MISSION OF LOVE CHARITIES, INC.
HELPING PEOPLE...CHANGING LIVES
A Newsletter from MOLC to Inform and Inspire
Winter 2010-2011
William “Bill” Humphrey and Dr. Betty Humphrey to Receive MOLC Founder’s Award
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ffectionately Bill and Dr. Betty Humphrey, in whose home the Mission of Love Charities, Inc. (MOLC) was founded, will receive the second annual Founder’s Award at this year’s Mitten Mixer to be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, at FedExField. Betty Humphrey passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2010, after a long illness. Established in 2009 in honor of MOLC’s founder, Dr. Douglas E. Edwards, the highly prestigious Founder’s Award is given to individuals (or organizations) who have contributed to a cause or causes championed by MOLC, and who have demonstrated the same leadership qualities exemplified by Dr. Edwards in their willingness to sacrifice time and resources to aid less fortunate members of our community and region. The Humphreys have been very instrumental in how the MOLC has worked to ease the burdens of those less fortunate persons in our community. “Bill and Betty have exemplified the spirit of giving and serving throughout the Prince George's County community and beyond,” said Dr. Edwards. “Whenever I called upon the Humphreys, they always answered the clarion call.” Edwards said that Dr. Humphrey had been an active member of the MOLC Board of Directors since its founding and incorporation in 1991. “She continued even when Bill could not serve be-
cause of a conflict of interest with his employer. Not only was she an active Board member, but Dr. Humphrey was an advisor and counselor in MOLC programs, utilizing her professional expertise and skills in behavior modification, anger management and compulsive behavior.” In addition to the Betty and Bill Humphrey Founder’s Award, MOLC will present to the Humphrey family one of the original brochures of the original Board of Directors with Dr. Humphrey’s picture prominently displayed on the cover. “We at the Mission of Love Charities all owe a debt of gratitude to the Humphrey family,” said Edwards. “The tradition continues as the current chair of the Board of Directors is Bill’s and Betty’s daughter, Dawn Quattlebaum. Thank you Bill and Betty for helping to make my dream become a reality in this lifetime — the viable founding and organization of the Mission of Love Charities, Inc.”
Please Join Us for Our
Sponsored in part by:
Washington Redskins
Annual Mitten Mixer December 9, 2010 FedExField, Landover, MD (Park in Lot A10) 6:00–9:00 pm Donation: $30 and new mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and other winter accessories to help keep children warm
RSVP and Information: 301-333-4440 or drobinson@molc-inc.com If you cannot attend but still want to contribute, please mail or bring your check and winter accessories to: Mission of Love Charities, Inc. 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Message from the Chair
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irst, let me start by saying how proud I am of both my parents for not only being the greatest parents, but also for teaching us the joy and benefits of giving. Secondly, let me say thank you to Dr. Edwards and the members of the Board committee who selected my parents to be the recipients of the prestigious Founder’s Award. I have known Dr. Edwards for many years, and, without telling my age, he has been friends with my family for at least 40 of those years. When Dr. Edwards discussed starting a nonprofit organization to assist the poor and underprivileged residents of Prince George’s County, my parents immediately wanted to be a part of such an endeavor, realizing the benefits of being on the giving end of such an effort. Approximately 10 years ago when my Mom asked me if I would like to serve on the MOLC Board of Directors, I gladly accepted. She spoke with Dr. Edwards, and the rest is history. In spite of these difficult times, with the economy still in recession and raising funds is more challenging
than ever, MOLC continues to make a positive impact on the lives of the disenfranchised. I find that this organization continues to flourish with less, and the help of many caring people in and out of government en- Dawn Quattlebaum ables MOLC to survive. That’s MOLC Chair why we are honored to pay homage to each of you for your ongoing support of MOLC while striving to maintain stability in your own organizations and workforces. I plead with all of you to see if you can find it in your hearts, as well as in your wallets or bank accounts, to dig just a bit deeper to help us. We need your financial contributions so that we can continue to provide assistance to those persons who are truly in need. Thank you for your continued support of MOLC!
