Friends of Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. We are pleased to present Tri-Valley Opportunity Council’s 2014 Annual Report. Like most years, 2014 presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. As you read the stories and examine the data contained in this report, it will become evident that our mission-focused staff and volunteers successfully met challenges and seized opportunities to improve the quality of the lives of the people being served. Tri-Valley experienced significant growth in Transportation Programs during 2014. While other programs didn’t see the growth in services that we saw in Transportation, many changes were made in Head Start, Community Services, and Senior Programs. The changes made will better position Tri-Valley to carry out its mission going forward. The future is bright! In addition to changes in programming, Tri-Valley experienced changes in leadership in 2014. Dennis P. (Denny) DeMers ended over 42 years of service to the corporation in 2014. Denny began his tenure at Tri-Valley as Head Start Director, became Chief Executive Officer after 20 years in Head Start, and finished his time at Tri-Valley as its President. Denny’s many accolades and accomplishments are far too numerous to list in this letter. Suffice it to say that his wisdom and experience has been and will be missed well into the future. The Succession Plan to replace Denny has worked out flawlessly. Tri-Valley also experienced change with membership on the Board of Directors in 2014. Jamie Hennen and Bette Gysland both decided to move on to other opportunities and to open up their seats at the Board table to someone new. We thank them both for their service on the Board of Directors. An enormous thank you is due for the very high quality of professional skills exhibited by the Tri-Valley staff members who keep the organization functioning at a hugely commendable level. We wish to thank every one of them for their dedication and jobs well done. It is also important to recognize the Board of Directors, the decision makers who, because of their passion for serving those in need, give freely of their time and talent to ensure flawless quality and compassionate services. Thank you for your interest in Tri-Valley. We look forward to reporting on our 2015 activities to you at this time next year.
Chief Executive Officer
Board Chair
Mission & Beliefs Our Mission: To provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities. We Believe . . .
~ All people have value and potential; ~ In treating all people with dignity and respect; ~ Diversity enriches the quality of life; ~ All people have the right to be informed of choices, opportunities, and responsibilities; ~ Effective communication and teamwork are essential for success; ~ Partnerships are essential in delivering quality services; and, ~ There are opportunities in change 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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2014 Tri-Valley Board of Directors OFFICERS
Chair Person Dr. Linda Neuerburg Polk County
Vice Chair Person LeRoy Vonasek Marshall County
Treasurer Nick Nicholas Polk County
Secretary Linda Grinde Polk County
MEMBERS
Don Diedrich Polk County
John Gerszewski Polk County
Lee Ann Hall Norman County
Jamie Hennen Norman County
Dale Svaren Norman County
Domita Mack Marshall County
2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
Lana Glover Marshall County
Mark Kroulik Marshall County
Bette Gysland Norman County
Marvin Gunderson Norman County
Tammy Lee Norman County
Shawna Peterson Marshall County
Dr. Jodi Boerger-Wilder Polk County Page 3
Tri-Valley Programs and Services Community Services Programs
• Community Assistance Programs - Helps qualified low-to-moderate income families with rent assistance, security deposits, foreclosure prevention, mortgage and budget counseling, home buyer training, housing counseling, and financial assistance for utilities, food, and clothing. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and crisis and furnace repairs are also available to qualified households. • Child Care Aware - Assists the early childhood community in expanding and improving the quality and availability of child care. Parents looking for child care can receive a list of licensed providers tailored to meet their specific criteria. • Family Voice and Choice Network - Provides a Family Mentor to parents and caregivers of children, ages 0-21 with social, emotional and behavioral concerns as part of the Our Children Succeed Initiative. • Tri-Valley Heartland Express (T.H.E. Bus) - Provides public transportation in handicapped accessible buses. Curb-to-curb service is available. • Rural Transportation Collaborative (RTC) - Coordinates volunteer drivers to transport individuals for medical appointments, education or work activities, child visitations, or other personal matters. • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Outreach - For more than 40 years, SNAP has served as the foundation of America’s national nutrition safety net. It is the nation’s first line of defense against hunger and offers a powerful tool to improve nutrition among low-income people. In 2012, SNAP helped almost 47 million low-income Americans to afford a nutritionally adequate diet in a typical month.
