TMN FY2017 - 2018 Philanthropy Report

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FY2017 and FY2018 Philanthropy Report

Celebrating 10 years of The MENTOR Network’s Charitable Foundation

Network Angels

24 34

Community Engagement

6

The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation

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National Volunteer Day

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Message from Bruce F. Nardella....................................................................................5 The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation...................................................................6 Community Partners.........................................................................................................8 Promoting Safe Relationships for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Providing a Sense of Security at Times of Uncertainty: Families Helping Families of Iowa Paying it Forward

Community Champions..................................................................................................20 Stepping Stones.............................................................................................................22 Network Angels..............................................................................................................24

Network Angels Grant Brings Focus to Healing: Nikkita Murray

Network Angels Grant Committee Share Their “Why”

How We Help; Ways Employees Contribute

National Volunteer Day....................................................................................................30 Community Engagement................................................................................................34

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“WE LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE OF THE FOUNDATION WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES WE SERVE IS PART OF THE NETWORK’S DNA AS A HUMAN SERVICES LEADER AND WE ARE PROUD TO BROADEN THE IMPACT OF OUR COMMUNITY-BASED SUPPORT THROUGH THE FOUNDATION.” — Bruce F. Nardella, President & CEO, The MENTOR Network, and Chairman, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation

Bruce F. Nardella, President & CEO of The MENTOR Network, kicking off Volunteer Day 2017 in Madison, WI.

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Dear Friends, I was recently thinking back to my daughters’ annual well visits at their pediatrician. We were fortunate. The Nardella girls enjoyed a healthy childhood. My wife and I always looked forward to the latest growth percentiles and milestones. Were they ahead or behind? What could we expect to see and experience in the coming year?

Milestones are important in the life of a child. And they are just as important in the life of an organization. They offer the opportunity to celebrate, take stock, give thanks. This report provides an excellent opportunity to do all that with one of our own: The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017.

The Foundation and its three programs—Community Partners, Community Champions, and Stepping Stones— were created a decade ago as powerful expressions of The Network’s commitment to those we serve, as well as to the communities in which we are privileged to work. Through the Foundation, we have sought to encourage in others what we seek in ourselves—fresh ideas, quality services, compassion, leadership.

Since then, more than 300 grants have supported high-impact, innovative organizations and individuals in more than 28 states. We’ve funded innovative research and new approaches to direct care. We’ve honored employees who give of themselves on and off the job, and we’ve helped the people we serve access educational opportunities to move forward in their lives.

Importantly, the Foundation’s creation marked the beginning of a renewed focus, Network-wide, on philanthropy and volunteerism. It was followed in 2010 by the launch of Network Angels, our emergency assistance fund, which is supported largely by contributions from employees and independent contractors to help their colleagues.

In 2017 and 2018 alone, more than 1,700 people donated, and 132 emergency grants were awarded.

High levels of engagement are nothing new for our workforce. I’ve always been impressed with the number of hours Network employees dedicate to organizations and efforts in their own communities. Six years ago, we decided to harness some of that incredible energy with a Network-wide Volunteer Day. Participation and enthusiasm have grown steadily through the years. Collectively, in FY17 and FY18, we sponsored 172 projects with 100% participation from all Network states.

Looking ahead, I expect that record and others related to The Network’s volunteer and philanthropic efforts to be shattered as well. We are an organization of big hearts and committed spirits. This report captures both. Enjoy!

Best regards,

Bruce F. Nardella President & Chief Executive Officer The MENTOR Network

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THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation is committed to transforming the delivery of human services through the generation of new ideas and best practices. We seek to advance an agenda based on quality, accountability and respect for the individual. The Foundation’s giving is focused on supporting organizations that take an innovative approach—through research, creative thinking, direct care and programming—at how individuals with disabilities and youth at-risk and their families, people with brain injury and neurological challenges, and elders are cared for in our society. The Foundation also works to expand opportunity for people served by The Network by providing tuition assistance for educational and vocational advancement, and recognizes Network employees and independent contractors who devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy to local charities.

A NETWORK FOR CHANGE ✴ A FOUNDATION OF STRENGTH CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

A NETWORK FOR CHANGE ✴ A FOUNDATION OF STRENGTH CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

288 Community Partners Grants distributed. 80 Community Champions recognized. 5 Stepping Stones Grants awarded. Thousands of individuals positively impacted.

The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation was established in 2007. A sign of the Network’s evolution as a leader in the field of human services, The Foundation was founded to build on the company’s innovative approach to human services by seeking new solutions and creative ideas for enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals with brain and spinal cord injury and youth facing emotional, behavioral and other challenges, and their families and elders.

