WW Annual Report 24

Page 1


OUR TEAM

WEALTH WATCHERS | Board of Directors

COLEY WILLIAMS BOARD CHAIR
ANDRE HIGGINS BOARD TREASURER
DR. BOBBI WARFORD BOARD SECRETARY
HARVEY HARPER BOARD MEMBER
Not pictured: Jacqueline Gray - Board Member; Rev. Larry Riley Board Member

TEAM

WEALTH WATCHERS | Executive Staff

CARRIE DAVIS PRESIDENT & CEO
EDWARD GASTON CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
ALYCE DENSON CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CARLA CARTER VICE PRESIDENT HOMEOWNERSHIP PROMOTION

WILL BARKER IV

C.R.O.P. | FARM MANAGER

JEAN RIDDICK ADMINISTRATIVE CASE MANAGER

CIVIC BURSTON ASSISTANT FARM MANAGER

Our Team

WEALTH WATCHERS | Staff

JO JONES HOUSING COUNSELOR

KRYSTAL WEBB SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

CHRISTIAN REIS PROGRAM MANAGER WORKFORCE DEVEOPMENT

IRIS MOODY HOUSING COUNSELOR

Not pictured:

Patricia Brown - Accounting Specialist

Conswala Nelson - Intake Specialist & Administrative Assistant

ABOUT WEALTH WATCHERS INC.

Building Wealth for Future Generations

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Wealth Watchers Inc. is a HUD-certified Housing Counseling and Community Development organization that was formed as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in December 2001.

The formation of the nonprofit was a result of a series of meetings with local financial service professionals. The professionals believed education was the foundation for financial success as well as community and economic stability. This has led to Wealth Watchers and its products and services to be viable contributors to economic growth.

Wealth Watchers recognizes that homeownership is the main vehicle for people to build wealth. The company has positioned itself to be a resource for residents pursuing opportunities or who are in jeopardy of losing their homes due to foreclosure.

Wealth Watchers offers more than resources and tools to help make the American dream come true. It has programs and services for Real Estate Development, Community Building and Engagement, Small Businesses and Workforce Development.

Residents in Florida and Georgia can benefit from all of Wealth Watchers programs. It is part of the NeighborWorks America network which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.

Messages from Our Leadership

I am proud of the growth and impact Wealth Watchers continues to make in the community. We were excited about the opportunities to expand homeownership opportunities for residents in Florida and parts of Georgia. We also increased our outreach education, workforce development and agriculture improvements. We worked with several agencies to help residents navigate their homeownership journey.

As the leader of the organization, I strive to ensure we are building wealth for future generations. We partnered with LISC Jacksonville and Three Rivers Legal Services to ensure families understand and have access to estate planning resources. This journey is just beginning.

Again, I am proud to share my team’s achievements for 2024. We will continue to be a viable resource and contributor to economic growth.

Coley Williams | Chair, Board of Directors

We live in a time where one must pivot and change course to keep up with the economic climate. Wealth Watchers has navigated several storms, and we are looking forward to excellence and continuing to build on the foundation of transparency and integrity.

It has been an exciting time for Wealth Watchers. In 2024, we have embarked on a critically important strategic planning process to ensure growth, relevance and success well into the future. This strategic plan focused largely on creating sustainable funding for our community; a path for organizational growth; and a strong vision for the future to meet the evolving needs of this organization and the community.

Working together, we will continue to grow stronger and continue to fulfill our critical mission to improve the lives of the citizens of this region. The board of directors is committed to be part of this hardworking team.

Celebrating Community: Annual Tenant Appreciation

Wealth Watchers kicked off its version of Florida-Georgia football fun during its second Tenant Appreciation Tailgate. Tenants, staff, family and friends came together for a day of fun, food and football at C. B. Dailey Villas. They watched the college rivalry on two large screen televisions. They enjoyed the music of a live DJ and some delicious barbeque.

Throughout the year, tenants expressed their desire for the event to return. Their enthusiasm was evident as they gathered to celebrate. Many shared their appreciation for Wealth Watchers’ continued efforts to foster a strong sense of community. Moments like these highlight the importance of connection and reinforce our commitment to enriching the lives of our residents.

