Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center
CONNECTIONS VOL. 25 ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Empowering People. Building Relationships. Reducing Violence.
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The mission of Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center is to foster collaborative engagement by bringing people together, facilitating conversation, and building these skills in our community. Our community-building work and all current programs are wrapped into three overarching initiatives: Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, and Engaging Communities. Our long history and expertise in mediation, facilitation, and training are the heart of these Initiatives. The Empowering Youth Initiative creates opportunities for young people to reshape their communities and manage conflicts, by becoming critical thinkers and active participants in developing solutions. The Strengthening Families Initiative helps parents utilize community services, maintain family relationships, and build their leadership skills so they can support their children’s success. The Engaging Communities Initiative creates opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to come together, work towards a common goal, and have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
Board of Trustees
Steve Kane, Chair Toni Barrack, Past Chair Joshua S. Hugg, Secretary Peter Daniel, Treasurer Leslie Airola-Murveit John Bejarano Gerard Brossard Roy Cunha Brasil Warren Dale Radhika Emens Debra Gerardi Sonoo Thadaney-Israni Juan Negrillo Diana Oliva-Aroche Mauricio Palma Alexandra Pastor Dani Robinson Ric Rudman John Segall David E. Vallerga Jimmie E. Wilson
Advisory Council Dean Bagley Florence Beier John Bejarano John Blackman Irma Compton Warren Dale Arlie Ferguson Jeff Gee Gary Goldberg Marvin Goodman Arlen Gregorio Jerry Harris Sanford Heisler Donald Horsley Rod Hsiao Peggy Jensen Ester Kozaczuk Vivian Kral William Kwong Nadine Levin Susan Loftus Melissa Lukin Jim Madison Susan Manheimer Kathleen Mckenna Honora Miller Kevin Mullin Ana Navarro Valerie Powell Elizabeth Proctor Cathy Rincon Sheila Purcell
Staff
Jennifer Acuna Brittany Afu Nellie Alberdi Celia Benavides Anne Bers Russell Brunson Cecilia Canale Renee Castro Evelia Chairez Carla Garcia Keisarina Hafoka Lily Liggins Gustavo Lopez Angelica Mariano Cindy Marroquin AddieRose Mayer Aida Negron Malissa Netane Sara Randazzo Thomasina Russaw Zehra Vahanvaty Michelle Vilchez John Yap
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Dear Friend, It’s been an exciting second year at the helm of the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC). In 2013, we realigned our efforts under three bold Initiatives and launched a new Training Department all to support our ambitious vision of a community that is strong, resilient, and collaborative. At the core of this vision are three guiding principles for tackling large social issues: to grow people’s capacity to advocate for themselves, to celebrate and use differences for lasting solutions, and to work together to form meaningful partnerships. There is a bitter sweetness to the year’s accomplishments, as we grieved the loss of a great friend and mentor, Corinne Centeno. She dedicated her life to improving her community through her work and volunteerism. Corinne will be greatly missed by many. This year, we are proud to honor her legacy, by dedicating our 2014 Annual Report to her beautiful spirit. Corinne had a tremendous impact throughout San Mateo County. However, her greatest contributions to our agency came through her mentorship, and service as a mediation volunteer and Board member. For me and many PCRC staff, her vision, partnership, and guidance are irreplaceable. Most importantly, Corinne did all of this with a smile, a genuine interest in each of us, and a wonderful sense of humor that made us enjoy even the tough aspects of our work. Corinne also played a crucial role in helping direct many of our fundraising activities, which continue to support the organization immensely. Even after her passing, Corinne continues to support PCRC through a generous bequest. Her gift enables us to build PCRC’s infrastructure so we can better meet the needs of San Mateo County. As 2014 begins, we urge you to remember Corinne’s words, “be the force to create change in your community.” Look for opportunities to support causes, with your time and talent. Remember that change begins with you. We are grateful for all you do to help us improve San Mateo County. Together, with your continued generosity, we will transform the lives of youth, families, and our communities for a strong, resilient, and collaborative San Mateo County. Warmest regards, Michelle Vilchez
P.S. Look for the launch of our new website early this year!
