CSET's 2012-2013 Annual Report

ANNUAL

REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2012 — 2013

Community Services Employment Training

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Another amazing year for CSET of new partnerships, opportunities, and collaborations, 2013 was filled with many successes – large and small. We focused on strategies that increased services to homeless families and individuals, expanded services to seniors, increased workforce development efforts for youth and adults, and implemented a brand new youth leadership program. The cornerstone of all of our strategies is to begin by asking ourselves how we can build on the foundation to alleviate and reduce the causes of poverty.

We continued our commitment to seek out opportunities to partner and leverage limited resources. We focused on ensuring that residents in underserved rural communities were receiving access to vital services and resources.

Seven senior centers located throughout the county were added to the menu of services CSET offers. These community-based centers provide hundreds of seniors with access to resources and services that will enhance their quality of life by increasing their independence and decreasing their need for nursing home care.

Community volunteers donated more than 12,000 hours to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Make a Difference Day opportunities in their communities. Both projects, facilitated annually, would not be successful without the commitment and dedication of community volunteers.

In 2014, we look forward to celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, the legislation that was instrumental in the creation of many of the non-profit organizations and anti-poverty programs that you see in our community today – including CSET. Many thanks to our partners, funders, and all those who have helped with our work. We could not have had such a successful year without you.

Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner Executive Director

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CSET’s Mission and Vision, Financial Review Community Initiatives From community projects to planting trees, Community Initiatives called all neighbors, peers and families into action.

Sequoia Community Corps Motivation, discipline and teamwork fuels the success of the Corps. Corps accomplishments include environmental and community improvement, while creating opportunities to complete high school and gain job skills.

Energy and Housing From putting roofs over heads to keeping families warm, Energy and Housing worked year-round to make homes energy efficient.

Workforce Development Encouraging job seekers to stay motivated, the Workforce Development team provided coaching, job development, and retention services, supporting individuals and employers.

BOARD of DIRECTORS LOW-INCOME SECTOR Gailerd Swisegood, President Ryan Toledo, Treasurer Emzy Cope PUBLIC SECTOR Bob Barnier, Vice President Justin Stoner, Secretary Karol Aure-Flynn Gene Etheridge

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PRIVATE SECTOR Ed Byrne Lori Luna Tom Burns David Brett

CSET’S

MISSION CSET seeks to strengthen youth, families, and communities through education, employment training, youth development, housing, mentoring, community and leadership building, job creation, environmental stewardship and other strategies that support self-reliant families and caring communities.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

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INCOME Contracts & Grants Other

$15,987,776 $1,121,128

ASSETS Cash Receivables Prepaid Expenses Property and Equipment

$651,332 $1,780,538 $29,262 $5,471,909

TOTAL INCOME TOTAL ASSETS

$17,108,904 $8,164,872

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities Unrestricted Net Assets Temporarily Restricted Net Assets

$2,004,259 $1,805,624 $2,594,279 $1,760,710

TOTAL LIABILITIES TOTAL NET ASSETS TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$3,809,883 $4,354,989 $8,164,872

FUNCTIONAL EXPENDITURES Program Services Management & General

88% 12%

COMMUNITY C

INITIATIVES

SET's Community Initiatives Department manages a variety of family development and capacity building programs. These programs promote community visioning, equip community leaders, and strengthen the residential, business, and familial assets of local communities. Each of these programs is aimed at reducing the causes of poverty through strategies that unite residents, improve neighborhoods and train youth to be leaders.

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Volunteers paint a community mural near the Earlimart Family Resource Center.

FAMILIES SERVED THROUGH FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER PROGRAMS 248 JUNIOR LEADERSHIP PARTICIPANTS 90 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS 1,238 TAX RETURNS COMPLETED THROUGH VITA 1,805 TOTAL AMOUNT IN REFUNDS TO TULARE COUNTY RESIDENTS $2,927,198 YOUTH PARTICIPANTS AT G.R.E.A.T. CAMP 120

Students enjoy a hike at G.R.E.A.T. camp.

