Franciscan Ministries' Newsletter - Summer 2020

SUMMER 2020

The Begging Bowl Newsletter What do 2,500 pairs of socks, a disinfecting “vapor gun” and a $2,100 check have in common? They are all recent gifts to Franciscan Ministries in support of our programs.

Paying it Forward:

Donations make the Difference Estelle McNair, director of Tamar’s Center.

“We helped 260 clients in February and 320 in April, providing food supplies outside in the adjoining courtyard to the building.”

“We rely on the generous support of individuals and companies, both in-kind and monetary donations, “states Franciscan Ministries Executive Director Elaine Ward.

“While we do maintain a balanced budget, these past few months have been quite challenging to do so, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So much has been atypical, from having to temporarily close some programs to increasing needs in other areas.”

Several recent gifts have particularly benefited Tamar’s Center, which is assisting more than usual numbers of people since March. These include: • A gift from Bombas of 2,500 pairs of socks ensure that the people who are living on the street, are battling addictions, or are otherwise in need, have access to clean socks. Clean socks continue to be one of the most requested items in homeless shelters.

• A new partnership with the Delta Gateway Foundation has enabled the purchase of an ionizer spray device, which is a fast and efficient way to disinfect areas and helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Haircuts from the Heart

• Food, personal hygiene and other items were provided by Matthew 25 Ministries for distribution to our clients.

• A monetary gift of $10,000 from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati “regional response” fund is helping with ongoing needs, allowing us to purchase clothing, laundry supplies, toiletries, and other items.

Such support is appreciated, especially since the pandemic has resulted in increasing needs. “The number of clients served from January to June grew despite our day shelter being closed,” notes Estelle McNair, director of Tamar’s Center.

Tamar's Center

Centennial Barn

She adds that there have also been large increases in the number of our clients who are taking significant steps forward, such as finding housing, entering a rehab or detox program.

Thus far, in 2020, 185 clients have taken such actions, compared to 128 in the same timeframe last year.

Haircuts from the Heart, also benefitted greatly from recent financial support: • The GE Cincinnati Employee’s Community Service Fund has awarded $2,100 to provide general support for the haircut program; and • The Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation made a $10,000 donation in the spring to support our student haircut voucher program.

“We are touched by the generous support of our community, shown by individual contributions, awarded grants and gifts by businesses,” adds Ward.

Tau House

Community Garden

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Message from the Executive Director A Legacy Worth Living and Supporting Maya Angelou once said,

“If you’re going to live, leave a legacy.

Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.”

That is exactly what the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor have accomplished during their long history. From their founding

by Blessed Frances Schervier in 1845 in Aachen, Germany, to the work today in Brazil, Italy, Senegal, Philippines and the United States, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor fulfill their mission to heal the wounds of Christ through love and service, especially to the poor and needy.

At Franciscan Ministries, we, too, embrace service to others.

Our mission is to address the unmet needs of people who are underserved, vulnerable and overlooked. Yet, our service wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of individual donors, foundations and corporate partners, those who enable us to continue making a difference.

Our donors - our friends – are a vital part of our work, helping change lives by directly supporting our programs. We are grateful to have a broad range of givers, some who choose to support a specific program while others make general gifts.

Such generosity is appreciated, particularly during recent months when other means of income, such as rentals of the Centennial Barn, have been interrupted. Normally we are able to rely on revenue from Centennial Barn to help support our charitable work.

Thanks to our donors, we have been able to continue service and actually adapt our assistance to meet changing needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several of our supporters are included in our cover story, and there are many others who have made monetary and in-kind gifts during these past few months.

Know that your compassion and financial support are part of a legacy, enabling us to change lives, extend hope and to make a positive mark on the world.

CARES Act Offers Tax Incentives for Donations In March, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act went into effect to help combat the far-reaching impact of COVID-19.

The $2.2 trillion stimulus plan contains funding opportunities for charities and enhanced charitable giving incentives.

Note that these incentives are only for tax year 2020. While there is discussion about extending them, nothing definitive has yet been determined.

First, there is a temporary universal charitable deduction. Taxpayers who do not itemize their deductions can take a one-time deduction of up to $300 for gifts made to charitable organizations.