The Network was founded by social entrepreneurs who believed that healthy, vibrant communities are exactly the right environments in which people with a range of abilities thrive. The Foundation is an extension of this and its Board of Directors is made up of members of The MENTOR Network’s leadership team, highlighting the importance of The Foundation and its mission to the company. These individuals approach their work for The Foundation with a passion for being part of an organization that is committed to transforming the delivery of human services through new ideas and best practices.

The Foundation focuses on organizations that take a fresh look—through research, innovative thinking, direct care and programming—at how people with disabilities and youth and families facing emotional, behavioral and other challenges are cared for in our society. It also works to expand opportunity for the individuals we serve through employment and educational support, and recognizes Network employees and independent contractors who devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy to local charities.

The 10-year mark is a key time for reflection. We look back on Community Partners who continue to thrive in their work as change agents in our communities. We work alongside Community Champions, dedicated employees whose commitment to delivering quality human services in their daily jobs and giving back to local charities in their free time has not waivered. We hear stories of individuals we serve succeeding in their roles as students after we provided necessary financial support for their education.

“We look toward the future of The Foundation with great enthusiasm. Contributing to the individuals and communities we serve is part of The Network’s DNA as a human services leader and we are proud to broaden the impact of our community-based support through The Foundation,” said Bruce F. Nardella, President & CEO, The MENTOR Network, and Chairman, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation.

For FY 2019, as an extension of The MENTOR Network’s commitment to person-first language, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation Community Partners Program will focus exclusively on funding grant requests from 501c3 organizations to adopt person-first language. Person-first language recognizes that no matter the challenges a person may face, people are— first and foremost—just people.

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Our Community Partners are change agents within human services. They are 501(c)3 organizations that are either delivering innovative care or developing new ideas and models for doing so. They also mirror The Network itself: creative, effective and focused on the highest quality standards. Since its inception in 2007, more than 288 Community Partner grants have been awarded to organizations in 28 states.

PROMOTING SAFE RELATIONSHIPS FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Oak Hill

Sexual health and safe relationship education are not easy topics to discuss. And publicly-accessible information on them are desperately lacking for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Providing this information is critical though: the US Department of Justice reports that 68% to 83% of women with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Other reports show that men with intellectual and development disabilities will experience similarly high levels of sexual abuse.

“Individuals with IDD are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than those without disabilities,” said Katie Hanley, Program Director of the Center for Relationship and Sexual Education at Oak Hill. Oak Hill, Connecticut’s largest private provider of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hoping to combat this epidemic. It’s mission is to provide information on sex and safe relationships that is appropriate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Oak Hill’s vision is that people with disabilities will be able to achieve their full potential, engage

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Katie Hanley, Program Director, Center for Relationship and Sexual Education at Oak Hill, leads a professional development workshop for secondary education professionals on safe relationship and sexual education lessons.

in their community and meaningful relationships, and fulfill their physical, intellectual, emotional, economic, social, and spiritual needs,” said Hanley.

Center for Relationships and Sexual Education Built on its over-century-long track record of providing high-quality services for people with disabilities, Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and

Sexual Education (CRSE) was founded in 1995 to increase access to information and address the vulnerability to abuse experienced by people with disabilities.

the information they need to have safe, healthy relationships,” said Hanley. “This project will make these materials even more accessible and help get them into the hands of the people who need them.”

CRSE’s sexuality and relationship education was featured in a 2018 NPR series, “Abused and Betrayed,” which shed light on the sexual assault epidemic among people with disabilities- as one way to reduce the prevalence of sexual assault among this population.

Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and Sexual Education hopes to expand the reach of these resources to people across the country and beyond.

“We have distributed these workbooks across 32 US states, Canada, the UK, and Australia,” said Hanley.

The workbooks will be available on CRSE’s website, www.oakhillct.org/Services/Relationship-Sexuality.

Today, CRSE is using its expertise to produce free, electronic workbooks on sexuality and healthy relationships for adults with disabilities.

With The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation’s support, CRSE will update its sexual health and safe relationship education workbooks, digitize them, and make them publicly available for free.

The workbooks are designed to educate adults with disabilities about topics such as their bodies, consent, how to date safely, how to spot red flags, and how to get help when needed.

Looking Toward the Future CRSE will continue to combat the sexual assault epidemic among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through its educational and advocacy initiatives. In addition to providing free educational materials, CRSE recently launched an advocacy campaign “to raise awareness and promote discussion about facilitating education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who support them,” said Hanley.

“CRSE offers accessible resources for people with IDD that can help ensure that every individual has

“We hope having these high-quality learning materials available to the public electronically for free will help to promote sexual education...and in turn, we hope the better education will reduce the prevalence of sexual assault among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

-Gerry Morrissey, Chief Quality Officer at The MENTOR Network

Katie Hanley, Program Director, Center for Relationship and Sexual Education at Oak Hill, leads a workshop on best practices in safe relationship and sexual education.

