Mission of Love Charities, Inc. 2011-12 Annual Report

Mission of Love Charities, Inc. Helping People, Changing Lives Annual Report — July 1, 2011–June 30, 2012

Message from the Chair and President

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e are pleased to announce that in spite of the continued economic recession, the Mission of Love Charities, Inc. (MOLC) was able to provide a myriad of services to thousands of disadvantaged and disenfranchised individuals and families throughout the Washington metropolitan region.

This Annual Report highlights our numerous Dr. Douglas E. Edwards Dawn Quattlebaum Founder, President & CEO Chair accomplishments between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

During this past fiscal year, MOLC provided 12,330 units of service to 7,214 Basic Needs clients; and provided service to 238 clients in the Life Skills/Work Readiness Program, 192 in the Youth Development Program, 33 in the Seniors’ Network Program, and 10 in the Renewed Mind Program. These numbers are destined to increase as those formally known as the middle class are now considered and counted as the “working poor.” This population depends on MOLC for clothing, furniture and other household items.

MOLC continues to experience the same problems that many other corporations and nonprofits are experiencing due to the economic recession; therefore, we are continuing to operate without filling vacancies with paid staff, and are relying heavily on volunteers, when and where possible, to assist with client services. In spite of these challenges, MOLC accomplished a great deal, particularly in its efforts to increase revenue and help individuals get and keep a job. This past year, MOLC instituted an identification system and process to accept a $20.00 per person annual membership fee. In addition to helping raise badly needed revenue, the Identification Card (ID) is used to help track client trips to MOLC, and to separate repeat clients from first time clients. This tracking system is used to keep accurate records of the number of clients served annually.The fee is waived for individuals visiting the warehouse for the first time and those who cannot afford to pay.

MOLC also graduated 24 men and women from the Life Skills Work Readiness Program, which is a partnership with Giant Food. We are proud that 100 percent of all graduates interviewed by Giant received an offer of employment. Seventy-nine percent of program graduates are employed with Giant Food or other employers.

On a more somber note, Dr. Douglas E. Edwards, MOLC’s founder, president and CEO, announced his retirement in May 2012, effective November 2012. The organization’s day-to-day operations were transferred to Sheri Betts, formerly Life Skills director, who is serving as acting executive director. Dr. Edwards will remain on the Board of Directors, and we know he will be lurking somewhere behind the scenes providing assistance and input into MOLC as it continues its mission of “Helping People and Changing Lives.” The Board joins me in thanking Dr. Edwards for 21 years of faithful and devoted service to this great organization.

About MOLC from Maryland, 25% from the District of Columbia, and 5% from Northern Virginia.

These services are provided at a cost to MOLC of approximately $110.00 per person/family per year.

Eighty four percent of MOLC’s revenue goes directly to providing client services that help to keep the organization true to its mission of “Helping People and Changing Lives,” one individual or family at a time.

The Mission of Love Charities, Inc. (MOLC) is a 21 year-old multi-faceted 501 (c)(3) nonprofit health and human services organization dedicated to meeting the basic human needs of the underprivileged and impoverished throughout the Washington metropolitan region by providing free programs and services for short- and long-term stability and growth.

Founded in 1991, MOLC has provided critically needed service to more than 316,000 underprivileged and impoverished individuals and families since its inception. These individuals, include the homeless and the working poor, a group often overlooked by many organizations throughout the Washington Metropolitan region. Most clients are adults age 18 to 50 with children who live in or are homeless in Prince George’s County, and neighboring communities.

These individuals support themselves and their families of 1 to 4 members with no income or an income of $22,300 to $31,850 per year. Many are women with children who are transitioning from welfare to work, or are residing in temporary or unstable housing. Seventy percent of our clients are

Where Clients Live

The Year in Review Advocacy Efforts

imprisoned, she or he is less likely to gain employment than an individual with no criminal record. As such, MOLC has collaborated with Giant Food, the Human Service Coalition (HSC) and the People for Change Nonprofit Coalition (PFCNC) to begin examining public policy at the county, state and federal levels that prevent an ex-offender from reentering society, thus reducing recidivism.

