impact A R e p o r t o f T h e M E N TO R N e t w o r k C h a r i ta b le Fo u n d a t i o n 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8 Impact [n. im-pakt; v. im-pakt] – noun 1. forceful contact; collision. 2. influence; effect. – verb 1. to strike forcefully. 2. influence; alter. Used as a noun or a verb, the word impact captures The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation’s wide-ranging activities on behalf of individuals, communities and the field of human services. These activities are forceful expressions of The MENTOR Network’s commitment to finding new solutions and creative ideas for enhancing the lives of those we serve. And they produce forceful results: Picture athletes with intellectual disabilities going for the gold at the Special Olympics; hear the voices of teen girls broadcasting their hopes and dreams across urban airwaves, as they develop their own leadership skills; and imagine the relief that comes from knowing safe, accessible and affordable housing is within the reach of people with physical challenges and brain injuries. And there is so much more. The Foundation’s impact is broad and deep because it encourages innovation and offers inspiration across the human services spectrum – and around the country. Funding is distributed through three primary grant programs that reflect our priorities and beliefs: •
We believe in the power of individual employees to transform their neighborhoods and hometowns. So we encourage their volunteer spirit through the Community Champions program.
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We believe in the power of those we serve to shape their own destinies, despite any challenges or adversity they face. So we offer support through the Stepping Stones Fund.
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We believe in the power of organizations to enhance lives through new ideas and outside-the-box thinking. So innovation is our litmus test when we choose our Community Partners.
Each program has its own selection committee made up of Network employees representing every corner and level of the organization. In addition to the grant programs, the Foundation plays an important leadership role within The MENTOR Network, identifying and creating opportunities for employees to give of themselves throughout the year. Our committed and talented workforce has spent winter evenings in shelters offering food and good cheer. They’ve raised funds through a spring basketball tournament. And they’ve helped kids get ready to learn with school supplies and backpack drives.
Our Community Partners are change agents within human services that are either delivering innovative care or developing new ideas and models for doing so. They are results oriented, leveraging resources and knowledge to positively impact individuals and communities and transform society’s vision of and approach to its most vulnerable members. The Stepping Stones Fund helps those we serve through grants for job training and readiness activities, vocational and higher education, and other programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence. Whether they are transitioning out of the foster care system, graduating from one of our therapeutic day schools or receiving other services, many young people served by The Network lack the resources and support necessary to build productive, fulfilling lives. Because community service is The Network’s way of life, the Foundation created the Community Champions program to recognize our employees who devote extraordinary amounts of time and energy to local charities. Champions receive recognition throughout The Network, and their chosen nonprofit receives a gift of $500.00.
In just two short years, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation has become a source of inspiration and pride for our employees. Most importantly, though, it has become an agent of change within our communities, and a beacon of hope and inspiration for those we serve. That’s impact!
© The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation