CSET Annual Report FY 2021-2022

ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT

Community Services

Employment Training

Mission

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

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:

We strive to assist residents regionally in improving their lives.

We create opportunities for children, youth, parents, and families to be competitive in an increasingly challenging economy. We continue to strengthen our organization by developing internal leadership, embracing diversity, and maintaining integrity in every venture.

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

EXECUTIVE MESSAGE

Dear Community Partners,

As we look back on the past year, we are proud to say that we have achieved remarkable successes that would not have been possible without the support of our generous donors, volunteers, and partners.

CSET proudly inaugurated a new venture in 2022, in collaboration with Clean California and Caltrans, to safeguard and conserve our local natural resources. Additionally, we broadened our leadership programs for young individuals in Tulare County under the #GROW program, aimed at encouraging civic engagement and volunteerism among youth in their communities. With the progress in vaccine development, CSET effectively communicated the advantages of being vaccinated against COVID-19 to the public in partnership with Health Net and Anthem Blue Cross. We took careful measures in reopening our community's senior centers to ensure the safety of seniors, and continuously delivered meals to local seniors facing food insecurity through our Meals on Wheels program.

On behalf of CSET, we want to express our sincere appreciation to each and every one of you who has supported us on this journey. Your contributions have made a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve, and we could not have done it without you.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support, and we look forward to working together for many years to come.

Board of Directors

PUBLIC SECTOR

Gordon McClaskey, President

Nancy Loliva

Jill Maze

Kevin Mizner

PRIVATE SECTOR

Steve Graybehl, Vice-President

Maria Quinones, Secretary

Alma Torres-Nguyen

Cesar Lopez

LOW-INCOME SECTOR

Marcia Becerra, Treasurer

Malorie Barragan

Sofia Cook

Mary Alice Escarsega-Fechner, Executive Director Gordon

Directors

McClaskey, President of the Board of

WHO WE SERVE

6,117

Households had an income at or below 100% of the federal poverty level

4,657

People were unemployed upon seeking services at CSET

Housing Status

696

People were unhoused or faced housing instability while seeking services at CSET

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

3,782

Households with children living in the home

9,130 People were connected to CSET programs and services countywide

Ethnicity

Gender

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 1.5% Asian

1.2% Native American

1.8% Unstated 56.7% White

Age

Other 3.6% Black / African American

Race

70.6% Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origins

26.8% Not Hispanic, Latino or Spanish Origins

Teens(age1417)

YoungAdults(age1824)

Adults(age2564)

Seniors(age65+)

ENERGY SERV

The Energy Services department is dedicated to helping local residents save money. 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 the Sequoia Community Corps, homes are evaluated and outfitted with energy-efficient windows, carbon monoxide alarms, and other weatherization measures.

4,520 households r

480 energy service

174 homes were we

254 households rec

936 smoke alarms

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

The Community Initiatives department provides a range of programs focused on family development, aiming to alleviate poverty for our communities and families. These programs serve the residential, business, and familial segments of our community. Our approach includes tactics to bring residents together, enhance neighborhoods, and encourage young people to become community leaders. Our services and programs include tax preparation at no cost, Senior Services, Meals on Wheels, Family Resource Centers, Parenting Education, and Housing Support Services.

11,084 visits to a Family Resource Center

268,578 meals delivered to seniors facing food insecuri

63 households received rental or mortgage assistance

3,617 tax returns prepared at no cost through VITA

$6.4 million in tax refunds to Tulare and Kings County residents

SEQUOI

The Sequoia Community Corps provides job training and education to young individuals aged 18-26 in Tulare, Kern, and Kings Counties. Our vocational training programs include construction 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.

WO

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

AARON'S BACK2WORK STORY

In an effort to establish a steady life for himself and his expanding family, Aaron faced challenges with unemployment, leading to feelings of despair. Despite applying for jobs, he was frequently rejected by potential employers who deemed him unqualified.

One day, while observing his neighbor's distinctive orange work vest bearing the "Veteran Outreach Program" emblem, Aaron inquired about it. He discovered that CSET was actively seeking applicants for the program and decided to apply. A few weeks later, Aaron received news of his acceptance into the program.

"Joining Back2Work has helped me create financial stability for my family, and given me the confidence and experience to move forward. I have learned to take the time to really enjoy my work; sometimes we take for granted the physical and mental ability to go out and support ourselves and our family. It has taught me to show gratitude and be more present in the moment.

I really enjoy being in this program. It helped me thrive in my life. I am really appreciative to all the CSET staff, not only because they are helping civilians, but knowing they made a program specifically for veterans will always make me grateful for CSET.”

Aaro an after com wishes on y

The oyment

to veterans in the local area, with the aim of aiding participants in securing stable employment. The program includes training in power tool usage and landscape maintenance while working alongside Caltrans to clear debris along state routes. For additional information, visit www.cset.org/back2work.