In the long term, MOLC aims to continue to provide services through its Basic Needs, Life Skills/Work Readiness, Youth Development, Seniors’ Network, and Renewed Mind programs. MOLC will also • continue advocacy efforts based on basic human needs of the disadvantaged; • ensure that enacted policies that assist these individuals remain intact; and • identify strongholds that may thwart reforms that empower the disadvantaged to independence.

For a number of years, MOLC has collaborated with government officials to garner financial and programmatic support for the organization. MOLC also advocates for its clients through other similarly situated nonprofit organizations. MOLC was adopted and is supported by the Coalition of Central Prince George’s County Community Organizations (Coalition), which is composed of more than 50 civic and homeowner associations located throughout central Prince George’s County. Partnerships with Our House group home offered community service time for their residents. In conjunction with Hope and a Home, MOLC provided college tours to promising high school graduates.

MOLC and its clients are facing numerous challenges and obstacles that prevent clients from maximizing their independence, stability, and personal and professional growth. For example, MOLC provides career services through its Life Skills Program; however, if a client has been incarcerated or

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The Year in Review 2012 Humanitarian Awards

MOLC appreciates the outstanding support from Congressman Hoyer, who assisted in presenting awards during the ceremony.

During introductory remarks, Congressman Hoyer said, “For over 20 years, Mission of Love Charities has been working to spread hope and create new opportunities for the neediest here in Prince George’s County...and the Washington metropolitan area. For the work of your hands, those among us who are hungry are being fed, those among us who are homeless are sheltered, and those who are in despair, have been comforted. You honor three people who have played that role as well.”

The Lighting Pathways Humanitarian Awards Ceremony, held on May 17, 2012, honored deserving individuals who made significant contributions in the community. Recipients of the 2012 Candle of Service Awards were The Honorable Joanne Benson, Maryland senator, 24th Legislative District and Ms. Betty Richardson, retired special assistant to Congressman Steny Hoyer. The Decatur “Bucky” Trotter Humanitarian Award went to Mr. Darryl Barnes, president of Men Aiming Higher, a humanitarian in his own right. A Special Achievement Award was bestowed on Mr. Phil Lee, special assistant to Sheriff Melvin High, for his outstanding service to the Kettering community.

Darryl Barnes receives MOLC Decatur “Bucky” Trotter Humanitarian Award, presented by Congressman Steny Hoyer, and accompanied by Prince George’s County Councilmember Karen Toles and Dr. Douglas Edwards.

Dr. Douglas Edwards presents the 2012 Candle of Service Award to Maryland Senator Joanne Benson. Also pictured are Prince George’s County Councilmember Karen Toles and Council Chair Andrea Harrison and Congressman Steny Hoyer.

Betty Richardson, with Congressman Steny Hoyer, Dr. Douglas Edwards, and Joyce Jones, receives the 2012 MOLC Candle of Service Award.

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Program Accomplishments Basic Needs Program

Total Clients Served by MOLC in FY 2011

MOLC provided 12,330 units of service to 7,214 individuals and families between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, including 3,442 who visited MOLC for the first time. Of those coming for service, 961 were over 54 years of age and 6,790 were black/African American, 1,294 were Hispanic, 76 were white, 16 were multi-racial, 17 were Asian American, and 42 were unidentified.

Most families coming to MOLC for the first time have multiple needs—food, clothing, furniture, appliances, and household amenities. The Basic Needs Program helps individuals and families stretch their limited resources by offering warehouse shopping for their basic needs for food/clothing/furniture and household amenities, or counseling in anger management, substance abuse/compulsive behavior (including gambling and other addictions), and case management. Donated items are given free to all qualified clients in accordance with the Housing Urban Development

3,442 First-time Clients 52% Returning Clients

3,772 Returning Clients 48% First-Time Clients

(HUD) income guidelines. Based on one-on-one counseling and assessments, clients are referred to community services for needs not offered at MOLC.