Housing Programs
• Minnesota Urban and Rural Homesteading Program (MURL)- Allows low-income, at-risk families to purchase a home with no down payment and no interest. Monthly payments are based on affordability and are adjusted as income increases.
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Tri-Valley Programs and Services Head Start, Child and Family Programs
• Head Start - Provides comprehensive, family-oriented child development services designed to meet the diverse needs of low-income children and their families. Services provided include early childhood education, medical and dental examinations, immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, speech and developmental screenings, disabilities services, referrals, and parent education. - Head Start - Provides services to children ages 3 to compulsory school age in West Polk, West Marshall, and Norman counties. - Early Head Start - Provides services to pregnant women, infants, and toddlers in West Polk, West Marshall, Norman, and Steel counties. - Migrant and Seasonal Head Start/Early Head Start - Provides services to Migrant and Seasonal pregnant women and children ages 6 weeks to compulsory school age throughout the states of Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota. • Title 1 Health Services - Provided over 450 physicals and dental exams to Title 1 children and provided nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch. • Title 1 Identification & Recruitment - 2,851 migrant children were identified in MN (ages birth to 21). • Migrant Child Care - Funds are utilized to enhance the services provided at our Migrant Head Start centers and provide direct child care to children who need services longer than centers offer. Over 860 migrant children were served with Migrant Child Care funds.
Senior Programs
• Foster Grandparent Program - Recruits individuals age 55 and over to volunteer in schools, child care centers, Head Start centers, group homes, and other non-profit facilities to support children with special needs. • Senior Companion Program - Recruits individuals age 55 and over to help others live independently by assisting with grocery shopping and other daily tasks. 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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The People We Serve In 2014, Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. served an unduplicated count of 9,593 individuals and 2,693 families.
People Served by Poverty Level
% of Poverty
Up to 50% 51% to 75% 76% to 100% 101% to 125% 126% to 150% 151% to 175% 176% to 200% 201% and over
Total
813 (32%) 386 (15%) 329 (13%) 281 (11%) 178 (7%) 166 (6%) 87 (3%) 339 (13%)
People Served by Education Level Level Total
0-8 Grade 202 (6%) 9-12 Grade/Non-Graduate 1,028 (29%) High School Graduate/GED 1,595 (45%) 12+ Some Post Secondary 426 (12%) 2 or 4 Year College Graduate 276 (8%) 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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The People We Serve People Served by Age Age
0-5 6-11 12-17 18-23 24-44 45-54 55-69 70+
Total
1,672 (18%) 1,296 (14%) 787 (8%) 514 (6%) 2,030 (22%) 500 (5%) 1,340 (14%) 1,240 (13%)
People Served by Family Size Family Size
Total
One 743 (29%) Two 472 (18%) Three 410 (16%) Four 390 (15%) Five 290 (11%) Six 175 (7%) Seven 70 (3%) Eight or more 29 (1%)
2014 - A Year in Review Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. strives to meet six national goals. Here’s a look at our accomplishments in 2014...
Goal 1: Low-Income People Become More Self-Sufficient. • Helped 574 individuals who were unemployed obtain a job. • Helped 574 individuals obtain an increase in employment income and/or benefits. • In order to acquire or maintain employment: - Assisted 1,286 families obtain care for their children. - Assisted 31,731 individuals in obtaining access to reliable transportation. - Helped 146 individuals obtain health care services for themselves or a family member. - Helped 133 individuals and/or families obtain safe and affordable housing. - Assisted 1,383 individuals and/or families obtain food assistance. • Assisted 77 families to receive individualized services for children with disabilities. • Helped 899 families enroll in MinnesotaCare or other health insurance program. 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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2014 - A Year in Review Goal 2: The Conditions in Which Low-Income People Live are Improved. • Created or maintained 5,066 safe and affordable child care or child development placement opportunities for low-income families. • Mobilized 108 community members to participate in community revitalization and anti-poverty initiatives. • Provided opportunities for 1,696 volunteers to serve 848,880 hours in agency and community activities.
