Furnish for Good 2023 Annual Report

Page 1

1, 2022-MAY 31, 2023
FY2023 IMPACT REPORT JUNE

On April 1st, 2023 I had the tremendous pleasure of beginning to serve as the executive director of Furnish For Good. Our former ED, Priscilla Chapman, made the decision to step down and instead serve as the vice chair of our board of directors. I have worked with FFG in a consulting role since our founding in 2019 - to have the confidence of Priscilla, our board of directors, and staff to serve in this capacity means the world to me.

We are embarking on a new and exciting chapter at Furnish for Good. In the past year, we have moved to a larger and more accessible space. We have added staffing support in our programs and development departments to further strengthen our organization and we are thrilled to announce: Beginning June 1st, we began hosting in person appointments in our new showroom at 3420 St. Vardell Lane. When we opened our doors in 2019, we were solely providing furnishings by scheduling in person appointments. Covid forced us to change our mission delivery by providing a virtual shopping experience. Moving forward, we will continue to offer an online showroom and host in person appointments to provide options to each of our agencies and the participants we serve.

What an honor it is to serve our neighbors in need with all of you - since opening our doors, WE (meaning our partner agencies, donors, supporters, and FFG) have served over 1,300 people and repurposed over 13,000 furnishings. Serving our participants and working with our partner agencies, social workers and advocates is our greatest joy! As we continue to serve our neighbors in need, we do so with a great sense of responsibility and heart - thank you for the ways you contribute to moving our mission forward. You are a loved and valued member of our Furnish for Good family.

With great appreciation,

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 2 A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

Furnish for Good connects well-loved home furnishings to underserved communities through an experience of empowerment

We believe our method of mission delivery is an unmet need which we fulfill in the community. While other nonprofits in Charlotte repurpose furnishings and household goods, no other nonprofit provides these items through a unique, empowering experience of choice.

Housing is the first crucial step in creating stable environments for families, however, once these families are housed, they cannot afford the BASIC NEEDS to make their house a home or even livable. They might eat standing up, sleep on the floor, store their belongings in stacks and piles. For many, we are the only resource for turning empty spaces into STABLE, DIGNIFIED HOMES . We believe the physical environment of a family’s home can have a profound impact on their daily life. It affects their self-respect, their emotional investment in their home, and ultimately impacts their HOUSING STABILITY . Furthermore, we know the way these individuals and families receive their furnishings is important. We are passionate about giving our families a CHOICE - a choice of which sofa or what color pillows they want – knowing these simple choices are the first they make as they begin to regain their DIGNITY AND RESPECT .

From the time we receive a referral, it is typically no more than two weeks before the client receives their furnishing selections which are delivered with a smile by FFG’s movers.

WHAT WE DO IS NOTHING NEW, HOW WE DO IT IS.
furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 5
HOME DELIVERY Fun Fact
TWO WEEKS

Furnish for Good has served a total of 576 people including 328 adults and 248 children, through 236 moves from June 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023. Since inception we have served 1,327 people (798 adults and 541 children) through over 600 moves providing the community with over 13,000 home furnishings and keeping them out of the landfill.

I was present with Furnish for Good’s Program Manager Elizabeth Schultz when they made the delivery. When the client started unboxing the furnishings, he was blown away everything included. The gentleman said, ‘Miss Vonda, this changes my mindset.’ As a Case Manager, I show up every day to change their mindset because I can’t change their life. To change and shift a mindset through all these contributions and donations, I don’t think you realize what that means to all the people we serve. It means they want better; they are going to do better; they are going to take care of themselves. They feel supported and they want to pay their rent and stay housed because when they come home at the end of the day and turn their key, they feel like they can relax after a long day of working sometimes multiple jobs. They are seeking better for themselves, it is a process and it’s a long one, and Furnish for Good is a vital part of the journey. Furnish for Good is a big game changer and it’s also a mind shifter.

A few weeks later while on a follow up home visit the client told me that his kids made the first home visit on Father’s Day! He was blessed with gifts they brought, and his kids were impressed with his home and the furnishings. His kids Auntie, who brought them over, asked him if he got one of the accessories that FFG provided, came from Rooms to Go because she has something similar. He said he was so proud and full of gratitude, that he cried for several hours later that day. He went on to tell me that he answered by saying, ‘I’m not sure where I picked that up from, I shop around!’ Please know that Furnish for Good is making a difference.”

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 6 OUR IMPACT
Vonda Simmons, Case Manager with Roof Above shares a client story about how working with Furnish for Good impacts a person’s mindset.

Furnish for Good is proud to work alongside our dynamic agency partners serving those on their journey to housing stability. Together we serve individuals as well as families of all races, colors, religions, gender, gender expressions, ages, national origins (ancestry), marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

We are the only Charlotte-area nonprofit organization providing furnishings and household goods to both single men and women, as well as mother/ fathers and their children. Partnering with so many unique agencies, allows us to meet the needs of our community and serve people coming from various circumstances including those suffering from addiction, mental illness, or domestic abuse as well as the unique needs of refugees, LGBTQ teens and the disabled.

Agency Partners

Braveworks

Brookstone Schools

Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency

Charlotte Community Health Clinic

Charlotte Family Housing

Charlotte Mecklenburg SchoolsMcKinny Vento

Charlotte Rescue Mission

Common Wealth

Communities In Schools

Crossroads

Devonshire Elementary

Families Forward Charlotte

Freedom Communities

Gracious Hands

Habitat for Humanity Greater Matthews

Hope House Foundation

Myers Park Presbyterian Church

Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte

Renaissance West

Roof Above

Running Works

Safe Alliance

The Harvest Center

The Relatives

The Salvation Army

Thompson Child & Family Focus

Time Out Youth

Wayfinders

100+ people served

10-100 people served

Less than 10 people served

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 7 OUR PARTNERS

WHAT IS PART OF OUR FURNISHING PACKAGE?

