Building Lives Foundation

Transcription

1 Building Lives Foundation General Information Contact Information Nonprofit Address Building Lives Foundation 2000 Mallory Ln Suite Franklin, TN Phone (615) Fax Web Site Web Site Facebook Facebook At A Glance Year of Incorporation

2 Mission & Impact Statements Mission Our mission is to eliminate homelessness among our country's veterans. We do this by providing assistance to veterans who are on the verge of going homeless through our Homeless Prevention Program. Through Project Advance, our program to transition homeless veterans to sustained independent living, we also seek to reduce the population of veterans who are homeless or incarcerated, by providing the opportunities necessary for a successful re-entry into society to those veterans who have made a decision to change their lives. We do this in gratitude to those who have given so much of themselves to preserve the freedoms we so greatly enjoy. Background The driving force that led Tim Gregath to start Building Lives was his father, a Marine in WWII. Jack was a small sized entrepreneur who always hired a large part of his work force from the local shelter or halfway house. Tim realized that his Dad did this as a standard operating procedure with his business and asked why? Jack responded that everyone deserves second chances. Grace is all about where that person is today and where that person can go in the future, not about where they have been. In large part, starting Building Lives was done to honor Jack Gregath by continuing this tradition of helping those veterans who have been marginalized by their past mistakes, their religion, their race, or any other factor that has left them homeless and in need. 2

3 Impact Top Accomplishments for 2016: During this past grant period, Building Lives Project Advance has helped 50 veterans move off the streets and into permanent housing in the middle Tennessee area. This was below our target of 58 primarily due to a slowdown in applications and an unbudgeted drop in income from our Christmas Gift Sale events. The Academy had 22 enrollees during this period, 14 transitioned to independent living, and 8 of these remain in the program. Additionally, 28 men whom we could not enroll in either program were provided services that included counseling, referrals to another program, or a short term stay. We were able to purchase the Academy property thereby securing the facility for the future. In the nearly ten years that Building Lives has been in operation, Project Advance has now helped 543 homeless veterans off the streets and into permanent housing. And an additional 289 veterans have been assisted through the Academy or by providing services to those who we could not enroll in either program. Goals and results: Project Advance: 48 of clients are in permanent housing (95%). Goal was 55 of of clients are in permanent housing (93%). Goal was 41 of of 93 combined 2015 and 2016 clients are working or have disability income (96%). Goal was 96 or 101. In 2016 our goal was to help 58 homeless veterans transition to independent living. We helped 50, primarily due to demand and the mix of applicants. Academy: Transitioned 14 male veterans to independent living. Goal was 16. Provided services and/or short term stay to 28 additional male veterans. Goal was 20. We have been full at the Academy for the last six months of 2016 and have maintained a waiting list averaging 5 potential clients. Our current 2017 goals include: Raise $480,000 through direct donations, Academy services, grants and fundraising events. Assist 58 new clients to transition from homeless to permanent housing. Prevent 20 veterans from losing their permanent housing and going homeless. Develop newly added staff member to recruit new volunteer mentors, mange the organizations volunteers, and counsel clients.. Provide services through the Academy to 25 new clients. Meet goal of adding $25,000 to our cash reserves per our five year plan. Needs The most pressing needs of our organization are: Financial support to address the overwhelming needs of the veteran community who are homeless and/or recently incarcerated. Volunteers to fill the resource coordinator/mentor positions needed to serve additional participants. Vehicle donations to provide necessary transportation. 3