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In loving Memory of Corinne Centeno
This year’s PCRC Annual Report is dedicated to our former board chairperson, Corinne Centeno. Corinne passed away on June 13, 2012, following a brave battle with cancer. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world,” Margaret Mead wrote, and Corinne Centeno lived the philosophy. By her steadfast example, she demonstrated how hard work, caring, and determination can make a lasting difference in people’s lives. Corinne was born in San Francisco and grew up in Redwood City, graduating from Sequoia High School, in 1972. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish at UC Santa Barbara, she returned to her beloved home to begin a life of public service that spanned 34 years. Throughout that time, she established deep roots and many enduring friendships. Starting at Redwood City’s Fair Oaks Community Center, in 1976, she put her bilingual and problem-solving talents to work at the front desk. In 1983, she became the manager and honed her skills in facilitation, conflict resolution, and civic engagement. The skills served her well as Redwood City’s first assistant to the city manager, a post she assumed in the early 1990s. Working with the city’s neighborhood associations, she helped address a variety of issues to ensure the safety and accessibility of city parks. The supervisory position paved the way for an eventual appointment in 2000. She bcame the director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, a position she held for 10 years. She believed that parks were an extension of a family’s living room and advocated for what became Redwood City’s “3-acres-per-1000-people” park standard. Not one to let life slow her down, when Corinne discovered a lump in her breast she scheduled the surgery and was back on the job within a week. Through it all, she still found time to volunteer on the boards of Shelter Network, PCRC, and the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life. Upon her retirement, in 2009, her boss and former City Manager, Peter Ingram, praised her for the vibrant and effective organizational culture she inspired. He honored her value as a role model, her ability to bring together volunteers, and her skill in succession planning. Chris Beth, whom she had mentored at Parks and Recreation, was appointed as her replacement. “I’ve never met someone so devoted to her community, so passionate about making a positive difference, and socaring of her staff,” he recalls. “Corinne empowered
us to do the right thing and not the easy thing, which became part of our city’s values.” Pat Brown, Former Executive Director of PCRC and Redwood City 2020, met Corinne, in the early 1980’s, while serving on the Redwood City School Board. “Corinne provided a kind of open door to working with the city that didn’t exist before,” Pat remembers. “She helped establish after-school childcare at all the school sites during an era when more mothers were working outside the home. She was willing to meet the harder challenges, and pushed the city to take on more of a human services role.” Corinne cared deeply about young people and strongly encouraged them to push themselves to achieve their goals. City Manager of East Palo Alto, Magda Gonzalez, was just a teen when she began working for Corinne at Fair Oaks. “Corinne challenged me to post my grades over the copier and strive for success,” she remembers. “She lent me out to other City departments so I could learn about local government and see the big picture.” Empowered to develop the values that were already within her, Magda committed her life to public service. “Corinne was a great friend and mentor. I think of her fondly, every single day.” Corinne’s legacy is as much about how she approached her work, as what she left behind. Her boldness, compassion and can-do attitude influenced many to become the leaders she believed they could be, long before they did. For all she gave to her family, friends and community, we remember her with deep affection and gratitude.
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Initiatives:
more effective ways to communicate with his family and keep
Fortifying Leaders through Empowering Youth Initiative
his triggers in check. Today, Martin continues to hold down
(EYI): In 2010, 15 Pacific Islander seniors at San Mateo High
the job he found after release. Through self-development
School were scheduled to graduate. But only two walked the
skills, education on social issues, community service opportunities,
stage. Deeply concerned by these statistics, the County of
and family activities, youth who work with PCRC build skills to
San Mateo, the Pacific Islander Community, the School District
attain their goals. This year, EYI served 939 youth, and over
and PCRC came together to find a solution. As a result, we
400 families and staff.
raised the graduation rate of at-risk, Pacific Islander students participating in PCRC programs from 8% in 2009 to 100% in 2013. This is just one example of how young people and their families use PCRC to make significant life adjustments and become skilled community leaders.
Bridging Cultures through Strengthening Families Initiative (SFI): Principal Davis contacted PCRC after observing divisions between families based on culture, language, and socioeconomic status at his elementary school. Concerned about the impact this could have Another example is Martin, an incarcerated youth we met
on students and school climate, Principal Davis had
through our Youth Services Center Leadership series. He later
PCRC facilitate a parent dialogue. The experience
participated in Family Reentry Conferencing (FRC), in which
allowed families to realize that although differences
staff from PCRC and the County help incarcerated youth and
existed, so did commonalities. Families were able to
their families create a plan for returning to their communities.
agree and connect on one key thing—the success of
Through FRC, Martin recognized he needed to come up with
each child. This is where change begins. Studies
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demonstrate that parent involvement helps increase literacy levels, high school completion, college enrollment rates, academic success and pro-social development of students. At PCRC partner schools, 77.2% of students are Limited English Proficient, 84% of families are Latino, and 89.1% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged. PCRC understands that for some, family engagement is often foreign, especially for those who do not speak English or are unfamiliar with the system of education. SFI addresses this by helping parents utilize community services, maintain family relationships, and build leadership skills so they can better support their children’s success. This year PCRC served 3,176 families from 14 schools, 2 districts, and 4 organizations. In addition, we connected 1,308 families to basic needs services provided 492 health coverage consultations, and were recognized by San Mateo County for enrolling approximately 50 uninsured families, per month, in low-cost health care. Changing Neighborhoods through Engaging Communities Initiative (ECI): Maria first arrived in North Amphlett, San Mateo from Mexico in 2004. With high crime and gang activity, she quickly moved. In 2007, Maria heard the environment had improved because of PCRC’s Strengthening Neighborhoods project, a partnership between residents, law enforcement, and building owners.
