CSET Annual Report FY 2020-2021

Annual Report Fiscal Year 2020-2021

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Dear Community Partners, In the past year we faced extreme adversity, but we continued to deliver important services to Tulare County residents. Our staff are committed, resilient, and innovative, and I am humbled to lead such a dedicated and caring team.

229

Staff members

107

We were honored to play a key role in COVID-19 relief services for our community.

CSET staff delivered healthy meals directly to seniors, provided rental and mortgage assistance to Tulare County residents, sanitized our offices to keep staff and customers safe, and offered virtual work readiness and employment opportunity workshops.

Throughout the pandemic we continued to provide our residents with much needed services in a safe and healthy manner.

Partnerships, teamwork, and helping each other became more important than ever before. Thank you to our staff, partners, funders, board members and volunteers for your unwavering commitment to providing high quality services to our community. We could not have done it without your encouragement, flexibility, and support.

The annual report celebrates the stories and successes of the residents we serve. Each job placement, weatherized home, tree planted and tax return prepared are worthy of praise. We are proud to work together to reduce poverty in Tulare County.

- Executive Director Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner

Contracts

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

Who We Serve

9 & 10

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

“CSET’s Board of Directors is extremely proud of our organization’s success and commitment to helping those in need. The dedication of our staff, partners and volunteers is inspiring and renews our commitment to community service. Our staff worked incredibly hard to continue meeting the community’s needs while delivering services in a safe and healthy manner. We are honored to support CSET’s mission and to help provide such valuable and needed services for Tulare County individuals and families. Thank you to CSET staff, partners, and volunteers for your vision, perseverance, and service to the community.”

- Board President Gordon McClaskey

PUBLIC SECTOR

Gordon McClaskey, President Cesar Lopez Nancy Loliva Jill Maze 3

PRIVATE SECTOR

LOW-INCOME SECTOR

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

Marcia Becerra, Secretary Malorie Barragan Sofia Cook

INCOME ASSETS

Cash Receivables Prepaid Expenses Property & Equipment Income Assets

FUNCTIONAL EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Contracts & Grants Other

TOTAL

FINANCIAL REVIEW

“Primarily as a result of pandemic-related funding and activities, CSET experienced nearly 15% program revenue growth in FY 2021. Despite a year of increased challenges and demands, Finance staff continued their commitment to the highest quality of financial standards and are proud to have supported service delivery to community members most in need.”

- Chief Financial Officer Esta Willman

$23,962,965 $724,631 $1,350,721 $3,375,173 $128,071 $5,105,567 $24,687,596 $9,959,532

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

$4,086,955 $899,379 $3,735,767 $1,237,431

Liabilities Net Assets Liabilities & Net Assets

$4,986,334 $4,973,198 $9,959,532

Program Services Management & General Total Expenses

$21,509,053 (89%) $2,667,850 (11%) $24,176,903

4

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

“Our team strives to work with partners in our community to ensure that we maximize opportunities and resources for our families. We recognize that we need each other to end the war on poverty and that results are often bigger when we join forces. Our commitment to the families we serve is derived from the determination that together we can lift families out of poverty. Our staff are trained to provide support and help community residents and partners navigate and connect. The pandemic brought to light the deep disadvantage that people who live in poverty continue to suffer, and those are the residents and communities we serve. Our team is resilient and committed to removing barriers, providing high-quality services, and elevating our residents from poverty.” - 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. 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.

5

Photos: (top left) Luz Castillo assisting a local resident at the new location of the Earlimart Family Resource Center; (top right) Nariman S. Ajluni getting ready to package food bags for local elderly seniors; (bottom left) Jessica Gabriel (left) and Jennifer Pinheiro (right) providing case management services to local residents to meet their housing needs; (bottom right) Paula Maestaz connecting virtually with residents during VITA tax preparation.

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

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

326,405

468 127 Supportive housing placements & first-time homebuyer assistance Tax returns prepared at no cost through VITA

3,534 Total amount in tax refunds to Tulare and Kings County residents

$5.9 million

Martin's Housing Journey The Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) serves populations with multiple barriers ranging from poor rental housing history, substance use, disabling conditions, and challenging criminal backgrounds.

Today's housing crisis, increasing rents, and property management restrictions present challenges for those in need of affordable housing. Through collaborative efforts, HDAP has continued to assist individuals like Martin (photo) within Tulare County to secure housing.

