LighthouseOakland.org
2011-2012 Annual Report
Instilling hope Transforming lives Providing life skills Offering positive changes Inspiring self-sufficiency
Welcome to Lighthouse of Oakland County From our modest beginnings in 1972 providing food and clothing from the back door of a local church, we’ve grown into a family of agencies providing a full range of services designed to move people from crisis to self-sufficiency. Lighthouse of Oakland County provides programs and services that assist the growing number of families in crisis in the Oakland County community to move from crisis and instability to self-sufficiency and independence. These crucial supports enable low-income families to overcome barriers, to access benefits and support, and to gain the skills and knowledge they need to lift themselves up and out of poverty.
Our Vision Lighthouse of Oakland County will be a leader in Southeast Michigan in solving the problem of chronic poverty. The individuals, families and communities we serve will have the resources, relationships and skills they need to be independent and self-sufficient, thereby enriching their lives and the community as a whole. Our Mission Statement Lighthouse of Oakland County exists to provide the support and resources that empower individuals and families to move from crisis to self-sufficiency.
2
A Special Note to our Donors The Annual Report is a testament to the work made possible by your generosity. We have made the decision to not publish our donor list so that more of the resources you provide can go directly to the clients and families who need them most. Your annual, memorial, matching, in-kind, corporate and planned gifts are the resources behind our work, and we thank you. Donor listings will be provided on our website to honor your generosity at www.LighthouseOakland.org.
Welcome to Lighthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Special Note to Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Message from the CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighthouse Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighthouse PATH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Early & Lifelong Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lighthouse Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Lighthouse Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Center for Working Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Need You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Join the Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memorial and Honorary Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 3
A Message from the CEO Dear Lighthouse Supporters, Volunteers, and Friends, For four decades Lighthouse of Oakland County has been a beacon of hope for individuals, families children, and seniors in our community. It is quite humbling to look back at Lighthouse's early roots and know what had started out as a food pantry in the back of a local church has grown into a family of agencies providing a full range of services to assist the growing number of families in crisis in the metropolitan community. Over the course of the last 40 years, Lighthouse has continued to persevere when our neighbors have needed us the most. With the help of our supporters and volunteers, we are fortunate to have met the challenges of our community. Our ability to offer life-changing programs would not be possible without your continued support. Lighthouse responds to these needs by providing a wide range of assistance to deal with the immediate crisis that brings families to our doors. We are able to offer supplementary food, help obtain an important prescription, provide advice and assistance to overcome the threat of foreclosure, and provide shelter and support for those who are homeless and have nowhere else to go. However, at Lighthouse we also understand that hunger, and all of the other crises that bring people to our doors, are symptoms of other greater issues. We know from experience, that by working to help our clients address the root causes of their problems, we are enabling them to move forward in their lives. It is our primary mission to help the individuals and families we serve move from crisis mode to self-sufficiency. This commitment to the long-term well-being of our clients is fundamental to our overall mission at Lighthouse. Lighthouse Emergency Services provides the safety net many people need so that smaller problems do not grow into larger and more serious catastrophes. Lighthouse PATH is remarkably successful in assisting the families they serve make the transition from homelessness to independent living because of a focus on helping clients create and put into motion a new plan for their own lives. Lighthouse Community Development emphasizes building both the skills and assets of those who come to us with the dream of affordable home ownership. 4
The rapidly changing world around us and the persistent challenges of life in the urban and suburban communities we serve requires our agency to seek new solutions to the problems faced by our clients. Often this involves creating new programs that build on the unique talents and skill sets found in all three parts of the Lighthouse family. It also means reaching out to strengthen our partnerships with churches, community groups, businesses, and human service agencies. In the past 40 years, Lighthouse of Oakland County... • Served approximately 600,000 individuals with emergency food. • Helped hundreds of seniors remain independent in their own homes annually. • Provided empowerment programs and transitional housing for nearly 900 formerly homeless women and 2,250 children over the past 20 years. • Helped over 1,600 families remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure. • Has been supported by an estimated 40,000 volunteers. • Launched Oakland County’s first transitional housing program for homeless teens and young pregnant and/or parenting women. While we celebrate these incredible service milestones and over 40 years of accomplishments, we also recognize there is a lot of hard work in the years ahead to ensure that the quality programs Lighthouse offers will withstand the growing needs of our neighbors. I’m looking forward to the next 40 years of service and I’m thankful for your continued support and dedication. No matter what the challenge may be, Lighthouse is committed to finding solutions to the problem of chronic poverty, one person, one family at a time. Thank you so much for all you do to make our work possible. Your continued support will ensure our success in the coming decades. Sincerely,
John Ziraldo President & CEO 5
Lighthouse Emergency Services Specializing in Responding to Crucial Needs Lighthouse Emergency Services (LES) has been helping our friends and neighbors throughout Oakland County overcome crisis situations since 1972. What began as the simple distribution of food and clothing from the back door of a local church in Pontiac has become the largest provider of emergency human services in Oakland County. From the main office in Pontiac and a branch office located in Clarkston, LES uses trained and dedicated volunteers (supported by a staff of modest size) to sit down with each family and determine how we can help resolve the immediate crisis. It may be emergency food, help to prevent eviction or utility disconnection, help with a medical need, or some other need that has created a crisis for the family. Our concerned and compassionate volunteers understand that it’s difficult to think long term if your family is hungry or your electricity is about to be disconnected. Lighthouse Emergency Services tackles the tough problems that come with families in crisis. We provide emergency food and transportation, housing assistance to avert homelessness, utility assistance to prevent disconnection, and assistance with prescriptions. Our goal is to immediately resolve the crisis to begin helping the family think long-term about their hopes and dreams.
