An EPIC Undertaking LISC JACKSONVILLE ANNUAL REPORT 2010
A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
MESSAGE FROM THE
Executive Director
By the time this is printed it will be nearly
development work that is being done. And many of those
a year since I made the move from United
partnerships are due to the assistance of great donors and
Way of Northeast Florida to LISC
supporters. To borrow a line from our new initiative, we are
Jacksonville. I am so honored to have this
Building EPIC Communities. Communities that Empower People
opportunity. In a way, I think I’ve been
and Inspire Change.
preparing for this job my entire life. There are so many aspects of the work that LISC does in Northeast Florida and my career experience in banking, marketing a nonprofit, and managing projects that fund development have all come into play.
EPIC is a great phrase for the work we do on a number of fronts. It is very similar to the ideas of Jane Jacobs who wrote “The Life and Death of American Cities.” She believed that a city ecosystem develops organically over time and there are varied components that
The work is varied. Sometimes it is both on a whirlwind pace and
are interdependent in complex ways. “The more niches for diversity
frustratingly slow. There are many constituents that need to be
of life and livelihoods…the greater its carrying capacity for life.”
consulted, details to be assembled for the financial records and
That is what we are trying to achieve with Building EPIC
consensus that needs to be built.
Communities. Empowering people to make change is exciting work and it is the type of work that truly makes a difference.
As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, but like Rome we have established a great path in the neighborhoods where we are
- Janet Owens
working. We have strong partnerships that support the community
MESSAGE FROM THE
Chairman of the Board
As LISC Jacksonville moves into its 12th
offshoot of LISC National’s Building Sustainable Communities
year of operation, we’re continuing our
program. This is not so much a change for us as it is a further
focus on assisting underserved
refinement of the work we do in neighborhoods. LISC Jacksonville
neighborhoods create the quality of life
has always known that it takes more than safe, quality affordable
we all desire. This doesn’t mean that we
housing to make a successful neighborhood. We have proved that
haven’t made changes or refined our work.
with our support of commercial corridor revitalization and education.
One of the changes we needed to make was filling the position of
EPIC Communities gives us a special opportunity to engage people
Executive Director when founding Executive Director Joni Foster
around the table in a formal way. By working with our partner
retired and moved to Texas. We couldn’t have found a more capable
community development corporations and other nonprofits, we
person to lead us than Janet Owens. Janet’s previous experience
want to hear from citizens about what they believe is vital to keep
includes 12 years as Vice President of Corporate and Agency
their neighborhoods successful and sustainable. With their buy-in
Relations at United Way. Prior to that she was Associate Executive
and hard work, along with our training, advocacy and funding, we
Director for Girl Scouts of Gateway Council Inc. and had ten years
believe that we can help neighborhoods be successful and retain
of experience in city government in Greenville, SC, Adrian, MI
that success.
and Washington, D.C. Janet knows everyone in town and the importance of friendraising and fundraising to achieve goals. We are pleased that she has joined us.
This is both an exciting and challenging time as we conduct this “EPIC” undertaking. We need the help of residents, nonprofits, the community at large and the City of Jacksonville as we continue on
Another change is the development of our Building EPIC
the path to success.
Communities project (Empower People/Inspire Change), an - J.F. Bryan
1
AN
EPIC Introduction
Everyone knows that housing alone can’t ensure that a community
Stabilization Program or through LISC Jacksonville partner
will be vital and resilient. We all want retail, jobs, good schools and
community development corporations. Addressing other structural
grocery stores to be part of our neighborhoods and so do the
deterioration in target neighborhoods, saving community assets
residents of Jacksonville’s core communities. With LISC national’s
from demolition, building pocket parks and community centers are
focus on connecting all those dots that make a great neighborhood,
all examples of other important physical improvements that may be
LISC Jacksonville has signed on with the announcement of Building
addressed.
EPIC Communities, a comprehensive strategy to Empower People and Inspire Change. Over the next three years, a significant portion of LISC Jacksonville’s investments will be concentrated on improving the
Building on our investment: $ 21 million in acquisition and construction loans, 236 homes completed and sold.
quality of life in two pilot neighborhoods: Jacksonville’s Eastside and Northside urban centers.
Increasing family income and wealth. Everyone hopes that their lives will improve, incomes will rise and job prospects will continue
Key to Building EPIC Communities is the resident involvement in
to widen. This, in turn, creates economical stability for a
this comprehensive approach to redevelopment. This program is
neighborhood. Programs that improve residents’ skills and access to
about their input and vision for their neighborhood. Achieving
living wage jobs, create counseling for new homebuyers, promote
community buy-in means more support and more effort to make
financial literacy and connect low-to-moderate income families to
EPIC successful.
financial experts and job opportunities will work in tandem with this and other goals of the EPIC program.