4 Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer Through Building Lives, one may participate in assisting homeless veterans and veterans who are on the verge of becoming homeless in the following ways: Donate financially by: -Visiting our web site ( and clicking on the "donate" button. -Mailing a check to Building Lives, PO Box , Nashville, Tn Contacting Tim Gregath at tim@wearebuildinglives.org or via phone at Participating in one of our annual fundraising events, the Christmas Warehouse Sale or the Spring concert. To get additional information about one of these events, please call Dorothy Scobey ( ). Volunteering: Volunteer to be a Resource Coordinator/Mentor by contacting Ashley Abarca-Mitchell ( ), Kevin Wilkinson ( ), or Tim Gregath ( ) Vehicle donations are needed to enable veterans to get to work, work overtime, or work on late shifts. For in kind donations, please call Ashley Abarca-Mitchell ( ), Kevin Wilkinson ( ), or the office at Service Categories Primary Organization Category Human Services / Homeless Services/Centers Secondary Organization Category Public & Societal Benefit / Military/Veterans' Organizations Tertiary Organization Category Employment / Employment Preparation & Procurement Areas of Service Areas Served TN - Davidson TN - Williamson TN - Rutherford TN - Bedford TN - Coffee TN - Cheatham TN - Maury TN - Montgomery TN - Sumner TN - Wilson We serve the needy veterans of Davidson County, Tennessee and ten surrounding counties. We also assist transient veterans who are in Davidson County at the time of their emergency. 4

5 Board Chair Statement Since we began in January 2007, we have assisted 403 individuals and families in their quest to significantly change their lives from being homeless or incarcerated to a contributing member of society. Our success rate continues to be between 85% and 93%. We base this on confirming the number of our clients that are housed in permanent housing as of December 31 of each year. The real heroes are these men and women who are devoting their energy to attaining their new goals in life. Over 90% of our net revenue goes directly to these individuals. Please help by contacting us and assisting in any way you can. Our collective efforts have saved the Tennessee taxpayers well over $15,000,000 since we started because these individuals are successfully employed rather than homeless or back in prison. CEO Statement The single most significant driving force causing failure for people attempting to set their life in order, re-enter society or break out of the homeless cycle is opportunity. Building Lives has structured the organization to provide the basic opportunities that have to be present for an individual to be successful in this endeavor. Many fine organizations provide the necessary initial human development, rehabilitation, counseling and treatment to address major human issues. After successfully completing these programs, individuals are ready to step out and move forward to regain self respect and improve their life. Where do they go? Who will provide them a suitable job? Basic housing? A means to reestablish their credit? Transportation? Insurance? Training? In Davidson and surrounding counties, one such organization is Building Lives Foundation. 5

6 Programs Programs Housing Description Building Lives provide housing for homeless veterans who have successfully completed transitional living programs (i.e. Operation Stand Down). An individual's income is considered in determining placement thus assuring affordability. We have a partnership with Urban Housing Solutions, First Nashville Realty Management, and one of our board members to provide housing for our participants. Our goal is to purchase property for a transitional home by September Budget Category Housing, General/Other Transitional Housing Population Served Homeless,, Job Placement Description Building Lives has a partnership with StaffMark and Prologistix to assist in placing our clients in jobs. We also utilize the state employment centers and contact many other corporations seeking employment opportunities. Employment is the key component to the successful transition for individuals from the ranks of the homeless or the recently incarcerated. Over the years, we have established a comprehensive group of partners who will hire our clients. These partners include: Home Depot, Midas, Mrs. Grissom's Salads, Dollar General, Demo's, Waffle House, and approximately 50 other corporations. Budget Population Served, Homeless, Car Ownership and Asset Development Description Each participant must have reliable transportation in order to increase the probability for job retention. A creative program has been developed that allows each participant to purchase a car in an affordable way. Car Plus/Midas shops repair any found problems. Repayment is made with no interest charged. Payments are no more than $200/month for 12 to 18 months. Budget Population Served Homeless,, 6