We look forward to making the next Tenant Appreciation Tailgate even bigger and better!

Tenant Spotlight

At C.B. Dailey Villas, we take pride in fostering a sense of community and ensuring that our residents feel safe, comfortable and valued. We are honored to spotlight one of our longterm residents, Ms. Lucile Dorsey, who has been a part of our community since 2019. Her story embodies the essence of what makes C.B. Dailey a wonderful place to call home.

When Ms. Dorsey first visited our community, she took a thoughtful and observant approach — visiting at night to assess the area’s security and atmosphere. What she found was a welllit, quiet and welcoming environment that gave her confidence in making the apartment her home. Since then, she has become an integral part of our community, appreciating the convenience, safety and camaraderie that comes with living here.

One of the many aspects Ms. Dorsey values is the affordability and simplicity of our housing structure. With one straightforward utility-inclusive bill, budgeting becomes easier and more manageable, allowing residents to focus on what truly matters — enjoying their home.

Ms. Dorsey has also praised the practical design of our mailbox room, which serves dual purposes — providing easy access to mail and offering a secure place for rent payments. These small but thoughtful conveniences make daily life smoother and more efficient for our tenants.

She has also expressed deep appreciation for our dedicated C.B. Dailey staff who go above and beyond to assist residents. While not all issues are within anyone’s control, our team remains committed to problem-solving, maintaining clean common areas, ensuring timely maintenance and continually improving the community. Our staff has been especially recognized for their swift responses to service requests, ensuring that residents can rely on prompt and professional solutions.

Beyond the physical aspects of the apartment complex, Ms. Dorsey cherishes the vibrant community spirit among tenants. With respectful neighbors, social gatherings and community events like tenant meet-and-greets and tailgates, she has enjoyed the sense of belonging that makes C.B. Dailey more than just a place to live — it’s a true home.

As part of our ongoing commitment to community enrichment, we have also introduced initiatives like a youth mentorship program and the recent purchase of an RV for disaster relief efforts. Ms. Dorsey’s appreciation for our community-minded approach fuels our motivation to continue making a positive impact.

Her story is a testament to the values we uphold — safety, community, convenience, and care. We are proud to have Ms. Dorsey as part of our C.B. Dailey family and look forward to continuing to enhance the quality of life for all our residents.

Side note: Ms. Dorsey truly enjoys living here, and we couldn’t be happier to have her!

2024 Year in Review

Building Stronger Homeowners, Strengthening Communities

In 2024, Wealth Watchers’ Homeownership Promotion team empowered individuals and families with the knowledge and resources to achieve their dream of homeownership. Through a mix of in-person and virtual education, strategic partnerships and community-driven initiatives, we served over 200 people, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate the homebuying journey successfully.

Expanding Education and Outreach

▯ Homebuyers Orientation Classes – 10 sessions providing step-by-step guidance on homeownership, with insights from lending and realtor partners

▯ Virtual Homebuyer Education – 12 web-based classes educating over 60 homebuyers, fulfilling requirements for Florida’s Hometown Heroes, Jacksonville’s H2H and other down payment assistance programs

▯ In-Person Homebuyer Education – Four comprehensive, 8-hour courses attended by 40 future homeowners

▯ Financial Boot Camp – A new 2-hour workshop series created for the Jacksonville Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency program, covering financial psychology, goal setting, savings and debt reduction. We conducted 15 classes (three, 5-class series), with each graduate earning a certificate to satisfy his/her financial learning requirement.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement

▯ Strengthened lender relationships by hosting community workshops, coordinating builder inventory bus tours and offering joint educational opportunities.

▯ A standout success story featured on a local Money Smart TV segment — one of our homebuyers closed on a newly built home, securing $60,000 in down payment assistance and closing costs, leading to a lower mortgage principal and interest rate.

▯ Homebuying Expo at Kingdom Plaza Mall – Over 80 attendees gained valuable knowledge about homeownership, credit improvement and debt reduction while networking with lenders, builders, realtors, insurance providers, home inspectors and housing counselors.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

▯ School Supply Initiative – We identified a local school where the majority of students receive free and reduced lunch and where teachers often use their own funds for supplies. With support from our partners, we provided essential supplies for every teacher, ensuring classrooms were well-equipped from day one.

