REAL Services, Inc. 2020 Annual Report
REAL Services Connects Seniors to the Community I haven’t seen my children in almost a year, one senior describes to a REAL Services staff member over the phone. While another senior describes having no one to receive a call from. Seniors were excited to hear a friendly voice and to have an ear to share stories with. Social Isolation and loneliness are among the top concerns of older adults, especially during the pandemic. Another senior described her Meals on Wheels volunteer as being the only person she has seen from a distance during the pandemic. So many seniors have described that knock on the door as a highlight each day. Not just because of receiving a meal, but waving or saying hello to a caring person. Whether a phone call or a knock on the door, these actions help combat social isolation and loneliness. In March of 2020 REAL Services identified older adults that were suffering from social isolation and loneliness, and responded to the need by creating a new phone call program. REAL Services staff kept seniors connected to the community by making 11,405 individual phone calls between April and the end of 2020 and this number is increasing. 43% of those seniors reported feeling lonely and 27% reported feeling isolated from others. Regular social contact has been proven to combat feelings of anxiety, depression, and generalized loss of function. While speaking with these older adults, we were able to identify their needs as well as screen for physical and other mental health issues. While REAL Services shifted to address immediate needs in the community brought on by COVID-19, existing programs needed to continue. Service delivery models changed while the number of people assisted grew. We are grateful for all those who make a difference in the lives of others every day.
REAL Services fights for the Independence, Dignity, and the Strength of our community. Independence. Dignity. Strength. What a year! As the pandemic spread throughout the country, and throughout the State, the mission of REAL Services - Independence, Dignity and Strength- became even more vital to the residents of our region. REAL Services, Inc. realized immediately that COVID-19 presented an unprecedented risk for those the agency served and would place a strain on our communities and their resources. A flood of information from all sources warned that the virus was affecting older adults, especially those with chronic conditions, and they were experiencing some of the most severe cases of the virus, and sadly, the highest mortality rates. The agency quickly developed a response plan to serve older adults, and other vulnerable citizens in the region. REAL Services has always focused on building communities for all ages, and assisting those who are fighting to be as independent as possible. This crisis amplified the need and alerted the Board and staff that more must be done, and it needed to be done now. We confronted the pandemic with goals of continuing to serve all current clients, while keeping our team of staff members safe. We were successful!
Believing in the dignity of all people, the objective of REAL Services is to assist in establishing a community in which those we serve can maintain their independence to the maximum degree possible and find meaning and satisfaction throughout their lives.
Little did we know that because of our generous supporters, our laser-focused employees, and our dedicated Board of Directors that REAL Services would have the opportunity to help more people than at any other time in our 55 year history. In addition to ensuring that all assistance continued, new programs and services were launched to meet immediate emergency needs. We are deeply grateful to be part of communities that do whatever it takes to assist others – even in the midst of a pandemic. Becky Zaseck President/CEO
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“Our job is to serve those we are privileged to serve.” In 1966 REAL Services opened its’ doors. Les Fox, the founder, director, and chief executive officer wanted to help those people who had lost their jobs three years earlier, when South Bend’s largest employer, Studebaker, stopped automotive production in St. Joseph County. This closing put many loyal and older employees out of work. REAL Services, which stands for Resources for Enriching Adult Living, was started to serve the senior population and has now evolved into a variety of support services for not only the elderly but also low-income households throughout 12 northern Indiana counties. Today, Mr. Fox’s legacy remains as strong as it was more than five decades ago. REAL Services continues to support the individuals and families who are determined to be as independent as possible. 2
REAL SERVICES BOARD OF DIRECTORS J. Spike Abernethy Retired, Consultant
Edward Baer
Retired, Financial Consultant
Ryan Brennan
Tom Lee
Vice President of Human Resources Teachers Credit Union
Rafael Morton
President, St. Joseph City Council
Senior Director, Regional Development University of Notre Dame
Peter H. Mullen
Dr. JoAnn Burke
Karen Nevorski
Professor, St. Mary’s College
Mgr. Arnold Family Office
Ms. Margaret (Peggy) Cuggino
John Pendarvis
Retired Marketing and Sales Executive
Non-Profit Organizational Leader
Tom Ehlers
Mary Jane Stanley
Ehlers and Ehlers Financial Services
Tim Emerick
Partner & Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP
Steven Goldberg CPA and Consultant
Laura Hennings
Nurse, Beacon Health Systems
Janet Horvath
Former St. Joseph County Auditor
Retired Teacher Community Advocate & Volunteer
Michelle Stesiak
CPA and Analyst, 1st Source Bank
Steven Watts
Regional President, Centier Bank
Colette Wolfson
Retired, Educator and Administrator
Partner, Jones Obenchain
Debra Jenkins
Attorney, Director, Contracts Administration, Press Ganey Associates, Inc.
