CSET Annual Report FY1819

Fiscal Year 2018-2019

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

CSET’s commitment to serving the people of Tulare County remains strong as we continued to create and implement innovative and cost-effective programs in 2019.

Several of our new programs - Back2Work, ECO, and CalFresh Employment & Training allowed us to build upon our successful conservation corps model to improve opportunities for veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and others.

217

staff members

50

The cornerstone of all of our strategies begins by asking ourselves how we can build on our strengths to alleviate and reduce the causes of poverty. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the numerous organizations, partners, funders, and individuals who supported our efforts during the past year.

As an agency, we are thankful for the recognition of the Nonprofit of the Year award by the Visalia Chamber of Commerce. We celebrate and extend our appreciation to our board and staff for their unwavering support and dedication to our mission.

We dedicate this Annual Report to the community residents, seniors, and youth of Tulare County, who inspire us with their vision and challenge us with their dreams. We have shared a few of their stories in our annual report.

- Executive Director Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner

programs

4

program departments

1

important mission

TABLE OF CONTENTS Get to know us and the impact of CSET programs.

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Board of Directors & Financial Review

CSET’S MISSION CSET inspires youth, families and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration.

CSET’S VISION We share a vision for communities and residents to gain the knowledge, skills and resources needed to achieve the American Dream. To achieve this vision, we commit ourselves to these core values:

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Community Initiatives

7&8

Energy Services

• We strive to assist residents regionally in improving their lives.

Sequoia Community Corps

• We create opportunities for children, youth, parents and families to be competitive in an increasingly challenging economy.

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Workforce Development

• We continue to strengthen our organization by developing internal leadership, embracing diversity and maintaining integrity in every venture.

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A Special Thank You

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• We seek partnerships with other agencies to provide the best possible services to our community.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“CSET’s Board of Directors is extremely impressed by CSET’s commitment to serving those in need. The dedication of CSET staff and volunteers exemplifies the spirit of the mission to meet the needs of individuals and families in our community. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly, not only on a daily basis but even in times of crisis.

The Board is honored to support CSET’s commitment to achieving a significant impact in our communities. Thank you to CSET staff, volunteers, and partners for your service, dedication, and inspiration.” - Board President Gordon McClaskey

The board is responsible for steering CSET towards a sustainable future that advances its mission by adopting sound, ethical legal governance and financial management policies.

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PUBLIC SECTOR

PRIVATE SECTOR

LOW-INCOME SECTOR

Gordon McClaskey, President Bob Barnier Nancy Loliva Jill Maze

David Brett, Vice-President Maria Quinones Alma Torres-Nguyen Steve Graybehl

Marcia Becerra, Secretary Malorie Barragan, Treasurer Ryan Toledo Sofia Cook

INCOME ASSETS

Cash Receivables Prepaid Expenses Property & Equipment Income Assets

FUNCTIONAL EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Contracts & Grants Other

TOTAL

FINANCIAL REVIEW

"CSET's Finance Department staff are committed to serving program needs through sound budgeting and adherence to the highest accounting quality and control standards. Program staff are provided with the financial tools they need to provide the greatest community impact.� - Chief Financial Officer Esta Willman

$18,970,430 $54,478 $126,461 $2,359,612 $106,397 $4,577,628 $19,024,908 $7,170,098

Current Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions Net Assets With Donor Restrictions

$1,947,230 $1,171,595 $2,823,741 $1,227,532

Liabilities Net Assets Liabilities & Net Assets

$3,118,825 $4,051,273 $7,170,098

Program Services Management & General

88% 12%

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COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

“Engaging with the community in a respectful manner builds trust. The inspiration of the Community Initiatives team derives from meeting the needs of the people we serve.

We honor our community members’ stories and resiliency in overcoming hardships; by listening to their stories we recognize their courage, fundamental optimism, and decency during their most life-changing moments. Alongside our partners, we strive in making the community a better place to live and thrive."

- Director of Community Initiatives Raquel Gomez

The Community Initiatives department operates a range of family development and capacity building programs to help reduce poverty. Through these programs, residential, business, and familial assets of local communities are strengthened. Additionally, strategies that unite residents, improve neighborhoods, and empower youth to be leaders are also incorporated. Services and programs include tax preparation services at no cost provided by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), Housing Support Services, Senior Services, Family Resource Centers, and the Bridge Loan Fund Program. The Community Initiatives department is devoted to the safety and development of our community, where youth, families and businesses thrive.