Celebrating Homeownership and Looking Ahead

We celebrated every homebuyer who crossed the finish line in 2024, sharing their milestones with gifts and recognition. As part of our Wealth Watchers family, we are committed to continued support through post-closing workshops focused on budgeting, estate planning, home maintenance and tax exemptions.

We are excited to build on this momentum, helping even more families achieve homeownership and financial stability. Thank you to our partners, participants and supporters for making 2024 a year of impact and success!

Community Building & Engagement

Comprehensive Rural Development Program (C.R.O.P.) Highlights - 2024

The Comprehensive Rural Development Program (C.R.O.P.) of Wealth Watchers has made significant strides in 2024, fostering community engagement, sustainable agriculture and rural economic empowerment. Through impactful events and initiatives, C.R.O.P. has continued to serve as a catalyst for positive change.

MLK Day of Service

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, C.R.O.P. organized a successful MLK Day of Service, bringing together volunteers and community members to enhance the New Town Success Zone Urban Farmacy. The day included:

▯ Urban Farm Cleanup & Mulching: Volunteers worked to clear debris, lay fresh mulch and prepare garden beds for the upcoming planting season.

▯ Community Engagement: Participants engaged in discussions about sustainable food systems and the role of urban agriculture in addressing food insecurity.

▯ Collaborations: Partner organizations and local businesses contributed resources and manpower to ensure the event’s success.

Painting the Container on the Farm

Art and agriculture came together in a vibrant way as the farm’s storage container was transformed into a mural that reflects the community’s spirit and commitment to sustainability.

This initiative:

▯ Encouraged Creativity: Local artists and volunteers joined forces to design and paint the mural, making the farm a visually appealing space.

▯ Symbolized Growth & Unity: The artwork represents themes of growth, resilience and community collaboration in rural and urban farming efforts.

▯ Enhanced Public Awareness: The mural serves as a beacon for the farm, attracting visitors and spreading awareness about C.R.O.P.’s mission.

Trip to Robert’s Chicken Farm

To provide hands-on agricultural education and insight into sustainable poultry farming, the C.R.O.P. team organized a trip to Robert’s Chicken Farm in Albany, Georgia.

Participants:

▯ Learned Best Practices: Gained knowledge on organic and free-range poultry farming methods.

▯ Explored Farm Operations: Observed the daily operations of a successful chicken farm, from feeding to processing.

▯ Strengthened Networks: Built connections with experienced farmers, expanding opportunities for future collaboration and mentorship.

2024 C.O.F.F.E.E. Project

The C.O.F.F.E.E. Project is a workforce development initiative dedicated to equipping young adults (ages 16-24) with the necessary skills, training and certifications for careers in the construction industry. The program provides hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials and direct pathways to employment through strategic partnerships.

In 2024, the C.O.F.F.E.E. Project successfully met its enrollment goals, fully satisfying grant requirements for CareerSource (out-of-school young adults) and KIDS Hope Alliance (KHA) (high school young adults). Participants gained access to workforce training, industry certifications and structured career pathways.

A major achievement this year was the new partnership with A. Philip Randolph Career Academies. High school students were able to integrate construction training into their education. Through this collaboration, they participated in pre-apprenticeship training and workplace readiness programs, ensuring a seamless transition into post-graduation employment or continued trade education. Three of the seniors in the program entered the construction industry. Two enlisted in the military.

The C.O.F.F.E.E. Project developed a strong relationship with Workforce Industrial Training, a Jacksonville-based organization providing industry-recognized certifications such as OSHA 30, HAZWOPER 40, Forklift Certification and NCCER Core. This partnership not only increased the number of certifications earned by participants, but also created direct employment opportunities through Workforce Industrial Training’s network of local construction and trade employers.

Accomplishments Summary

The C.O.F.F.E.E. Project continues to expand beyond traditional pre-apprenticeship tracks by integrating entrylevel employment training, financial literacy education and workplace ethics training. Our pre-apprenticeship program (PACT) enables students to gain hands-on experience while earning wages, reinforcing strong work ethics and job readiness.