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PROVIDING A SENSE OF SECURITY AT TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY Families Helping Families of Iowa

It started like so many things do: a group of committed parents identified a need, got together and made a vision into a reality. In this case, the parents were foster parents and they recognized a need to create a resource for other families supporting children in foster care with necessary items including clothing. One year later Families Helping Families of Iowa secured its nonprofit status with a mission of meeting the needs of youth who have been abused or neglected to offer them the same opportunities other children have.

Families Helping Families offers programs and services designed specifically for children in foster care in Iowa, and the families that care for them.

The majority of requests come from families in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City corridor, with girls and boys from varied ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, newborns to teens.

Lisa Pakkebier, Executive Director, REM Iowa, presents a check from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation to Amy Jellison, Vice President, Families Helping Families, to support its Clothing Closet program

workers contact Families Helping Families around the clock in the event of an emergency placement.

The Clothing Closet “The average child in foster care moves seven times before the age of 18, usually abruptly leaving their home with very few personal belongings,” said Lisa Buckman, Executive Director of Families Helping Families. “The Clothing Closet provides essentials that help make these difficult transitions more bearable.”

“In many instances caregivers get a call telling them they need to pick up a child in 20 minutes,” said Buckman. “That’s how much time they have to prepare to welcome a child into their home. When they come here they can pick up clothing, shoes, a coat, a quilt, some books and even a toy to help them get through the first couple of weeks.”

Over 1,100 children and families visit the Clothing Closet each year. Social workers and case

REM Iowa, a partner of The MENTOR Network, enriches The Network’s partnership with Families

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Helping Families through hands on volunteer work throughout the year, including during our National Volunteer Day and during the holiday season.

“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support the children and youth in foster care through the programs and services offered by

“When children have their basic needs met and have a little bit of security at a time of uncertainty, they have an opportunity to thrive.”

-Lisa Buckman, Executive Director of Families Helping Families

Families Helping Families,” said Lisa Pakkebier, Executive Director, REM Iowa. “It is incredibly rewarding to have the opportunity to participate in the Families Helping Families Annual Holiday Party and to experience the joy this brings to the children and the families that care for them.

Families Helping Families is a mission-based organization, as we are, focused on improving the lives of people. It is personally and professionally rewarding to be affiliated with organizations of this nature.”

“Simply put, when children have their basic needs met and have a little bit of security at a time of uncertainty, they have an opportunity to thrive,” said Buckman.

Staff from REM Iowa volunteer at Families Helping Families’ annual holiday party

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288

COMMUNITY PARTNER GRANTS

288 COMMUNITY PARTNER GRANTS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO 154 UNIQUE ORGANIZATIONS IN 28 STATES SINCE THE FOUNDATION’S INCEPTION

The Network’s Community Partners include...

FY2017-FY2018 COMMUNITY PARTNER GRANTS

— HOW WE INVEST — 50%

42%

Programs to support individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities

Programs to support youth & families at risk

8%

Programs to support individuals with brain, spinal cord & other neurological conditions

14% Education

61%

Health & Human Services

13%

Arts & Culture

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PAYING IT FORWARD In FY2017-FY2018, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation was proud to award Community Partner grants to 33 organizations in 17 states. Leaders from The MENTOR Network visited some of our Community Partners to learn more about the important work being done by organizations in our communities.

David Doth, Retired, VP, Operations, Community Support Services, and Connie Menne, VP, Operations, Community Support Services North, presented a check to Kim Keprios, CEO, The Arc Greater Twin Cities in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Arc Greater Twin Cities in St. Paul, Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, actively supporting them and their families in a lifetime of full inclusion and participation in their communities. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation was used to certify 15 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities as People Planning Together (PPT) trainers, a program focusing on empowering people with disabilities to take a leadership role in planning the life they desire.

Birmingham Children’s Theater (BCT) in Birmingham, Alabama is a nonprofit professional theater company whose mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the lives of children through professional theater. Established in 1947, it produces high-quality theatrical entertainment and arts education for children and families in Alabama. BCT strives to make its performances and programs available to all students, regardless of their families’ ability to pay. The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation grant provides scholarships for children placed in foster care in Alabama to participate in BCT programs.

DeAnna Hand, State Director, Alabama MENTOR, presented a check to Rebecca Yeager, Education Director, Birmingham Children’s Theater.

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Boston CASA’s mission is to promote and advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. They fulfill their mission by recruiting, training and supervising community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (“CASAs”) who work to ensure that these children have safe and permanent homes. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported their Older Youth Advocacy Project, allowing 50 youth ages 16 and older to have CASAs.

Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides advocacy, outreach, resources, case management, and volunteer opportunities to support Minnesotans affected by brain injury. The organization’s Citizen Advocate Academy trains participants in effective advocacy skills and encourages people with brain injury and their loved ones to share their stories with policymakers. The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation grant supports its academies, where advocates learn about how a bill becomes a law, how to craft their story with effective and positive messaging, and how public policy issues impact the brain injury community.

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry (CML), in Charleston, South Carolina, is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling each child to realize his or her highest potential. CML’s SuperStars program invites children with special needs and their families to explore at their own pace without the overstimulation of a crowded environment. Held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, CML opens two hours early and welcomes SuperStars guests at no cost to their families. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation will allow CML to purchase the rights to pilot an application that will improve the museum experience for children with special needs and their families.

Elizabeth Farley, Corporate Philanthropy Specialist, The MENTOR Network, presented a check to Charles Lerner, Executive Director, Boston CASA in Boston, Massachusetts.

Kathy Larson, Director, Brain Injury and Specialty Support Services, REM Minnesota presented a check to David King, CEO, Brain Injury Alliance of Minnesota.

Stephanie Judy, of South Carolina MENTOR, presented a check to Jacquie Berger, Director of Development, Children’s Museum of the Lowcounty in Charleston, South Carolina.

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The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina, seeks to be a leader in innovative family activities, a dynamic learning center and a compelling community attraction. The museum has identified a great need in the area for recreational opportunities for children and teens with special needs. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation allowed the museum to launch Super Saturdays public programming, a monthly event where all museum programming is tailored for individuals with special needs.

Kevin Pitts, Area Director, South Carolina MENTOR, presented a check to Jami Emory, Director of Development, Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, South Carolina.

Denis Holler, Chief Financial Officer, The MENTOR Network, presents a check to Ellen Minzner, Director of Outreach, Community Rowing in Boston, Massachusetts.

Joanne Kirk, Executive Director, New Jersey MENTOR presents a check to Jamie Bernard, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Services in Newton, New Jersey.

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Community Rowing (CRI) is a public rowing club on the Charles River in Massachusetts.

CRI’s Youth Para Rowing program offers safe and supportive coaching for youth with physical and intellectual disabilities. CRI is positioned to spread awareness for further inclusion within the sport of rowing and hopes to significantly increase overall participation of youth with disabilities and reach more than 400 youth from across Greater Boston. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation offsets coaching costs, regatta entry fees, staff development and transportation for the program.

Domestic Abuse Services (DASI) is a non-profit organization providing comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families in Newton, New Jersey. The DASIKids program provides children who have lived with domestic violence and their parent with advocacy, education, individual and group supportive counseling, trauma informed art therapy and recreational activities to help the children heal and to reduce the risk of their becoming victims or abusers as adults. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation provides approximately 155 hours of services from a child advocate for parents who have faced abuse and their children.

Free Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment and Endowment (F.R.E.E.) serves individuals with brain injury, spinal cord injury, neurological impairments, and other challenges throughout Virginia. The organization assists individuals in achieving independence in their home and community by providing access to mobility. They recycle equipment such as power wheelchairs, walkers, canes, shower chairs, tub benches and more, to serve individuals who are unable to obtain these items due to financial or insurance limitations. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation allowed F.R.E.E. to provide tub transfer benches, a much sought after item throughout the state of Virginia, for individuals in need to reduce falls in the home.

Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County’s mission is to improve the oral health of children in Orange County, California through collaborative programs directed at prevention, outreach and education, access to treatment, and advocacy. Their Dental Sedation Care Program is a critical service for both children in low-income families and children with special needs. The use of sedation provides safety and comfort for children during dental treatment. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation ensures that children with special needs that require medical management and specialized services receive prompt and quality care.

Hope House’s mission is to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing safe refuge and supportive services that educate and empower those impacted by domestic violence in Kansas City, Missouri. Adults and children who have escaped violent homes are not necessarily safe once they leave. Separation and divorce, which can be a long and emotionally trying processes, can create a risk of danger to custodial parents and children. To allow children safe access to their noncustodial parents, Hope House offers the Guardian Program, a safe exchange and monitored visitation program. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation allows for approximately 250 supervised visits through the program.

Ivan Velickovic, Executive Director, NeuroRestorative Virginia, presents a check to Robin Ramsey, Executive Director, F.R.E.E. Foundation in Roanoke, Virginia.

Jordin Anderson, Area Director, California MENTOR, presented a check to Ria Berger, CEO, Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County in Garden Grove, California.

Rachel Kramer, State Director, Missouri MENTOR, presented a check to Traci Francis, Chief Quality Officer, Hope House in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

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Oak Hill, located in Hartford, Connecticut, provides a range of services to people of all ages with disabilities. Founded in 1888, it is using its successful track record of services to support its Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education (CRSE). CRSE produces and provides access to sexual health and safe relationship learning materials and professional development to support sexual health and safety for adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported CRSE to digitize its educational workbooks and make them available for free.

