Bridge Fund of Massachusetts

Transcription

1 Bridge Fund of Massachusetts General Information 233 Needham Street, Suite 3 Newton, MA 2464 (617) Website Organization Contact Lori Lambert ogthedog@earthlink.net Year of Incorporation 23 1

2 Statements & Search Criteria Mission Statement TBFM seeks to prevent the eviction of families and individuals in Massachusetts by providing emergency no-interest rent and mortgage loans and grants along with support services and financial counseling to help clients address causes which contributed to their becoming at risk of homeless and to insure long-term stability. Background Statement The Bridge Fund of Massachusetts is modeled after, and was founded with the support of, The Bridge Fund in New York. Nan and Oscar Pollock founded The Bridge Fund of New York in 199 when private advocates for the homeless were frustrated by the large expense of the homelessness problem (over $6 million annually) and the lack of long-lasting solutions. The philanthropic couple believed that, if they had access to some private capital they could prevent a considerable number of working poor families from losing their housing and joining the ranks of the homeless. In 22 TBFM became an independent organization and in 23, TBFM gained corporate and 51(c)3 tax-exempt status. An experienced board of directors was formed and an executive director, Lori Lambert, who has been with TBFM since it s beginning, was hired. In a short period of time, office space, support staff and equipment were donated, office and program systems were put into place, volunteers signed on, funds from donors began to come in, partnership were established with non-profit agencies and services for people in need began. Impact Statement - Prevented the eviction of over 411 people - Partner with over 35 non-profit agencies to coordinate and provide needed services - Made loans and grants of over $129, including leveraged and agency funds - Maintained high stabilization housing retention rate of 95% of families able to continue maintaining their housing a year or more after grant award Needs Statement Loan and grant funds to meet need - $15, for approximately 1 households Utility grant funds for clients unable to pay for heat and electricity Household repair funds for clients needing emergency household repairs in order to maintain their house (i.e. water heaters, oil or gas burners, roof repairs, window repair replacement). Repairs, which if not completed, could result in the client not being able to remain in their home. CEO/Executive Director Statement TBFM is unique in its wholistic, comprehensive approach to working with clients to prevent homelessness and help clients find long-term solutions. TBFM works with clients for as long as they need assistance and helps them to establish a strong network of community support to provide ongoing services. Each family's and individual's needs are different and TBFM assesses and focuses on addressing those underlying needs. In a sense, preventing the eviction, solving the immediate crisis is the beginning. Finding long-term solutions and following through on the changes is often the challenging part of helping people establish stability in their lives. 2

3 Board Chair Statement Because The Bridge Fund is housed in my Newton office building, I am often able to meet some of the steady stream of applicants coming in to meet with our program staff. Recently, I was introduced to a recipient of housing assistance from The Bridge Fund who thanked me profusely for helping her. She proceeded to speak adoringly about her three young daughters and how they might have all ended up in a shelter without our help. Somehow, this single mom is managing to work two jobs, while piecing together child-care and after school programs for her girls. I was so awed by her determination and commitment to overcoming daily obstacles that I sat silent for several minutes alone after she departed. Every time I meet one of our clients, I feel deeply inadequate afterwards. Why you ask? Because, I wonder if I would have the guts to take on the day-to-day pounding that people must endure simply to survive: I am also challenged to examine how easy my life is never having to worry about keeping food on my table, the roof over my head or paying my monthly bills. Over the years, I have come to think of our clients as heroes for persevering and overcoming the many difficulties they face each day. Another memorable encounter involves an immigrant family. The father of this family had been brutally murdered in their homeland (witnessed by his two children) and then their modest house was burned to the ground with his wife, son and daughter inside. Some how hey were able to escape. When the mother and her severely scarred twelveyear old son came to our office, I was truly overwhelmed by their ability to pick themselves up and make the most of their challenging lives, including endless trips to the Shriners hospital. In spite of the severe burns, which made this young boy s face and hands nearly unrecognizable, he enthusiastically spoke to me about how much he loved school, his many friends, his teachers, guitar lessons and especially, the Patriots football team. To my great joy, I was quite fortunate to take him to a Patriot s game two months later and share in his exuberance. Every family that The Bridge Fund assists is special in some way. We are being deluged with more worthy applicants than ever before. Because our work makes such a crucial difference in people s lives, we need to ask you to please make The Bridge Fund a priority in your charitable giving. A. Paul Cravedi President Service Categories Housing Support Homeless Services/Centers Geographic Areas Served our geographic service area covers the entire state including Metro West, the Greater Boston area, Cambridge, rth Shore, South Shore and the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts. Please review online profile for full list of selected areas served. 3