Message from the President
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am pleased to announce that the Mission of Love Charities will partner with Giant to train residents in economically distressed neighborhoods in the Washington metropolitan area for employment with Giant. Details are on page 3. We are also excited Douglas Edwards, Ph.D. MOLC President/CEO about the progress that MOLC is making in spite of the economic downturn. We are seeing an increase in the number of people shopping at MOLC on a daily basis. Many of these individuals, in a better economy, were classified as “the middle-class,” but are now identified as the “working poor.” Sadly, this is a trend that is being seen around the country since the middle-class has been hardest hit during these times. Consequently, until these individuals return to the workforce and start shopping in places such as WalMart, Target, and other stores, MOLC must stand ready to provide a no-cost shopping opportunity to income-qualified clients.
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I want to personally thank members of the AmeriCorps Vista group, affectionately known as the “A Team,” for the outstanding job they did for MOLC during their six-month tour of volunteer services. The "A Team" and other volunteers provided invaluable services during these crucial times when funds were low and the need for MOLC's services has never been greater. In 2009, we were forced to lay off members of our staff, and to date, have not recovered sufficient funds to re-hire them. Thus, our current staff works harder and we are forced to rely even more on qualified volunteers to fulfill our mission. Finally, I want to thank all of our funders and supporters, especially our county government partners, for helping us to keep our doors open. We are grateful for our volunteers, our hardworking staff, and our faithful public funders. Without them, this organization would be operating on a part-time basis. I am glad to report that with your help, the Mission of Love Charities continues to stand as a beacon light for those who need our services. We all look forward to seeing each of you at our 2010 Mitten Mixer on December 9, at FedExField.
MOLC and Giant Launch Workforce Readiness Program MOLC and Stop and Shop Supermarket Company LLC (Giant) have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a working partnership to provide prescreening and employment readiness training for Giant. Through this partnership, MOLC will execute an exciting and innovative initiative of career development for residents in the economically distressed neighborhoods of the Washington metropolitan area (Northern VA, MD, DC) communities we both serve. Through its Life Skills Program, MOLC will provide employment readiness skills to no-income and low-income participants, while Giant will provide onthe-job experiences. The overall goal of the program is to provide retail-specific occupational training skills to local residents to increase jobs and employability for these individuals. Participants will improve their proficiency in customer service, interpersonal skills and basic
work skills. Douglas Edwards, president and CEO, MOLC, said, “Although training is an important component of what the organization does, keeping persons employed who take the training, is as critical as getting the job.” MOLC’s targeted population is the economically, occupationally, and educationally disadvantaged men and women. Program participants will be recruited primarily from the current MOLC client population, in an effort to find individuals who will most likely withstand the rigors of the one-year workforce readiness program, and who are committed to taking their lives to another level. Participants must be 18+ years of age, must have no or low income, and should be interested in learning about the retail trades. Fifteen to twenty participants will be selected on the basis of an application and interview discussion with an MOLC program administrator.
Back-to-School Picnic Yields Supplies for 75 Children By Maryrose Lyles For me, the children and their smiles were the perfect ingredients needed to brighten my day. At this year’s Back-to-School Picnic, we were able to provide school supplies to more than 75 children and young adults between the ages of 6 and 16, in grades K–12. Most of them were from no-income and low-income families throughout Prince George’s County and neighboring communities whose parents are regular shoppers at MOLC. According to the parents of the students who participated, MOLC seems to always know what is
Face painting was a popular activity at the picnic.