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his year has not only been rewarding for our staff, but a rewarding and inspiring year for our communities. We helped hundreds of community members across the county complete their tax returns, at no charge. Community Initiatives has inspired communities to stand up, act, and celebrate the power of helping others. We look forward to what the new year holds!

Raquel Gomez

Director of Community Initiatives

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SEQUOIA T

COMMUNITYCORPS

he Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) assists local agencies and businesses in meeting critical needs of the community such as park development, construction of low-income family housing, recycling, and natural resource conservation in local recreation areas. Corpsmembers attend specialized training that prepares them to provide quality services. These weatherization services reduce monthly energy bills, ensure safe carbon monoxide levels, and make homes more comfortable and energy efficient. Partners include Self-Help Enterprises, Tulare County Resource Management Agency, and the Building Industry Association.

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Local elementary school students learn about the impact of recycling.

CHARTER SCHOOL STUDENTS ENROLLED 304 CORPSMEMBERS 175 COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS 12 TREES PLANTED 1,800 HABITATS RESTORED 300 POUNDS OF RECYCLED CRV MATERIAL 1,041,980 POUNDS OF RECYCLED EWASTE 389,244 CORPSMEMBER VOLUNTEER HOURS DONATED FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS 658

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John Muir Charter School graduates.

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he Sequoia Community Corps welcomed many new participants this last year. As a team, students improved the lives of their colleagues and community members. Every challenge was met without a face of defeat, and I am honored to have worked with such motivated staff and Corpsmembers. We look forward to many more projects that serve our community and inspire us to set high goals.

With the new year underway, exciting things are in the making. Great job team!

Estevan Benavides

Director of Sequoia Community Corps

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ENERGY & E

HOUSING

nergy and Housing strives to motivate community members to educate themselves on ways to be more energy efficient. The Energy Assistance program assists with utility bills and encourages a self-sufficient future for families. The Weatherization program reduces heating and energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of homes, while sharing the value of energy conservation. Housing workshops, such as First Time Home Buyers and Foreclosure Counseling, guide homebuyers and homeowners in responsible home-related decision making.

Desiree Villarreal poses with her daughters at their newly weatherized home.

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INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVED ENERGY ASSISTANCE 3,580 ENERGY AND HOUSING WORKSHOPS HELD 407 INDIVIDUALS WHO RECEIVED RENTAL AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE 350 FAMILIES WHO RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE GAS ASSISTANCE FUND (GAF) 67 FAMILIES WHO RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE ENERGY ASSISTANCE FUND (EAF) 65 HOMES WEATHERIZED 207

Mr. Luna settles into his new apartment, after encouragement and support from Energy and Housing programs.

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nergy & Housing illuminated many lives this year, in more ways than one! The E & H team proudly dedicated themselves to educating our community on self-sufficiency, energy conservation, and responsibility. We are honored to have played a role in families becoming more self-reliant and better prepared to save money and protect the environment. I am proud of our work!

Lily Rivera-Graves Director of Energy and Housing

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WORKFORCE C

DEVELOPMENT

SET provides job training services through the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB), the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and the Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging (Senior Employment Program). CSET has been contracted by the WIB to operate Employment Connection One-Stop Centers in Visalia and Porterville, and a satellite office in Tulare. At each location, job seekers will find a Resource Lab equipped with computer and Internet access and hands on help from staff to create resumes, learn interview skills, search for jobs, and more. Services are tailored to youth and adults, including programs such as Welfare to Work, #LEAD, StepUP, and Youth Transitions.

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e worked hard to connect out-of-work and aspiring community members to resources that promote and encourage success. Our workshops helped job seekers lay the foundation to reach their goals and feel a strong sense of accomplishment from the ability to support themselves and their families. Our program swells with pride for all of our participants who gave it their all to make a change.

