2017-2018 Release the Fear Annual Report

RELEASE THE FEAR 2017-2018 REPORT= REVEALING HOPE

RELEASE THE FEAR HAS BEEN REVEALING HOPE FOR OVER

YEARS

BRIDGING THE COMMUNICATION GAP FOR GENERATIONS TO COME=2GEN

CHANGE MAKERS 2017~ 2018 BOARD AND ADVISORS HONORARY CHAIR Congressman Greg Stanton, U.S. House of Representatives BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sue Kotnik -Chairperson, VP Avnet Scott Tate -Vice Chair Sara Greenwold -Secretary Dan Gerelick, CPA -Treasurer Nicholas Ashijan, Esq. Jeff Quincey Heidi Fogelsong Angela Lowry Larry Johnson Kyle McPherson Frank Thompson NATIONAL ADV. COMMITTEE Dino De Concini David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal Nancy Hendrich Rev. Rebecca McClain Kellieann P. Miley, M. ED ADVISORY COMMITTEE Francisco J. Alatorre, PhD Crim. Justice Rich Bauer - Former United Phx. Fire Kirk Baxter Steve Church, Former Pres. Avnet, Inc. Gina Clark Terry Goddard, former AZ Atty. Gen. Hon. Phil Gordon, former Phx. Mayor Office of U.S. Congressman, Paul A.Gosar Billie Jo Herberger Dave Howell, VP Wells Fargo Gail L. Jacobs, PhD, Edu Scott Jacobson Paul Johnson JoEllen Lynn Matthew Mapes, VP AZ Business Bank Kathy Munson Bridget Pettis, WMBA Star Derrick Platt, PhD, Psyc /Juv. Justice Max Sanel, VP Morgan Stanley RJ Shannon Tom Simplot, NEA, Lobbyist Joni Sledge-of Sister Sledge Brenda Sperduti Meredithe Stefanowitz, M. Ed. Thelda Williams, Phx. Mayor Gerald Richard, III Daniel Valenzuela, Former Phx Counsel KEY TEAM MEMBERS Robert J. Miley CEO / Founder Heather Promise– Programs Director Richard Bestwick - Lead Facilitator /Trainer Rosie Paluch - Lead Facilitator Terry DeValle - Grant Writer Lisa Moore - Stats and Logistics

... .

RELEASE THE FEAR INC

We are so excited to share our successes with you and to thank you for supporting Release the Fear. Our 2017 and 2018 programs enabled over 2,700 participants to discover new paths to achieving their dreams. These are our dreams too. In 2019 we used the momentum of our transition and expansion to secure a number of contracts with our established partners for the beginning of 2020. We have developed new relationships with additional school districts as well.

FOUNDED IN 1996 IN THE CAN-DO SPIRIT HONORARY CHAIR Congressman Greg Stanton, U.S. House of Representatives BOARD OF DIRECTORS RJ Shannon– Secretary Jennifer Cummings– Treasurer Rosalind Akins Don Dolin NATIONAL ADV. COMMITTEE Dino De Concini David Gonzales, U.S. Marshal Rev. Rebecca McClain Kellieann P. Miley, M. ED

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Francisco J. Alatorre, PhD Crim. Justice ich BV. Rich Bauer, V.P.United PHX.Fire rk Baxt Kirk Baxter Steve Church, Former Pres. Avnet, Inc. erry God Terry Goddard, former AZ Atty. Gen. on. Phil Gordon, former Phx. Mayor Office of U.S. Congressman, P.Gosar Billie Jo Herberger Dave Howell, VP Wells Fargo Gail L. Jacobs, PhD, Edu Scott Jacobson Paul Johnson, former Phx. Mayor JoEllen Lynn Matthew Mapes, VP AZ Business Bank athy Mu Kathy Munson Bridget Pettis, WMBA Star Derrick Platt, PhD, Juv. Justice Max Sanel, VP Morgan Stanley Tom Simplot, Lobbyist NEA Joni and Florez Sledge Brenda Sperduti Meredithe Stefanowitz, M. Ed. Thelda Williams, Phx. Mayor Gerald Richard, III Daniel Valenzuela, Former Phx Counsel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR obert J. Robert J. Miley, CEO/Founder i