needed and makes every effort to meet those needs at just the right time – a time when they are struggling to meet basic family needs, to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. The event was a The Spin Art Table enabled students to exsuccess, press creativity. thanks to a number individuals, groups, and private and public sponsors. Men Aiming Higher (represented by Darryl Barnes) Linda Williams, Staples (Hampton Mall), and participants in MOLC’s seniors computer class donated school supplies. Congresswoman Donna Edwards came not only bearing school continued on page 4
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Seniors on the Move By Francine Flood The seniors of the Mission of Love Charities (MOLC) Computer Training and Socialization Program are on the move with a zest for lifelong learning, fun and fellowship. After the completion of training this past semester (January–May, 2010), the seniors (both beginning and continuing students) celebrated their achievements in a certificate ceremony. Many participants decided not to take a break and attended the summer training session, which also offered keyboard training. Senior socialization activities over the past year included trips to the Reginald Lewis AfroAmerican History Museum and Baltimore Inner Seniors participate in annual Reachout Reunion picnic. Harbor; black history landmarks and historical MOLC staff members, and guests from the overall landmarks tours of Washington, DC; an informative community. Congresswoman Donna Edwards, and tour of the White House; and, for some, a two-night staff members of Senators Barbara Mikulski (who pretrip to Lancaster, PA, which included soul-stirring thesented the president/CEO with a special award), Ben ater presentations and a tour of an Amish home and Cardin, and Steny Hoyer attended, as well as Counschool. cilmembers Tom Dernoga (who presented MOLC with The senior’s annual Reach Out Reunion Picnic a $1,000 donation) and Marilynn Bland. held in August, was very well attended by computer training program alumni, prospective senior students,
Back-to-School Picnic (from page 3) supplies, but she also spoke about the importance of obtaining an education. Activities for the kids included Moon Bounce, Spin Art Table and a Dunk Tank, provided by Fun Depot. Joycelyn West, an MOLC intern, provided face-painting; LaShawn Hilton of A-Plus Success Tutoring Company and Abeo Anderson of Raising Expectations, assisted with the arts and crafts table where children could express themselves through painting, and jewelry creation. Anthony Robinson, a former intern volunteered for the Dunk Tank, was in the water very often! At the Spin Art Table, our young people were able to express themselves by choosing colors and designs that reflected their individual personalities. Musical chairs and the hula hoop contest were also big hits. We look forward to your help again next year as we strive to help even more needy youth and young adults as they return to school. Let us remember that not only should “no child be left behind,” but that each
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Anthony Robinson, volunteers for the Dunk Tank.
child should have what is needed to achieve greatness.
MOLC Year-End Report 2009-2010
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ission of Love Charities (MOLC) is a multi-faceted nonprofit health and human services organization committed to providing programs and services that address short- and long-term needs of underserved, misfortunate and at-risk individuals and families in Prince George’s County and surrounding communities throughout the Washington metropolitan area. Since its founding in 1990 and incorporation in 1991, MOLC has provided emergency assistance to more than 275,000 disadvantaged individuals and homeless families. In an average year, MOLC assists 6,000 firsttime clients and 4,000 repeat clients, for a total of 10,000 clients per year and 16,000 units of service. A unit of service represents each time a client returns for any kind of service. MOLC services are provided free of charge to qualified individual and families under four core program areas: Basic Needs, Life Skills, Youth Development, and Senior’s Network. This report covers MOLC’s successes and challenges over the past year. However, in spite of many challenges over the years, MOLC has remained true to its mission of “helping people, changing lives.”
Challenges On June 12, 2009, MOLC was forced to make the hard decision to lay-off its entire staff in order to keep the utilities on and to provide minimum services to those persons who have come to depend on MOLC for their survival needs. However, due to the goodwill of County Executive Jack Johnson, Councilman Samuel Dean and the County Council, MOLC was able to pay its bills and reopen with reduced staff on September 14, 2009. In spite of our current economic climate, MOLC will continue its efforts to deliver services to lowand moderate-income individuals and families, most earning $21,000 per year or less. These are generally individuals between the ages of 18 and 50 years old who live or are homeless in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and surrounding communities throughout the Washington metropolitan area. MOLC remains the only organization with the capacity to handle such a large volume of individuals and families at no cost, thereby filling a greatly needed gap in services in the community.
Basic Needs Program MOLC provided 14,058 units of service to 9,234 individuals and families between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, through this program. Services provided included the following: Screened and served 5,841 first-time clients who initially came for clothing, furniture, household amenities, canned/dried food; many were referred to other programs or services.
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In addition to first-time clients, MOLC served 3,393 repeat clients who returned to shop for clothing, furniture, household amenities, canned/dried food, and were also referred to other programs offered by MOLC. Provided 296 families with Thanksgiving food baskets, and 324 children with toys, coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats for Christmas. Referred 96 clients to partnering organizations.