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When she returned, Maria witnessed the transformation her neighbors had helped create. When the Prevention Partnership formed to address the access and sales of alcohol to minors in her neighborhood, Maria joined the cause. She participated in PCRC-led leadership trainings and advocated for stricter enforcement of alcohol sales. This year, the Prevention Partnership members passed a local policy that would hold stores caught selling alcohol to minors accountable. Maria’s story is just one example of how ECI builds capacity for community members to mobilize, address complex social issues, and revitalize neighborhoods. Maria and others found healing by taking ownership of the drug and alcohol problems they saw and breathed new hope into their community. This year, ECI served 4,518 through our model of “Build, Revitalize, and Heal,” enabling whole communities to overcome the emotional scars and bruises left from violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and extreme health disparities. Service Departments Mediation: A dispute between a bank customer and manager regarding loan fees was resolved in a conciliated agreement: “I didn’t get the full amount I asked for, but the settlement gives me closure and I can now put the matter behind me. Thank you for all your help.” Neighbors came together in mediation over a disagreement about the location of a newly built fence. “I was impressed with all the help I received and recommended
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your service to a friend.”
These are just two examples of the many groups we
Coworkers, who were former friends, agreed to restore
helped work together more effectively in 2013. This
communication after an organizational restructuring
year, our facilitation services reached over 1,000 residents.
created a strain in their relationship.
As a neutral, third-party, PCRC designed processes to
“Thank you for your time and expertise. Communication
successfully guide cities through tough issues such
seems easier now.”
as affordable housing, budget cuts, and public safety.
These are just some of the reflections from mediation clients
We supported fellow community-based organizations
in 2013. During the year we helped hundreds of people
through strategic planning and visioning processes; and
shape the outcome of their disputes by delving into the
we provided forums for schools and families to come to-
issues that divide. Mediation participants are coached to
gether, break down cultural barriers, and identify ways to
develop tools for more productive communication,
collectively support their children’s success.
resulting in a deeper understanding of the other’s real concerns. Often, with an improved relationship, participants wind up with a sustainable resolution they have co-created. They become owners of the decision making process and
Training:“I really enjoyed that the trainers enjoyed their work and show such enthusiasm for it.” “AH-MAZING! Very well thought out and executed with the student’s
the architects for their future.
needs at the forefront.” - Attendees, Basic Mediation Training
Facilitation: “Thank you for all your wonderful work with
We believe people have the ability to grow, advocate for
East Palo Alto. It is really setting a new standard and is
themselves and be agents of change in their communities.
helping us establish trust with the community, not only with
Our trainings empower individuals and groups to take on
these issues, but hopefully into the future.”
challenges in all aspects of life through skills development
-Magda A. Gonzalez, City Manager, City of East Palo Alto
sessions. This year we were proud to host the 40-Hour
“After working with PCRC I have a new appreciation of
Basic Mediation training (our first in over sixteen years!),
what it takes to do authentic community engagement. I
Basic Facilitation Skills, Advanced Skills in Facilitation,
now understand that doing one community meeting for a
and Beyond Bullying: Promoting Empathy and Respect
complex planning issue isn’t enough.”
Among Youth.