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A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Families served through Family Resource Center programs

356 Meals served to Tulare County senior citizens Households that received rental or mortgage assistance

98,049

Johnny’s Journey In Reaching Stable Housing & Health Treatment Escaping the cycle of recidivism is a challenge for every justice-involved individual. Thanks to CSET’s Permanent Supportive Housing program, Johnny beat the odds of housing instability, strained relationships, substance abuse, and health issues.

377

Johnny’s childhood was one of instability and abuse. The one stable caring adult in his life passed away when Johnny was 15. As a teen parent survival became his sole priority.

However, tragedy and revenge led to a life sentence for Johnny, who obtained early release in 2011 after serving 28 years in prison. Thus began Johnny’s struggle with homelessness and substance abuse. In 2015, a near-death experience motivated Johnny to seek drug recovery services, and he was referred to CSET for Permanent Supportive Housing.

Total amount in tax refunds to Tulare and Kings County residents

Johnny received a pet friendly housing placement for him and his dog Mamas. While the program met Johnny’s essential need for a stable living environment, he still struggled with chronic health barriers making it difficult for him to succeed in maintaining his housing placement. With CSET’s assistance, he received access to medical care and mental health treatment, which included obtaining Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). SSDI allowed Johnny to purchase a vehicle that has helped him get to his appointments, obtain groceries, and reconnect with his children.

43 Community volunteers

33 Supportive Housing placements

$5.4 million Tax returns prepared at no cost through VITA

Johnny overcame numerous barriers with the help of CSET and its partners for supportive services. The Permanent Supportive Housing Program provided Johnny the means to beat the odds. He now has a steady income, a place to live, and reliable transportation.

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ENERGY SERVICES The Energy Services department provides energy efficiency services at no cost to help Tulare County families stay safe and healthy. The Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides utility financial assistance to residents struggling to cover their home energy costs. These services help prevent a utility service disconnection or termination for their household. Those who qualify for LIHEAP receive financial assistance once per program year for electricity, gas, or propane services.

The Weatherization program reduces heating and cooling costs by installing energy efficiency measures in the home, keeping families warm and cool yearlong. Overall, Energy Services encourage a reduction of energy usage through energy efficiency and education. SCC corpsmembers assess and repair the homes, such as installing window replacements, carbon monoxide alarms, and other minor home repairs.

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“Our Energy Services team is proud to offer energy efficiency services to help improve the health and safety of families living in Tulare County. These services address home energy needs and help reduce the financial hardships many low-income families face.

We are proud to weatherize hundreds of local homes yearly, help families conserve energy, and assist them in reducing utility costs.�

- Director of Energy Services Nora Carrillo

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Households that received energy assistance

4,870

Energy services workshops held

678 Families who received support from the Gas or Energy Assistance Fund (GAF, EAF)

421 Homes weatherized

119 Carbon monoxide alarms installed

167

Smoke alarms installed

Expansion of Corps’ Douglas Site CSET’s Weatherization program functions as a post-secondary pathway for members of the Sequoia Community Corps to explore careers in the green economy. Corpsmembers develop essential job skills, experience, and certifications in weatherization services.

Supervised by CSET’s certified on-staff contractors, Corpsmembers provide weatherization services to homes throughout Tulare County. Corpsmembers also participate in special projects to further develop their weatherization skills.

During the year, Corpsmember Eliza Gonzalez built an extension structure at the Sequoia Community Corps’ Douglas site with Project Supervisor Tony Gonzalez and Project Specialist Darien Trujillo. This project gave Eliza the opportunity to gain skills and experience in the construction trades. For instance, she learned how to safely operate various power tools and became familiar with using a carpenter square to measure and calculate correct angles.

During construction of the breakroom, Eliza applied what she learned through the training she received in CSET’s Weatherization program. She also learned additional weatherization methods such as adding insulation, installing windows, sealing doors and windows for energy efficiency, installing outlets, and switching insulated gaskets. She helped install energy-efficient LED light bulbs, a sink, and faucet with aerators to conserve water. In all, Eliza was appreciative for the opportunity to expand her weatherization and construction skills through this special project.