Goal 3: Low-Income People Own a Stake in Their Community. • Provided opportunities for low-income individuals to volunteer 220,324 hours in agency and community activities. • Assisted 47 low-income individuals to participate in formal community organizations, government, boards or councils that provide input to decision-making and policy-setting. • Helped increase the knowledge of 1,758 individuals about Minnesota Voter Registration and participation. • Assisted 47 low-income individuals to participate in formal community organizations, government, boards or councils that provide input to decision-making and policy-setting.
Goal 4: Partnerships Among Supporters and Providers of Services to Low-Income People are Achieved. Established or maintained relationships with the following partners: - 36 Nonprofits - 9 Faith-Based Groups - 34 Local Government Entities - 2 State Governments - 6 Federal Government Agencies - 1,664 For-Profit Businesses or Corporations - 7 Consortiums or Collaborations - 2 Housing Consortiums or Collaborations - 63 School Districts - 3 Institutions of Post Secondary Education - 2 Financial/Banking Institutions - 55 Health Service Institutions - 12 State-Wide Associations or Collaborations
Goal 5: Increase Our Agency Capacity to Achieve Results. • Provided 27,080 hours of training to 667 staff. • Provided 20 hours of training to 15 Board members. • Provided 19 Family Development Certified staff. • Provided 16 Child Development Certified staff.
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2014 - A Year in Review Goal 6: Low-Income People, Especially Vulnerable Populations, Achieve Their Potential by Strengthening Family, and Other Support Systems. • Provided programs and activities to 2,580 seniors to maintain their independent living. • Provided programs and activities to 2,384 individuals with disabilities to maintain their independent living. • Provided referrals for emergency food assistance to 174 individuals. • Provided emergency payments to vendors for fuel and energy bills for 749 individuals. • Provided emergency rent or mortgage assistance to 118 individuals. • Provided emergency home repair to 88 households. • Provided referrals for temporary shelter to 23 individuals. • Provided referrals for emergency medical care to 11 individuals. • Assisted 1,167 infants and children obtain age appropriate immunizations, medical, and dental care. • Improved the health and physical development of 1,167 infants and children as a result of providing adequate nutrition. • Provided preschool activities to develop school readiness to 371 children. • Ensured that 371 children from low-income families are ready for school having developed pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills as measured by assessment. • Ensured that 917 parents and other adults learned and exhibited improved parenting skills. • Ensured that 895 parents and other adults learned and exhibited improved family functioning skills. • Helped 77 obtain care for their child or other dependent. • Helped 15,446 obtain access to reliable transportation. • Assisted 169 obtain health care services for themselves or family member. • Assisted 95 obtain safe and affordable housing. • Helped 1,383 obtain food assistance. • Helped 200 obtain non-emergency LIHEAP energy assistance. • Provided 127,986 rides. • Provided 2,630 information and referral calls.