Release the Fear Believers,

Last year, we moved out of Grace Chapel, our home for the past ten years. Many thanks to Terry Goddard, our constant friend, supporter, and advisor during that decade. We are now in another reemerging neighborhood in downtown Phoenix near 16th Street and McDowell. The move wasn’t speedy, as repair work was needed at the new location, but everyone pitched in and made do, allowing us to continue to facilitate workshops and serve the community as we juggled the challenges of spotty internet connections, outdated electrical, and unpacked boxes. Settled into our new space, workshops continue at a record pace and we have hired new facilitators. While being trained, they are engaging the kids in the program with a passion.

We have a saying at Release the Fear—the more we serve, the more we learn. Two years ago, a guard at Adobe Mountain Juvenile Detention Facility asked us a simple question: “When the kids go home, do their parents doubt them? Do they tell them, ‘You haven’t changed’?” From that tiny seed, we developed our 2 Generation (2Gen) program. Change can happen—with kids and with parents—when the possibility of something different is discovered. The 2Gen program offers an approach on communication for parents and guardians, with an underlying focus on reuniting parent and child. Both adults and children learn new information through interactive play activities, helping them to create a bridge, a new understanding that they previously didn’t have with each other.

Twenty-five 2Gen workshops were held in 2017 and 2018, made possible through a special grant awarded to Release the Fear from the National Endowment for the Arts. The 2Gen program has been a tremendous success. One inspired parent wrote: “In these days of school shootings being reported what feels like every month, programs like these are a huge step in helping us reach kids and figure out how to help them cope with the stresses and unkind human beings that they encounter daily.” Remarks like this motivate us to continue our work.

In October 2018, another incredible opportunity came to Release the Fear (RTF). World Ties, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families worldwide, was looking for creative solutions and alternatives to the domestic violence problem in Algeria. They had learned of Release the Fear’s success in teaching alternatives to violence, anger and conflict. World Ties scheduled a Bridging Possibilities workshop in Phoenix for fifteen leaders from Algeria. The program was impactful and emotional for the participants, and they left Phoenix with new tools to address domestic violence in their country. It is humbling to see the effectiveness of Release the Fear’s work translate to other countries and cultures.

Looking forward to the years ahead, we are just as eager to serve struggling youth as we were twenty-two years ago. We will continue changing lives by educating youth and by guiding them to understand their lives matter. We are grateful for the ongoing support from so many generous individuals, interested groups, and private and corporate foundations.

As 2020 approaches, we are off to an incredible start and will continue bringing unity to the community

KEY TEAM MEMBERS He Heather Promise– Programs Director

Richard Bestwick – Lead Facilitator/Trainer Rosie Paluch – Lead Facilitator Terry DeValle – Grant Writer Lisa Moore –Statistics and Logistics

602 818-6959 1624 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix, Arizona 85006 www.releasethefear.org FED ID # 86-1040579

Thank you for Believing,

Robert J. Miley, CEO / Founder

ll of us here at Release the Fear would like to offer a special word of acknowledgement to the Sledge family and friends of Florez (Flo) Sledge (1928-2007) and Joni Sledge (1956-2017). Both Flo and Joni were Advisory Board members and great supporters of Release the Fear until their passing in 2007 and 2017 (respectively). We wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the mother and daughter who were so pivotal in our growth. Flo always asked, “What do you need or what can I do?” Her response to any request…”Done.” And that was a guarantee.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude for having known them, and for having had the opportunity to spend valuable time with such kind and generous human beings. Their many contributions to our organization have helped make it the philanthropic force it is today. With their mentorship and support, our programs have benefitted many children in our community and beyond. The beautiful memories that they left with us make the loss of our beloved friends more bearable. Please join us in remembering Flo and Joni.

May Love surround them and may they both rest In Blessed Peace. .

.