Basic Needs Success Story: Stanley Hall Saying Stanley Hall is a success is putting it mildly; you might think victorious instead. MOLC was able to help Stanley with furniture, clothing and food to meet his basic needs as well as with a listening ear. Mr. Hall came to MOLC homeless after being evicted from his old childhood home after it was condemned. This was a place he had grown up in, watched his siblings grow, and with time, witnessed his two parents go home to glory.

After the death of his parents, Stanley stayed in that home with no running water and no heat, furnishing the place with free furniture and household items received from MOLC. Stanley was very self-reliant, so accepting help from MOLC was not easy for him. We first had to convince him that we were there for him in deed and spirit. While Stanley shopped for the basics one day, he learned about the Life Skills Work/Readiness program (LSWRP). Through the LSWRP, we got busy with a plan to help elevate his self-esteem. We discovered that Stanley joked to throw people off about how much pain he was feeling. Fighting through the pain and learning all he could, Stanley grew and blossomed in the class.

After graduating from the Spring 2012 program, he began working at Giant Food, living in a house, and has a life filled with potential and possibilities.

Although Stanley was able to get the physical items needed from our Basic Needs Program, like beds, blankets and clothing to rebuild his home and his life, what is most exciting is that he is now a self-sufficient individual, paying taxes and no longer doubting that he can reach for the stars.

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Life Skills Program

participants, and transform their thinking and behavior, and these services have been successful.

The program prepares the unemployed and underemployed for jobs in the high-growth sectors of the workforce. We recruit, assess, enroll, 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 its students, calling clients who miss more than two consecutive classes.

Representatives from Giant Food speak to participants about employment and career opportunities with Giant. After coursework is successfully completed, MOLC continues to collaborate with employers to interview and to place participants, and follows them through a six-month case management process, while they are on the job and as lifetime members of the Alumni Association.

MOLC also provides help with job search and referrals, conducts workshops and provides networking opportunities through the MOLC Alumni Association. The Alumni Association meets in the fall, covering topics such as leadership, social networking, peer support, and direction of the Alumni Association.

The alumni also assist with the organization’s annual Back to School supplies drive, which is part of the Youth Development Program.

Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, MOLC held two Life Skills/Work Readiness Program (LSWRP) classes. MOLC received 235 applications for service. Of those applicants, 145 applied for LSWRP (with 35 enrolling in the class and 24 completing the class) and 75 clients received employment assistance/referrals. Seventy-five people (including the LSWRP Alumni) attended graduation, six performed community service, and 47 participated in other events and activities.

The Life Skills/Work Readiness Program consists of three elements: coursework and training in life skills and job readiness, job placement, and mentoring. In 18 days of in-class training over three months, participants take six classes of life skills (from healthy relationships to attitude and emotional intelligence), six classes in work readiness (from employability skills to customer service skills), and six classes in job search skills (from resume writing to building wealth and mock interviews). Many of those receiving services have been caught up in the cycle of poverty because they do not have the skills, strategies and resources needed to move out of poverty. MOLC has a comprehensive system in place to develop self-esteem, set stretch goals, reward

Life Skills Success Story: Everett Evan Lyles, LSWRP Graduate of Cohort 2 “Wow” is the word that first enters your mind when you sense the hurt, pain and desperation of a 27-year-old man, who is trying to find his way, and can admit he was lost and hurting most of his young life. His parents, who were both addicted to drugs, didn’t possess the parenting skills needed to raise him, leaving him scarred.

For Everett Evan Lyles, anger was his friend. He believed that if he took care of everyone else, in return, he would earn the love he so desperately wanted. But the lack of love ignited the anger, which took him to a place of bitterness and self-doubt, leaving him uncertain and fearful of his future.

