CSET Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019-2020

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019-2020

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Community Partners, This annual report is dedicated to those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Community Action Agency for Tulare County, our roots are embedded in poverty relief efforts to ensure community residents are equipped with the support they need to build self-reliant lives. The pandemic put our mission to the test and reminded us why safety net agencies in our community are so important. We are proud to share that none of our community offices were closed during the pandemic.

223

Staff members

90

Programs

During the year, CSET staff implemented innovative approaches to assure members of the community could access safety net services safely online and by special appointment.

We brought on additional staff to help with relief efforts and provided them with the tools to protect themselves and others.

We were able to serve our community in myriad ways - whether it was implementing drive-through hiring events for local job seekers and employers; conducting virtual parenting sessions with families; collaborating across departments to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens; or tutoring students who were navigating distance learning.

We hope the stories and program highlights featured in the report shed light on the resilience and perseverance of our community during this challenging year.

Thank you to our board, staff, partners, funders, and volunteers for your continued support and dedication to our mission. All of our work is possible because of you.

- Executive Director Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner

4

Program departments

1

Important mission

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

3&4

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:

5&6

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.

11 & 12

Workforce Development

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

13 & 14

A Special Thank You

9 & 10

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

“The CSET board of directors is proud of CSET’s commitment to serving those in need, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that occurred this year. 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 team continued to work and serve despite this time of crisis. CSET’s doors have remained open to the community throughout the entirety of the pandemic. The board is grateful to support CSET staff in their mission to improve the lives of those in need in our community. Thank you to CSET staff, volunteers, and partners for your service, dedication, and inspiration.”

- Board President Gordon McClaskey

PUBLIC SECTOR

Gordon McClaskey, President Bob Barnier Nancy Loliva Jill Maze

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PRIVATE SECTOR

LOW-INCOME SECTOR

Steve Graybehl, Vice-President Maria Quinones, Treasurer Alma Torres-Nguyen

Marcia Becerra, Secretary Malorie Barragan 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

“Through the COVID-19 crisis, CSET’s Finance Department staff remained 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

$21,446,006 $112,418 $789,460 $2,315,431 $101,229 $5,010,031 $21,558,424 $8,216,151

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

$2,717,772 $1,035,874 $3,126,336 $1,336,169

Liabilities Net Assets Liabilities & Net Assets

$3,753,646 $4,462,505 $8,216,151

Program Services Management & General Total Expenses

$18,387,232 (87%) $2,759,960 (13%) $21,147,192

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COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

“As we reflect on the phenomenal challenges we all encountered this year, and the changes we were forced to make, the Community Initiatives team would like to thank our partners and the community leaders across our county that stepped up to support and work with us through the unprecedented pandemic. The courage and resilience of our community members and their unwavering determination to overcome the hardships they faced inspired us to be more creative and patient with one another. The Community Initiatives team is proud to serve our community's most vulnerable: seniors, children, homeless. We remain dedicated to the communities we serve where youth, families, and businesses thrive.” - Director of Community Initiatives Raquel Gomez

The Community Initiatives department offers a variety of family development programs with the goal of relieving the burden of poverty on our communities and families.

These programs serve the residential, business, and familial groups of our community. Additionally, we incorporate strategies to unite residents, improve neighborhoods, and empower youth to be leaders in their communities. Services and programs include no-cost tax preparation, Senior Services, Family Resource Centers, Housing Services, and Small Business Relief services.

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Photos: (top left) Jesse Ruvalcaba conducting parenting sessions online; (top right) Amanda Strange processing rental and mortgage assistance applications with customers; (bottom left) Yesenia Avianeda delivering meals to a senior citizen; (bottom right) Albert Cendejas loading donated crates of bread for delivery to homebound senior citizens.

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

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

157,933

59 Community volunteers

297 32

Total amount in tax refunds to Tulare and Kings County residents

$5.9 Million 3,883

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many VITA sites nationwide had to close down their services. When the federal income tax filing deadline was postponed during the pandemic, CSET’s VITA program extended its services by implementing a successful drop-off service. For the 2020 tax season, 361 VITA tax preparers dedicated 7,901 hours and completed 3,883 tax returns, returning more than $5.9 Million to Tulare and Kings County communities.

A devoted group of local volunteers served as IRS certified tax preparers during the VITA tax season. They assisted low and moderate income Tulare County residents to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost. They also informed taxpayers of eligible cash-back tax credits, such as the state and federal EITC. Customers were connected to employment opportunities, rental or mortgage assistance, resources to build financial wellness, and more through CSET's range of services. In compliance with social distancing measures, customers were informed about the filing process and contacted by phone to review and obtain permission to e-file their taxes. Once the tax return was e-filed and accepted, customers were notified to pick up their tax return documents.