-Guido F. Persicone, Associate Planner, City of East Palo Alto
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Sources of Funds:
3%
City, County & School District Contracts
City Con
12%
$1,195,678
Fee
Fee for service $72,258
Inve
Investments $2,480 Miscellaneous Income $30,994 Foundation and Corporate grants
$292,500
Individual and Corporate contributions
$226,423 3% 3% Events $56,927 12% 3% 12% 3% 12% 3% 12% Total Revenue $1,877,260 3% 12% 3%
Fou 2% 0% 4%
2% 0% 4% 0% 4% 2% We are committed to2% using resources effectively and 4% 0% responsibly to advance our mission. We secure donors, 0% 4% sponsors, and city and state funding streams through excel4%
lent service in our community. Through the success of our Initiatives and Service Departments, we secured long-term funds from the San Mateo County Department of Probation, San Mateo County Behavior Health and 5% to Recovery Services, and a donor-advised endowment 5% support many of our youth initiatives. 19% 5%
City, County & School District City, County & School District Contracts Contracts & School District City, County Fee f or s ervice Contracts & School District Fee for service City, County
Ind con
Eve
Miscellaneous Investments Income FoundaCon and Corporate grants FoundaCon Corporate grants Miscellaneous Income Investments Investments a nd 64% 64% 64% 64% 64% 64% 64%
FoundaCon and Corporate grants Miscellaneous Income Individual and Corporate Individual a nd C orporate FoundaCon and Corporate grants Miscellaneous IIncome Miscellaneous ncome contribuCons contribuCons Individual and Corporate FoundaCon and Corporate grants Events contribuCons Events and Individual Corporate FoundaCon aand C FoundaCon nd Corporate orporate ggrants rants contribuCons Events and Corporate Individual contribuCons Events aand Individual Individual nd C Corporate orporate contribuCons Events contribuCons Events Events
5%
19%
Prog 76%
19% 19%
We continue to cultivate relationships with partner foundations, including the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Kaiser Foundation, and Franklin Templeton Foundation. 76% PCRC commits to attracting individual donors by hosting 76% annual fundraisers. Our annual BER dinner specifically 76% supports our efforts to build empathy and respect across the county.
64%
Contracts & School District Fee service City, for County Investments Contracts & Investments SSchool Fee service City, C City, for County ounty & chool D District istrict Contracts Investments Fee for service Contracts Miscellaneous Income Miscellaneous Investments Income Fee Fee ffor or sservice ervice
12% 12% 15% 15% Program $1,242,688 15% Management and General $316,254 15% Fundraising $77,527 2% 15% 2% 15% 15% 2% 0% 0% 4% Total Expenses $1,636,469 2% 0% 4%
Mis
15%
Man
Fun
Program Program Program Management and General Management and General Management Fundraising and General Fundraising Fundraising
11 We are tremendously grateful to our donors. Without their support, we could not accomplish our vision for a strong, resilient, and collaborative San Mateo County. PCRC has received donations from 100% of its staff and Board of Directors The following list represents the generous gifts and invaluable time donated from long-standing partners, allies and friends.
Donors:
Jennifer Acuna Brittany Afu Jessica Aguilar Matt Ahrens Nellie Alberdi Edward Andrews Ana Angel Anonymous Antonio Arenas Linda E. Atkinson Dean & Jane Bagley Craig Baker Robert C. Barrett Frank & Kathy Bartaldo Celia Benavides Alondra Bermudez Anne Bers Janet Borgens Roy & Cheryl Brasil Patricia Brown Russell Brunson Joseph C. Bunker Cecilia Canale Renee Castro The Estate of Corinne Centeno Evelia Chairez Javon-Demetrius Cogmon Ellyn Correy Jean Cota Michael F. Coyne David & Nancy Crabbe Warren Dale Greg & Heather Damelio Mario P. Diaz Michael & Maria Doktorczyk Kathy Emery Daniel Flores Hal E. Forbes Gregory & Sandy Franchi Mr. & Mrs. Theodore H. Gaballe Carla Garcia William Gekakis Deb Gerardi Evelyn Gomez James & Michelle Graf Keisarina Hafoka Sanford & Lois Heisler Karen R. Herrel Tom Huening Rod Hsiao Peggy Jensen William & Margaret Jensen Janice & Monte Klein Matthew Ledesma Mario D. Leon