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SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS The Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) offers job readiness training and work experience in the trades of weatherization, urban forestry, conservation education, and recycling, including the recycling of CRV beverage containers, e-waste, used oil, and waste tires. For the past 33 years, SCC has operated in Tulare and Kings Counties. More than 4,000 individuals have gained valuable leadership skills, educational opportunities, and environmental awareness through community conservation projects.

Corpsmembers address critical community needs such as park development, recycling services, weatherization of homes, and natural resource conservation in local recreation areas. Established partnerships include the Urban Tree Foundation, City of Visalia, and other local municipalities.

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“The Sequoia Community Corps affords a unique opportunity for young adults within our communities who are facing barriers to employment. Our team endeavors to eliminate these barriers so that Corpsmembers gain valuable experience, knowledge, and transferable work skills to help them lead a productive and fulfilling life. Through this experience, they receive paid on-the-job training, career exposure, education opportunities, and access to safety-net resources, all while preserving and protecting our community’s environment. We are very proud to work with such a dedicated and resilient group of Corpsmembers.”

- Director of SCC Department of Recycling Teresa Guzman

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Corpsmembers

142 John Muir Charter School Graduates

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Community Service Projects

26 Community Service Hours

521 Trees Planted

171 Pounds of Recycled E-Waste

1,013,740 Pounds of Recycled CRV Material

544,122

Samantha’s Journey at ProYouth Visalia Samantha Stillfield was a young adult when she visited CSET for assistance.

She was completing paperwork for Section 8 Housing when she was referred to the Sequoia Community Corps’ Youth Leadership Council, funded by the Walter S. Johnson Foundation.

Samantha was in need of work experience and had few job skills. She faced several challenges including parenting of her 3-year-old daughter, long term unemployment, and relying on public assistance. Despite being unsure of a career pathway, Samantha knew she wanted to work with children. Samantha was placed at ProYouth Visalia in an office setting with plans to transition working in after-school programs. At this site, Samantha had valuable mentors and received excellent training.

She consistently earned excellent evaluations and positive feedback from the staff. Samantha completed the WSJ Internship contract and was offered a permanent position, which she accepted. She began her employment with ProYouth in April 2019.

Samantha continues to work full time at the site. She shared the program provided her an opportunity to obtain job experience while also aiding her own personal growth. Before this opportunity, she said she was very shy and didn’t know anything about this line of work. Through the internship experience, she now feels passionate about the career she wants to pursue and has gained the confidence that she believes makes her a better person.

Additionally, she saved enough money for her and her daughter to get their own place. Samantha’s future is bright. She would like to continue with the organization and eventually work up to a Site Director or Program Leader position. Samantha is very grateful for the opportunity and would recommend this program to anyone in need of help.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CSET’s workforce development department provides employment and job readiness services including vocational training and work based training to local job seekers, helping them develop and meet their career goals. These services are funded by the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB), Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging, and others. CSET is the WIB's One-Stop Services Provider for the Employment Connection - a proud partner of America's Job Center of California Network - in Visalia and Porterville, with satellite services in Tulare. Each location is equipped with a career resource room which provides free access to technology for individuals lacking those resources. Through customized recruitments, businesses and local job seekers meet to discuss local employment opportunities. Youth gain leadership skills, college exposure, and work experience through paid internships, work-based learning, and career and college readiness activities.

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“We are proud to provide local job seekers and businesses with an array of career services to promote the economic wellbeing of our region. Many in our region’s workforce face multiple barriers to employment and we are committed to helping them develop the skills needed to access employment, achieve their career goals, and succeed in our economy.”

- Director of Workforce Development Craig Plath

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Individuals served through Workforce Development programs

4,888

Job Fair attendees in Visalia & Porterville

2,760

NextStep (Welfare-to-Work) participants

181

982 On-the-Job Training, Work Experience, and Occupational Skills Training participants

Youth who entered employment or enrolled in postsecondary education

305 Youth Internships

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495 Total youth served

Alex Re-Enters the Workforce with Communication Technology Assistance Alex Martinez was born deaf and worked seasonally as a tractor driver for a private landowner.

His main role was disking fields, including those at the Tulare County Fairgrounds.

