Annual Report

2023

IMPACT Community Action

ANNUAL REPORT

SUSTAINING IMPACT

@impactcommunityaction IMPACT Community Action @IMPACTCA

Mission

IMPACT Community Action

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ANNUAL REP ORT

IMPACT Community Action’s mission is to fight poverty by providing hope-inspiring help and real opportunities for selfsufficiency.

Contents Executive Staff.......................... 4 Pledge To The Community......... 6 Crisis Assistance....................... 9 Program Overview................... 10 Success Stories....................... 12 Housing Program.................... 14

Vision

Self Sufficiency Services......... 16

We envision a community that creates opportunities for all people to prosper.

Volunteer Opportunities.......... 20 Staff........................................ 22 Financial Highlights................. 24 Donors.................................... 27

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

3 We Make IMPACT! This is the very first of four core values embodied at IMPACT Community Action. Underneath this particular core value are the key behaviors that serve as its foundation; It’s bigger than me, I am All in, and I lead by example. It was our embrace of these values and behaviors that sustained our mission-centered staff while tackling one of our community’s greatest challenges…The COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the past 4 years, our staff and partners have risen to the occasion. We prevented over 40,000 people from being evicted and distributed over $120M dollars in support of our local economy. We helped hundreds of displaced workers find new jobs and provided credentialed training to hundreds more in search of career opportunities paying family-sustaining wages.

We are Co-Developers with Woda Cooper to develop 102 units of affordable housing on a project in Whitehall called The Enclave on Main. Without a doubt we are making IMPACT! In addition to these achievements, we’ve made significant strides in renewable energy projects. Our involvement in the American Addition project and the Solar Workforce Lab has allowed us to contribute to the sustainability of our community while creating job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

However, the aftershocks stemming from the pandemic are only recently starting to reverberate in our community as much of the Pandemic Relief dollars have come to an end.

As the resources tighten and new challenges emerge from the fast-paced and unprecedented growth that our region is experiencing, now is the time for our community to come together to discuss, strategize and plan for smart growth and sustained impact.

IMPACT played a crucial role in maintaining stability and security in our community. In addition to stabilizing families who are facing eviction, or their utilities being shut off, we are concentrating more of our resources and efforts on helping families achieve self-sufficiency via our workforce development, financial literacy, matched savings program for entrepreneurs, just to name a few.

Sustaining IMPACT means working strategically and collectively to address challenges at a systemic level.

Sustaining IMPACT means our community has a vision and real opportunities to truly live out the mantra of One Columbus, Prosperity for All. Sustaining IMPACT means we are assisting in partnership with the people, we are creating solutions with, NOT for the community.

Sustaining IMPACT means supporting IMPACT Community Action, for our name is also our mandate…through Community Action, we Make IMPACT! Robert “Bo” Chilton

Chief Executive Officer

Letter from the CEO

SUSTAINING IMPACT

BOARD MEMBERS Community Sector Board Members

Private Sector Board Members

Public Sector Board Members

Advisory Board Representatives

Patricia Powell

Matthew Glover

Damika Withers

Martina Grundy

Carolyn Thurman

Henry Davis

Eric Brandon

Chahdael Foreman

Tamica Johnson-Thornton

Robert Dejarnette

Carla Williams-Scott

Sharyn Rigsbee

Angela Wright

Robyn Judge

Matthew Smydo

Jennifer Criswell

Valerie Cumming

Marketta Franklin

Ashon McKenzie

Larry Price, Larry Price &

Valerie Johnson

Maude Hill

Ernest Perry

Associates (Board Advisor)

Our Board Members play a crucial role in overseeing these programs, participating in strategic planning, assisting with fundraising, and advocating for our mission. Our 18-member Tripartite board is made up of equal numbers of private sector and democratically elected community representatives. We also have subcommittees that include Program, Governance, Marketing and Development.

EXECUTIVE STAFF

From left to right: Robert “Bo” Chilton - Chief Executive Officer, Rob Thoroughman, CPA- Chief Financial Officer, Beth Urban - Chief Operating Officer, Teresa Gary - Vice President of Workforce Programs, Shameikia Smith, MSW, LSW - Vice President of Housing

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT

SUSTAINING IMPACT

Poverty in Our Community From 2021 to 2023, poverty in Franklin County rose significantly following the end of pandemic-era policies that had previously stabilized adult poverty and reduced child poverty to record lows.

In 2021, the poverty rate increased to 14.3% due to economic disruptions, with 41% of households struggling to make ends meet, including those below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households.

By 2023, inflation and rising living costs compounded the impact of reduced government support, affecting both low-income households and those earning above 200% of the poverty line. Median household income, adjusted for inflation, fell by 2.3% to $74,580, as inflation outpaced employment and wage growth.

Child poverty affected 18.4% of children in Franklin County, with African Americans experiencing poverty at twice the county average, highlighting deep racial disparities.