2011-2012 Accomplishments • LES interviewed 2,870 individuals at our Pontiac and Clarkston locations; LES was able to successfully address the immediate crisis of 92% of the individuals interviewed. • Material aid was provided on 57,932 separate occasions. Material aid includes financial support and/or emergency food, personal care and household care items. 6
Senior Services As a part of our Crisis Resolution program, special services are targeted to individuals 60 and older. Services may include housing and utility assistance, emergency food when necessary, home delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables, holiday assistance, assistance with special needs like home repairs or medical needs, and general problem solving. Between the Pontiac and Clarkston LES locations, 160 seniors received initial assessments during FY 2011-2012. Assessments are completed for any senior requesting assistance to determine their exact needs and a service plan is developed and implemented based on the identified needs.
Services provided to seniors during the last fiscal year include: • 160 seniors received a monthly delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables and 110 received bi-annual deliveries of pantry care packages consisting of food staples such as canned vegetables, pasta, canned beans, etc. • Approximately 35 seniors were in attendance at each monthly luncheon. • All seniors, at both locations, received a complete Thanksgiving meal and all were adopted through the Lighthouse holiday adopt-a-family program.
7
Lighthouse PATH Self-esteem, self-sufficiency and economic autonomy are made possible through a safe, structured and nurturing environment at Lighthouse PATH. Transitional housing is just one way breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness in Oakland County is accomplished. As a result, at the end of the 24-month program, 91% of PATH residents have successfully left the program and achieved sustainable housing, full-time employment, a renewed self-esteem, and the skills and confidence necessary to successfully provide for themselves and their children, Women and children lead more productive lives because of their time spent here.
Accomplishments Since 1991, PATH has enrolled 1100 families of which 91% have successful achieved independence and stability. Last year: • 57 women and 101 children were served by PATH. • 80% reported increased wages. • 85% enrolled in Center for Working Families programming. • 19 families graduated from the PATH program and moved into stable housing.
8
Early and Lifelong Learning Lighthouse PATH has a 22-year history of serving at-risk youth in the Pontiac-area community. We offer a high quality and affordable Infant/Toddler program, Montessori preschool and kindergarten, an after school enrichment program and summer day camp for previously homeless and at risk children involved in the PATH program or living in the surrounding community. The children in our program are entering school prepared and excited to learn. Here they can begin to build a foundation for future academic success. The children’s programs offered at PATH emphasize the development of self-esteem, character social interaction skills, and problem solving. Social and emotional milestones are often harder to pinpoint than signs of physical development. During the 2011-2012 fiscal year, 53 children were enrolled in our program.
9
Lighthouse Community Development Lighthouse Community Development’s (LCD) develops safe, decent affordable housing and organizes neighborhoods. Intensive homeownership and financial management training programs to help families build assets are also provided. All people should have the opportunity to own or rent homes in safe and affordable neighborhoods. Thanks to LCD’s ongoing effort to revitalize and rejuvenate communities throughout Oakland County, low to moderate income families are establishing good credit to fulfill their dreams of homeownership. LCD’s goal is to improve the net worth of families we serve, helping them to reduce debt and to learn to better manage their finances in order to achieve their personal and financial goals. For some individuals, working hard to achieve financial independence is celebrated with the purchase of their first home. It is a big step for low-income families, but LCD provides valuable homeowner education and counseling to halp make the process a little easier.
Enhancing Lives...by Raising Homeownership Thanks to the investment from our supporters and stakeholders, lat year Lighthouse Community Development: • Served 356 homebuyer clients and 281 financial workshops/counseling betweenJuly 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. • Of these clients, 210 received 1:1 housing counseling. • 75 clients purchased new homes as a result of the assistance they received from Lighthouse Community Development.