THANKS TO OUR 2017 DONORS GUARDIAN ANGELS $10 -$100K Arizona Community Foundation Herberger Foundation J.W. Kieckhefer Foundation Margaret T. Morris Foundation Murphy Elementary School District #21 Pendergast Elementary School Maricopa County Attorney's R.I.C.O.Funds The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Walton Foundation

BELIEVERS $1 K - $9,999K Creighton Elementary School #14 East Bay Community Foundation Executive Council Charities Ira & Cheryl Gains John F Long Foundation Kroger - Fry's Food Stores Portland Place Partners, LLC Jeff Quincey Larry & Leslie Stewart Wells Fargo Foundation

ENABLERS $500 -$999.00 Laurie Carmody Merrill S. Franklin Daniel Gerelick Goddard Law Office Roxanne & Tom Hamilton Heather Koonce Bernard L Leiber Wil illiam Miley Robert J Miley & Fran duAime Salsa Labs, Inc. Kathleen Serrano Viva Phoenix Festival, LLC Delwyn & Diana Worthington FRIENDS $50 - $499 Amazon Smile Foundation Ron & Paulette Amtson Nick Ashjian Julie Billiet Lori B Bruggeman Darrell & Gina Clark Kris Cupps Deborah & Glenn Davis Robert Donnell Ducksnarow

Cathy Jones Daniel Jones Gina Kambeitz Jolea Kidd Bobbi & Robert L. Kiese Faith Knight Susan Kotnik Lisa & Ryan Moore Dana & Richard Naimark Jennifer Olson Nick Ouellet Dawn Pacheco Mark Powell Rosalie & Joe Presseller Sherry Rampy Recyclerewards, Inc Alta Russell Rhonda Simmons Cattryn I Somers Sharon & Curtis Stetter Jared & Michelle Van Arsdale LaTricia Woods Jackie M Young Randy L Ellesxon Jack Fields Mark & Lois Francis Sara Greenwold Kandis Hernandez V. A. & R. J. Hill Gail & Lance Jacobs Sharisse Johnson

IN-KIND DONATIONS Terry Goddard/Housing Opportunities \Rent & Utilities $17,400.00 L.B. Bruggeman, CPA Accounting services $1,200.00

THANKS TO OUR 2018 DONORS GUARDIAN ANGELS $10-$100K

FRIENDS $50 - $499

Murphy Elementary School District (2018) Herberger Foundation (2017-2018) Maricopa County Attorney’s, R.I.C.O. Fund Arizona Dept of Education National Endowment Association Margaret T. Morris Foundation Maricopa County

Buffalo Exchange Nick Ashjian Dan Gerelick Kimberly Jones Jack Fields William Seroka Alta Russell Network For Good Lori B. Bruggeman Don and Rose Paluch Carol Ann Poore Robert L. and Bobbi Kiese Recyclerewards, Inc. Nick Ouellet Vernon an Sharon Bitz C Cathy Jones Mark and Lois JP Morgan Chase Joan Kelchner Dana and Richard Naimark Valley of the Sun United Way UK Online Giving

BELIEVERS $1K - $9,999 Michael and Cindy Watts Creighton Elementary School #14 Wells Fargo Foundation Boeing Employees Community Fund Executive Council Charities

ENABLERS $500 - $999 Richard & Heather Bestwick Sara Greenwold Richard Bestwick Delwyn and Diana Worthington Alicia and Roger Shiel Robert J Miley Fran duAime Susan Svitak Jeff Quincy Brenda Sperduti Ann Marshall Roxanne Hamilton

IN -KIND Housing Opportunity from the Honorable Terry Goddard Bonnie Fogelsong Donation - new laptop L.B. Bruggeman, CPA - Accounting services

MEET THE CORE TEAM MEMBERS Heather Promise (left) is an author, teacher and perpetual scholar whose commitment to yoga is the guiding force in her personal, professional, and academic pursuits. Heather has been a part of the RTF family since 2016. Now, as the programs director, she is heading up operations and working closely with all members of the staff to produce workshops. Heather believes in the mission and is excited to be a part of the growth of Release the Fear.

Rosie Paluch (right) is a dedicated grandmother and educator. She brings her love, experience, and passion to every RTF workshop that she leads.