Working together, Martin and his case manager were able to locate an affordable unit in a small community within a short commute to Visalia. He shared the following about his journey: “I am grateful for all the help and the support I received. It made me realize that there are programs out there that provide reliable help. When I wanted to give up CSET and HHSA gave me a new perspective on life. Thank you for giving me another chance to be happy."

The HDAP program is made possible by a partnership with the HHSA Social Security Advocacy department and CSET to help those experiencing homelessness along with a disabling condition. The HHSA Social Security Advocacy team conducts the application process for SSDI, including the processing of appeals and denials allowed by the state. This collaboration enables HHSA and CSET case managers to combine their efforts and resources by assisting individuals to obtain housing with ongoing case management, life skills training, temporary rental and utility assistance. The ultimate goal is to promote independent living once SSI/SSDI has been awarded.

6

ENERGY SERVICES

“With most people staying home more than normal, it became increasingly important to protect our families' homes and keep residents comfortable. The Energy Services team continued to provide energy efficiency services to improve the health and safety of individuals and families in Tulare County.

Many families experienced financial uncertainty in the past year, and our services helped soften the impact. We also changed how we deliver services, increasing accessibility for our families so everyone could access our services, regardless of situation or location. We are proud to continue weatherizing homes for hundreds of families and reducing energy costs for thousands of Tulare County residents.”

- Director of Energy Services Nora Carrillo

CSET's Energy Services team is committed to saving money for local residents. Weatherization measures reduce monthly energy bills by improving the home's energy efficiency, while improving the health and safety of local families. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can pay one-time financial assistance for a renter or homeowner's energy bill. We encourage a reduction in energy use by improving energy efficiencies and educating families on easy ways to save. The Sequoia Community Corps assesses and repairs homes by installing energy efficient windows, carbon monoxide alarms, and other weatherization measures.

7

Photos: (top left) Maria Lango, Outreach/Intake Program Specialist providing energy services information; (top right) Corpsmember installing safety shields at CSET offices; (bottom left) Corpsmember weatherizing a home in Tulare County; (bottom right) Weatherization crew sealing windows for a local resident's home.

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

Weatherizing Homes during COVID-19

Households that received energy assistance

4,934

Energy services workshops held

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

55 Homes weatherized

103 Carbon monoxide alarms installed

70

Smoke alarms installed

140

In 2021, CSET was pleased to resume providing Weatherization Assistance services amid the pandemic. Because the health and safety of our clients, communities and staff remain CSET’s top priority, we returned to work with new safety procedures and social distancing policies aligned with state and local guidelines. This effort has allowed CSET to continue providing Tulare County weatherization services to help homeowners and renters reduce utility costs and make their homes more comfortable.

With the support of Sequoia Community Corpsmembers, we have increased home weatherization services to improve family health and safety. Corpsmembers help assess the homes and install window replacements, carbon monoxide alarms, and make minor home repairs.

8

SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS

“The Sequoia Community Corps provides valuable opportunities for local youth to receive paid training while learning useful job skills. Corpsmembers gain work experience, education and life skills that prepare them for successful careers. The Corps strives to provide our young adults with the highest quality support and training to help Corpsmembers achieve their goals. Corpsmembers receive access to partner resources in addition to work experience and educational opportunities to provide a complete portfolio of services.

During the pandemic our Corpsmembers helped feed local seniors by providing them with frozen meals and informed the community about available services. I am impressed by the resiliency of our staff and Corpsmembers and their commitment to the important role we provide the community.” - Division Director of SCC Teresa Guzman

The Sequoia Community Corps provides job training and education for Tulare County young people between the ages of 18-26. The Corps provides vocational training in construction trades like weatherization, urban forestry, and public works. The Corps also provides conservation education and recycles CRV beverage containers, electronic waste, used oil and tires.

Corpsmembers improve communities through park development, urban renewal and resource conservation. The Sequoia Community Corps recently assisted with pandemic relief efforts by delivering nutritious meals to local seniors. Additionally, the Corps continued to expand services for local young people during the pandemic.

The Corps works with local city and county governments, the State of California and Butte County Office of Education to provide these important services.

9

Photos: (top left) Corpsmembers packaging canned goods for distribution to local seniors; (top right) Corpsmembers building a 16,250 sq. ft. sidewalk at Ledbetter Park in Cutler; (bottom left) Urban Forestry crews planting trees in Farmersville; (bottom right) Public Works crews completing a Murry Park expansion project in partnership with the City of Porterville Parks Department.