10
Other Lighthouse Programs LIFE Program The LIFE (Lighthouse Independence & Family Empowerment) program is an innovative, non-service based approach to building self sufficiency and personal and financial assets for families. The LIFE program works with groups of families and encourages them to rely on each other rather than to rely on professional staff for help. It is not a traditional case management program in that families will direct themselves and participate in peer groups to resolve issues and deal with crisis situations. Of the 38 participants currently enrolled, the following results demonstrate the progress made toward achieving goals: • 33.3% have taken steps to achieve home ownership. • 52.3% have either completed school or have enrolled in school. • 58.3% have secured employment.
Career Dress Career Dress serves as a one-stop-shop to help women who are actively pursuing employment. Experienced volunteers style and completely outfit women with interview clothing, shoes, undergarments and a matching handbag. Once employment is secured, Career Dress is able to provide at least two additional complete work outfits. On average, Career Dress helps approximately 30 women a month feel confident when they go on an interview. One of the very unique features of this program is that is run solely by volunteers. Our volunteers not only make sure that our clients look great; they also listen and help build the much needed self esteem that empowers our clients to succeed. Since 2003, Career Dress has assisted over 3,200 women.
11
Center for Working Families In Lighthouse’s response to the community need for a long-term commitment to move families from crisis to self-sufficiency, Lighthouse joined the Greater Detroit Network of Centers for Working Families. In the fall of 2008, our region became the 14th major metropolitan area in the United States to launch the Centers for Working Families (CWF). It is a proven model pioneered by the Annie E. Casey Foundation that addresses empowerment, wealth building and support services for individuals and families. This approach helps low and moderate income families reach financial stability and move up the economic ladder. Center for Working Families promotes financial stability and self-sufficiency through a full spectrum of economic supports: workforce development, financial education, and income supports/access to benefits. CWF understands that low income families have the ability to save and achieve long-term career, financial and life goals. Since 2008, CWF has served 476 individuals; these individuals entered the program with specific barriers to employment including: lack of education, lack of work history, access to childcare, transportation, ex-offenders, substance abuse, certain health conditions, homelessness, and language barriers amongst diverse populations. Over the last 15 months, 143 individuals have completed the CWF employment training program and of these, 70 have secured employment and 25 have enrolled in other career training or college courses.
12
We Need You
There are many different ways that you can become a part of the fight for stronger families and neighborhoods in Oakland County. Lighthouse would like to welcome you as a member of our family, by encouraging you to consider one of the following opportunities to become actively involved: • Volunteer your professional services including social work, legal, accounting, clerical and more. • Coordinate a drive for agency wish list items (food, baby supplies, toiletries, gift cards). • Help in building beautification efforts. • Join a program, operating or special events committee. • Partner for corporate team-building opportunities. • Host an external event (Party with a Purpose). • Become a program donor. • Become a mentor. Opportunities include seasonal activities, in addition to long-term assignments and group projects. Whatever your skills and talents may be, we are looking forward to the opportunity to connect you to the day-to-day activities that impact the lives of those we serve. To learn more, contact Liz Wiggins, Volunteer Resources Officer at 248.972.1480 or lwiggins@LighthouseOakland.org. 13
Volunteer Leadership Volunteers direct the work of Lighthouse by combining their passion for our mission with the necessary time, resources and relationships to help meet organizational needs. They pack bags of food, recruit teams of volunteers, develop marketing materials, participate in fundraising events and much more. Equally important, they lead the organization through board service. The diverse needs of each Lighthouse program and service is guided by three distinct Boards of Directors. Collectively, our board members serve on governance committees, bring creative ideas for consideration, and provide oversight for the implementation of our strategic plan. We are glad that they roll up their sleeves and rise to the occasion to accomplish the tasks set before them. The Board of Trustees, the governance body for Lighthouse of Oakland County, has positioned Lighthouse to build upon a rich 40 history, reaching more people in poverty with proactive services that make a difference in the quality of life for us all.
14
Lighthouse of Oakland County Board of Trustees
Lighthouse Emergency Services Board of Directors
Lighthouse PATH Board of Directors
Lighthouse Community Development Board of Directors
Laurie Horvath Chair
Dennis Winkler President
Robin Ann Schirs President
Loretta Smith President
Mark Tomlinson Vice Chair
Chris Liparoto Vice President
Teri Fenner Vice President
Eirther Seay-Bey Vice President
Carl Smith Treasurer
Randall Gudme Treasurer
William A. Doyle Treasurer
Ken Peterson Secretary
Patty Ghesquiere Secretary
Julie Johnson Secretary
James Lambrecht Secretary
Maurice Banks Susan Cooper, Emeritus Agostinho Fernandes, Jr. D. Stewart Green Beth Grossman John Irwin Sue Nine Robin Ann Schirs Dean Rocheleau Richard Shapack Loretta Smith Dennis Winkler John Ziraldo
Julie Beaty Susann Bourdo Joy D. Calloway James LeBlanc Neran Shaya Matt Szalach John Townsend John Wright John Ziraldo
Maurice Banks Jim Clarke Sally Drummond Cresendre Hankins Donna Hanson Ellen Leitch Sonja Lengnick Brian Rhonemus Monica Schwanitz John Ziraldo
Mark Bellinger Cassandra Carter Peter Durham Pastor James Keys Cynthia Pearson Carl Smith Dr. Bruce Turpin John Ziraldo
15
O
Q
Q
Q
P
O
K
H
0
10.03% 4.67% 23.85% 1.07%
$1,029,764 $(19,709) $285,973 $1,797,638 $104,023 $279,579
17.88% -0.34% 4.97% 31.21% 1.81% 4.85%
Total
$5,758,951
100%
$577,616 $268,700 $1,373,666 $61,701
!