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Audited Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets Year ending December 31, 2014
REVENUES
Grant Revenue $16,831,052 Program Contributions $1,961,822 Interest Income $5,216 In-Kind Contributions $1,945,533 Other Income $306,313 TOTAL REVENUE $21,049,936
EXPENSES
Child Education $14,399,708 Family and Community Services $1,310,998 Energy Assistance and Weatherization $263,350 Senior Services $455,940 Transportation $2,516,997 Housing and Housing Rehabilitation $222,187 Homeless/Shelter Programs $214,692 Food Programs $ 550,841 Corporate Activities $336,644 TOTAL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
$20,271,357
Management and General Expenses $871,226 Fundraising $44,479 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 21,187,062 CHANGES IN NET ASSETS $137,126 Net Assets December 31, 2014 $6,031,869
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In The News Senior Companion Program Celebrates 40 Year Anniversary In 2014, the Corporation for National and Community Service is celebrating four decades of the Senior Companion Program. Borne out of a mission to provide meaningful volunteer service opportunities for low-income older persons to help others remain independent, the program has become a much needed service in a continuum-of-care for numerous frail individuals. In the process, the service that Senior Companion volunteers provide has brought peace of mind to caregivers and, as research supports, an improved quality of life for the Companions themselves. It has been said that the strength of our communities is determined by how we help our most vulnerable citizens. The service that Senior Companion projects provide positively impacts thousands of lives. The friendship and interdependence between the client and the Senior Companion is the bridge that keeps both client and Senior Companion connected to the community, thus making that community stronger. The Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Senior Companion Program has been in existence for 37 years. It began with serving the counties of West Polk, West Marshall, and Norman counties. The program now serves 10 counties in Northwest Minnesota including all of Polk and Marshall, Norman, Clay, Mahnomen, Red Lake, Roseau, Pennington, Lake of the Woods, and Kittson. Since 2006, the Tri-Valley Senior Companion Program has had over 80,000+ volunteer hours, served over 1,500 clients, and had over 90 Senior Companion Volunteers. Tri-Valley Senior Companions help clients maintain their independence, reduce their loneliness, access community resources, regain personal confidence, motivation and energy, and help to prevent premature nursing home placement. To learn more about Tri-Valley’s Senior Programs, please call toll-free 1-800-584-7020 or locally 218-281-5832.
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In The News Tri-Valley Hosts a BLAST! Program for Young Babysitters Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. recently held a Babysitter Lessons and Safety Training (BLAST) program in conjunction with its Migrant and Seasonal Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council meeting in Alexandria, MN. Policy Council members had the opportunity to bring their children, ages 11-14 years of age, to attend the BLAST training while parents attended the Policy Council meeting. Mary Johnson, Tri-Valley’s Assistant Program Design Manager, who is also an American Heart Association certified BLAST trainer, was kind enough to share her expertise with the group. BLAST is a program designed by the American Academy of Pediatrics to train future babysitters. The program provides the necessary basic child care information to transform a young adult into a responsible babysitter capable of handling a multitude of common situations that may arise while caring for a child.
Age Is Just a Number
Courtesy of Thirteen Towns, Fosston, MN
Grandma Pearl gives a whole new meaning to "Meeting the Rule of Ninety." The Rule of Ninety is a formula used to determine retirement benefits in the teaching profession. When the number of years of service combined with your age totals ninety years, you can qualify for full pension benefits. If Grandma Pearl Birkeland was a teacher, and qualified for a pension, she would meet the Rule of Ninety on the basis of her age alone. Grandma Pearl is ninety years old. But Grandma Pearl won't get a pension, and she doesn't get a pay check. She's a volunteer. And she has been- every day of every school year for eleven years. Grandma Pearl, along with Grandmas Mary Thorstad, Hazel Trogstad and Vickie Olson are all Volunteer Grandmothers, and are the darlings of Magelssen Elementary School. The kids love them, they love the kids, and they provide the school with four additional staff members with no additional funding requirements. You could buy a sizable pile of textbooks and supplies with the money these four ladies save our school district every year. Tuesday last, the school threw a little party as a combination 90th Birthday and retirement party for Grandma Pearl. Yes, Grandma Pearl is retiring. Grandma Pearl doesn't have very big feet, but she'll leave behind some mighty big shoes to fill. Do we have any Grandmas out there who have some time to give, and want to do some thing positive and constructive? Photo by Dean Vikan 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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In