Everett had worked several jobs before coming to LSWRP, but couldn’t keep them. The echoes of his past had a cunning way of showing up, even when not invited. Both facilitators of the LSWRP watched this young man transform from what the world perceived as a thug, to a man who had a vision. It seems that Everett’s awakening started with the Emotional intelligence (EI) class, which is one of MOLC’s Life Skills sessions. EI is the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions in positive ways and to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and diffuse conflict.

For Everett, EI helped him better understand himself and others.

As time went on, Everett became a leader for his peers, who had witnessed firsthand, a life transformed. Everett’s success in LSWRP drove his success in the workplace. He now works for Giant Food in Beltsville, has already earned two “Employee of the Month” honors, and has been encouraged to enter the management development program.

Everett has taken the tools given to him in the LSWRP and used them to transform his life and his future. He is a prime example of how the LSWRP helps individuals become self-sufficient.

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Youth Development Program

individual and family development events and classes for youth, ages 10 to16. The vision of this program is that at-risk youth and young adults will experience positive development opportunities, life guidance, and skills training. The program is devoted to helping youth and young adults improve self-esteem, socialization skills, take on leadership roles, and stay in school. Workshops also include time management, financial literacy, computer skills, and know your legal rights.

MOLC’s Youth Development program assisted 192 students, including 151 during the Back to School supplies give away and other events and activities, and 31 for community service. To add fun to the lives of our youth, MOLC offers Movie and Open Mic Nights, which are always well attended. Open Mic night gives youth and young adults an opportunity to express themselves on any topic.

The Youth Development Program offers training,

Youth Development Success Story: Open Mic Night MOLC has worked tirelessly in an effort to change the image of our young people, one youth at a time. However, during this process, in order for us to understand and appreciate their issues, we need to hear from them about what they are feeling, their daily experiences, their prospects for the future in the world we created for them, and the challenges they face every day just to survive.

It is unfortunate that our young people are challenged with the stigma of being derelicts, and are not given a chance to speak for themselves without being misunderstood. At MOLC, we offer them an opportunity to express themselves without being judged by parents, guardians or the public at large; and we listen to what they have to say without being judgmental. While it seems that many in our communities are afraid, we here at MOLC are committed to offering our young people hope and help along the way.

MOLC held its second annual Open Mic Night, May 7, featuring Pierre Edwards, an actor and wellknown native Prince Georgian who has taken the comedy world by storm, with comedy shows and with movies such as “B.A.P.S,” “How To Be A Player,” and “For De Love of Money.” Pierre shared his experience—leaving Maryland at 18 years old and driving a beat-up Nissan from here to California—and what it was like trying to make it on the big stage. He shared with them that even though he works steady, that no one knows what it’s like behind the scenes.

Several county officials also showed their support by being available for questions and answers from our young people. Both the mayors of Seat Pleasant and Capitol Heights were present and offered their support. Phil Lee, special assistant to Sheriff Melvin High for community outreach and development, and Lindsay Hinson, and her girls/young ladies from Bowie State University, participated in a panel discussion on demanding and commanding respect, and learning not to go along to get along.

It seemed as though the whole room got quiet, listening to the children one by one express their feelings toward the police, and how the rate of suicide has grown and the disturbing number of young people who have lost their lives. Some mentioned how awful it feels to be labeled by society as bad seeds, not realizing it’s easier to label them than to find solutions.

There is plenty of information out there about youth, but few spend time with youth from the neighborhood. MOLC knows that some of our greatest men and women came straight from the streets and that there’s greatness everywhere, even in “the hood.” We know that what is needed is for an adult, an organization, a school or a business to be willing to invest in youth. Our young people have a different cry, they are crying to be saved, set free from the conditions of this world and to be heard. At Open Mic Night, we listened.

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Seniors Network Program

The Seniors’ Network Program provides seniors 60 years and older the opportunity to learn new skills and outlets for special activities. Seniors are able to learn basic and advanced computer skills, receive information on wellness, participate in health screening, receive basic transportation assistance, and meet others in off-site social activities.