IMPACT Community Action remains dedicated to combating these challenges by delivering programs and services that reduce poverty and improve quality of life for all residents.

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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African American Poverty Rate

14.3%

29.9%

County Average Poverty Rate

Child Poverty Rate

18.4%

SUSTAINING IMPACT

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

Our Response

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Home Energy Assistance Program

HOUSING STABILITY & CRISIS ASSISTANCE A significant portion of IMPACT’s work involves helping people with immediate needs such as utility and housing assistance.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income eligible Ohioans that are threatened with disconnection or have been disconnected, maintain their utility service.

Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides emergency financial resources to ensure continuous water access for qualifying residents of Columbus and Franklin County. Water Utility Assistance provides one-time payment amount to a water utility vendor for water bills.

40,500+ SUMMER CRISIS

4,500+ WINTER CRISIS

14,000+ Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (to June 2023) Households served

2,000+ Mortgage-Household served

60+

Property Tax Assistance-Households served

160+

SUSTAINING IMPACT

2023 PROGRAM OVERVIEWS Transportation Through the transportation assistance program, individuals who are at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Level may be eligible to receive a 2-$25 Gas card or a 2- 7day Public Transportation Vouchers.

Research and past program outcomes have shown that there is a tremendous need for the Transportation Assistance program. Through this program, clients are able fuel their personal vehicles or ability to use Franklin County public transportation to fulfill their obligations, such as employment, medical appointments, etc.

106 Bereavement To assist eligible Columbus and Franklin County residents with the unexpected expense of funeral costs.

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Mortgage This program provides Columbus and Franklin County Residents with a means to avoid possible foreclosures due to mortgage arrearage.

69 Furniture Bank When stabilizing families, furniture often becomes a hardship with moving from crisis to stability and then to self-sufficiency. Households were assisted with couches, beds, kitchen items and other home goods to help stabilize with the expense of purchasing home furnishings.

58 Car Repair

The purpose of this service is to ensure those in need of Food Assistance in Columbus and Franklin County by providing Kroger Food Gift Cards.

IMPACT car repair service ensures continuous mobility for residents of Columbus and Franklin County by providing financial assistance for car repairs. This service gives individuals the opportunity to commute to work, access job opportunities, manage emergencies, and handle essential errands by maintaining a reliable vehicle

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83

Food Cards

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT

SUSTAINING IMPACT

SUCCESS STORIES CLIMATE JUSTICE IMPACT Community Action and partners, The City of Columbus, Homeport, AEP Ohio, and Columbus residents have set a bold, environmental justice focused vision for the historic African American neighborhood of American Addition in Columbus, Ohio. The goal of the American Addition+ project will be the creation of the first African American net zero energy neighborhood in the country This goal will be achieved through a five stage process of equitable community engagement; deep energy efficiency retrofits for existing historic homes; net zero energy building design and construction; and workforce development – all in the American Addition neighborhood. DOE WAP Enhancement and Innovation funds will support deep energy efficiency retrofits for the existing 60 historic homes built before 2010.

These primarily one-story and bungalow style homes date back to the early 1900s and are in varying states of repair, though most have not benefited from substantial update or renovation in decades. The funding will support limited structural and

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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home repairs to prepare homes for weatherization and provide deep energy efficiency retrofits.

The retrofit options will be based on audit analysis and will include measures such as insulation upgrades, air sealing technology, smart thermostat installation, solar panels, efficient appliance replacement, and heat pump installation in order to reduce energy consumption and energy burden for residents.

This funding also provides support for workforce development efforts connected to the deep energy efficiency retrofits. IMPACT administers the City funded Empowered! clean energy workforce development program, which blends classroom learning and community education on clean energy and energy efficiency, with a linkage to home weatherization and deep energy retrofits in Opportunity Neighborhoods. Successful graduates will be onboarded with a clean energy career that is high road and family sustaining.

Prior to beginning the deep energy efficiency retrofit work in the neighborhood, IMPACT hosts recruitment events in the American Addition area for the Empowered! program. The goal is to provide American Addition residents the opportunity to work or train on projects happening in their own community, and setting them on a path for a high road career and future economic security.

The American Addition+ project is managed by a Project Director in collaboration with the American Addition Steering Committee, which consists of the aforementioned partners and more.

Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

- Robert F. Kennedy

CHRYSTAL Chrystal was 24 years old when she entered prison and 59 years old upon her release.

Throughout her incarceration, she dedicated herself to personal growth and preparing for a more promising future.

Upon her release, IMPACT provided the crucial support she needed. She successfully completed the Re-entry Work Readiness Program and R.E.D. Fish Academy. Moving forward, Chrystal aims to remain actively involved in helping others achieve and maintain restored citizenship. IMPACT gave her both a voice and the opportunity to use it effectively.