The News Minnesota Head Start Association Recognizes Tara Morrison as a Head Start Hero That Makes a Difference The Minnesota Head Start Association (MHSA) recently honored Tri-Valley Program Area Manager Tara Morrison as a Minnesota Head Start Hero (Head Start alumni who became involved in their local community and made a difference). Morrison was recognized at the Minnesota Head Start Heroes Ceremony held at the Science Museum of Minnesota in St. Paul, Minn. on March 5, 2014. Morrison’s Head Start experience began when she was four years old. Her parents divorced and her mother was now a single, unemployed parent raising two children. Her mom decided to “Open-the-Window” for her children and enrolled her brother into the Head Start Program. Being the younger sister, Morrison looked up to her brother and wanted to be just like him. The following year she was enrolled in Head Start and her journey began with her Head Start graduation in 1986. “Head Start gave us the sense of family that we needed at that time in our lives,” Morrison states. “It gave me the skills and foundation that I needed to be ready for Kindergarten and beyond,” she adds. Morrison went on to attend the University of Minnesota- Duluth. The second summer she returned home from college, she applied for a paraprofessional position with the Tri-Valley Migrant Head Start Program. During this time, she applied for and received Professional Development Funds. She went on to graduate from college with her teaching license and obtained all the additional credits needed to become a Head Start Teacher. She has been a Mentor Supervisor, Center Manager, and is now a Program Area Manager for the Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program. Tara is married to Jay Morrison and they have two sons that attend the Jaguar Kid Connection child care center in Brooten, Minn. which collaborates with Tri-Valley. “I am proud to say that Head Start and Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. have helped me achieve my dreams. I would not be on this wonderful journey if it wasn’t for the support that my family and I received from Head Start,” says Morrison. “I believe in the mission of Head Start and am truly honored to be able to help Head Start children and families,” she adds. Head Start Heroes is an annual event that honors members of the Minnesota Head Start community who overcame tremendous challenges and achieved personal and family success. These children, families, alumni and staff members have been selected by the Minnesota Head Start Association Scholarships and Awards Committee based on compelling, personal testimonies about their Head Start experience and how they were able to transform their lives. The Head Start Heroes epitomize how determination, fortitude and access to early learning and whole-family approaches can pave the way to lifelong success. 2014 Tri-Valley Annual Report
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In The News Children of Migrant Ag Workers Get Seasonal Assist By MARIE WOOD | TheLandOnline (Photo by John Cross)
The banner reads “Para Los Ninos” (for the children) and hangs outside the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Early Head Start center housed in the old grade school in Elysian, Minn. Inside, migrant children, six weeks to age 5, are getting kindergarten ready as they learn, play, eat and nap. Most of the parents work at the pea and corn packing plants in Waseca and Montgomery, Minn. One of the biggest challenges for migrant children is the disruption of their education. That’s why the national Migrant Education Program, provides educational and support services to eligible migrant children between the ages of 3-21 each year. Head Start and Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children through age 5. Isabel Ramirez and Eric Silva of Faribault, Minn., have three children that are bussed to and from the Elysian center, which provides Head Start services from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. The couple worked first shift at Birds Eye Foods in Waseca, packing peas in June and July and then rolled into corn packing through September. “This is a really great place for all the children and for us as parents, because we’re not worried. They take care of them good. They eat well and learn a lot,” said Eric through a translator. The children seem happy and at home here. Marilyn, 2, and Damien, 4, played with the dollhouse in the preschool room. Sofia, at 9 months, followed suit until her attention was captivated by taking colorful toys in and out of a box. Next Damien turned to Duplos and counting. Marilyn served up food from the play kitchen stocked with multi-cultural food from sliced bread to tortillas and beans. “They learn to speak English and Spanish and how to play with other kids. They help them get potty trained,” said Isabel. “Marilyn has learned a lot since she’s been there. They’re very kind here.” Education, Health Services The Elysian Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Early Head Start Center is one of 14 centers in Minnesota operated by Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. The centers combine education with support services to assist families from May through December. “We offer early childhood education and health services, We make sure they are up-to-date on their shots and offer resources for medical and dental treatments,” said Laura Elfert, Center Manager. Eric and Isabel’s is one of the lucky families, because they aren’t moving at the end of the season. Last year, they returned to Wisconsin, where they lived with Isabel’s mom. That means their eldest daughter, Briana, 10, won’t have to change schools this year. They are staying in their rented home in Faribault and working in a Mexican restaurant until their packing jobs resume next June. Many migrant families from the Elysian center have returned to their home state of Texas. In 2014, the center served 63 children and pregnant women and will continue providing services into December. (continued on next page)