Whitney Shufelt, Philanthropy Specialist, The MENTOR NETWORK, with Brenna Doyle, Program Integration Specialist at Oak Hill., and Katie Hanley, Program Director, Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education at Oak Hill.

Todd Fricke, Executive Director, Indiana MENTOR, presented a check to Marie Kubina, Curriculum Director, Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Emily Rouleau, Program Director, Massachusetts MENTOR, presented a check to Sarah Baldiga, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Rise Above Foundation in Northbridge, Massachusetts.

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Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso, Indiana, maximizes self-sufficiency and enriches the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. They provide children and adults with a supportive environment where they can learn, continually increase their skills, and reach their maximum potential. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported the creation of an outdoor sensory space which includes a wheelchair swing, an ADA chair swing, interactive wheelchair accessible musical instruments, tactile and color integrating stations, oversized lawn games and more.

Rise Above Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing Massachusetts children in foster care with enriching activities, opportunities and experiences.

The organization responds to the growing need to give youth in foster care opportunities that will give them a sense of normalcy, provide comfort and build self-esteem. Rise Above funds individual wishes for summer camp requests completed by the youth or their social worker or foster parent. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported Rise Above in funding summer camps for 40 youth in foster care.

Special Olympics Missouri provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation helped defray the cost of the organization’s Summer Games which is an event for a large population of athletes from different regions of Missouri.

Rachel Kramer, State Director, Missouri MENTOR, presented a check to Carol Griffin, Partnership Manager, Special Olympics Missouri in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services, in Los Angeles, California provides comprehensive, family-centered social, educational, and behavioral health services, which encourage children, adolescents and their families to lead self-reliant, stable, and productive lives. The non-profit’s Arts Enrichment program offers a wide variety of therapeutic arts classes. Many children at Vista have a history of trauma including neglect and/or physical and emotional abuse, so for them art classes become a critical adjunct to their therapy by providing them with a safe and creative environment to express emotions that may have previously been dormant.

The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported Vista’s mission to ensure that all the children with special needs they serve will continue to have access to quality arts enrichment programming.

Wabash Center, in Lafayette, Indiana, is a non-profit organization assisting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities or special needs to reach their fullest potential. They offer numerous programs and services to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported their Therapeutic Gardening Program and allowed them to accommodate more individuals with disabilities as wel as diversify their current garden to create more educational gardening activities, add nutritional learning, and support the learning kitchen program.

Sabrina Ullah, Area Director, California MENTOR, presented a check to Nancy Tallerino, President and CEO, Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services in Los Angeles, California.

Gina Abston, Area Director, Indiana MENTOR, presented a check to Brian Sholty, Garden Coordinator, Wabash Center in Lafayette, Indiana.

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Because community service is The MENTOR Network’s way of life, the Foundation created the Community Champions program to recognize our employees who devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy to local charities.

THE NETWORK’S FY 2017 – FY 2018 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

Kim Brown NeuroRestorative Kentucky Natalie’s Sisters

Melissa Comeau Florida MENTOR Heartland Horses Equine Activities and Learning

Jennifer Leafty REM Iowa Camp Quality Heartland

Tamara Madsen Cole Vocational Services, California Ceres Christian Church

Carla Maxwell Missouri MENTOR Jordan’s Place

Mark Parrish NeuroRestorative Michigan Brain Injury Association of Michigan

Julie Pritchett NeuroRestorative Kentucky Saving Sunny

Stefanie Baker The MENTOR Network MassGeneral Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department

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Nicole Russell New Jersey MENTOR National MS Society

Sharon Knowles Illinois MENTOR Bethel Apostolic Faith Church

Scott McDowell REM Iowa Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa

Susan White NeuroRestorative North Carolina Families Moving Forward

Lisa Variot NeuroRestorative Michigan Northville Moos

Wesner Dorce South Shore Haitian Adult Day Health Center, Massachusetts Haitian Community Partners

Roberta Wachlin REM Arrowhead, Minnesota Special Olympics Duluth

Elisabeta Blaney MA MENTOR Family Services of Central MA

Jennifer Allen NeuroRestorative Kentucky Primate Rescue Center

Margaret Buono-Turchiarelli Children and Families Services, The MENTOR Network Good Samaritan Mission

Kristine Alwin REM Wisconsin Oconto Unified School District

Nicole Lynch REM Iowa Marshalltown Community Theater

Priscilla Scurry Florida MENTOR Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay

Ron Muccitelli MA MENTOR Bethany Gospel Chapel

Champions are celebrated by The Network, and their chosen organization receives a grant of $500. To date, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation has awarded 80 Community Champions awards.