The plan will pivot on five targeted and integrated goals: Stimulating economic development. Successful neighborhoods Expanding investment in housing and other real estate. Jacksonville has a serious shortage of safe, affordable housing. Building EPIC Communities will increase efforts to preserve rental apartments that face expiring federal subsidies and facilitate construction or renovation of homes for purchase whether through
are not retail wastelands. In addition to providing much-needed services to the community, retail also provides job opportunities for residents. LISC Jacksonville has been active in commercial corridor revitalization by providing technical support for Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR Council) and through
programs such as the City of Jacksonville’s Neighborhood
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
the North Point office/retail project in Northwest Jacksonville.
Supporting healthy environments and lifestyles. LISC
Additionally, Grace & Truth CDC has established a business
Jacksonville believes that a complete neighborhood includes well-
association along the Norwood Avenue corridor to support the
maintained green space for play and recreation as well as access to
efforts of local business. Their plans for the development of the
fresh food, medical care and a safe environment. Through LISC’s
Norwood school include both senior citizen affordable rental
long-time partnership with the NFL Youth Football Fund, seven
housing and commercial space.
youth playing fields have been refurbished throughout Jacksonville.
North Point, 15,000 sq. ft. commercial retail center, cost of $3.7 million, providing 20 new jobs Improving access to quality education. Education is the bedrock of financial stability for families. The impact of a pro-learning community is increased value of homes, a workforce with access to living wage jobs, and improvement in the quality of life for all. EPIC hopes to expand the availability of quality childcare centers and
We know that many of our core neighborhoods do not have easy access to grocery stores with fresh food and that can contribute to childhood obesity and several adult health concerns.
45 Energy Star-certified homes through assistance of The Home Depot Foundation Five LEED certified homes built by Operation New Hope
facilitate outstanding youth development and after-school programs. Nationally LISC has been very involved in these activities as well as obtaining funding for charter schools. Here in Jacksonville, LISC has supported the KIPP Jacksonville Impact Middle School, the first KIPP school in the city, through its New Markets Tax Credit program.
The financial goal of Building EPIC Communities is to commit more than $20 million of LISC grants, loans, and equity capital to leverage a total community investment of more than $100 million during the next three years. With this investment, the Northside and Eastside neighborhoods should be well on their way to
4.2 million New Markets Tax Credit for KIPP Jacksonville Impact Middle School
$
sustainable economic viability. 3
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
LEVERAGING AN
EPIC Educational Opportunity
How does LISC Jacksonville leverage an educational opportunity? By
Financial Institutions Fund within the U.S. Department of the
providing much needed funds to create a proven positive academic
Treasury has been authorized to allocate $19.5 billion through a
environment. Starting with early learning programs on up through
competitive bidding process. The NMTCs are intended to spur
high school, LISC Jacksonville believes that there are many ways to
investment of new capital and provide qualified low-income
provide quality education. Our first project was working with the
community investments. LISC national has received NMTC awards
KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter school that planned to
in excess of $450 million to finance 30 transactions and LISC
open a school in Jacksonville. LISC realized that investment was
Jacksonville was able to secure money to make the KIPP Impact
necessary to assist with the conversion of a building that was a
Middle School a reality.
former greyhound racing track. The KIPP program is a national network of free, open-enrollment, With KIPP providing a line of credit for construction, New Markets
college-preparatory public schools that prepare students in
Tax Credits (NMTC) financing provided the equity needed to
underserved communities for success in college and in life. There
reduce the amount that would have to be borrowed. The $4.2
are currently 99 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of
million NMTC from the National Equity Fund, a part of LISC
Columbia serving more than 27,000 students.
national, enabled the first KIPP School in Florida to open in Jacksonville in August, 2010.
KIPP builds a partnership with parents, students and teachers that puts learning first. The KIPP Impact Middle School in Jacksonville is
New Markets Tax Credits have been around for nearly 20 years. The
one of 60 KIPP middle schools. Students are accepted regardless of
program which is administered by the Community Development
prior academic record, conduct or socioeconomic background.
5
QUALITY, SAFE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Undergoes a Renaissance
Not all people can afford to buy a home but everyone deserves safe,
managing a senior complex called Oakland Terrace in East
decent affordable housing. Several of the LISC Jacksonville partner
Jacksonville. Their work at both Mayfair and Oakland Terrace
community development corporations are involved with multi-family
has resulted in a significant drop in crime at these locations.