At CSET, our talented VITA volunteers have the ability to assist customers with many complex tax questions. One customer, Sandy, reached out to CSET in May 2020 when she was in need of help.

Supportive housing placements

Tax returns prepared at no cost through VITA

Vita Program Implements Tax Drop-Off Services During Pandemic

Sandy was familiar with VITA services from her time living in Massachusetts. She sold her home there and decided to move to Visalia as she started her new life in retirement. She located us and visited our VITA site to have her tax return prepared. She was unsure if we would be able to assist taking into account that she had moved here from another state.

Additionally, she moved money from her Traditional Rollover IRA to a 529 Educational Plan and was told this money could be counted as an exception.

Sandy was able to order the State Tax book and speak with a representative at the State office. We were able to figure it out with research and assistance. She was very pleased with the service and our ability to take time to do the research, helping her feel at ease. (Photo: VITA Tax Preparer Marcus Watkins assisting a customer at the Visalia tax drop-off site during COVID-19.)

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ENERGY SERVICES

“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. This year more than ever, families have encountered unexpected financial hardships due to COVID-19. 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

The Energy Services department’s no-cost services are designed to increase the energy efficiency of homes, owned or occupied by low-income residents, to reduce their residential energy expenses and improve family health and safety. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time financial assistance to help offset an eligible household’s energy costs. At its core, Energy Services encourage a reduction in energy usage through energy efficiency and education. SCC corpsmembers assess and repair the homes, such as installing window replacements, carbon

Photos: (top left) Corpsmember Piper Kessinger training to conduct home weatherization services; (top right)

monoxide alarms, and other

Corpsmember Jacob Santillan loading meals to be delivered to local senior citizens; (bottom left) Home Weatherization

minor home repairs.

right) Frank Ortega and Corpsmember Jacob Santillan geared up to conduct home weatherization assessments.

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staff Christopher Agunde (left) and Antonio Gonzales (right) building a large freezer to store senior meals; (bottom

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Households that received energy assistance

5,504

Energy services workshops held

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

229 Homes weatherized

130 Carbon monoxide alarms installed

75

Smoke alarms installed

180

Weatherization Crew's Response Efforts During COVID-19 The Energy Services department provides no-cost energy services to low-income residents in Tulare County. To help reduce energy costs, the Home Weatherization team assesses and repairs local residential homes. This service ultimately helps residents maintain energy efficiency and long-term health and safety.

With the support of the SCC, the Home Weatherization team conducts window replacements, installs carbon monoxide alarms, tests water heaters, and provides other minor home repairs to conserve energy.

In the midst of COVID-19, home weatherization services were put on hold for the safety of corpsmembers, staff, and customers. Although the Home Weatherization crew was not able to conduct these services throughout the year, they adapted and served as a primary emergency crew. They helped sanitize CSET facilities, install protective safety partitions, and build construction projects throughout our regional offices. Additionally, they delivered meals to local senior citizens during the pandemic. CSET is thankful for the Weatherization Crew’s commitment and service in keeping our staff and customers safe during the pandemic. (Photos: Home Weatherization team sanitizing CSET facilities throughout the region.)

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SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS The Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) offers vocational training 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. SCC has successfully operated in Tulare and Kings Counties for the past 34 years.

Corpsmembers address critical community needs such as park development, recycling services, natural resource conservation, and highway maintenance. Most recently, the SCC has responded to the needs of vulnerable populations and local seniors, providing them with food and groceries during COVID-19. Our work is supported by robust state and multi-county partnerships including CalRecycle, Butte County Office of Education, California Department of Transportation, and other local municipalities such as the County of Tulare.

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“The Sequoia Community Corps provides a valuable opportunity for young adults within our community who face employment barriers. We strive to provide Corpsmembers with the experience, knowledge, and transferable work skills to take with them in their future careers and lives. Through their SCC experience, they receive paid on-the-job training, career exposure, education opportunities, and access to safety-net resources, all while serving our community’s needs. During this challenging year, our corpsmembers continued conducting essential work such as collecting recyclables in our local hospitals while also meeting the needs of our community’s seniors and vulnerable populations, providing them with frozen meals while they remained quarantined in their homes due to COVID-19.” - Division Director of SCC Teresa Guzman

Photos: (top left) Back2Work crew removing debris and restoring areas along highways; (top right) Corpsmember Breanna Bolanos preparing meals for local senior citizens; (bottom left) Corpsmember Piper Kessinger building large freezer to store senior meals; (bottom right) Urban Forestry crew doing landscaping and beautification projects with the City of Visalia.