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INDEPENDENCE
Here are the Steps We Took to Carry Out the REAL Services’ Mission in 2020
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Financial education, counseling, and a matching savings program impacted 286 individuals wanting to improve their path to self-sufficiency through our Community Services Programs. 29 homes were made more safe and energy efficient by the Weatherization Team. On average, clients experienced over $30.00 per month savings on their utility bill after REAL Services provided weatherization.
The Energy Assistance Program helped 10,430 households remain warm during the harsh Midwest winter.
Our Transportation Department provided 8,406 trips helping older adults in the community get to their doctors’ appointments, grocery stores, and banks.
DIGNITY
75 vulnerable seniors are protected because of the Guardianship Program, which stands in as family, when no family is available.
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11,405 older adults received regular telephone calls to “Check In”, offer a friendly voice and talk about COVID-19 safety and needs. 1,281 volunteers donated their time and kindness to our clients, equating to 8,599 hours of helping others. 2,713 frail and disabled individuals were able to live in the community with the support of Care Management and In-Home Services, 96% of clients reported that they remain at home because of this help.
STRENGTH
309,014 nutritious meals were made, delivered, and enjoyed by older adults throughout the region as these individuals were unable to secure food for themselves. 4,897 caregivers, attended monthly support groups to gain insight, discuss challenges, and learn about caregiving. In addition 976 professionals were certified in Dementia Care because of Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana. 20,380 families and individuals were provided with information and resources to strengthen their lives through the Aging & Disability Resource Center. 350 people in the region affected by COVID-19 received assistance to pay their rent. 7
Making Sure Seniors Have Food COVID-19 Food Insecurity Response • 1000 new clients identified • 14,000 non-perishable food boxes delivered, 1 week supply each Food Boxes Delivered
• 72,727 frozen prepaired meals delivered to Congregate Sites • 66,420 Frozen prepared meals delivered to homes Individual Meals Delivered
The coronavirus crisis affected all ages, even those who are healthy. Shelves in grocery stores were depleted of food and everyday necessities throughout northern Indiana. Can you imagine the challenges faced by low-income seniors with health issues, unreliable transportation, and no financial ability to stock up for a stay at home order? REAL Services jumped in with help from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County and Crossroads United Way to purchase shelf sustainable food from the Northern Indiana Food Bank. REAL Services delivered 14,000 boxes to low-income seniors in St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties. REAL Services Weatherization staff, volunteers, and the National Guard packed boxes. United Beverage Co. in South Bend volunteered to deliver the skids of boxes to senior apartments where staff and volunteers, including Elkhart County’s Acts of Service, helped unload and carry each box inside. It was a meaningful project as seniors sitting on the sidelines stood up and gave the volunteers a standing ovation with clapping of hands and smiles.
In March 2020, REAL Services’ Meals on Wheels prepared thousands of frozen meals with anticipation of a possible shut down that would affect our vital meal delivery. Each recipient of Meals on Wheels and the 30 Nutrition congregate sites were given a supply of meals to store in their freezers. In addition, REAL Services arranged to have frozen meals shipped as we identified 1,000 new seniors who needed food. We were providing 10,000 meals per week. One of the new meals recipients wrote, “Thank you to everyone at REAL Services for all the frozen meals for me and everyone else, we wouldn’t have had food otherwise. We are blessed.”
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2020 Les Fox Leadership Circle Members (Donors of $1,000 or more)
Allen Steenbeke Amy Plotkin Anna Jean Cushwa Anonymous Becky and Todd Zaseck Brandon Tabor Charles and Sharon Nelson Chris and Carmi Murphy Claude and Mary Renshaw Dana Trowbridge and Karen Nevorski David and Susan Nufer Eric and Deborah Satterley George and Christine Hawthorne George and Colette Wolfson Glen Lothary Greta and Jay Lewis Ingrid and David Simmons J William Hunt
J. Spike and Carol Abernethy Jack and Linda Young John and Ann Firth John and Elizabeth Pendarvis John and Stephanie Nunemaker Judith Eck Judy Jankowski Kevin and Lauren Zaseck Kimberly Kollar Kurt and Lisa Metros Lynda and Charles Simon Marge Skaggs Marie and Gerald Vascil Martin Rohan Mary and Greg Downes Mary Jane Stanley Matthew and Sharon Edmonds Matthew K. Arnold
Maureen Rohan Michael and Dawn Mishler Michael and Michelle Stesiak Michael Kruk Mike and Connie Joines Mike and Ginny Toal Nancy and Douglas Sakaguchi Nir Davison Paul and Laura Farthing Paul and Mary Jo Krizman Pete and Mary Lou Mullen Peter and Denise Trybula Peter Slamkowski Renee Knippel Rev. Paul J. Tracy Richard Nussbaum Robert and Nancy Lute Robert E. Bartels Jr.