7 Personal Assistance Description Building Lives provides up to $1,500 per participant for personal needs in the first 8 weeks of assistance. This includes meeting needs such as: furniture, home furnishings, rent, utilities, and food. While Building Lives addresses a number of basic needs, one primary emphasis is building the individual's "community". Re-connecting with family, becoming active in a church of their choice, and joining organizations with similar interests are all important in the individual's journey. Budget Category Human Services, General/Other Emergency Assistance Population Served Homeless,, Clothing Description Building Lives helps participants get appropriate clothing through partnerships with Churches or by purchases for the client at Thrift Smart, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. Budget 5000 Population Served Homeless,, Transitional Housing Program Description Building Lives operates a transitional housing program named The Academy. The property, located 3541 Wood Bridge is leased by The Academy. Maximum capacity is 11 beds, and there is a full-service kitchen that provides three meals per day for the residents and staff. The residents are referred to us by VA, Street Works, TBOP, and other organizations who interact with the homeless in the Nashville and surrounding area. Upon successful completion of a 30-day probationary period, residents are provided a small stipend, and if able, are assigned to one of several work crews. The Academy is a "work therapy" program designed to get the men back into a responsible work routine while reacquiring employable skills. Budget Population Served,, Typical time spent in this program is from 8 to 12 months with some staying as long as 2 years. When appropriate, individuals are placed in outside jobs and with help and assistance, begin to prepare for the transition to independent living. This includes support in preparing resumes, setting up interviews with potential employers, helping them acquire an automobile, and helping them get established in a furnished apartment. They will remain in contact with Building Lives staff and volunteers as they begin to assume more and more responsibility for their future success. 7

8 Homeless Prevention Description The Homeless Prevention program identifies veterans who are on the verge of losing their permanent residence. Once the situation is verified through an eviction notice, foreclosure notice, or notice from utility company of cut off, then financial assistance is provided to prevent the imminent loss of home. A case worker/resource coordinator is assigned to work with the client for up to a year to address issues, provide financial training, and provide opportunities/options that will stabilize their situation. Budget Population Served,, CEO Comments Building Lives serves homeless veterans in 11 counties in middle Tennessee. We also serve 10 counties in central Illinois, have a site in Atlanta, as well as a national referral program that serves veterans anywhere in the United States. Our primary challenge continues to be assembling the resources needed to meet the demand for services needed to transition homeless veterans and their families to independent living. 8

9 Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mr. DeVan Ard Jr. Company Affiliation Reliant Bank Term July 2016 to June Board Members Name Affiliation Status Rev. Ashley Abarca-Mitchell Building Lives NonVoting Mr. DeVan Ard Jr. Reliant Bank Voting Mr. Ira Allen Blonder The Blonder Group, LLC Voting Mr. Tim Brinkmann Board Member Voting Mr. Tim Gregath American Greetings Voting Ms. Kay Hunter Building Lives NonVoting Mr. Kevin Long Showtime Motor Sports Voting Mr. Randy McKernan President, Image Connection Voting Mrs. Dorothy Scobey Arthritis Foundation Voting Mr. Jim Sipes Board Member Voting Mr. Ken Thwaits Showtime Motor Sports Voting Mr. Ed Trowbridge Community Volunteer Voting Mr. Kevin Wilkinson Building Lives NonVoting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 1 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 12 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male 10 Female 3 Unspecified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 2 9

10 Board Term Limits 10 Board Meeting Attendance % 85% Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? No Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 100% Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 50% Constituency Includes Client Representation Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 4 Board CoChair Board CoChair Mr. Randy McKernan Company Affiliation Image Connection Term July 2016 to June randy@imageconnection.net Constituent Board Members Name Mr Kevin Wilkinson Affiliation Operations Manager Standing Committees Risk Management Provisions Commercial General Liability Additional Board Members Name Ms. Suzie Armstrong Mr. Eddy Bayer Mr. Virgil Gibson Affiliation Musician Entertainer CEO Comments Key challenges/opportunities addressed in our July, 2015 Strategic Plan include: Organization: >Now that a cash reserves fund has been set up, budgeting so that at least 10% of the annual net income will go into the fund until the fund is enough to cover 100% of all operating costs for one year.. >Growing/developing the organization to position ourselves to succeed in attaining our mission in an ever changing environment. 10