rental housing projects. Northwest Jacksonville CDC has on its drawing board plans to create North Point Village with housing for seniors. Grace & Truth CDC has acquired the Norwood School and recently closed on the property. Their plans call for affordable senior housing as well as retail/commercial space. Ability Housing focuses its entire efforts on affordable housing for people in danger of becoming homeless or transitioning out of homelessness as well as the developmentally disabled. Ability Housing’s purchase and renovation of the Mayfair Village complex has shown the quality of their work. Long-time residents have thanked the local construction crew with surprise hugs
Now Ability Housing, with technical assistance from LISC Jacksonville and financing from the City of Jacksonville’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program, is getting ready to renovate a 52-unit complex formerly known as Brandywine Court. The complex has been boarded up for years but construction will soon begin to renovate and rechristen the apartments Renaissance Village. Renovations will include major facade and landscape improvements; roof, window, door, plumbing, electrical and HVAC replacements; and new kitchen, bath and interior finishes.
because they are so happy with the result. Ability Housing is also
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
STABILIZING NEIGHBORHOODS IN AN
7
EPIC Way
The impact of the Great Recession on foreclosures throughout the
construction when it would be cheaper to build a new home than
United States has been devastating. No more so than in the core
renovate the existing structure. Two of the CDCs, Grace & Truth
neighborhoods of Jacksonville. The City of Jacksonville had
and Northwest Jacksonville CDC, have done that and won honors in
identified zip codes with the highest rates of foreclosures and
the recent Northeast Florida Builder’s Association Parade of Homes
worked with HUD to receive money to buy foreclosed housing,
contest. Grace & Truth CDC won the gold medal in the $90,000 to
renovate it to current construction standards, and resell to qualified
$105,000 price range for 933 Glencarin Street and NJCDC won the
affordable housing applicants. The program, called Neighborhood
silver medal for 2478 Susan Badger Court.
Stabilization Program or NSP for short, has been active in Jacksonville for almost three years. LISC Jacksonville partner community development corporations have been participants since curbing foreclosures also helps them to further stabilize their neighborhoods. Northwest Jacksonville CDC, Grace & Truth CDC, Metro North CDC, Operation New Hope and Ability Housing have all participated. Ability Housing has provided safe, quality affordable rental housing for those who cannot meet the financial qualifications for home ownership (see facing page).
This was the second time that LISC-supported CDCs participated in the Parade of Homes and both times came away with medals. It is a testament to their hard work and commitment to quality for their homeowners. The work of NSP is imperative to the EPIC Communities initiative. Expanding investment in housing and homeownership that increases family wealth are two of the five targeted goals of EPIC. Additionally, when families have a stable living environment, children have a stable schooling pattern which allows for continuity of education.
The Neighborhood Stabilization Program also allows for new
SPOTLIGHT ON
EPIC Undertakings
National AmeriCorps Meeting
Winners of the DASH Awards were:
LISC Jacksonville has been in the spotlight during the past year
AmeriCorps Member/Alumni – Jerome Crawford, a former Metro
starting with the hosting of the national LISC AmeriCorps
North CDC volunteer and AmeriCorps member who works as Vice
conference in October. Members of the AmeriCorps program who
President of Operations for Lutheran Social Services.
were assigned to LISC offices throughout the United States came to Jacksonville for training, education and a get-acquainted meeting. During the visit, LISC Jacksonville enlisted the 200 AmeriCorps
Youth in Action – Davenna Gabriel of Sandalwood High School class of 2011 who volunteers daily with Northwest Jacksonville CDC.
participants to volunteer to paint portions of the interior of a senior
Community Service Leader – Mary Eaves who has been involved
citizen affordable housing complex, The Towers. AmeriCorps
with her 29th and Chase neighborhood for over 30 years and is a
members grabbed the paint and climbed the stairs of the high rise
founding board member of Northwest Jacksonville CDC.
building to freshen up the walls. After the painting session, a string quartet from the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra entertained
Compassionate Leader – Awarded posthumously to William “Bill”
Towers’ residents and the AmeriCorps volunteers.
Sulzbacher, a local businessman and philanthropist, for his long-time commitment to many community organizations including Ability
DASH Awards
Housing and the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless.
Also part of the LISC AmeriCorps conference was the first annual LISC Jacksonville DASH Awards Dinner. The DASH Awards honored
EPIC Saturday
an AmeriCorps Member/Alumni, Community Servant Leader,
As part of LISC national’s day of caring activities around mid-April,
Compassionate Leader and Youth in Action. The term DASH is
LISC Jacksonville partnered with Greenscape and The Tree Momma
based on the story of the man who remarked when looking at a
Project to landscape an area of Northwest Jacksonville CDC’s
tombstone that the most important part of a person’s life isn’t the
neighborhood.
date of their birth or the day of their death but what the individual
UNF and United Way volunteers helped mulch and plant flowers
accomplishes in between – “the dash.”
and shrubs while Greenscape arranged for large crepe myrtles to be
Guest speaker for the event was Al Letson, a performance poet,
planted in the area.
playwright, actor and public radio host. His program “State of the
It wouldn’t be a celebration without a barbecue lunch and then, in
Re:Union” on NPR travels to an American city or town to discover
honor of the upcoming Easter holiday, a children’s party complete
what people are doing to create community and transcend their
with face-painting, balloon sculpting and an Easter egg hunt.
circumstances.