Looking ahead, we plan to broaden our partnerships to increase student access to training, credentials and employment opportunities. With a strong foundation and growing industry connections, the C.O.F.F.E.E. Project remains committed to empowering young adults with the tools for long-term success in the construction and skilled trades industries.

Small Business Services Resources for Compassionate Transportation

Studies show a lack of transportation is frequently cited as one of the major reasons for missed medical appointments. Marshiray Wellington saw a need and filled the gap. After talking with her brother, Kinddred Care EMS, a private ambulance company, was born.

“My brother started this in Atlanta. He was a fire fighter. We recognized the need in Jacksonville. When I see holes and voids in my community, I always say what can I do to help fill this void.”

Kindred Care EMS opened in 2019. Wellington ensures her patients get to and from medical appointments, radiation treatments and dialysis treatments. She also works with nursing homes for non-emergency transports. She provides transportation to hospitals.

This was a service that needed some help getting off the ground. Kindred Care only had one ambulance truck. Wealth Watchers was there to help. Leaders understood some small businesses don’t always have access to resources and funding.

Wellington qualified for a micro entrepreneur loan with a low interest rate. “It helped me purchase new equipment – a power stretcher and PPE supplies. It gave me room to have working capital. We were one of the first businesses to get a loan at the time. Wealth Watchers was helpful with getting documentation for funding.”

Now, Wellington has five trucks. She has three paramedics and 15 EMTs who provide basic and advanced life support. She still uses the information she received from Wealth Watchers all those years ago.

“I’ve been able to use my business plan. I know what type of lenders to look for and know how to connect with resources.”

Kindred Care EMS is a resource for those who need compassionate, attentive, reliable and efficient transportation. “This really allows me to serve the community. It allows me to ensure our community gets the care they need. During our transports, we make sure they get there safely, and we do it with care.”

Partnering to Help Our Neighbors with their Homeownership Journey

We were proud of our major project with Florida Commerce. The Housing Counseling Program through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) offered a range of educational and counseling services to Florida homeowners at no cost.

We worked with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified counselors to provide a variety of services to help residents navigate their homeownership journey. Our certified counselors provided the following assistance:

▯ Post-purchase counseling: Homeowners with issues related to their mortgage, including foreclosure prevention, loan modifications and refinancing

▯ Reverse mortgage counseling: Providing information to seniors about reverse mortgages and their potential impact on their financial situation

▯ Disaster recovery counseling: Helping homeowners and renters who have been impacted by natural disasters, including providing information on disaster assistance programs and insurance claims

▯ Energy efficiency counseling: Providing information on energy-efficient home improvements and ways to reduce utility costs

▯ Home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) counseling: Providing information on HECM loans and their potential impact on seniors’ financial situations

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Financial Position

DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022

Wealth Watchers Inc. (A Not-For-Profit Organization)

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

248 Homeowners Created & Preserved

37 Rental Homes Portfolio, Owned and/or Managed

350 Customers Counseled and/or Educated

635

Total Individuals or Families Assisted with Affordable Housing and Counseling

12.5

$258,500 Grants from NeighborWorks America

32 Jobs Created and/or Maintained

Thank You

Local, State and National Partners

CareerSource Northeast Florida

City of Jacksonville

City of Palatka

First Coast Association of Realtist

Homefree USA

Jacksonville Electric Authority

Jacksonville Legal Aid

Kids Hope Alliance

LISC Jacksonville

NeighborWorks America

U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

United Way of Northeast Florida

Lending Partners

Ameris Bank

Bank of America

Bank OZK

Black Business Investment Fund

Community First Credit Union

Fifth Third Bank

Florida Community Loan Fund

Guild Mortgage

JPMorgan Chase & Company

PNC Bank

Self-Help Credit Union

TD Bank

Truist

Wells Fargo

Business and Community Partners

A. Philip Randolph Career Academies

Barnett Information and Technology

Daniel Kids

Edward Waters University

Enofe and Associates

Generation Media Group

Goodwill

IBEW Local Union 177

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce

Jacksonville Job Corps

Living Branches

Miller Electric

New Town Success Zone

The Potter’s House International Ministries

Project Connect

Rumlin Insurance Agency

Sheet Metal Union Local #435

UA Local 234 | Plumbers, Pipe Fitters

Workforce Industrial Training

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