MOLC provided 403 units of service to 33 seniors in the Beginners Computer Class, 30 in Continuing Education Class 1, 27 in Continuing Education Class 2, 27 Beginning Keyboard Class, 26 in Educational Workshops, 105 in Socialization TGIF, and 89 in Field Trips and Activities between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.

Seniors’ Network Success Story: Faithful and Persevering in Lifelong Learning Since the inception of the MOLC Computer Training and Socialization Program for Seniors, there has been One Senior who has been Faithful and Persevering and believes in Lifelong Learning. That person is Rachel Banks! She is an unusually active senior who is always on the go! She is a semi-pro tennis player, who has played since her youth in many tennis tournaments over the years, along with her recently deceased sister (Marie). In recent years, Rachel has enjoyed teaching young people the art of tennis. She has also enjoyed ice skating, skiing and tap dancing, and has competed for many years in the Senior Olympics, winning several gold medals (and others) in her age category. And oh, did we mention her age? 82 years young!

She joined the MOLC Computer Training Program for Seniors in 2007 as a member of the Charter Class, and still continues to be an active participant in the program. Not only did she learn, but she later served as a teacher’s assistant (TA), sharing her computer skills and knowledge with many other seniors who come to the program to learn basic computer skills. She is soft spoken and a very personable lady, and her fellow seniors and staff simply adore her. Rachel has become a beacon and role model within the MOLC Computer Training Program and Socialization Family. And we say to her: “YOU GO GIRL!”

The Renewed Mind Program

belief that a renewed mind translates into renewed behavior. The program is highly structured, psychoeducation based, confidential, spiritually based (not religious-based), and provides treatment, recovery, aftercare, and relapse prevention.

Although it is difficult to determine success as it relates to substance abuse/compulsive behavior, two individuals have successfully remained drug/alcohol/ compulsion-free for 12 months.

Between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012, MOLC provided 245 units of service to 10 individuals for compulsive behavior/substance abuse.

The renewed mind program emphasizes that a renewed mind translates into renewed behavior, therefore, provided ongoing behavior modification to clients seeking help. This program provides free counseling to individuals who are addicted to drug, alcohol, food, sex, lying, etc., and is based on the

MOLC Service Summary Program Basic Needs Life Skills/Work Readiness Youth Development Seniors’ Network Renewed Mind

Number of People Served 7,214 238 192 33 10 7

MOLC Funders MOLC thanks all of our private and public funders. Without their support, our accomplishments would not have been possible. They include, but are not limited to the following:

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III Prince George's County Council Chair Andrea Harrison and members of the Council Maryland Department of Human Resources Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development The United Way Washington Redskins Foundation Dwight & Martha Schar Foundation Ritchie Land Reclamation NAI Michael, Ritchie Hill, LLC The Safeway Foundation Southern Management Corporation G. S. Proctor and Associates REO Express, Inc. Norman D. Rivera Giant Food

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MOLC Board and Staff Board of Directors Dawn M. Quattlebaum, Chair Don Pleasants. Vice Chair Dr. Douglas E. Edwards, President, CEO and Founder George O. Edwards, Secretary Eldon L. Hayman, Jr., Treasurer Aaron Waller, Assistant Treasurer Dr. Mary B. Conley Vania McNeary Edwards C. Earl Peek John C. Pyles Norman D. Rivera Albert Slocum, Jr. Michael A. Thompson

Advisory Council Denice E. Curry Earl W. Edwards Elma O. Edwards Freddie Dawkins Mildred R. Gray Joyce M. Jones Gregory Steve Proctor Theresa Roulhac

Staff Roger S. Amaker Larry Bettis Sheri Betts Kim Brown Dr. Douglas E. Edwards Francine M. Flood Don J. Hawkins, Jr. Vicki Leonard Maryrose Lyles Willie L. Parker Dorothea E. Purdie Denise R. Robinson

Intern Jocelyn West

Mission of Love Charities, Inc. 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights, MD 20743 301.333.4440

www.molcinc.org #8002

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