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

SCC Alumnus Fights California Fires

Corpsmembers

155 John Muir Charter School graduates

5

Community service projects

9 Community service hours

191.5 Trees planted

125 Pounds of recycled E-Waste

161,703 Pounds of recycled CRV material

204,417

Jose Gerardo enrolled in the SCC’s Walter S Johnson program (WSJ) in February of 2019. Jose knew from an early age he wanted to become a Police Officer or Firefighter. He wanted a career that would allow him to serve his community and help people.

At 16 years of age, Jose began his career journey by volunteering with the Farmersville Fire Department. Jose enrolled in the WSJ program and was granted a 300-hour internship contract at the Farmersville Fire Department.

Jose received excellent hands-on training and gained valuable work experience.

After completing his internship contract, Jose was hired as a Firefighter Recruit for the Farmersville Fire Department. Jose plans to enroll in the Fresno City College Fire Academy within the next year.

As part of the State of Emergency Tulare County Response Team, Jose was recently assigned to assist with the River Fire, located in Monterey County. Jose spent approximately 2 weeks working 24-hour shifts helping to fight the fire. The fire burned 40,000 acres and destroyed more than 30 structures. It was fully contained on September 4, 2020.

We wish Jose much success and safety as he continues on his career pathway.

(Photo: Jose (right of photo) at the River Fire.)

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Workforce Development department provides businesses, job seekers, and youth with innovative employment and training services.

Vocational and work-based training is provided 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 Career 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. The Employment Connection centers continue to follow safety measures to protect the health of our customers, partners, and staff during COVID-19. This year, we have implemented virtual technology and drive-thru events to continue providing the community with our services in a safe way during the pandemic.

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“Throughout the pandemic, the Workforce Development team has held many drive-thru events providing information and recruitment opportunities to job seekers and local businesses. 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.”

- Division Director of Workforce Development Craig Plath

Photos: (top left) Monica Andrade providing job leads during Job Connect; (top right) Amanda Olguin assisting a youth participant; (bottom left) Visalia Employment Connection and Kaweah Delta partner for a CNA interview event; (bottom right) Porterville Employment Connection and Waterman Valve LLC host a drive-thru recruitment event.

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Individuals served through Workforce Development programs

44,085

Job Fair and Job Connect attendees

2,700

Next Step (Welfare-to-Work) participants

108

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

Youth who entered employment or enrolled in postsecondary education

116 Youth Internships

50

516 Total youth served

STEPS Participant Gains Valuable Career Readiness Training In Physical Therapy The Summer Training and Employment Program for Students (STEPS) is a career readiness program for young people with disabilities. Students gain valuable one-on-one career readiness coaching that builds on their strengths to equip them for paid work experience in their career pathway. Added benefits are the workplace readiness workshops on career and college exploration, résumé writing, interview skills, and worksite tours.

Together, the student and career coach select an appropriate worksite to ensure the most successful outcome. During the work experience, the student performs various assigned tasks at the worksite.

STEPS has successfully implemented its career pathways approach, through which some worksite partners have permanently hired the students, as was the case for recent STEPS participant Alejandra. Alejandra was hired permanently for a position that will help her achieve her dream job in physical therapy.

Alejandra embodies STEPS mission and vision of engaging in post-secondary pathways and achieving economic mobility for students with disabilities.

Alejandra received work experience at Mendonca Spine Care Center after expressing a career passion in physical therapy. At first, Alejandra was apprehensive about her abilities and limited job experience. Despite this, she persevered and her work-readiness attendance was impeccable. Once her work experience ended, Alejandra was hired by Dr. Mendonca to join the Mendonca Spine Care Center team. We are very proud of Alejandra's determination and accomplishments during the program and wish her the best in her healthcare career.

Thank you to the following partners for the immense support in strengthening the future of students enrolled in the STEPS program: Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, CA Department of Rehabilitation, Sequoias Adult Education Consortium, College of the Sequoias' Workability Program, Tulare County Employment Connection, Community Services Employment Training, and Central Valley Regional Center.

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CSET Volunteers CSET values the dedication and support from our numerous local volunteers. Thank you for helping us serve the youth, families and communities of Tulare County.

Photos were taken before the health restrictions of COVID-19.

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Adamaris Rodriguez Muro - Adelita Licon - Adrian Perez - Adrian Ramos - Adriana Contreras - Aj Antonio - Alberto Aguilar - Alejandra Abarca Alejandra Ramirez - Alejandra Ramos - Alex Baeza - Alexandra M Sanchez - Alexis Barrera - Alexis Cervantes - Alison Meza - Allan M Martinez Alma Toledano - Alondra Ortiz-servin - Alysia Castillo - Alyssa Casas - Amairani Ceballos - Ambrocia Ojeda - Amy Eapinosa - Ana Parra - Andrea Cerda Andres Munoz - Angel Aguayo - Angel De La Cruz - Angel Hernandez - Angela Dickerson - Anna Nevarez - Anthalina Chhean - Anthony Reynoso - Antonio

Thank you !