Basic Needs Success Story Mr. David Henry came to MOLC downtrodden, hungry, out of work and homeless. He lost his construction job due to economic conditions and a permanent injury to his hand. This disability prevented him from getting new work on a continual basis in his field. He first came into MOLC because he was “just walking and looking for help.” After discussing his situation with MOLC staff, he was introduced to Dr. Edwards who found work for him and referred him to other organizations and other clients. Putting him to work made a tremendous difference in his life! He felt better about everything and he gradually put the pieces of his life back together. He now has a room in a house, furnished by MOLC donations, has steady work and now comes to MOLC to say hello or to work, instead of shopping for his survival needs.
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Life Skills Program MOLC received 75 applications through this program, which prepares the unemployed and underemployed for jobs and higher paying, skills-based jobs in highgrowth sectors of the workforce. We recruit, enroll, assess, and train clients for employment, as well as make referrals to Prince George’s Community College, Job Corps, and the University of the District of Columbia. MOLC stays in contact with clients, calling and/or visiting those who miss more than two classes. We also provide help with job search and referrals, conduct workshops and provide networking opportunities through the MOLC Alumni Association.
Youth Development Program MOLC provided 648 units of service to 51 youth and young adults through this program between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010. This program seeks to provide positive developmental experiences for at-risk youth and young adults combined with guidance and skills training for young adults. The program is devoted to helping youth and young adults improve self-esteem, develop socialization skills, take on leadership roles, and stay in school. These workshops include Time Management, Financial Literacy, Computer Skills, and Know Your Legal Rights. To add fun to the lives of our youth, the MOLC Movie Nights are always well attended. In addition, we give youth an opportunity to express themselves on any topic during our annual Open Mic Night.
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Life Skills Success Story Linda Williams came to MOLC to shop for household items and saw the training advertisement. She made a decision on the spot to apply for home health aide training, and soon after recruited her sister, Leticia Bottom, into the proLinda Williams (second from left) and Leticia gram. MOLC assisted Linda in Bottom (sixth from left) creating a resume, which helped her get a job with Visiting Angels In Largo, MD. Linda says MOLC helped her develop writing skills and to communicate better with others — skills she uses every day in her job. Linda is dependable, motivated and is constantly striving to better herself. She has decided to pursue her longtime interest in culinary arts, by first getting a food handler’s certification and later a certification in culinary arts. For Leticia, Linda’s sister, the Life Skills program not only helped her to understand opportunities available in the home health field, it also helped her get a good job as a home health aide with Nurses Unlimited. MOLC helped her get to know herself better and supported her in finishing her coursework at the University of the District of Columbia. Leticia also believes MOLC helped raise her self–esteem, improved her writing skills and helped her become a more loving and caring person. All these skills have helped her do well in her field. She recently attended an MOLC-hosted alumni luncheon where both Linda and Leticia expressed gratitude to MOLC for helping to change their lives. Linda, Leticia and their family also give back to MOLC by donating clothes and furniture to others as well as providing backpacks to our youth during our back-to-school drive.
Youth Development Success Story At the Mission of Love Charities, we are very impressed with how Tatiana Johnson has grown as a result of being involved in MOLC’s youth program. She is often commended by instructors for her noticeable poise and abilities. She is already a world traveler, has the ability to speak Spanish, and recently won Homecoming Duchess for the 10th grade class at Dr. Henry A Wise Jr. High School. As a frequent participant in MOLC workshops over the last two years, we have witnessed Tatiana speaking up, being willing to learn, and being curious about every subject we teach. A lawyer who taught the Know Your Legal Rights seminar, which provides real cases for students to analyze, commented on Tatiana’s abilities and resourcefulness. He said that she was actively engaged in the subject, passionate about bringing out the facts in the case studies, and volunteered to present her team’s position. In addition to her support of MOLC, she is active in her church — singing in the choir, serving in the usher ministry and helping with children. She also volunteered with Maryland Park and Planning this past summer at an elementary school summer camp. Tatiana is always respectful, helpful, a fast learner and needs little direction. We are proud that she is a member of our Youth Development Program.
Seniors Network Program MOLC provided 764 units of service to 61 seniors through this program between July 1, 2009,
and June 30, 2010. This program is for seniors 60 years of age and older and gives them the opportunity to learn new skills and provide outlets for special activities. Seniors are able to learn basic and ad-
vanced computer skills, receive information on wellness, participate in health screenings, receive basic transportation assistance, and meet others in off-site social activities.