After 25 years as a guidance counselor at Saguaro High School and 35 years volunteering with the Anytown program, Rosie has a special ability to connect with kids. When she is not brining fun activities to the RTF workshops, she enjoys practicing yoga, playing bridge, and volunteering in the community.

Richard Bestwick (above) is studying to be certified as a special education teacher and has been a part of the RTF team for f for over 10 years. He is the lead facilitator at RTF and is currently working on the “Phase II” curriculum, scheduled for introduction next year.

He is responsible for training the facilitators and is actively refining the training process.

Richard volunteers with the youth in his community. As a father of two, Richard understands the value of connecting with young people.

Jessica Figueroa (right) has earned a master’s degree in Adult Education and Business Administration and aspires to work with youth in detention settings. Jessica is currently the Program Coordinator for a youth mentoring organization and a facilitator for their personal development curriculum. As a mother, Jessica understands the value of mindfulness and enjoys brining that message to the most marginalized youth in the community.

Kelly Harris (left) has two great passions: teaching and personal growth. She brings to RTF over 20 years’ experience in education. With both a Master of Ed in Counseling and a Master of Ed in Leadership from Northern Arizona University, she adds a wealth of experience and skill to the RTF workshops, inspiring the youth to believe in themselves.

RELEASE THE FEAR CREATES UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. ~THROUGH OUR TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAMS .

A young man, Todd, in the Durango Juvenile Detention facility, shared with one of our facilitators that his older brother urged him to “do everything it takes to get into the Bridging Possibilities workshop.� To participate in a Bridging Possibilities workshop, you must be demonstrating good behavior.

The older brother is doing extremely well outside of Juvenile Detention.

According to him, he has made positive life changes as a direct result of his participation in the Bridging Possibilities program while in juvenile detention.

“Year after year Release the Fear helps my students learn leadership skills, self-expression, and confidence in working towards future goals. Every year the students are surprised at the commonalities they all share, and this realization helps build trust and understanding in the classroom for the remainder of the school year.�

Rachel Jangula, Jack L Kuban Elementary

2 0 1 7 STATS 84 BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES WORKSHOPS ~ DISCOVER U CAMPS ~ 2 GEN PROGRAMS 82.46% discovered something new about themselves 87.21% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

82.10% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

88.36% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied # Male # Female Total # Workshops Participants Participants Participants Academy HS 1 11 8 19 ACF 1 27 18 45 Adobe Juvenile Facility 14 199 10 209 Alfred F Garcia School 2 27 17 44 Amberlee 1 12 5 17 Arthur Hamilton Elementary 2 20 24 44 10 10 Canyon Breeze 1 20 Canyon State 1 21 0 21 17 14 Children's First 2 31 10 11 Copper King 1 21 17 19 Desert Horizon 1 36 14 26 Desert Mirage 1 40 82 9 Durango 11 91 15 18 Estrella Vista 2 33 0 70 Florence Crittendon 3 70 0 6 Florence Crittenton Girls Ranch 1 6 47 9 Franklin Fire & Police Highschool 3 56 15 10 Garcia 1 25 10 10 Garden Lakes 1 20 35 37 Kuban Elementary 3 72 10 14 Larry Kennedy Elementary 2 24 25 20 Pendergast Elementary 2 45 21 29 Peoria Accelerated HS 2 50 16 9 Peralta Elementary 1 25 45 28 Phoenix Collegiate Academy 3 73 10 15 Quentin Elementary School 1 25 5 9 Rio Vista 1 14 4 6 Rock Solid (Alice Cooper) 1 10 10 3 Save the Family 1 13 SEF 5 67 4 71 Sequoia School for Deaf 1 5 7 12 Sonoran Sky 1 6 16 22 Streetlight USA 1 0 10 10 Sullivan Elementary 10 142 137 279 Sunset Ridge 1 7 9 16 T res Rios School 2 22 19 41 Villa de Paz 1 8 12 20 Westwind 2 20 29 49 Totals 91 1012 707 1719

49%

51%

2 0 1 8 STATS 57 BRIDGING POSSIBILITIES WORKSHOPS ~ 2 GEN PROGRAMS 78.78% discovered something new about themselves 86.06% discovered something new about classmates and friends.