In April 2019, Alex visited the Visalia Employment Connection to discuss his disability program benefits with an Employment Development Department (EDD) representative. When Alex expressed his desire to find permanent full time employment he was referred to adult career services.

With the assistance of communication technology equipment, Alex enrolled in adult career services to explore resources that could best serve his specific needs. Through established connections with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services were provided during Alex’s meetings and job readiness workshops. The DOR continued to provide interpreting services throughout his job search process, including several interviews at Harris Ranch.

Alex accepted a job as a meat cutter at Harris Ranch and continued to receive interpreting services from DOR during his two week orientation.

Alex’s desire to work and support his family kept him motivated. His journey to employment is evidence of the teamwork and collaboration that takes place at the Employment Connection to assist job seekers and businesses with individualized career services.

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CSET Volunteers What we do would not be possible without your dedication and support.

Thank you for helping us serve the youth, families and communities of Tulare County.

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Abigail Solis - Abigail Terry - Abril Altamirano - Aldiva Rubalcava - Alejandra Medina - Alexis Cervantes - Allizabeth Clavijo - Alondra Yanez - Alyssa Hernandez - Alyssa Mata - Amanda Dunfee - Amber Ceja - Amy Pitigliano - Ana Esparza - Ana Gonzalez - Ana Torres - Anahi Alvarez - Anahi Andrade - Anel Torres - Angel Avitia - Angelica Garcia - Annie Lotokoom - Ariana Ferrer - Ashley Tejeda-Oliver - Ashley Vazquez - Beatris Soto - Blanca Esparza - Brashla Mestas - Brenda Medrano - Brian Franks - Caliyah Keel - Carina Felix - Carol Hollingshed - Carolyn Lambert - Cassandra Valadez - Catherine Lobato - Cesar

Thank you !

Luna - Cesar Padilla - Cesar Rubalcava - Chavette Rodriguez - Christina D. Barrera - Christina Jones - Cindy Flores - Claudia Pardo - Conner Lenihan - Connie Vela - Cosmo Costales - Crystal Bueno - Crystal Saldana - Cuactemoc Negrete - Cynthia Medrano - Daniel Nasario - Daniel A. Torres - Danna Mestas - David Beeman - David Cecilio - Debra Hauber - Delia Sanchez - Demetrio Lopez - Denise Kadara - Denise McKinley - Destiny Martinez - Devora Espinoza - Diane Hawkes - Diane Santos - Dioseline Manriquez - Divina Ostrea - Donald Lett - Dora Esparza - Elaine Grande - Elisa Chapa - Elisa Rodriguez - Elizabeth Garcia - Elizabeth Valdez - Elmer Leal - Elsie Alvarado - Elvira Barron - Emanuel Garcia - Emilio Perez - Enriqueta Lopez - Esmeralda Barrios - Esmeralda Hernandez - Esmeralda Soto - Estella Bravo - Fabian Alvarado - Fabian Bibiesca - Fatima Mora - Fil Martin - Gerardo Herrera - Gerardo Verduzco - Gerardo T. Hernandez - Gilbert Barajas - Gloria Borunda - Gloria Munoz - Goana Toscano - Gustavo Cisneros - Hector Negrete - Helena Kubik - Henrietta Sanchez - Hilda Cano Iliana Gonzales - Imelda Ureno-Carranza - Irene Bly - Irlanda Cisneros - Irma Gutierrez - Isabelle Bollinger - Jacob Jimenez - Jacob Salinas - Jasmin Ramos Jasmine Womack - Jayden Castro - Jeanette Shaw - Jennifer Medina - Jennifer Rayo - Jesse Silva - Jesse Ruvalcaba - Jesus Martinez - Joel Ramirez - John Elisha Ang - Johnny Macias - Jonathan Court - Jonathan Ramos - Jorge Zambrano - Jose Duarte - Jose Lopez - Jose Villalobos - Joselin Maldonado - Juan Barrios - Juan Hernandez - Juan Jimenez - Juan J. Sanchez - Juanita Trujillo - Julie Gurrola - Jurancco Liao - Karen Ellis - Kassandra Cendejas - Kayode