Roger and Joyce Foley Ryan and Sandra Grover Ryan and Susie Brennan Sean and Kimberly Klimczak Shawna Neilson Stephen and Barbara Fredman Steve and Maggie Goldberg Sue Kinnucan Thomas and Anita Veldman Thomas and Barbara Gresik Timothy and Amelia Ruggaber Timothy and Jenny Emerick Tom and Peggy Cuggino Tony Randles and Kimber Abair-Randles Van and Suzanne Gurley Vera Dwyer William and Julia Knight
2020 Individual Donors (Donors of $250-$999)
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Adele and Gary Kush Alice Ruth Palyuk Amy Cavender Amy Mitchell Angela and Steven Ritchey Angela Egan Annie Pentell Audrey M. MacDonald B. A. Gibbons B. Patrick and Karen Bauer Barbara and Guy Morrical Barbara and Robert Knox Barbara J. Sutton Barbara Moore Becky Shafer Bernard Dolezal Bradley Citter Brian Doyle Bruce and Susan Cybulski
C.R. and M.A. McCoy Carol Rafferty Carolyn Bilger Charles and Marian Miller Charles and Sharon Austin Chris Lizzi Chris Rolfe Christa Hill Chuck Austin Cindi Minegar Cindy Gretschmann Curtis and Judy Phillips Dan Labbee Danielle Bielanski Daryl and Tina Pendergrass Dave Meyer David and Deborah Beaverson David and Julie Deahl David and Sara Walters
David Purviance Dawn Amor Deb Weaver Debra Jenkins Denise Roemer Dodie Kreger Donald and Beth Troyer Donald Redding Donna Krol Dr. J. Richard and Mary Reineke Dr. Keith and Connie Egan Dr. Martyn and Kathleen Wills Dr. Stephen and Connie McTigue Drs. Gail English and Nels Leininger Edward and Cathy Baer Elaine Komjathy Elizabeth Raven Erin and William Rosario Erin McDonnell
Eva Arredondo Frances Douglas Frank and Carolyn Antonovitz Frank and Patricia Criniti Fred Myers G. Toms Yarger Gail Buhr Gail Nellans Gary and Debra Gilot Gordon Millar Heather Collins Helen and Michael Geglio Irene P. Leahy Jacqueline Stout James and Margaret Pinter James and Shirley Vanhaver James Brogdon Jaymsana Conway Jeannine Alick
Jeff Robertson Joanne Bessler Jocellie Llanto Jodi Dauby John and Catherine Hiler John and Sharon McManus John R. Foegley Joseph Wilkins Joyce LaDue Joyce Markert Wegs Joyce Skillern Judy K. Hinsey Judy Nye Juliann Sparazynski Julie Lynn Chaney Kara Clark Karen and Bryan Landry
Karissa L Kennedy Karl and Michelle Shelly Kenneth and Margaret DeBoer Lee Riley Linda and Dennis Fisher Linda Brown Lisa and Michael Dobson Liz Zaseck and Bryce Hughes Lori Gordon Lorraine Meixel Manoel Couder and Kelly Hartzler-Couder Margaret Parent Maria Slager Mark Alan Brown Mary C. Jandris Mary Lou Gordon Maureen Tobin
Michael P. Misch Michael R. Esposito Michael Summers Miguel and Candace Salazar Mike and Mary Donovan Nora Grimm Pam and Juan DeLeon Pat McQuade Patricia Strozewski Patrick and Judith Adamo Patrick and Roberta McMahon Patty Fowler Paul and Kathy Lemberger Paul Dilts Paula Abraham Ranson and Kathi Sharkey Rebecca and Andrew Sommese
Rebecca and Timothy Link Rhonda Ryan Robert and Pam Beam Robert and Roberta Miller Robert Raster Roger and Mary Klinedinst Roger and Rolande Parent Ronald and Cheryl Stuckey Ruthann and Duane Adams Sally A. Cover Sarah Thangam Stacey Wickham Stanley and Sue Shook Stephanie Wagoner Stephen and Louise Anella Steven and Jennifer Deane Steven Mowry
Stewart and Risa Griest Sue Alwine Susan Ganser Susan Grillo Suzanne Love Terrence and Mary Margaret Brown Terry and Cinda Belanger Theodore Poledor Thomas and Joan Varga Tim and Kitty Fulnecky Tina Phipps Tom and Susan Fischbach Tricia and Keith Mentz Tricia Long William and Leslie Gitlin
Milton Adult Day Services Mishawaka Lions Club Ms. Carol Grontkowski MTI National Catholic Society of Foresters National Seating ND DeBartolo Performing Arts Neuropsychiatric Hospitals Ninja Golf North Woods Village Memory Care Parrot Heads of Michiana PHP Quality Dining, Inc. Radiology Inc. Foundation Rieth-Riley Construction Co, Inc. Rittenhouse Senior Living Roofers Local 23 Saint Mary’s College Schwab Charitable SEI Giving Fund Silver Birch of Mishawaka Snite Museum Sopko, Nussbaum, Inabnit & Kaczmarek
South Bend Brew Werks South Bend Tribune Strikes and Spares Target Corp. The Craig Losee Giving Fund The Lebermuth Company, Inc. Tire Rack Towne House Retirement Comm. Trinity Health Tuesley Hall Konopa, LLP United Healthcare Svs., Inc. / UMR United Way of Elkhart County University of Notre Dame Village at Arborwood Wells Fargo Milton Fund Whole Foods Market Community Giving Winnebago Industries Foundation WiNUP Witham Health Services - Extended Care Unit WNDU WSBT, Inc. Wygant Floral, Inc. YourCause, LLC