She attributes her newfound self-confidence to the guidance and support provided by her facilitators. Today, Chrystal is restored, empowered, and resolutely determined.

SUSTAINING IMPACT

HOUSING PROGRAMS

HOUSING NAVIGATION PROGRAM RENTAL ASSISTANCE The purpose of this service is to provide emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, and/or establish permanent housing for residence of Columbus and Franklin County.

2023 Eviction Prevention Families Served

4017 Dollar Amount

$14,909,992

Housing Navigation Program utilizes the following evidenced-based methodologies: Person-Centered, Housing First and Motivational Interviewing to support, coordinate and leverage resources for households facing housing instability, eviction, and are at risk of homelessness.

Number of Households Enrolled in Housing Navigation in 2023 Total Families Served

70

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2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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HWAP The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) provides eligible households with assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs. Participating households in the HWAP will receive a home inspection to identify the services necessary and available to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

HWAP completed 164 units from July 1, 2022- June 30, 2023.

Clean Clothes served 191 households with Washer and Dryers City Appliances served 47 households.

SUSTAINING IMPACT

SELF SUFFICIENCY SERVICES 16

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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REENTRY Our team works to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and inequities by engaging participants to address trauma, find hope, and drive change.

2023

71 PARTICIPANTS

MOMENTUM

Momentum is a three-week workforce development and training program. The program focuses on selfmanagement and introduces a holistic approach to personal and professional development. Participants also receive work readiness training, barrier removal, and employer connection which increases competency and prepares them for the workplace.

EMPLOYED

28 NONPROFIT BOARD TRAINING

70

AVERAGE WAGE

$19.30

FINANCIAL WELLNESS Provides cognitive tools, techniques and behavioral strategies to reduce economic dependency, increase household sustainability, and encourage asset development.

DRIVE TO THRIVE 85 INDIVIDUALS SAVED MONEY TO

PROSPERITY NOW!

PURCHASE CARS

83 PARTICIPANTS IMPROVED THEIR MONEY MANAGEMENT SKILLS

FINANCIAL COACHING 48 PARTICIPANTS COMPLETED THE COURSE

SAVING ACCOUNT/IDAS AND OTHER ASSETS BUILDING ACCOUNTS 48 PARTICIPANTS OPENED IDS ACCOUNT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

SMART TAX - 609 CLIENTS SERVED TOTAL REFUNDED

TOTAL CTC REFUNDED

TOTAL EITC REFUNDED

TOTAL FEES SAVED

$630,341 $185,392

$125,363 $152,250

SUSTAINING IMPACT

SIDE HUSTLE 101 An introductory micro-entrepreneurship program where you have the opportunity to earn additional income while maintaining your day job.

PARTICIPANTS WHO LAUNCHED A BUSINESS

53 OTTO BEATTY MEN’S SHOP The Otto Beatty Men’s Shop is dedicated to empowering men in Franklin County who are actively seeking employment by providing them with professional attire and coaching, as part of our job readiness programs to boost their confidence and help them secure and retain meaningful employment

MEN WHO RECEIVED SUITS

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EMPOWERED With support from the City of Columbus, Empowered! creates pathways for young adults, with a focus on populations that have been historically underrepresented in the industry, including People of Color, Women and residents residing in Opportunity Neighborhoods.

This program will serve as an entrée for young people to explore careers in the clean energy sector that will improve air quality, increase the comfort of our homes, and make our infrastructure stronger.

GRADUATES

29 CDL TRAINING Funded by the city of Columbus, this training program leads to career advancement by helping residents obtain a Class A CDL.

CERTIFICATIONS

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BUILD UP CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM Build Up offers comprehensive job and construction skills training to low income young adults in Franklin County, Ohio, and includes a nationally recognized construction accreditation certificate (a $2,600 value) as well as opportunities to network with local employers or apply for apprenticeships in the construction field upon graduation.

BUILD UP CORE CERTIFICATIONS RECEIVED

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MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM The Healthcare program will provide an opportunity for income-eligible individuals to participate in educational training that provides the knowledge necessary to become a Certified Medical Assistant.

CERTIFICATIONS

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ACHIEVE MORE & PROSPER (A.M.P.) The Achieve More and Prosper (A.M.P.) In-and Out of School Programs consists of comprehensive case management which will assist program participants in the area of paid work experiences, career-specific certifications, work readiness training, computer literacy, financial literacy, life skills, educational support, access to post-secondary education opportunities, and employability coaching.

In-School Youth

154 191

Out-Of-School Youth

IMPACT welcomes young people aged 14-18 to an afterschool program teaching life skills like career exploration, problem-solving, and money smarts, including investing in the stock market and entrepreneurial skills.

The key idea: success in anything means thinking like an investor, especially when investing in yourself!