Nadine P. Levin Lily Liggins Sharlene Liu Gustavo Lopez Carlos Magallon Sheila Mahoney-Speiller Jaime Marcic Angelica Mariano Cindy Marroquin Salvador Martinez AddieRose Mayer Douglas & Ricki McGlashan Kelley McKenzie Jon Mires Steven & Judith Mitchell Robert Most Gerardo Murillo Prishni Murillo Hy Murveit Leslie Airola-Murveit Ana Navarro Christian Navarro Aida Negron Malissa Netane Alicia Perez Pilgrim Organization Inc. Nancy Pili Sara Randazzo Nora Razon Cesar Rodriguez Thomasina Russaw Victor & Janet Schachter Bernadine Scoles George H. Smith Dracy Silva Peyton Stewart Jemmie L. Swindell Sonoo Thadaney Josephine Anna Thompson Kirk Thompson Zehra Vahanvaty Michelle Vilchez George F. Westermark Thurman V. White Jr. John Yap Tomas Yatteau Dale Young Richard & Miriam Zimmerman
Foundation & Others: • Agape Foundation Charitable Trust • Atkinson Foundation • Bohannon Foundation • Franklin Templeton Investments
• Hurlbut-Johnson Trust, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers • Noble Solutions Inc. • Silicon Valley Community Foundation 2013 Briefings: $5,000 + (Gold) The Herbst Foundation Michele & John McNellis $2,000 + (Silver) Hy Murveit Leslie Airola-Murveit John & Katy Bejarano San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League $1,000 + (Bronze) 180 Degrees LLC Toni Barrack Rolf & Florence Beier Boston Private Bank & Trust Company Pat Brown & Warren Dale Jennifer Bullock & Matthew Humphrey Jill & Paul Ekas Tina & Joshua Hugg Jackie & Steve Kane Notre Dame de Namur Univ. Alexandra & David Pastor Valerie Powell Patti Price Cathy Rincon Ric Rudman San Mateo Credit Union Reva & John Segall Betsy Vegso Familia Vilchez Thurman & Elaine White Underwriting Fiduciary Trust International Franklin Templeton Investments Ridge Vineyards
Volunteers:
Deborah Adelman Leslie Airola-Murveit Mylene Ansari J.R. Bae
Toni Barrack Jacqueline Bates Florence Beier Dick Bennett Anne Bernstein Nathalie Brossard Christine Budd Carmina Chavez Michelle Cheng David Cherniss Phil Crawford Teresa Dentino Gail Diserens Elaine El-Bizri Stephen Emigh Lisette Espinoza Jose Luis Figueroa Maria Figueroa Lynne Fitzgerald Juan Flores Stefani Dalana Flores Linda Ganster Carla Garcia Sanford Garfinkel Debra Gerardi Rhonda Gessow Nereyda Guzman Jerry Harris Patti Holt Connie Huebner Dean Isaacs Sonoo Thadaney Israni Dwight James Julianne Jensen Steven Kane Revital Kogot Tam Koster Ken Koval Vivian Kral Heather Landis Gerrie Linn Mehida Gonzalez Lopez Patricia Lopez Allis Marie McCormack Doug McGlashan Calvin McKnight Viole McMahon Ivette Melendez Steve Minden Steven Mitchell Karen Cak Niederkohr Juan Negrillo Nick Nichols Mary Oleksy Ana Orejel Maria Orejel
Daniela Pacheco Derek Plemons Valerie Powell Mayte Quiroz Nina Raff Liva Neyroud Rajaonah Aracely Ramirez Christian Ramirez Rudy Ramirez Dena Reiner Martha Rodenborn Ric Rudman John Segall Teri Sklar Alondra Soto Susan Stone Janis Stoner Kay Suk Duf Sundheim Susan Swope Jshon Thomas Fred Totah Zehra Vahanvaty Mike Vallerga Sandra Van der Schoor Linda Voss Cordell Wesselink Jeffrey Windsor Julie Wool Maria Worthge Diego Zamora David Zarubin Richard Zimmerman Miriam Zimmerman Pazit Zohar
2014 Trainings
02.25.14 12-Week Parent Project, Daly City 02.28.14 Basic Facilitation Day 1 03.07.14 Basic Facilitation Day 2 03.10.14 10-Week Basic Tongan Language & Conversational Youth Class 03.11.14 10-Week Basic Tongan Language & Conversational Adult Class 03.21.14 Working with Pacific Islanders for Service Provider 04.11.14 Needs of Gang Impacted Youth 04.00.14 Mental Health First Aid 04.30.14 Pacific Islander Violence Prevention Conference Day 1 05.01.14-05.02.14 Pacific Islander Violence Prevention Conference Days 2-3 08.01.14 Latino Family Values & Elements of Relationship Building with Families 08.08.14 Cultural Competence When Working with Latino Immigrant Families 08.15.14 Parent Involvement Strategies 09.04.14-09.20.14 40-hr Basic Mediation Training 10.12.14-10.19.14 Parent Teen Mediation Training Call our office or visit our website to register. Ways to Give
If you are unable to attend one of our trainings, you can help by donating. Your contribution will help make lasting changes in the lives of our neighbors! PCRC commits to use your generosity wisely to meet the growing need in our community. Please donate with a credit card securely online or give monthly gifts as a way to help. Employer Matching Gifts—check with your employer / United Way Workplace Donations / Securities / Bequests / Planned Gifts / IRA Gifts / Tribute or Memorial Gifts Please send donations to: Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center 1660 South Amphlett Blvd. Suite 219 / San Mateo, CA 94402 www.pcrcweb.org
VOL. 25 ANNUAL REPORT 2014