office on the date of selection. No fewer than one-third shall be individuals chosen in accordance with democratic selection procedures to assure that they are representatives of low-income individuals and families in the target neighborhood served. The remainder shall be individuals who can bring pertinent and significant resources from the private sector. Members must be Palm Beach County residents. Members shall serve three (3) year terms. An individual may serve two (2) consecutive full terms. Terms shall begin on October 1 and end on September 30. A vacancy occurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term.

Public sector

Private sector

low-income sector

Christine Thrower

Elaine Gulley

Maria Ruiz

Paula Yastremski Jason McMurry

Dr. Yvette Coursey

Rosealynn Ramsubhag

Retha Lowe

Gary Hawkins

Terrance Davis

Delvin Thomas

Theresa Jackson

Dr. Florenzia Davis

Valerie Mays

Chair

meetings

Mary Wilkersons (Public Sector)

Treasurer

There were ten meetings held during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Theresa Jackson (Low-Income Sector)

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

“If someone is going down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he needs is education to turn him around.”

locations main Office 810 Datura Street West Palm Beach, FL 33401 TEL: (561) 355-4792

education

lake Worth Office 1699 Wingfield Street Lake Worth, FL 33460 TEL: (561) 694-5415

Riviera Beach Office

staff

1440 M.L.K. Blvd.

Riviera Beach, FL 33404 TEL: (561) 845-4670

Jupiter Office 6415 Indiantown Road Jupiter, FL 33458 TEL: (561) 694-5471

self sufficiency

Tri-Cities glades 625 M.L.K. Blvd.

South Bay, FL 33493 TEL: (561) 996-0660

Palm Beach County Community Action Agency

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2012 - 2013

Annual Report

Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners Community services Department

Community Action Agency www.pbcgov.com/communityservices

(Front Row l to R): Shelley Vana, District 3; Steven Abrams, District 4; Priscilla A. Taylor, District 7, Mayor (Back Row l to R): Jess Santamaria, District 6; Paulette Burdick, District 2, Vice Mayor; Mary Lou Berger, District 5; Hal R. Valeche, District 1

Published March 2014