CSET AR 23-24 (FINAL, PRINT) (1)

ANNUAL REPORT 23 | 24

HELPING PEOPLE. CHANGING LIVES.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Message ................................ 1 Who We Serve ..................................... 2 Participant Demographics ....................... 3 Board President Message ........................ 4 Board of Directors .................................. 5 Energy Services ..................................... 6 Community Initiatives ............................. 7 Sequoia Community Corps .....................

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Workforce Development ......................... 9 Visalia Navigation Center ......................

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Volunteers ............................................

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A Story of Success.................................. 12 Financial Review ...................................

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Our Mission CSET inspires youth, families, and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration.

Our Vision We share a vision for communities and residents to gain the knowledge, skills and resources needed to achieve the American Dream.

Our Values Improve Lives Create Opportunities Strengthen our Organization Seek Partnerships

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This past year has been one of transformation, resilience, and renewed commitment to the people we serve. We celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Visalia Navigation Center, a milestone that expands access to shelter, support, and stability for individuals experiencing homelessness. We also relocated our Tulare Family Resource Center, allowing us to better serve families in a more accessible, welcoming space with expanded resources.

Our Sequoia Community Corps continued to lead with impact, engaging youth in environmental restoration, recycling education, and hands-on job training that builds both community and confidence. From the launch of our all-women Back2Work crew to expanded outreach in housing, energy, and employment services, each initiative brought us closer to a more equitable and connected community.

Thank you to our staff, partners, and supporters who make this work possible every day. Together, we’re not just meeting needs—we’re creating lasting change.

With Deep Gratitude, Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner Executive Director

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WHO WE SERVE —

8.3K

People were connected to CSET programs and services, countywide

6.7K

Households served with an income at or below 100% of the federal poverty line

149

Partnerships with government, education, and non-profit organizations to expand community resources and opportunities

654

People who were unhoused or faced instability while seeking help at CSET

451

Households who sought help at CSET had children living in the home

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Unstated 2.7%

UnknownBlack/African American 3.2% 3.5%

DEMO GRAPHICS —

Not Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origins

RACE

24.7%

Latino/Hispanic/Mexican 24.1%

White 46.3% Hispanic, LatinoETHNICITY or Spanish Origins

Other 16.6%

Grades 0‐8

Teens (age 14 - 17)

Grades 9‐12/Non‐Graduate

Young Adults (age 18 - 24)

High School Graduate/ Equivalency Diploma Grade 12 + Some Post‐Secondary

Adults (age 25 - 64)

2 or 4 years College Graduate

Seniors (age 65 +)

GENDER

AGE

40 %

Unknown/not reported

0% 10 % 20 % 30 % 40 % 50 % 60 % 70 %

0% 10 % 20 % 30 % 40 % 50 % 60 % 70 %

Unknown

30 %

Unstated

Graduate of other Post‐Secondary School

20 %

Other

10 %

Female

Children (age 0 - 13)

0%

Male

72.6%

EDUCATION

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD As Board President, it’s been a privilege to witness the strength, resilience, and innovation that define CSET’s work. This past year has brought incredible opportunities to serve our community, and our organization has met them with focus, integrity, and a deep commitment to the people we serve. Our board has remained steadfast in its mission: CSET inspires youth, families, and communities to achieve self-reliance through innovative pathways and collaboration. Through clear leadership, sound fiscal practices, strong governance, and thoughtful guidance, CSET continues to grow and evolve. We are especially proud of key achievements this year that reflect both strategic vision and community impact.

The ribbon cutting of the Visalia Navigation Center marks a transformative investment in addressing homelessness with compassion and care. It is the result of years of planning, listening, and collaboration, proof of what’s possible when partners unite around shared values. We also celebrated the relocation of our Tulare Family Resource Center, a move that has already improved accessibility and expanded the scope of services for families in need. From housing support and employment resources to energy assistance and youth programs, this space reflects our belief that community action must meet people where they are. It’s been a year of meaningful progress, and none of it would be possible without the leadership of our Executive Director, the dedication of our staff and Corpsmembers, and the support of our numerous partners and community stakeholders. Thank you for believing in CSET and for standing with us in building a more inclusive, resilient, and hopeful future for Tulare County.

Steve Graybehl President, Board of Directors

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BOARD OF

DIRECTORS — Marcia Becerra Vice President Low-Income Sector

Steve Graybehl President Private Sector

Gordon McClaskey Public Sector

Nancy Loliva Public Sector

Jill Maze Public Sector

Kevin Mizner Public Sector

Maria Quinones Private Sector

Alma Torres-Nguyen Secretary Private Sector

Cesar Lopez Treasurer Private Sector

Malorie Barragan Low-Income Sector

Sofia Cook Low-Income Sector

Todd Henderson Low-Income Sector

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MAKING WAVES

OF CHANGE.

ENERGY SERVICES The Energy Services department is dedicated to helping local residents increase energy efficiency and reduce monthly bills. Weatherization measures help enhance a home's energy efficiency, thereby reducing monthly water and energy bills, while also promoting the health and safety of local families.

For renters or homeowners, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can provide one-time financial assistance with water and energy bills. We strive to promote energy conservation by increasing energy efficiencies and educating families on simple ways to save. Through our Sequoia Community Corps, homes are evaluated and outfitted with energy-efficient windows, carbon monoxide alarms, and other weatherization measures.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

3.8K

Households received energy assistance

1.9K

Households received water bill assistance

258

Homes were weatherized

444

Smoke alarms were installed

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COMMUNITY INITIATIVES The Community Initiatives department provides a range of services focused on family development, aiming to alleviate poverty for our communities and families. These programs serve the residents, businesses, and families of our community.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE Our approach includes bringing residents together, enhancing neighborhoods, and encouraging young people to become community leaders.