2020 Corporate Giving (Donors of $250 or more)
1st Souce Bank AARP Indiana AEP Foundation Albright United Methodist Church Alick’s Home Medical Equipment Always Best Care Michiana Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Aperion Care Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Bowker Enterprises LLC DBA OC Lanes Bright Funds Carleton, Inc. Center for Hospice Care Centier Bank City of South Bend Clarendale of Schererville Clean Seal, Inc. Clunette Methodist Church Community Foundation of Elkhart County Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Corporate Graphic Solutions Crowe Foundation Dec-O-Art, Inc.
Delivery Concepts, Inc. Dujarie House Ehlers & Ehlers Associates, Inc. Elite Ambulance Epoch Architecture & Planning Family Medicine of South Bend, P.C. FDC Graphic Films, Inc. Federated Media FedEx Shipping First Merchants Corporation First Response DRS Futures Case Management LLC General Insurance Services Gerber Family Fund Gibson Gibson Foundation, Inc. Gleaners Centre Twp. Arbor Good Samaritan Shakamak Retirement Community Goshen Home Medical Gurley Leep Automotive Family Harkless Foundation Hartsfield Village
Healthwin Specialized Care. Heartland Hospice Heritage Financial Group Home Comfort Experts Hubbard Hill Retirement Community IBM Employee Services Center Indianapolis Jewish Home Industrial Metal-Fab, Inc. Irions Foundation Jewish Women’s Endowment Fund John W. Anderson Foundation Journey Senior Living K21 Health Foundation Keybank Foundation Kosciusko County Community Foundation Kuehl Law Office KW Services Lake City Bank Leighton-Oare Foundation Liberty Mutual Insurance Charitable Gift Fund McDonald Physical Therapy Meijer Meridian Title Corp.
Every dollar makes a difference, and we are grateful for our donors.
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2020 FINANCIALS
42+38+146
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2020
INDEPENDENCE (43.8%).............. $8,591,605 DIGNITY (37.5%)............................ $7,829,526 STRENGTH (13.6%)........................ $2,793,548 OPERATIONS (5.8%) Administration.......................... $1,040,540 Fund Development.......................$138,265 12
TOTAL (100%)............... $20,393,484
REAL Services Remains Strong We are thankful for our supporters, the Board of Director’s, volunteers, and staff that focused on meeting the essential needs of food, shelter, health, safety, and connectedness for seniors throughout the 2020 pandemic. In the midst of a pandemic, together we served people who were in need more than ever before. As we celebrate our 55th anniversary in 2021, we are reminded that REAL Services remains strong. Please enjoy a few thank you notes/phone calls from those served during 2020. “My ride to the store canceled and we were told to stay home. I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough food. How was I going to get more food? Luckily, REAL Services delivered boxes of food to me and all my neighbors every week and we survived the tough times. Thank you!” – Judith “I have been on disability since 2008 but still work when I am able. I cried because I would not have gas and electric but REAL Services EAP notified me that I received help. It is so hard to struggle, but the staff shows concern and respect, so important. Thank you so much!” – Elizabeth “Thank you Elf for the Christmas gift card. Your kindness is so appreciated. Thank you again.” - Julia “OK thank you. If I could see you I would hug you so tight! You just blessed me and I can’t thank you enough. You’re a true blessing.” – Saria “received rental assistance” We will forever be grateful to our supporters, board members, volunteers, and team of unshakable staff members—all of whom instinctively jumped in and said “we’ve got this”.
REAL Services, Inc. 2020Annual Annual Report Report 2018 REAL Services, Inc. 1151 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46601 www.realservices.org REAL Services, believing in the dignity of all people, will provide services without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, or status as a veteran.