11 Fundraising: -With 5 Christmas Sales during the fall, developing the support staff in each city to successfully operate the sales. -With new grant writer on staff, developing multiple grant application strategy. Case Management/Resource Coordinators: -Focused Operations Manager and new RC Mgr/Counselor on goal of adding 6 new volunteer case managers/resource coordinators. Increase Grant Funds: -Continue to pursue additional grant opportunities. Currently receiving grants from Baptist Healing Trust (6 years) and the Memorial Foundation (7 years) but are seeking additional grant funds to broaden our reach and help support the increased needs of our areas homeless veterans or eminently homeless veterans. Organizational Development: -The Executive Director, VP of Operations, Treasurer, and Grant Writer are all scheduled for various training through 2015 and/or have gone to various training courses in the last six months to improve our abilities to do our jobs and serve our clients. -Board positions have been created and filled for Treasurer and Co-Board Chairman. 11

12 Management Executive Director/CEO Executive Director Mr. Tim Gregath Term Start Jan Experience SUMMARY: Currently Tim is serving Building Lives in a full time capacity. Previously, Tim was a corporate officer and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for an American Greetings business unit located in Nashville, Tennessee. He has had multiple years experience in positions of leadership in both operational and sales arenas and is accustomed to management and fiduciary responsibility for $40,000,000 to $120,000,000 business units or companies. BACKGROUND: Tim grew up on a dairy farm in Oklahoma. He began school in one of the last one-room schoolhouses for all 12 grades in the state. He graduated from Oklahoma State with degrees in Engineering and Management. Tim is married to Kay Good Gregath. They have be married for 38 years with three great children (Madelyn, Sabrina, and Brent). Early in his career he worked for AT&T and for Procter & Gamble. Later he became President of a regional agribusiness located in Alabama. Tim held several positions in the printing industry becoming responsible for a three-plant division for a national printer (Brown Printing) and a Divisional VP with the largest printer in North America (Quebecor Printing). In 1998 he became Corporate VP of Sales & Marketing with CPS, at the time the largest gift-wrap printer in North America. Plus Mark, an American Greetings Company, purchased CPS and continued career with American Greetings. INTERESTS: Long time participant with Room In the Inn. Loves to golf, read and spend time rooting for the Titans. Staff Full Time Staff 3 Part Time Staff 3 Volunteers 149 Contractors 1 Retention Rate 100% Plans & Policies Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan? Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan? Number of years Strategic Plan Considers 3 When was Strategic Plan adopted? July 2015 In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place? Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan? 12

13 Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy? Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy? Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy? No Senior Staff Mr Kevin Wilkinson Title Experience/Biography VP of Operations Mr. Wilkinson is a recent graduate with honors from MTSU in Business and Marketing (2014). He served his country in Desert Storm in the Air Force and was give an honorable discharge after serving two terms. Mr. Wilkinson has held supervisory positions in the printing industry and has worked in construction. Kevin was one of Building Lives initial 14 clients in Building on that platform, he succeeded in achieving his goals and in returning to college to complete his degree. He has experienced losing everything material and becoming homeless with his family. He has also experienced the success of coming back from that period of time, reaching his goals, and re-establishing himself in his community. Rev. Ashley Abarca-Mitchell Title Experience/Biography Resource Coordinator Manager/Counselor Ashley has a degree in Social Work from Longwood College, as well as a Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. She comes to us with 14 years of experience as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Most recently, Ashley has felt a call to re-enter the social services realm using her gifts of collaboration, networking and compassion to put her faith into action and meet the needs of people in our local community. Ashley is currently working on certificates in Revenue and Fund Development and Non-profit management as well as her doctorate at Lipscomb University. 13

14 Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start July Fiscal Year End June Projected Revenue $553, Projected Expenses $532, Endowment Value $0.00 Endowment Spending Policy N/A Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected) 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year Total Revenue $502,289 $475,890 $447,917 Total Expenses $563,979 $454,332 $329,520 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year Foundation and Corporation $0 $57,000 $57,000 Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal $0 $0 $0 State $0 $0 $0 Local $0 $0 $0 Unspecified $0 $0 $0 Individual Contributions $62,951 $26,304 $54,705 Indirect Public Support $0 $0 $0 Earned Revenue $97,446 $97,306 $98,989 Investment Income, Net of Losses $256 $175 $192 Membership Dues $0 $0 $0 Special Events $266,678 $229,704 $197,345 Revenue In-Kind $71,128 $61,286 $27,896 Other $3,830 $4,115 $11,800 14