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There is also a relaxation of the limitations for those who itemize, with the Act suspending the 60 percent adjusted gross income limitation for individuals’ charitable contributions.

In a typical year, individuals can only take a charitable deduction of up to 60 percent of their adjusted gross income, no matter how much they give. For 2020, there is no limit, making cash contributions fully deductible.

Finally, there are waivers for the required minimum distributions from retirement plans, including

pensions and 457 plans. Any minimum distributions from retirement plans that would have been required in 2020 can be delayed until 2021. This change reduces the incentive for donors to make gifts from their individual retirement account (IRA)—the IRA Rollover Provision.

Talk with your accountant or tax preparer for details into how you can take advantage of these incentives for your 2020 taxes.

Welcoming a New Board Member and a New Role for a Dedicated Staffer Join us in congratulating Basette Smith II, who recently joined our Board of Directors, and to Franciscan Ministries staff Brandi Colvin, who was promoted to director of the Centennial Barn.

“We’re thrilled that Basette has agreed to serve on our board, his strong background with non-profits and dedication to enhancing our community will greatly benefit our programs and clients,” states Elaine Ward, executive director for Franciscan Ministries. “He is an experienced leader in mental health and supported employment services.” Ward continues, “at Centennial Barn, Brandi also brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her new role. Throughout the pandemic closures, Brandi was instrumental in assisting with customer service, helping re-schedule many events and addressing the concerns of brides, corporate planners and others.”

Smith, a Finneytown area resident, currently serves as social services and engagement coordinator for Nehemiah Manufacturing Company. He also worked for the Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services as team leader for

supported employment for the organization’s mental health services. He has been active with several non-profit organizations, including Cincy Afterschool – Academy of World Languages as program facilitator; AmeriCorps Corporation for National and Community Service; and a volunteer trainer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition (VITA).

The Centennial Barn is our social enterprise program, meaning all proceeds are used to support other programs, such as Tamar’s Center, Haircuts from the Heart, Tau House and the Community Garden.

Colvin has worked for our Centennial Barn since 2017. She has been an event planner since 2004, assisting clients with a variety of events.

At the barn, she is responsible for the rental and operations of the facility, including weddings, corporate meetings, conferences, trainings and educational classes. She manages event staff, handles tours and bookings and is the main liaison with clients.

Thinking “Out of the Box” To Continue Helping Call it innovative or creative, or maybe it is more forward thinking. However, you want to describe it, our staff have had to think outside of the box in order to continue delivering our programs during the ongoing pandemic restrictions.

“I think we’ve found several interesting ways to adhere to the state mandates, while also making things as easy as possible for those we serve,” explains Marci Peebles, director of three Franciscan Ministries’ programs: The Community Garden, Haircuts from the Heart and Tau House. “The guidelines have pushed us to find solutions, so we can keep our programs running.”

For example, the frequency of people touching the water spigots at the Community Garden was a concern, especially related to the spread of COVID-19. Thus, biodegradable doggie bags were installed on every spout so that gardeners can insert their hand, turn on the water, then turn off and dispose of the bag – all without direct touch. Soap and sanitizer is also posted on all spouts, again as a precaution and convenience.

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Thinking “Out of the Box” To Continue Helping (Cont.)

“One difficulty was how to convey instructions, due to the language barrier and the literacy levels of many of the immigrant gardeners,” adds Peebles.

Signage in Nepali, English and picture icons was the answer.

Our Haircuts from the Heart program faced the problem of obtaining feedback from clients in a consistent, convenient manner. While a brief paper survey was tried, it didn’t quite address the issue.

Then, our intern Patrick Gerard, shared an idea for an evaluation app.

Gerard, a sophomore at Notre Dame University, researched and created the app then downloaded it onto two Smartphones that will be kept at the salon and mobile station.

“It’s a quick, easy way to gather responses, especially comments about the impact the program has had for them,” notes Peebles. “We’re excited to launch the evaluation app and use the data it helps us compile.”

Centennial Barn is a unique and historic building, perfect for your next celebration, meeting, conference or special occasion.

Call for information on our rates and availability.

* Valid on weekday business rate bookings through 10/1/2020