Our services include tax preparation at no cost, Senior Services Meals on Wheels, Family Resource Centers, Parenting Education, Substance Abuse Prevention, and Housing Support.

23.5K

People visited a Family Resource Center

116.3K

Meals served and delivered to seniors facing food insecurities

520

Households received housing support services

4K $5.05M

Tax returns prepared at no cost through VITA Total amount of dollars, in tax refunds, to Tulare & Kings County residents

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SEQUOIA COMMUNITY CORPS The Sequoia Community Corps (SCC) offers comprehensive programs for young adults aged 18 to 26 and other vulnerable populations in Tulare, Kings, and Kern Counties. The Corps provides job training, education, leadership development, and the opportunity to earn a diploma while gaining vocational training.

Our vocational training programs include trades such as weatherization, urban forestry, and public works. The Corps promotes conservation education and recycles CRV beverage containers, electronic waste, used oil, and tires. Corpsmembers work on projects that enhance communities through park development, urban renewal, and resource conservation. We collaborate with local city and county governments, the State of California, businesses, and the Butte County Office of Education to offer these crucial conservation services.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

117

Corpsmembers

553

Community service hours by Corpsmembers

87 234.7K 210K

Trees planted by Corpsmembers Pounds of recycled E-Waste Pounds of recycled CRV materials

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The Workforce Development department extends innovative employment and training services to youth and adults in Tulare County. Our services comprise paid training, career guidance, work readiness workshops, and youth leadership programs, among other offerings.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE Moreover, we offer recruitment and hiring services to local employers and connect trainees with employment opportunities, saving costs for participating business owners.

Our operations are funded by a consortium of entities, including the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB), Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency, Kings/Tulare Area Agency on Aging, and local businesses.

48.5K

People visited an Employment Connection Center

146

Parents participated in Next Step (Welfare-to-Work)

213

Adults participated in jobs or skills training

144

Youth engaged in leadership and job resources

19

Youth entered into an Education or Training Activity

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VISALIA NAVIGATION CENTER This year, ground broke on the The Visalia Navigation Center (VNC). A low-barrier facility managed and operated by CSET, the VNC will provide temporary housing through a referral process for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The VNC is made possible through partnerships with local agencies, community organizations, generous philanthropic support, and dedicated volunteers.

The Center will accommodate up to 100 residents at a time and offer a wide range of services through CSET and partner organizations. These include job training, mental health support, substance use prevention, and more. Future residents also have access to storage, laundry facilities, and on-site kennels for their dogs.

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THANK YOU. 468 VOLUNTEERS —

Total Volunteers

2,174 Total Volunteer Hours

VITA Tax Preparers This year, 105 VITA tax preparers volunteered 1,806.5 hours to complete 4,002 free tax returns, generating over $5 million in refunds for Tulare and Kings County residents.

Senior Day in the Park Over 1,000 seniors gathered at Mooney Grove Park to enjoy games and fellowship; 50 organizations provided valuable resources and information to support aging residents.

Make a Difference Day On Make a Difference Day, 156 volunteers dedicated their Saturday morning to improving Tulare County. Their collective efforts positively impacted families, youth, and elders across the region.

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A STORY OF SUCCESS Veronica Hopkins and her husband recently moved from the bustling Bay Area to the peaceful town of Porterville, excited to settle into what they believed was their dream home.

However, upon moving in, they were dismayed to discover that the air conditioning unit, water heater, and oven were all non-functional. This unexpected challenge quickly turned their dream home into a source of stress and concern. With her husband unable to perform the necessary repairs due to cerebral palsy and the couple lacking the financial means to cover the costs, they were at a loss for what to do.

CSET does great things for the community. The people representing CSET care about the people they serve.

I'm blessed to have found you guys.

Fortunately, Veronica learned about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization program and reached out to the CSET Energy Services Department for help. She was promptly scheduled for an appointment to apply for assistance. After submitting her application and undergoing a thorough home assessment by CSET weatherization specialists, Veronica was approved for the necessary assistance.

Thanks to CSET's Weatherization Program, Veronica and her husband received a new air conditioning unit, water heater, and oven, along with additional energy-saving measures that enhanced the overall efficiency of their home. These improvements not only restored the functionality of their household but also significantly enhanced their quality of life.

Veronica and her husband's vision of their dream home is now a reality, thanks to the dedication and support of the CSET Energy Services Department. This success story highlights the impactful work of CSET and the Weatherization Program, demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of community members in need.

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INCOME

$8,641,820 $1,746,742

Contracts & Grants Other

ASSETS

$4,289,874 $11,779 $168,405 $16,882,643

Cash Receivables Prepaid Expenses Property & Equipment (net of Accumulated Depreciation)

TOTAL

$10,388,562 $31,741,263

Total Income Total Assets

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

$13,246,929 $9,950,988 $7,602,129 $941,217

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

TOTAL

$23,197,917 $8,543,346 $31,741,263

Total Liabilities Total Net Assets Total Liabilities & Net Assets

FUNCTIONAL EXPENDITURES

$28,162,672 $4,183,616 $32,346,188

Program Services Management & General Total Expenses

FINANCIAL REVIEW —

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312 NW 3RD AVE. VISALIA, CA 93291 559.732.4194 | WWW.CSET.ORG