15 Expense Allocation Fiscal Year Program Expense $308,492 $261,412 $172,502 Administration Expense $22,817 $35,514 $26,072 Fundraising Expense $232,670 $157,406 $130,946 Payments to Affiliates $0 $0 $0 Total Revenue/Total Expenses Program Expense/Total Expenses 55% 58% 52% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 71% 50% 42% Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year Total Assets $174,621 $239,928 $228,408 Current Assets $169,302 $236,571 $216,608 Long-Term Liabilities $0 $0 $6,079 Current Liabilities $5,022 $8,639 $5,254 Total Net Assets $169,599 $231,289 $217,075 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 0% 0% 3% Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount Fundraising Events $266,678 Fundraising Events $229,704 Special Events $197,345 Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Program Services Program Services Program Service Amount $97,446 $97,306 Revenue $98,989 Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Noncash Contributions $71,128 Noncash Contributions $61,286 Foundations and Corporations $57,000 Capital Campaign Is the organization currently conducting a Capital Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a major asset? No Capital Campaign Goal $0.00 Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? State Charitable Solicitations Permit TN Charitable Solicitations Registration - Expires Dec 2017 Registration No 0 Organization Comments Building Lives financials have experienced steady growth from the first year's budget of $25,000 in 2007 to $450,000 for the budget ending June Projections for next year's income are at $537,000. The organization has achieved this growth by continuing to develop consistent corporate and individual donors, consistent grant partners, consistent Academy service contracts, and ever increasing fundraising event 15

16 revenue. Challenges/opportunities include: Continued donor growth: -Initiated plan to engage increasing numbers of churches and local American Legion Posts. This is being done through a coordinated effort of contact, meet, and present lead by board member Ed Trowbridge. -Broaden our corporate reach through increased contact activity directly to corporations in middle Tennessee for participation in our Spring Concert. Then follow up to become consistent annual contributors to the cause. Efforts lead by Board Members Tim Brinkmann and Dorothy Scobey. -Broaden the number of churches involved with Building Lives. Efforts led by Kevin Wilkinson. Individual meetings arranged, church wide presentations given, and follow up on actionable items/interest. Increase Fundraising Revenue: -Deepen relationships with existing corporate donors. Efforts led by Executive Director Tim Gregath. Increase number of Christmas Warehouse Sales from 3 to 5. Add two new secondary product donors for these sales. New Grant Opportunities: -Added a part time grant writer to the staff to pursue additional grant partners. Building Lives has experienced consistent grant support from Baptist Healing Trust and the Memorial Foundation for a number of continuing years. The need is to broaden our grant partner base to help address the increasing needs of our mission in the future. Service Contract Growth: -The Academy service contracts have been developed to provide employment experience for men in that program and to provide the funding necessary for this program. Kevin Wilkinson, VP Operations, ( ) is spearheading these efforts to not only maintain existing contracts but to grow these contracts. Commercial cleaning and commercial yard care are the two service areas that this group provides. Secure Financial Foundation: -The Board has embarked on a 5 year plan to set aside cash reserves of $225,000 or 50% of our operating budget as a hedge against any potential downturn in expected revenues. The first $100,000 has already been set aside. The plan is to set aside $25,000 for each of the first four years of this plan and $25,000 in the last year for a total of $225,000. As our budget changes so will the targeted amount in order to reach the 50% of budget in the fifth year. GivingMatters.com Financial Comments Beginning in 2015, financial data taken from audited financial statements. Previous financial figures taken from the 990EZ. Documents prepared by Parsons and Associates, CPAs. Comment provided by Elizabeth Madsen 1/23/17 Created Copyright 2017 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 16