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Stepping Stones—a program of The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation—helps those we serve achieve independence. Whether they are individuals transitioning out of the foster care system, receiving services for brain injury or living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many people served

by The Network lack the resources and support to attain higher education or specialized vocational training. The fund offers grant money for job training and readiness activities, vocational and higher education, and other programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence.

CREATING A LIVING LEGACY Dillon is determined to succeed. He is currently a freshman at Texas A&M University, and after years of hard work it seems like there’s nothing he can’t accomplish. But his future wasn’t always so clear.

Dillon entered South Carolina MENTOR’s foster care program in 2008 after his family began experiencing a range of challenges. He remained in the program for four years, until his grandparents learned that he had been placed in foster care and began the process of adopting him. Dillon views his experiences, including his years in foster care, as important to developing a positive outlook and giving him the courage to pursue his goals.

“Foster care has changed the way I view many things,” he says. “It made me a much stronger person.”

In high school, Dillon worked hard to achieve academically. He knew that a good education would open doors for him, enabling him to shape his own life

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Dillon Smith participated in his high school spirit week with friends leading up to graduation.

direction. He also knew it would help him to one day pay forward the caring and support he has received from others.

“I was so driven in high school to go to a good school because I want to create a living legacy,” he says.

“School will allow me to get to a position where I am able to help people who cannot help themselves.

My future goal is to give to others because people gave so much to me. My dream job is to become a doctor.”

Dillon’s hard work has paid off.

Because of his outstanding academic record, he was accepted to several colleges. The Stepping Dillon Smith and his friend celebrate their high school graduation.

Stones grant he received from the Charitable Foundation has helped make it possible for him to attend Texas A&M, where he is currently pursuing a psychology major, putting him one step closer to his dream of helping others.

“The best part of school so far is the freedom to be whoever you want to be. College is a great time to find yourself and to see exactly who you are,” Dillon says.

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NETWORK ANGELS Established in 2010, Network Angels is a charitable organization that helps employees and independent contractors of The MENTOR Network who experience sudden, life-altering events that jeopardize their ability to meet basic living expenses.

Network Angels collects monetary donations from Network employees, Mentors—also known as foster parents and Host Home providers—and other independent contractors, and from The MENTOR Network itself. Because Network Angels is a public charity, the law requires public support in the form of donations and limits the amount of money the company can provide.

Administrative expenses are covered by the company so contributions go entirely to grants.

Donations from individuals are the lifeblood of the organization and critical to our ability to provide support to colleagues in need.

The organization’s Grant Committee reviews applications for assistance and distributes funds as quickly as possible. The number and size of each grant depends on available resources, the scale of the event and the grant’s potential impact on the recipient and his or her family.

DURING FY2017 AND FY2018:

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1,720

Employee donors contributed to Network Angels

132

Grants were awarded to Network employees & independent contractors

~$218K

was distributed to help individuals move forward in their lives

NETWORK ANGELS GRANT BRINGS FOCUS TO HEALING Nikkita Murray

A case manager for more than 4 years with NeuroRestorative New Jersey, Nikkita is committed to serving as a liaison between those we serve, their families, and our treatment teams to ensure the highest quality care and support. In 2016 Nikkita found herself seeking care and support of her own when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Shortly after her diagnosis, her husband was hurt on the job, which took him out of work. With surgery and a medical leave planned, Nikkita reached out to Network Angels for assistance.

In her application she wrote “I appreciate any help at this difficult stage in my life, no matter the amount, it is the thought that has touched my heart.”

Network Angels awarded Nikkita a grant to cover two months of her mortgage while she was recovering.

“Network Angels kept my family from getting behind on our mortgage,” said Nikkita. “It allowed me to focus on my healing and not on the worries of paying my bills.”

Nikkita returned to work after recovering from her surgery, but continues to fight her battle against cancer. While this difficult journey is not over, she expressed that “to this day I am still ever so grateful to Network Angels for awarding me a grant.”

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The Network Angels Grant Committee members have contributed countless hours of their time joining last minute calls to review, discuss and approve requests for assistance. These committee members are often behind the scenes, but Network Angels could not award grants without them.

“I feel that I have been given a gift to be a part of such a wonderful organization. Each award, and there are many, helps ease the financial burdens that have resulted due to loss, serious illness, accidents and natural disasters. I am proud to be associated with Network Angels.”

– Robin Fishman, Director, Customer Assessment, The MENTOR Network

“The work of Network Angels is so important in offering a hand when employees are faced with incredible challenges in their lives. We hear about the heart wrenching stories of our team members and offer a safety net to help bridge their finances during these times. I am so proud to be part of this effort and to be able to make a difference in what can seem like insurmountable challenge. Of course, this could not be possible without a sincere thanks to our broader workforce for providing the funds to support those facing particularly difficult events in their lives. Thanks to all of us, we CAN make a difference!”