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Job seekers complete applications at the annual job fair, while being introduced to professional opportunites.

Junior Russo

Director of Adult Workforce Development

INDIVIDUALS SERVED THROUGH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 20,244 ADULT WORKSHOP ENROLLMENTS 3,404 JOB SEEKERS WHO RECEIVED ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, WORK EXPERIENCE OR OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING 491 TOTAL YOUTH SERVED 570 SUMMER EMPLOYED YOUTH 76 YOUTH WHO ENTERED EMPLOYMENT OR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION 241 YOUTH WHO RECEIVED A DIPLOMA OR CERTIFICATE 160

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A participant at the Youth Job Fair consults with employers.

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outh in Tulare County had an extraordinary year in achieving personal and professional goals. This year the Youth Development Department challenged itself to inspire more youth to be engaged in their academics and potential careers. I am proud to say we exceeded our goals and raised the bar for next year. We cannot wait to see what is next!

Sylvia Dorado

Director of Youth Development

CAREER CONNECT PARTICIPANTS 52

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THANKyou

To Our Volunteers: Thank you for donating your time and talent each year to provide impactful services to the youth, families, and communities of Tulare County. What we do would not be possible without your dedication and support.

Adela Alba • Elsie Alvarado • Maria Baca • Michelle Barajas • Isabelle Bollinger • Rebecca Calderon • Rosa Elizondo • Cindy Flores • Adriana Gutierrez • Yesenia Huanaco • Guadalupe Huerta • Celia Ibarra • Yadira Leon • Beatriz Martinez • Teresa Ortega • Edgar Rangel • David Roddick • Diana Romero • Angelica Ruiz • Henrieta Sanchez • Delores Scott • Samson Valdez • Eduardo Vargas • Graciela Vargas • Maribel Zavala Torres • Juan Garcia • Uriel Montejono • Jose Chavez • Daniela Rivera • Ana Quezada • Marianela Fraga • Dorali Quezada • Alondra Quezada • Miguel Castaneda • Linda Olmedo • Junior Russo • Luis Medina • Daniel Cisneros • Martin Perez • Sandra Jimenez • Chan Pahn • Vanessa Lopez • Alma Feathers • Wendy Lopez • Mat Kachelski • Roberto De La Rosa • Roberto Ignacio • Teresa De La Rosa • Angela Demp • Blanca Escarcega • John Guitterez • Cathy Barnes • Hector Negrete • Patricia Barnes • Derilean Barnes • Arlene Simoes • Beverly Mamoril • Kimberly Reyes • Juan Vegara • Santiago Torres • Aubrey Retomoza • Yolanda Sanchez • Brian Franks • James Franks • Josephina Franks • Luz Neira • Erik R Withrow • Blanca Esparza • Javier Esparza • Adriana Esparza • Jodeci Esparza • Sheyla Izazaga • Alyssa Neira • Lezly Neira • Eli Neira • Destiny Salazar • Andrea Demp • Henry Mendoza • Gloria Balderon • Salvador Romo • Mike Fernandez • Tim Smith • Phillip Nystrom • Earl Williams • Antonio Blanco • Kyler Ford • Janice McKay • Kaitlyn Ford • Brittany Donegan • Ora Price • Paula Maestaz • Maria Flores • Anayeli Madrigal • Edgar Madrigal • Helen Ferrell • Bill Ferrell • Vanessa Marquez • Lizbet Langariuer • Jazmin Gonzalez • Carlos Lemus • Austin Gorzeman Brian Vander Eyk • Alex Rodriguez • Westom Visser • Capt. Scott McCorkill • Kevin Gilkey • Campbell Gilkey • Estella Bravo • Carol Hollingshed • Chris Adkins • Jesus Gaona • Chris Cardwell • Ross Collins • Dan Guerra • Ryan Toledo • Jennifer Langarcia • Doug Vawzel • Jona Ford • Steve Lane • David Mendoza • Deidra McKay • Gary Strerey • Darcy McKay • Dwayne Neve • Johnny Valencia • Jessica Eanes • Joel Ramos • Joann Ramos • Adela Montgomery • Julia G. Sanchez • Maria Cristine Sanchez • Shannon Guzman • Erika Douglas • Rosalinda Carrillo • Feliciana Hernandez • Esmeralda Rios • Lisa Martinez • Sergio Solano • Rafael Hernandez • Michael Maestors • Marshall Fechner • Esther Lerma • Emily Fechner • Larry Tevis • Mikel West • Kacey West • Louise Rambo • Brad Duff • Fren Schott • Stanley White • Forest Westbrook • Mike Watson • Randy Maskers • Elijah Ramos • Johnathan Ramos • Isaiah Ramos • Cecilia Montgomery • Willow Werlhof • Carrie Endy • Julia Sanchez • Jasmin Sanchez • Arulfo Sanchez • Cruz Sanchez • David Sanchez • Emiliano Sanchez • SieAnna Doyle • Autumn Douglas • Jose Ruelas • Ricardo Ruelas • Esmeralda Ruelas • Juan Leon • Gustavo Carrillo • Maria Carillo • Desireee Scott • Omri Swifford • Alika Swifford • Andres Carrillo • Julian Sanchez • Cecilia Hernandez • Jackie Hernandez • Julissa Sanchez • Ismael Cervantes • Gerardo Curiel • Michelle Curiel • Juan Curriel • Serina Martinez • Enrique Jimenez • Noel Fernandez • Veronica Zepeda • Alex Gonzalez • Cesar Cano • Esteban Gonzalez • Angel Gutierrez • Gia Castanon • Charlie Lerma • Cesar Nunez • Corbett Vanderfeer • Rex Vanderfeer • Matt Acuna