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Corpsmembers

93 John Muir Charter School graduates

6

Community service projects

6 Community service hours

131 Trees planted

65 Pounds of recycled E-Waste

233,182 Pounds of recycled CRV material

Addressing Food Insecurity for Local Seniors During the pandemic, the Sequoia Community Corps played a pivotal role in the distribution of meals to elderly seniors in Tulare County.

Michael is one of the Corpsmembers working with CSET’s Senior Services department to address food insecurity among this population. Michael provides excellent customer service to seniors by being responsive and understanding of their concerns. Michael’s positive energy is appreciated as he greets everyone in the morning with, “Top of the morning to ya.”

During his involvement with the Senior Services Department, Michael has grown professionally, learned new skills, and proven to be a valuable asset. Additionally, Michael assists in welcoming new Corpsmembers and drivers. He always takes the initiative to get the job done while maintaining a great attitude and consistent attendance. His willingness to help others on the team is extremely valued.

It is a pleasure to have Corpsmembers like Michael who are devoted to addressing community needs. Thank you for your service and commitment to local seniors, Michael.

229,134 10

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

“The Workforce Development Department remains committed to helping job seekers and businesses with a wide variety of services that improve our local economy. Innovation and growth has helped us deliver our services in new ways while we remain focused on our goals: training youth and adults to enter the workforce. Every job placement, improved resume or new skill is worthy of celebration. I am thankful for our staff and our partners, who together are always working to remove employment barriers for both job seekers and businesses. Their strength and resiliency is inspiring as we work together to help job seekers access employment, achieve their career goals and succeed in our economy.” - Division Director of Workforce Development Craig Plath

The Workforce Development Department provides Tulare County youth and adults with innovative employment and training services. This includes paid training, career counseling, work readiness workshops, youth leadership and more. Additionally, the Workforce Development Department provides local employers with recruitment and hiring services, and also places trainees with local employers, saving costs for participating business owners. 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. We have improved our service delivery methods to meet the needs of the changing economy.

The Workforce Development Department has provided live streams of recruitment events, drive-through job fairs, virtual job coaching and training. We have continued to train and develop our adults and youth, assist local businesses and help people find employment in a safe and healthy manner.

11

Photos: (top left) Mock interviews at the Tulare Employment Connection Affiliate; (top right) Workforce staff at the Porterville Employment Connection; (bottom left) A recruitment event at the Visalia Employment Connection; (bottom right) a Youth@Work participant receives work attire for his upcoming job training experience.

A LOOK AT THE NUMBERS Number of visits to an Employment Connection office

31,864

Job Fair and Job Connect attendees

121,845

Next Step (Welfare-to-Work) participants

302

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

Youth who entered employment or enrolled in postsecondary education

209 Youth Internships

7

534

Paving the Way for Women in the Trucking Industry Alondra was motivated to jump start her career in the trucking industry. Regardless of the cautions she received about the industry being difficult on her age and gender, Alondra was fueled by her desire to pursue her ultimate career. After careful consideration, Alondra decided to proceed with the truck driving training with the support of Adult WIOA services. Within a couple of months she obtained her DMV Class A driver’s license.

Now equipped with the training and skills, Alondra was excited about the job application process.

Through job referrals she obtained from her Career Coach at the Porterville Employment Connection, she was hired by Young Commercial Trucking in early 2021. Alondra is thriving and proving she is more than capable in her new role. She is very excited and confident about her career choices. Her confidence is further elevated when she receives admiration from other truck drivers when they see her on the road - they honk to show her support.

Alondra is a great example of what can be achieved against all odds.

She continues to thrive and remains confident towards achieving her career goals. See you on the road Alondra!

Total youth served

12

8,562 Families and individuals served by CSET programs and services

4,094 Unemployed individuals sought services at CSET

WHO WE SERVE

12,031 Interviews conducted by Contact Tracers to notify individuals of COVID-19 exposure

291 13

Households received rental/mortgage assistance due to COVID-19

Teens (age 14 - 17) 1.90%

Young Adults (age 18 - 24) 8.81%

Age

Other 0.14%

Unspecified 0.21%

Gender

Male 32.4%

Seniors (age 65 +) 29.28%

Adults (age 25 - 64) 60.01%

Female 67.2%

Education

Race/Ethnicity 26.84%

25.39%

14.84% 9.19%

13.55%

LatinxLatinx 67.03% 67.03%

8.70%

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Multi-Race 2.71%

Other 24.91%

Native American 1.25%

1.48%

White 65.02%

Asian 1.99%

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Black/ African American 3.57%

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Unspecified 0.55%

14

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 the 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 https://bit.ly/mycsetstory.

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 S. 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