Seniors Network Success Stories Margaret White: A Hunger For Lifelong Learning Ms. Margaret White came to the Mission of Love Charities because she heard about a computer program for seniors. Once she completed the orientation process, and met Ms. Flood, the instructor, who quickly put her at ease, she knew that she had again made the right decision. Ms. White, who has been very active in the community and county as a civic worker for many years, said, “There are some seniors who ‘retire to expire,’ and others who ‘retire to inspire.’ “ Margaret also said that she has always had a hunger for learning, even as a young person. In her work with civic and community organizations, she is constantly preparing letters, emails, fliers, new items, etc. on her computer (through trial and error at first) that are disseminated throughout the community. While she often encountered formatting problems of one kind or another, she still persisted. She said that there were many things she wanted to do on the computer but didn’t know how. But not any Ms. Margaret White (center) more! Since she has been taking computer classes at MOLC over the past year, she has learned how to do many of the things that were stressing her out before and much more! She said that her newly acquired skills have enabled her to be more confident and competent on the computer, which now makes her community work even more enjoyable. She said that she is “astonished” and “very proud” of her present computer skills and feels a great sense of achievement. She credits her newly acquired computer skills to the very comprehensive training she received from her instructor, Ms. Flood, and the warm fellowship with her fellow classmates at the Dr. Douglas E. Edwards Training Center. A retired career nurse for 40 years, she has worked in various hospitals such as Howard University, Georgetown University, DC General and George Washington University. Because of her hunger for learning, she has also worked in the area of real estate for 17 years. For Ms. White, “retirement” is not in her vocabulary. With the help of MOLC computer classes, she continues to be an inspiration and a very active senior with a hunger for lifelong learning. *** Rachel Gould: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Way Francine Flood, instructor for MOLC’s computer classes, said she is very impressed not only with Ms. Rachel Gould’s desire to learn, but also with her tenacity, her independence, and how she does not allow her health challenge to preclude her from regularly attending class. Some people who have faced the on-going physical challenges, such as COPD and asthma for over ten years, might not have the fortitude or desire to step out into mainstream life and and learn new skills. This is not the case for Ms. Gould. In fact, she has to carry a mobile Smart Dose Oxygen pack wherever she goes. She says she refuses to “let my handicap rule me, as I don’t Ms. Rachel Gould (center) want to be living for the oxygen, but living for myself!” Mrs. Gould, whose daughter signed her up for the computer class as a surprise, says she is so proud of herself and her newly acquired computer skills, and is more confident, comfortable and knowledgeable when working on her personal projects. Mrs. Gould says that she’s no longer “afraid of the mouse,” is very pleased with her new progress and enjoys the fellowship with her classmates. Mrs. Gould has been retired for many years, having been employed a considerable time with both the Naval Department and the DC. Public School System. She boasts being married 55 years, with two adult children and three grandchildren. Her family, including her daughter, is very proud of her computer achievements and how she is a living example of “where there is a will, there is a way.”
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Mission of Love Charities, Inc. 6180 Old Central Avenue Capital Heights, MD 20743
301-333-4440 www.molcinc.org Board of Directors Dawn M. Quattlebaum, Chair Don Pleasants, Vice Chair Dr. Douglas E. Edwards, President/CEO George O. Edwards, Secretary Eldon L. Hayman, Jr., Treasurer William Meyers, Esq., General Counsel Dr. Mary B. Conley John C. Pyles Aaron Waller Administrative & Warehouse Facility 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Training Facility 1400 Doewood Lane Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Warehouse Hours (Donations & Shopping) Mon-Thur: 9:00am-5:00pm Fri: Closed (donations accepted) Sat: 9:00am - 1:00pm Closed for shopping weekdays 11:45am-1:15pm Pickup available for large donations. MOLC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing free programs and services to vulnerable, at-risk families and individuals in the Washington metropolitan area. Financial gifts, in-kind offerings and material donations are tax deductible as applicable by law. United Way Agency #8002 CFC Designation #79375
Save the Date! 7th Annual
Decatur “Bucky� Trotter Humanitarian Awards Reception and Silent Auction and MOLC 20th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, May 19, 2011 Newton White Mansion Mitchellville, MD 20721
Further details on this event will be provided in early 2011.