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In The News (Children of Migrant Ag Workers continued) Isabel, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, grew up in Wisconsin on a dairy farm owned by her parents. In the summer of 2013, Eric and Isabel brought their family to Minnesota to apply for jobs at the Birds Eye plant. Isabel had worked for Birds Eye Foods in Wisconsin. That summer, Isabel saw a flyer for the center and called. Liz Zamora, Tri-Valley Recruiter and Family Advocate, helped the family find a rental house and enrolled them for services. The family is grateful for the excellent care and resources. For instance, the family received car seats and learned how to use the seats properly. “They (car seats) are very expensive and we can’t afford it,” said Isabel. At Head Start parent meetings, Isabel has made friends — most of whom she won’t see again until next summer. Already a loving mom, the meetings taught her about child care and development to improve her parenting. “I learned how important it is to brush their teeth,” said Isabel. Isabel and Eric are looking to their children’s future. Eric graduated from high school in Guanajoato, Mexico, but Isabel never graduated from high school. While Isabel wants to earn her GED, she has higher aspirations for her children. Isabel’s dream for them is “to study, be happy and healthy, and to go to college.” Serving Migrant Families The Migrant and Seasonal Head Start and Early Head Start mission is to cultivate lifelong learning in children and families, while the short-term goal is kindergarten readiness. To that end, children are screened for development. If delays are diagnosed, Recruited and Family Advocates connect the families with services such as speech or physical therapy. Sometimes Recruited and Family Advocates or the center nurse will transport the children to medical appointments. Throughout the process, Zamora sees the parents grow and learn about their child’s development. To identify families in need of migrant services, Tri-Valley’s Recruiter and Family Advocates meet with human resources and managers at packing plants, as well as with farmers and orchard growers. Sometimes the plant managers are not interested, said Melanie Wolff, Recruiter and Family Advocate at the Elysian center. Many managers are grateful so the recruiters go to break rooms to talk to workers. All the Recruiters and Family Advocates speak Spanish and English. “We work to form partnerships with workplaces and farmers, as well as local community resources including food banks, churches, and landlords in order to meet the needs of families,” said Elfert. For three summers, Zamora has been helping migrant families in southern Minnesota. The three biggest needs are clothing, food and housing. One of Zamora’s families needed a table where they could eat their family suppers. Most are in need of warm clothes, hats and sweaters for their children. “They don’t come prepared for this weather,” said Zamora. Support services can also include helping parents get scholarships to obtain their GEDs. Zamora’s heart goes out to her families that pack up and head back to Texas and other states every October. With each family, Zamora sets goals and makes a plan to transition them to the next school district. “It’s hard for school-aged children because they just get started at school,” she said. In Minnesota, Tri-Valley identified 1,767 migrant children in 2012-13. On average, 1,300 children age 3 to 21 are served annually in the Migrant Education Program.
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Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. PO Box 607 102 North Broadway Crookston, MN 56716 Phone: 218-281-5832 Toll Free: 800-584-7020 Telecommunication Relay Services: 711 Fax: 218-281-6681 Website: www.tvoc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/TVOCInc Twitter: @TriValley_TVOC
Tri-Valley is a non-profit community action agency. We believe in the value of all human beings. It is that belief that drives our efforts to identify needs, seek resources and provide opportunities for people to thrive. Our work is also committed to strengthening our communities so that its citizens have better places to live, work, worship and enjoy.
Service Area
Primary Service Area
(West Marshall, West Polk, Norman Counties)
Services in Minnesota Services in North Dakota Note: Tri-Valley has services in 84 counties in Minnesota and North Dakota. This information is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Contact us at 1-800-584-7020 or by calling the Telecommunication Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-627-3529. Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
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