–C onnie Menne, Vice President of Community Support Services (CSS)-North

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“Network Angels would not be able to fulfill its mission without the generosity of our colleagues across The Network.

Whether it’s through contributions of $1 a year or $5 each pay period, it’s the combined efforts of thousands of individuals across our organization that allow us to help one another in times of need.”

– Sarah Magazine, Vice President, External Affairs, The MENTOR Network; Executive Director, Network Angels

“I am honored to be part of the Network Angels program.

I believe Network Angels’ mission of giving back to employees who have suffered from unfortunate circumstances is in alignment with The MENTOR Network’s overall mission. Being part of the Network Angels committee makes me feel more passion for the work we do every day. Network Angels reinforces that The MENTOR Network is truly a helping company.”

– Chris Williamson, Regional Vice President of Development, NeuroRestorative

“Serving on this committee is an honor.

Network Angels provides much needed assistance to employees experiencing a great hardship or loss. I find it very rewarding and my duty to help positively impact the lives of others, especially when those people are my co-workers at The MENTOR Network.”

“I am humbly honored to serve on the Network Angels Grant Committee. I love the opportunity to assist our fellow team members when they are struck by difficult circumstances. To give back to these individuals who have unselfishly chosen to dedicate their careers to improving the lives of others is truly joyful.”

– Bruce Kuluris, Regional Vice President of Operations, CareMeridian

“I love having a role in deciding how we can help those who have applied for a grant and am extremely thankful for all employees who contribute to this very worthwhile cause.

The situations that people endure can be heartbreaking and to be part of an organization that gives them a helping hand brings me much joy.”

– Jane Wiemerslage, Vice President for Field Quality Improvement,Community Support Services (CSS)

– Carol Swanson, Executive Director, Florida MENTOR

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NETWORK ANGELS GRANT EASES FEAR AND BRINGS NEW FOUND HOPE PAYMENTS FOR UTILITIES

Julia Duncan

From open heart surgery and ongoing doctor visits, to countless medical bills, Julia had her hands full. Julia, a DSP for REM Iowa, was out of work after one month in the hospital for surgery and a subsequent heart attack and was going to the hospital twice a day for continued treatments to rid her heart and spine of endocarditis.

Her concern for her 12 year old son was beginning to heighten as he was devastated by his mother’s illness. Her anxiety about her ability to meet all of her expenses was not far behind, as she knew she would be out of work recovering for about three months.

HOUSING PAYMENTS

“The bills started to pour in, and I didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet,” said Julia. “I was afraid of losing my home. I was trying to recover from the hospital stay, and take care of my 12 year old son.”

To no avail, Julia had already reached out to agencies in her community for help.

When her supervisor let her know about Network Angels, she promptly placed a call.

Network Angels responded with a grant to cover three months of mortgage payments and her utility bills.

FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS

“The grant from Network Angels dried up many tears,” said Julia. “I became less afraid and found hope that everything would be okay. I was able to put my energy towards focusing on getting stronger with my health.”

The financial assistance from Network Angels allowed Julia to recover and return back to work with REM Iowa.

“I can’t thank The Network enough,” said Julia. “I had been through so much and people I didn’t even know helped me. They are true angels in this world.”

HOW WE HELP 28 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k

FUNDRAISER FRIDAY: NORTH ANDOVER, MA

WAYS EMPLOYEES CONTRIBUTE

PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS In August 2018, employees at The MENTOR Network’s Support Service Center in North Andover, Massachusetts spent the Friday of their spirit week raising money for Network Angels. Office staff donated $1 to wear flip flops for the day and $2 for an all-you-can eat potluck. More than 20 mission-driven employees made or bought delicious food for the potluck and roughly 60 employees participated. SSC’s Spirit Committee is excited to plan more events to raise funds for Network Angels, bringing joy to the office while money is raised for fellow colleagues.

BAKE SALES & LOCAL FUNDRAISERS

“We hope to plan more fundraisers like this to raise money for Network Angels. It’s a fun way to get together and support our own people.”

-Rita Jette, AR Supervisor, The MENTOR Network SPORTS TOURNAMENTS & RAFFLES

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY Each spring, employees, individuals served and friends of The MENTOR Network come together on a Saturday for a singular mission: to give back to the communities in which we live and work.

Teams of volunteers head out into their communities for a morning of service with activities ranging from park clean ups and working at food banks to painting projects at a range of local non-profit organizations. Volunteers include family members, friends and individuals served by Network programs.

In 2018, more than 2,100 volunteers completed 80 service projects on a single day.

HOW WE’VE GROWN Established in 2013, The Network’s National Volunteer Day began with five states and has expanded significantly over past five years.