Kadara - Kerol L. Flores-Bello - Kimberly Terry - Kimberly Villanueva - Larry Esparza - LaShonda Biggs - Leslie Chavez - Lizzie Ibarra - Lorraine Villa - Louis Tuvera - Lucero Lara - Lupe Garcia - Lupe Sustaita - Lusiana Ceballos - M Vazquez - Mae Arline - Makayla Trujillo - Manahill Beig - Margarita Lopez -

Margarita Serrato - Maria Amaya - Maria Barrientos - Maria Cerros - Maria Marmolejo - Maria Trujillo - Maria Lango - Maria Glafira Mota Plascencia - Maria M. Flores - Maria R. Saldivar - Maribel Marcelino - Maricela Espinoza - Marie Macedo - Marlene Arellano - Marlene Acosta - Mary Lopez - Matthew Barrera Matthew Acuna - Mayra Alejandra Ramirez - Meryem Boumzough - Micaela Lara-Lopez - Michael Martinez - Mikayla Ortiz - Monica Flores - Monica Franks - Mylene Hernandez - Nalleli Sanchez - Nariman Ajluni - Natalie Lopez - Natalie Acuna - Nereyda Pineda - Nerissa Bitanga - Norma A. Andrade - Odalys

Rivera - Oscar Esquivel - Pastor Lopez - Patti Cornelius - Paula Casimiro - Paula Maestaz - Pawnit Kaur - Rabbah Biggs - Rachel Rodriguez - Rafael Alvarez Rafael Chavez - Raul Gonzalez - Rochelle Chambers - Rogelio Mederos - Romelia Castillo - Ronique Henderson - Rosa Aguilar - Rosa De la Cruz - Rosa Gutierrez - Rose Trujillo - Roshanda Smith - Rosie Pike - Ruben Munoz - Ruben Sandoval - Ruby Garcia - Rudy Martinez - Ryan Toledo - Salma Maciel -

Shelly Reveles - Sidney D. Pedraza - Sijifredo Espinoza - Socorro Raya - Sofia Gallardo - Steve Ortega - Sylvia Evridge - Sylvia Jimenez - Tanya Menchaca Terry Schmal - Trent Conrad - Tyler Mosqueda - Valeria Rodriguez - Valerie Capone - Veronica Cantu - Veronica Serrano Valencia - Vicky Robles - Victoria Campos - Violet Chavarria - Vittoria Rivera - Yahaida Ruiz - Yasmin Solis - Yesenia Torres - Yoanna Andrade - Yorsou See - Yvonne Pierce

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Where COMMUNITY happens.

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER WITH US

If you would like to learn more about our programs or are interested in volunteering for a community project, call us at (559) 732-4194, email us at info@cset.org, or visit us online at www.cset.org.

Give your time and volunteer in Tulare County. Give back to your community, earn valuable skills, and build your network! Sign up at: www.cset.org

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CSET Alumni, we want to hear from you! Inspire our community with your story. Are you one of the thousands of people CSET has helped in the past? Your story may be featured in our success stories web page, social media, and publications. Submit your story at: www.cset.org

LOCATIONS Visalia Main Office 312 NW 3rd Ave. Tel. (559) 732-4194 North County Youth Site 40802 Rd 128, Cutler Tel. (559) 528-1796 Pixley CSET Office 927 Center St. Tel. (559) 575-0098 Visalia Employment Connection 4025 W. Noble Ave., Suite B Tel. (559) 713-5000

Porterville Employment Connection 1063 W. Henderson Ave. Tel. (559) 788-1400 Tulare Family Resource Center & Employment Connection Affiliate 304 E. Tulare Ave. Tel. (559) 684-1987 Earlimart Family Resource Center 114 N. Front St. Tel. (661) 849-2960

Cutler-Orosi Senior Center 12691 Ave. 408 Tel. (559) 528-6108

Goshen Senior Center 6735 Ave. 308 Tel. (800) 321-2462

Earlimart Senior Center 712 E. Washington Ave. Tel. (661) 849-2232

Lindsay Senior Center 911 N. Parkside Ave. Tel. (559) 562-5859

Exeter Senior Center 301 South “E” St. Tel. (559) 592-5960

Porterville Senior Center 280 N. Fourth St. Tel. (559) 782-4725

Farmersville Senior Center 623 N. Avery Ave. Tel. (559) 667-2702

Woodlake Senior Center 145 N. Magnolia St. Tel. (559) 564-3251