%
$
"
#
1
0
3
3
4
2
/
.
5
:
5
5
9
3
7
6
8
,
)
5
/
*
+
-
(
(
+
*
(
& '
/
7
.
>
5
3
6
5
=
<
3
<
;
16
Foundations United Way Donated Goods Rental Income Individuals & Corporations Investment Return Program Revenue Government Agencies Miscellaneous Income Special Events, net
3
6
/
6
>
.
>
?
0
5
5
A
/
>
4
@
0
N
D
M
L
D I
D
J
E
F
I
D
C
G
B
R
Financials
Financials
~
z
z i
r
b
j
i
k
c
e
h
[
_
X
Z
v
[
X \
$1,409,812 $2,449,150 $910,613 $403,892 $591,074 $5,764,541
24.46% 42.49% 15.80% 7.01% 10.25% 100%
U
T
S v
^
Z
^
_
^
X ]
\
Y
[
Z
_
\
]
[
m
Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2012
i
g
e
p
a
b
e
t
a
r
b
o
u
_
X
m
X u
[
i
_
m
Z
[
l
X
\
Z
Z
Y
b
f
h
k
e
h
h
g
f
b
e
c
d
b
W
^ Y
a
j
T
`
Y
X \
W
b
j
s
q
a
o
j
n
Y
Z
W
Y
X
b
e
t
a
r
b
b
o
W
j
s
q
V
Y
l
W
a
j
i
y
w
T
{
|
z
y
}
x
PATH Emergency Assistance Community Development Development Administrative Total
Cash Other Assets Land, Building & Equipment Investment Held for Endowment Total Assets
$1,038,803 $3,418,972 $4,232,818 $1,123,727 $9,814,320
Total Liabilities Fund Balance Total Liabilities & Fund Balance
$1,476,273 $8,338,047 $9,814,320
17
Join the Legacy The work of Lighthouse is funded by the generous support of individuals, corporate, religious organizations and foundation donors who invest in the opportunity to stop poverty and homelessness. We are especially grateful that you have chosen Lighthouse to demonstrate your commitment to people in need. Each contribution, regardless of size, provides needed resources for us to make a difference in the lives of our community members. Specialized sponsorship opportunities are available for partners who would like the opportunity to combine their support with creative venues for team building, employee recognition and community service investment. For more information about joining our legacy, contact Priscilla Perkins, Chief Development Officer, at 248.972.1497 or pperkins@LighthouseOakland.org.
The Annual Fund Contributions to the Lighthouse Annual Fund provide ongoing operational support for programs as well as for general expenses associated with running the organization. Your annual support makes it possible for the doors to be open and the programs staffed when clients arrive. Your contribution keeps the pantry stocked, pays a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electric bill, provides diapers and formula to a young mother or makes available financial education classes to people in need. 18
Memorial and Honorary Gifts While all gifts made to Lighthouse are greatly appreciated, those presented in memory of or in tribute to a loved one are among the most personal. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a welcomed privilege to be entrusted with the responsibility of honoring them by fulfilling our commitment to fight hunger and homelessness on their behalf.
Planned Giving Planned Giving ensures that the mission of Lighthouse remains strong for those in need. Your consideration of Lighthouse as a beneficiary of a donor advised fund, charitable remainder trust, life insurance policy or retirement plan is appreciated. This thoughtful gesture allows Lighthouse donors the unique opportunity to commemorate their life blessings by sharing with families and individuals in need. The legacy they leave behind is one of hope, inspiration, and kindness. For more information about memorial or honorary gifts, contact Priscilla Perkins, Chief Development Officer at 248-972-1487 or pperkins@LighthouseOakland.org.
For a complete list of our fiscal year 2011-2012 donors please visit www.LighthouseOakland.org or scan this code.
19
46156 Woodward Avenue PO Box 430508 Pontiac, MI 48343 www.LighthouseOakland.org