Melano - Ariana Forbes - Ariana Gonzalez - Aron Alva - Audra Andrews-Perez - Audrianna Jones - Avdeep Dhaliwal - Berenice Gutierrez - Bernardo Zavala Brayan Cervantes - Brenda Marcial

- Brian Falcon - Briana Fuentes - Brianna Barrios

- Brianna Cazares - Brisa Sanchez

- Bryan Mendoza -

Carolina Ruiz Rivera - Cassandra Viscaino - Catherine Salazar - Christina Agda - Christopher Rodriguez - Ciara Banks - Claudia Pardo - Cristian Santillan David Gahagan

- Denice Medrano - Denise Mckinley - Destiny Meza - Devora Espinoza - Diana Hurtado - Diana Romero - Diane Hawkes -

Edward Kotoian - Elida Ann Ramirez - Elijah Farias - Elisa Perez - Elisa Ramirez - Elizabeth Diaz Guzman - Elizabeth Velazquez - Elsie Alvarado Esmeralda Barrios - Estefania Lopez - Evelyn Guzman - Evelyn Ornelas - Ezekiel Chavez - Fatima Almenar - Fortino Abasolo - Geneva Gomez Gerardo Aguilar - Giselle Maldonado - Gustavo Medina - Haydee Mijangos - Heidy Sanchez - Isabella Ruiz Rivera - Isaiah Gonzalez - Ivan Hernandez Ivan Robles - Jacqueline Vargas - Jagraj Singh - Janeth Reynosa - Janey Kongkeo - Janie Covarrubias - Jay Silva - Jeanette Murillo-hernandez Jennifer Ramos - Jerrold Sharp - Jessica Barrera - Jesus Morales - Jesus Morales-Grace - Joe Mejia - Jose Becerra - Jose Betancourt - Jose Ramos Joselin Maldonado - Juan J Sanchez - Juan Mejorado - Jay Silva - Jurancco Liao - Justin Arreola - Juventino Gomez - Karen Cabellos - Karla Oropeza - Kellie Elzy - Kelly Carmona - Kelly Tan - Kenneth B Snider - Khloe Ochoa-Bautista - Krysten Owens - Leah Frances - Leahluh Esquivel-Diaz - Leslie Cisneros Leslie Gonzalez - Luis Avila - Luz Elena Servin - Manuel Alonzo - Manuel Arias - Mara Ventura-Serrano - Maria Barrientos - Maria Carranza - Maria Castillo Maria Gamez - Maria Marmolejo - Marie Borjas - Marisol Vargas - Marissa Rodriguez - Mark Mejia - Marla Alvizo - Martha Madrigal - Martin Valencia Mary See - Mathew Mendoza - Melissa King - Melissa Looney - Melissa Miller - Melissa Serrano - Michael Garcia - Michelle Serna - Miguel Bautista - Milagros Santana - Monica Moran-Alcala - Monique Rodriguez - Myles Smith - Nailith Hernandez - Nalae Seechan - Natalie Cornejo Nathalie Cerda Lopez - Nayzeth Perez - Nereyda Pineda-Contreras - Noah De La Pena - Noah Ruiz - Patti Cornelius - Paul Garcia - Paul Gonzales Pawnit Kaur - Raul Gonzalez - Rey Alvarado - Robert Enriquez - Roberto Julian Campos - Roberto Vega - Rocio Beltran - Rosa De La Cruz Rosa Vaelncia-Mora - Rose Ann Trujillo - Roselia Herrera - Ruben Borja - Ruben Gonzalez - Ruby Moreno - Ruth Galvez - Sally Bledsoe - Sandra Mejia Santiago Viscaino - Sara Andrade - Sara Besson - Sarah Perez - Savannah Frausto - Sebastian Santoyo - Serena Leyva - Sofia Flores - Sofia Morales Soledad Dimas - Stephanie Zuniga - Summer Vazquez - Sylvia Martinez - Tequita Jefferson - Teresa Alvarado - Terry Schmal - Veronica Cantu Veronica Serrano - Victoria Lozano - Xochitl Maravilla - Yaire Hernandez - Yanet Meza - Yazmin Hernandez - Yesenia Flores - Yesenia Sanchez Yuliana Rios Rodriguez - Zebadiah Facundo - Ziying Liu

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Where COMMUNITY happens.

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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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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 176 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