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
9
LISC JACKSONVILLE
Supporters, Board & Staff
Private Sector Support (1999-2010)
Public Sector Support
Anheuser-Busch Foundation
City of Jacksonville
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Corporation for National and Community Service
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
J.F. Bryan, IV CIBC National Bank
Staff
Citi-Global Community Relations
Janet Owens, Executive Director
The Community Foundation in Jacksonville
Gene Montgomery, Senior Program Officer
DuBow Family Foundation
Bob Rodeheaver, Program Assistant
Jessie Ball duPont Fund EverBank
Board of Directors
Fifth Third Bank
J.F. Bryan, IV, Chairman, The Bryan Group
Florida Rock Industries, Inc.
Bill Brinton, The Community Foundation in Jacksonville
GMAC Financial Services
Michelle Braun, Wachovia/Wells Fargo
The Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation Trust
The Reverend Eddie Jones, Jr., Jessie Ball duPont Fund
The Henry and Lucy Gooding Endowment
Linda Persandi, SunTrust Bank
David M. Hicks
Deborah Pierson, Bank of America
The Home Depot Foundation
John Surface, EverBank
Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation
Pat Williams, Sr., Edna Sproull Williams Foundation
The Thomas M. Kirbo and Irene B. Kirbo Charitable Trust Gasper and Irene Lazzara
Program Committee
Joan W. Newton
Deborah Pierson, Chair
NFL Youth Football Fund
J.F. Bryan, IV
The Prudential Foundation
Ronnie Ferguson
Regency Realty Corporation
Valerie Hendriex
Regions Bank (formerly AmSouth)
Eddie Jones, Jr.
The Diane T. and Charles E. Rice Family Foundation
Edward King, Jr.*
Robert T. Shircliff
Ruth Owen
David A. Stein Family Foundation
Linda Persandi
Martin E. Stein
John Zell
The Stellar Group
*LISC Jacksonville mourns the passing of one of our longtime supporters,
SunTrust Bank, North Florida
Edward King, Jr. His work with the Jessie Ball duPont Fund on behalf of
John Surface
LISC Jacksonville will be remembered.
John D. Uible The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation
Communications & Public Policy Committee
J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Advised Fund of The Community Foundation in Jacksonville
Mary Alice Phelan, Chair
Edna Sproull Williams Foundation
J.F. Bryan, IV
Winn-Dixie Foundation
Deborah Pierson
Bill Brinton
Special thanks to Scott-McRae Advertising and PRI Productions, Inc.
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
11
LISC JACKSONVILLE
Financials
(1)
Revenue Local Donor National Donor Government Cash Fees & Other Transfers: In (Out) (2) Total Revenue (3)
2009 964,180 $75,000 $321,143 $34,554 ($94,200) $1,300,677
2010 686,680 $50,000 $683,337 $6,049 ($30,200) $1,395,866
Expenses Salary & Fringe OTPS Program Consultants Program Legal Program Expense (4) Program Grant Expense (5) Recoverable Grant Disbursed Total Expenses
2009 463,269 $238,825 $102,955 $27,414 $34,902 $310,000 $61,747 $1,239,112
2010 412,093 $265,935 $58,573 $23,794 $6,970 $783,410 $43,982 $1,594,757
$
$
Balance Beginning Account Balance Ending Account Balance
2009 474,992 $536,557 $
$
$
2010 247,941 $43,002
$
Notes to Expenses: (1)
Financial reports from LISC Jacksonville are part of the consolidated report of LISC. Copies of the completed audited financial statement may be obtained by contacting LISC Jacksonville at (904) 3531300 ext. 14.
(2)
“Transfers” reflects the cost to the LISC Jacksonville program to participate in the LISC AmeriCorps program. The funds are transferred to another fund within LISC.
(3)
LISC Jacksonville raises funds in three-year cycles, resulting in higher revenue often coming in the first year that is carried forward to subsequent years.
(4)
The fluctuation in the amount of Program Grants to CDCs is an end-of-the-year entry problem. LISC Jacksonville commits the majority of grants to CDCs in December to be available to CDCs in January. Sometimes these grant commitments are recorded at National LISC in December; at other times they may not be booked until January depending upon when the grant is processed at LISC’s New York headquarters.
(5) Program Expenses include costs of technical assistance by LISC staff or consultants, training and seminars, scholarships to CDCs for attending outside conferences or trainings, and LISC legal expenses.
Building EPIC Communities: A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO EMPOWER PEOPLE & INSPIRE CHANGE
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