82.94% learned something to help them deal with bullying.

87.82% stated that they would do something if they saw someone being bullied. # Workshops 4 2 6 2 14 2 2 3 2 1 4

# Male Participants 42 14 67 20 116 11 21 6 16 8 41

# Female Participants 1 18 75 56 14 24 32 77

Littleton Elementary Murphy Elementary Peralta Elementary SEF

2 1 1 5

27 5 14 30

36 10 11 12

Sequoia School Sullivan Elementary Sunset Ridge U-Turn Totals

2 2 1 1

12 30 10 20

13 35 13 0

57

510 51%

491 49%

Adobe Juvenile Facility Alfred F Garcia Creighton Desert Mirage Durango Estrella Vista Fine Arts Academy Florence Crittendon Gateway Elementary Hamilton Kuban Elementary

14 10

40

Total Participants 43 32 142 76 130 35 53 83 30 18 81 63 15 25 42 25 65 23 20 1001

IN 2018 WE WERE AWARDED OUR THIRD NATIONAL ENDOWMENT GRANT. RELEASE THE FEAR IS RECOGNIZED FOR CREATING UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY. AT THE END OF EACH WORKSHOP, KIDS FROM ALL BACKGROUNDS COLLABORATE TO CREATE AN EXPRESSION OF WHAT THEY LEARNED AND WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. AFTER 17 WORKSHOPS THE INDIVIDUAL PAINTINGS WERE ASSEMBLED INTO ONE IMPACTFUL EXPRESSION; A VISUAL BRIDGE OF UNDERSTANDING THROUGH THE CREATIVE PROCESSES OF THE ARTS.

. .

COMMUNITY LEADERS FROM ALGERIA FOUND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE THROUGH RELEASE THE FEAR. World Ties, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families worldwide, was looking for creative solutions and alternatives to the domestic violence problem in Algeria. They had heard of Release the Fear and of our success in teaching alternatives to violence, anger and conflict. World Ties scheduled a Bridging Possibilities workshop in Phoenix for fifteen leaders from Algeria. The program was impactful and emotional for the participants, and they left Phoenix with new tools to address domestic violence in their country. It is humbling to see the effectiveness of Release the Fear’s work translate to other countries and cultures. .

.

We had them laughing and crying - And they left with some answers to their quest. –What a compliment!

"It amazes me how each one of the individual canvases come from created different people from different backgrounds, different eccentricities. Yet we were able to come together and bring them together and create something beautiful as one understanding one masterpiece, almost like a metaphor for what we can do as a community‌as a new world."

-M.B. age 16

Release the Fear Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, October, 31, 2019, Projected December 31, 2019

2017 Assets Cash and cash equivelents Property and equipment, net Prepaid expenses and other assets Total assets Liabilities and Net Assets Accounts payable Accrued expenses and other liabilities Total liabilities

$

$

$

433,885 1,395 435,280

$

3,376 3,376

$

$

2018

10/31/2019

Nov-Dec 2019 Estimated Adjustments

421,908 1,395 2,600 425,903

$

383,048 1,395 2,600 387,043

$

$

3,335 (1,395) 1,940

7,155 7,155

$

4,051 4,051

$

-

$

Anticipated 12/31/2019 $

$

$

386,383 2,600 388,983

-

4,051 4,051

1,940 1,940

384,933 388,983

Net Assets Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets

$

431,904 435,280

$

418,748 425,903

$

382,993 387,043

$

$

Release the Fear Statement of Activities Year Ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, Year-to-Date October, 31, 2019, Projected Year Ended December 31, 2019

2017 Revenue, Support, Gains Federal and state contracts and grants Private foundation grants Contributions Net investment return In-kind professional services In-kind contributions Total revenue, support, and gains