Boss Up - Afterschool

FUNDING GIVEN TO START UP BUSINESSES

$7,500

SUSTAINING IMPACT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are integral to our organization and strengthen our capacity to serve families and individuals who are in need.

The purpose of our Volunteer Engagement Program is to draft, develop and deploy individuals who support the mission and vision of IMPACT Community Action.

Our volunteers will serve in a variety of ways, including: Program Assistance which includes those who support programmatic and operational duties and special events Strategic Assistance which includes IMPACT Advocates who support strategic advocacy efforts, as well as programmatic and operational duties Professional Assistance which includes business professionals and other partners who lend their knowledge and expertise as in-kind contributions to the agency Contact Lauren Marvin lmarvin@impactca.org

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SUSTAINING IMPACT

THE PEOPLE BE Aaron Robinette Aiisha Robinson Airreal Elliott Amber King Amina Mohamed Anaya Williams Andre Bumper Andrea Brown Angel Weatherspoon Angelena Menefee Anthony Robinette Antonio Williams Arielle Kline Ashlee Abraham Asia Davis Beth Urban Bo Chilton Brandon Curry Brandon Walls Brittany White Brittney Hutton

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Carmen Allen Catherine Estes Chayce Watson Chiquita Johnson Christopher Moon Christopher Smith Chy-Lisa Conley Ciera Shanks Connie Purcell Curuan Gossett Cyann Pace Dakota Morgan Dana Brock Daneshia Lewis Daniel Collins II Deborah Willison Ebony Williams Elizabeth McMaster Emily Wilson McPhail Employee Smith Eric Brandon

Erik Kelley Gianna Bronston Hannah Burns Helena Brown Isaac Spradling Ja’Lan Walker Jamaica Mackey Jameka Humphries Janice Vazquez JaToria Broomfield Jordan Bennett Joshua Kessler Juana McNair Kaniqua Goodgame Katherine Devlin Keauna Marshall Kee’sa Payne Keith Kelley Keith Queener Kenyon Chambers Keywana Hudson

EHIND IMPACT Kimberly Hightower Kyera Carter Lauren Marvin Lindsay Damron Lisa Ghee-Brown Lisa Huynh Lu Ann Topovski Malcolm Wilford Marcia White Mark Rucker Marlon Blue Marlon Roberts Marsha Strong Marshan Copeland Mary White Matthew Richison McLain Davis Jr Michael Johnson MiYanah Hale Nevika Calhoun Nicholas Heckathorn

Nicole Palmer Nicollette Joseph Nikkeya Carter Nikkia Smith Oliver Ward Pamela Coulter Paul Grimes Phillonda Graham Quankeya Nowlin Renee Jones Richard Bowe Richard Dean Robert Thoroughman Sanetria Cain Serenity Skipper Shameikia Smith Sharmaine Powell Sheree Madison Stephanie Robinson Tashawna Thomas Teresa Gary

Tia Ferguson Tiera Brewer Tnisha Coffee Tommy Young Toshia Estridge Tracy Kirby Tracy Revels Treva Rice Trevelyn Johnson Trinity Brown Tuere Nucklos Turesa Prieto Tyeisha Johnson Tyler Bradford Valerie McFarland Vanessa Williams William Freeman William Surles

SUSTAINING IMPACT

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2023 total revenue was $31.1M, Federal passthrough grants accounted for $29.9M. Of this amount ($29.9M) $20.3M was for Rental and Utility Assistance. The remaining amounts of Federal grants were CSBG $2.9M, HWAP $2.7M, HEAP $2.8M, DOE $0.4M.

Of the $29.5M in expenses, $17.0M Rent Assistance/Utilities, $7.1M Salaries & Benefits, $1.4M Contracts, $1.0M Occupancy Costs, and $1.2M in Other Client Assistance.

Major assets for IMPACT were Cash of $6.6M, Accounts Receivable of $6.3M, and $4.2M in unused Building leases.

Major Liabilities for IMPACT were, Refundable Advances $9.3M and Building Leases $4.2M. Net Assets are composed of $1.3M in Unrestricted Cash and $2.5M in Other Equity.

Expenses 14%

0%

$69,144 FUNDRAISING

6%

$ 1,711,304 ADMINISTRATIVE & GENERAL

$4,193,288 OTHER PROGRAMS

10%

Total $29,502,753

$2,854,193 CSBG

9%

$26,96,429 HEAP

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61%

$17,978,395 ERA PROGRAMS

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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Interest Income $30,081

Other Contributions

$ 505,881.14

Other Income $ 6,228.19

Other Grants $ 587,575.8

Total Revenue $ 31,056,001.54 Federal Grants $ 29,926,235.41

Liabilities $ 14,736,623

Net Assets $ 3,810,814

2023 Financial Position Assets $18,547,437

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

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THANK YOU 2024 RIPPLE OF HOPE DONORS