CSET OFFICES

Where community happens.

TULARE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 115 E. Tulare Ave. Tulare, CA 93274-4019 Tel. (559) 684-1987 Fax (559) 684-8283 PORTERVILLE EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION 1063 W. Henderson Ave. Porterville, CA 93257 Tel. (559) 788-1400 Fax (559) 782-4769 VISALIA EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION 4025 W. Noble #B Visalia, CA 93277-1631 Tel. (559) 713-5000 Fax (559) 713-5132 GOSHEN CSET 6505 Ave. 308 Visalia, CA 93291 Tel. (559) 651-1030 Fax (559) 651-1035

CUTLER/OROSI CSET 12691 Ave. 408 Cutler, CA 93615 Tel. (559) 528-1095 EARLIMART FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 114 N. Front St. Earlimart, CA 93219 Tel. (661) 849-2960 PIXLEY CSET 433 S. Main St. Pixley, CA 93256 Tel. (559) 757-1601 TIPTON CSET Call for an appointment Tel. (559) 757-1601 IVANHOE CSET Call for an appointment Tel. (559) 798-0175 Tue 9am - 3pm HANFORD CAMPUS 892 S. Harris St. Hanford, CA 93230 Tel. (559) 816-1919

SENIOR CENTERS GOSHEN SENIOR CENTER 6735 Ave. 308 Visalia, CA 93291 Tel. 1(800) 321-2462

CUTLER/OROSI SENIOR CENTER 12691 Ave. 408 Cutler, CA 93615 Tel. (559) 528-6108

LINDSAY SENIOR CENTER 911 N. Parkside Lindsay, CA 93247 Tel. (559) 562-5859

EARLIMART SENIOR CENTER 712 E. Washington Earlimart, CA 93219 Tel. (661) 849-2232

PORTERVILLE SENIOR CENTER 280 Fourth St. Porterville, CA 93257 Tel. (559) 782-4725

EXETER SENIOR CENTER 301 South E Street Exeter, CA 93221 Tel. (559) 592-5960

WOODLAKE SENIOR CENTER 179 N. Magnolia Woodlake, CA 93286 Tel. (559) 564-3251