$

Expenses and losses Program service expenses Total program expenses

93,700 110,052 75,154 149 1,200 14,400 294,655

$

2018

2019 Jan-Oct

58,000 88,813 19,992 1,382 1,200 5,800 175,187

$

73,488 42,000 2,008 1,725 119,221

2019 NovDec Estimated $

3,700 27,840 10,199 320 1,200 43,258

Anticipated 2019 $

77,188 69,840 12,207 2,045 1,200 162,480

136,508 136,508

111,077 111,077

89,721 89,721

26,580 26,580

116,301 116,301

70,301 17,025 87,326

56,736 20,530 77,266

50,897 14,359 65,256

11,638 3,100 14,738

62,535 17,459 79,994

Loss on uncollectable promises to give Total expenses and losses

223,834

188,342

154,977

41,318

196,295

Change in Net Assets Net Assets, Beginning of Period Net Assets, End of Period

70,821 361,083 431,904

(13,156) 431,904 418,748

(35,756) 418,748 382,993

1,940

(33,816) 418,748 384,933

Supporting services expense Management and general Fundraising and development Total supporting services expense

$

$

$

$

1,940

$

Release the Fear Statement of Functional Expenses Year Ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, Year-to-Date October, 31, 2019, Projected Year Ended December 31, 2019 2017 Program Services Grants and other assistance Salaries and wages Subcontractors Payroll taxes Professional services Accounting fees Legal fees Advertising and promotion Office expenses Information technology Occupancy Travel Conferences, conventions and meetings Interest Insurance Training and development Meals and entertainment Depreciation Other Total expenses included in the expense section on the statement of activities

$

2018

Fundraising Management and and General Development

Program Services

Total

Fundraising Management and and General Development

Total

42,958 79,205 3,286 1,788 4,800 542 9,672 13 -

$

3,569 4,069 16,619 4,736 865 5,802 867 8,357 929 8,717 248

$

4,400 400 17,025 48 4,800 117

$ 4,400 42,958 82,774 3,286 6,256 33,645 4,785 865 15,402 1,410 8,357 9,672 942 8,717 366

$

3,300 400 17,230 69 1,600 122

$

3,067 4,181 15,032 9,145 438 10,270 198 149 71 9,145 183 612 234

$

36,876 63,053 2,821 1,750 1,600 6,794 3

$ 3,300 36,876 66,120 2,821 6,331 32,261 9,214 438 13,470 198 149 71 9,145 6,977 612 358

$ 142,264

$

54,780

$

26,791

$ 223,834

$

22,721

$

52,725

$ 112,897

$ 188,342

Release the Fear Statement of Functional Expenses Year Ended December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018, Year-to-Date October, 31, 2019, Projected Year Ended December 31, 2019 2019 Jan-Oct Fundraising Program Management and Services and General Development Grants and other assistance $ 2,250 Salaries and wages Subcontractors Payroll taxes Professional services Accounting fees Legal fees Advertising and promotion 10,800 Office expenses Information technology Occupancy Travel Conferences, conventions and meetings Interest Insurance Training and development Meals and entertainment Depreciation Other Total expenses included in the expense section on the statement of activities $ 13,050

Total

2019 Nov-Dec Estimated Fundraising Program Management and Services and General Development

Total

Anticipated 2019 Fundraising Program Management and Services and General Development

Total

$

5,612 3,049 14,493 3,347 325 16,842 493 76 38 6,537 345 145

$

30,593 52,844 2,525 903 3,759 -

$ 2,250 30,593 58,456 2,525 3,953 25,293 3,347 325 16,842 493 76 38 6,537 3,759 345 145

$

500 2,600 -

$

268 2,100 3,200 760 3,401 34 400 60 1,395 20

$

15,380 9,700 500 1,000 -

$ 500 15,380 9,968 500 2,100 5,800 760 3,401 34 400 1,000 60 1,395 20

$ 2,750 13,400 -

$

5,880 5,149 17,693 4,107 325 20,243 493 76 72 6,937 405 1,395 165

$

45,973 62,544 3,025 903 4,759 -

$ 2,750 45,973 68,424 3,025 6,053 31,093 4,107 325 20,243 493 76 72 6,937 4,759 405 1,395 165

$

51,303

$

90,624

$ 154,977

$ 3,100

$

11,638

$

26,580

$ 41,318

$ 16,150

$

62,941

$ 117,204

$ 196,295

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www.releasethefear.org