Furnishings $250

• Couch

• Upholstered side chair

• Coffee and two side tables

• Dining set with chairs

• Bookshelf or desk/desk chair

• Dresser

• Lamps and decor

• Dishpack

• Cookpack

• Bathpack

Dishpack (set of 4)

• Dinner plates

• Dessert/ salad plates

• Cereal/soup bowls

• Mugs

• Glasses

• Sets of silverware

• Placemats and/or napkins

• Dish towels

• Plastic containers

• Silverware tray

Cookpack

• Saucepan

• Skillet

• Mixing bowl

• Casserole dish

• Baking pan, pie or cake pan

• Cutting board

• Colander

• Measuring spoons and cups

• Can opener

• Veggie peeler

• Spatula

• Spoon

• Utility knife

• 2-3 extras

Bathpack

• Laundry basket

• Bath towels

• Hand towels

• Wash cloths

• Shower curtain, liner and rings

• Bathmat

• Waste basket

My favorite item is my loveseat. It is the first place I come in and sit. It symbolizes rest, peace and a place to gather my thoughts throughout the day.

– FFG Participant, Roof Above

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 8
Volunteer Valerie and the welcome baskets she creates for each family and individual.
Volunteer Cindy filling laundry baskets with towels, shower curtains, bathmats and more for bath packs included with every delivery.

Financial donations

FY21/22: 614 Gifts = $486,178

FY22/23: 802 Gifts = $710,616

Total revenue in FY22/23*: $820,354.29

25% ($205,273.11 ) Corporate/Foundations

14% ($114,052.35) Programs

Breakdown of expenses

26% ($211,518.53) Events

35% ($289,581.60) Individuals

12.7% Administrative

12.3% Fundraising

*Includes agency fees, furnishing fees and sales of consigned goods

75% Programs

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 9 OUR FINANCIALS

We are constantly inspired by our community of donors and supporters who make our mission possible! Our volunteers racked up over 3,500 hours last year. We simply could not do what we do with out them and we are so grateful for their dedication.

These items help us feel at home and provide us with essential needs for our home. Our life has been easier, we no longer have to stand to eat, and we can rest sitting down. Our kitchen table is definitely our favorite. We can sit as a family and be at home while we eat. We are extremely thankful for what we have.”

– FFG Participant, The Salvation Army

Furnish for Good serves a population of people who critically need all the support and love that they can get. It’s Mary Pat’s happy place. All the people who volunteer at FFG are the friendliest, kindest and most hardworking group of men and (mostly) women who have a shared goal of helping folks in need of stable housing. The volunteers work with such care and thoughtfulness for the circumstances of each individual we serve. We love coming here each week because FFG offers dignity to our clients; plus, we have such fun while working together. We are so happy to have found such a great organization.”

This will help to build our stable happy home. These items represent happiness, blessings, and peace. Our daily life will change by knowing we can go to sleep and wake up with a smile on our face, knowing that people really care about us.” – FFG Participant, Myers Park High School, PTSO

I now have an environment where I can invite my children to visit. I have many items that will help me to cook and a place to eat, so I will be healthier and not have to eat out. I really appreciate the decorations, as they add an additional comfort to everything, but I would never be able to buy them.”

– FFG Participant, Running Works

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 10 OUR WHY

These items will make my family very comfortable and at home and we will be able to spend more quality time together. My kids will have somewhere to lay back and relax with no problem. My favorite items are everything! It definitely put a little color in my life and love it. I wouldn’t be able to do it alone.”

– FFG Participant, Renaissance West Community Initiative

My four-year-old has a nice twin bed. She actually sleeps by herself now. We have a nice living room set and we can play games together sitting on the sofa. My favorite item is the ottomanwe sit on it together and I read books to her.” – FFG Participant, The Salvation Army

Contact Us / Our Team

Maggie Morton | Executive Director maggie@furnishforgood.org

Lesley Faulkner | Co-Founder & Director of Mission Delivery lesley@furnishforgood.org

Elizabeth Schultz | Programs Manager elizabeth@furnishforgood.org

Lynn Hughes | Development Director lynn@furnishforgood.org

Michael Lewis | Lead Truck Driver & Transportation Coordinator

michael@furnishforgood.org

furnishforgood.org 2022 IMPACT REPORT 11
“ OUR WHY

Become a donor

Support our mission and the individuals we serve by making an annual or recurring monthly gift. Here are some examples of what your donation will cover:

$100

Basic needs – cook, dish and bath package

$500

$1,500

Donate furniture

Two twin bed packages including new mattress, frame, pillows and bedding

Full home of furnishings for a family of 4. $3,000

Covers our moving truck expenses for one month.

$5,000

Covers utilities at Mission Headquarters for 3 months.

Since inception, we have received well over 13,000 pieces of furnishings and household good donations from various members of the Charlotte community. Maintaining a variable and strong furniture inventory is crucial to our mission delivery. Scan the QR code to see what we accept.

Become a volunteer

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization, and we could not do what we do without the dedicated people that serve alongside us each day. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, scan the QR code.

Support FURNISHED

Furnished is our signature fundraiser where 10 local interior designers design a space, donate designer quality goods to a silent auction, and compete for votes for the best design!

HOW YOU CAN HELP
BATHROOM KITCHEN OFFICE FAMILY ROOM BEDROOM
BATHROOM KITCHEN OFFICE FAMILY ROOM BEDROOM
BATHROOM KITCHEN OFFICE FAMILY ROOM BEDROOM
BATHROOM KITCHEN OFFICE FAMILY ROOM BEDROOM

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