2013

5 SERVICE PROJECTS IN 5 STATES

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2018

80 SERVICE PROJECTS IN 32 STATES

“The Network was founded by people who believed that strong communities enable people of all abilities to thrive. Year after year, it is inspiring to see so many who share that belief coming together to lend a hand.”

Bruce F. Nardella, President and CEO, The MENTOR Network

FROM COAST TO COAST, THE NETWORK’S VOLUNTEERS GATHERED TO...

SORT AND PACKAGE MORE THAN 40,000 MEALS...

CareMeridian Northern California, Poverello House, Fresno, CA

NeuroRestorative New Jersey, Cathedral Kitchen, Camden, NJ

NeuroRestorative San Antonio, San Antonio Food Bank, TX

Alabama MENTOR, Christian Service Mission (CSM), Birmingham, AL

Indiana MENTOR, Community Harvest Food Bank, Fort Wayne, IN

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CareMeridian Arizona, Sunshine Acres Children’s Homes, Mesa, AZ

REM Arrowhead, St. Louis Quarry Park, Duluth, MN

REM Iowa, Western Iowa Eastern Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds, Avoca, IA

The Boston Office, North Andover Shared Service Center and Massachusetts Mentor Franklin Park, Boston, MA

California MENTOR, Southern California, Sharefest Community Development, San Pedro, CA

California MENTOR, Delaware MENTOR, Delaware Southern State Park,California Lewes, DE

NeuroRestorative Carbondale, Green Earth Trails, Carbondale, IL REM Mississippi, Flowood/Jackson, Mississippi Food Network, Jackson, MS

NeuroRestorative Kentucky, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Lexington, KY

REM New Jersey, New Jersey MENTOR, Pennsylvania MENTOR, South Delsea Drive Park, Glassboro, NJ

MENTOR Oregon, Rebuild Together, Portland, OR

BEAUTIFY 53 LANDSCAPES & COMMUNITY CENTERS...

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NeuroRestorative New Jersey, Galloway, NJ

California MENTOR, A Street Homeless Shelter, Sacramento, CA

CareMeridian California, Life After Brain Injury, Simi Valley, CA

CREATE MORE THAN 570 CARE PACKAGES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, SENIORS LIVING IN NURSING HOMES AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE...

CareMeridian Utah, Bear-O Care, Riverton, UT

Alabama MENTOR, New to Care Bags, Montgomery, AL

REM Wisconsin, LaCrosse, Kane Street Community Garden, LaCrosse, WI

AND MUCH MORE! F Y 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 33

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Throughout the year, employees across The Network regularly come together to make a difference in the communities in which we live and work through volunteering their time and talents to organizations and causes that need it most. The following snapshots represent just a few examples of these volunteer activities and events:

REM Iowa DSPs organized a walk for Autism Awareness in Washington, IA to raise awareness of Autism. More than 40 people attended the walk and helped raise over $850 which was donated to the Iowa Chapter of Autism Speaks.

NeuroRestorative Las Vegas volunteered at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest. The nonprofit serves adults in the southern Nevada community with intellectual and related disabilities, to enhance their lives and the lives of the families who love them.

REM North Dakota decorated their office holiday tree with warm winter items such hats, gloves, scarves and socks that were collected items from employees, past employees, Mentors, family members and members of the community.

The items were donated to local elementary schools to ensure children have the essentials they need to play outside with their peers and stay safe and warm.

California MENTOR volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of South Counties’ event, Feed the Kids and Families. The event provided children and their families with a Thanksgiving feast as well as a new book.

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For the 7th year in a row, The MENTOR Network and NeuroRestorative employees participated in The Red Sox Foundation’s “Run to Home Base” event at Fenway Park. The event raises money for veterans with brain injury and their families.

Recognizing that many children in their program throughout the years have experienced housing instability and homelessness, Georgia MENTOR partnered with Athens Area Homeless Shelter (AAHS) to collect donations of home goods to support families currently in the shelter transition into homes and become self-sufficient.

Florida MENTOR employees and participants organized the 1st Annual Breast Cancer Walk in Point West in honor of all those affected by breast cancer.

Patients, family and friends, along with staff from CareMeridian participated in Walk to Defeat ALS in San Jose, CA in memory of two individuals cared for in the Gilroy program.

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THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce F. Nardella, Chairman Dwight Robson, President Chris Kozakis, Treasurer Sarah Magazine, Executive Director Brett Cohen Denis Holler Gina Martin Maria McGee Jeffrey Cohen Gerry Morrissey

NETWORK ANGELS BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce F. Nardella, President Chris Kozakis, Treasurer David Baird, Assistant Treasurer Sarah Magazine, Executive Director Brett Cohen Robin Fishman Bruce Kuluris Connie Menne Carol Swanson Chris Williamson Jane Wiemerslage

www.thementornetwork.com www.networkcharitablefoundation.org www.networkangels.org