4 Programs Homeless Prevention Loans and Grants Description Rent and mortgage zero-interest loans and grants are typically $1, to $1,25. Loans are repaid based on client s ability. Some pay as little as $1. per month. By repaying, clients are helping provide assistance to prevent another family or individual from becoming homeless. Financial counseling helps clients learn to budget and helps ensure that their expenses are met. Repaying the loan instills a sense of accomplishment and helps clients acquire a reference which may assist them in the future. Seniors on fixed incomes often receive grants rather than loans, as their ability to repay a loan is limited. Budget 125 Category Population Served Housing, General/Other Housing Expense Assistance Poor,Economically Disadvantaged,Indigent, Elderly and/or Disabled, Children and Youth ( - 19 years) Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success The effects of homelessness on young mothers and children can be long lasting. For children especially, being uprooted from school, community, family and friends can be devastating. Keeping families in their homes will help alleviate this trauma. Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success 4

5 financial counseling and support services Description There are a number of causes that lead to homelessness and unless these issues are addressed, the likelihood of recurrent homelessness is great. Therefore, clients work with TBFM to address the long-term issues that may have led to their becoming financially unstable. These comprehensive support services include: counseling and planning related to: mental health, budgeting, career and job search, child and parenting issues, daycare. Referrals are made to community agencies to help clients make connections to services in the community and establish them in the community. Budget 1 Category Population Served Human Services, General/Other Information & Referral Families, Children and Youth ( - 19 years), Elderly and/or Disabled Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Heating and Utility Grant Program Description grants are provided for clients who are experiencing difficulties paying their heating bills during the winter months. With rising prices for oil, gas and electric, many clients have to choose between paying the rent and paying their utilities. Budget 75 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Human Services, General/Other Emergency Assistance At-Risk Populations, Adults, Elderly and/or Disabled These grants allow families, elderly, disabled and low-income individuals to continue to receive heat and electricity. Home heating and utility grants help struggling families and individuals at-risk of homelessness, with basic and essential needs. This assistance makes the difference in meeting rent and other financial obligations and addresses long-term budgeting and stability. Follow-up with clients for as long as possible. Each year TBFM helps as many people as possible with heat and electricity bills. These grants often make the difference in the client having heat or not in the winter. These grants also allow clients to set-up payment plans with utility companies to insure that in the future they are budgeting for this expense. 5

6 Family Life Enrichment Program Description : provides grants to families to support children s enrichment programs. Funding is used for ballet and music lessons, art classes, sports programs to promote healthy child development. For many families these lessons are part of the daily routine, but for low-income families who are struggling to pay rent, utilities, food and clothing, these classes for their children are not possible. Supporting a child during the critical development year is important, effecting self-esteem as well as a child s academic performance. Budget 5 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Human Services, General/Other Family-Based Services At-Risk Populations, Children Only (5-14 years), Children and Youth ( - 19 years) Children in households at-risk of homelessness are often more aware of and affected by their family situation than people think. These funds provide opportunities for children that would otherwise be impossible for families to consider. Children benefit tremendously from after-school classes, special programs or lessons, sports, tutoring etc. Increased self esteem helps children in school and has life long benefits. TBFM provides a small number of these grants and has only anecdotal and observational information. The benefits are apparent in each case - improved performance in school, a child holding his/her head up rather than down as they talk, talking and opening up more, becoming more social. A handful of children each year take ballet classes, buy soccer cleats, pay school sports fees to join sports team, purchase computer for school work at home as well as many other beneficial activities other take for granted, but are not possible for many Bridge Fund clients 6

7 Management CEO/Executive Director Executive Director Ms. Lori Lambert Term Start Jan 22 Experience Program administration and oversight including case management, collaboration with partner agencies Agency management: budgeting, fund raising, board development, staff supervision, data and record keeping and reporting Developed a network of state wide referring and partnership agencies Collaborate with legal services throughout the state as well court officials, landlords and management companies concerning eviction proceedings Previously worked at a public housing authority and a family shelter program Senior Staff Title Experience/Biography Staff Information Full Time Staff Part Time Staff Volunteers Contractors Retention Rate % Staff Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 1 Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 3 Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other 7

8 Staff Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified 4 Formal Evaluations CEO Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency nmanagement Formal Evaluation n Management Formal Evaluation Frequency Yes Bi-Annually Yes Annually Yes Annually Plans & Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? Years Strategic Plan Considers Does your organization have a Business Continuity of Operations Plan? Management Succession Plan? Organization Policy and Procedures ndiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Is your organization licensed by the Government? Permit? Under Development Under Development N/A Under Development Under Development Under Development Exempt Collaborations TBFM works in partnership with over 35 non-profit organizations to provide comprehensive services and financial assistance to clients. Awards Awards Award/Recognition Organization Year Angels award Oprah Winfrey 211 8

9 Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mr. Paul Crevedi Company Affiliation Priante Development Term Mar 23 to 213 Board CoChair Board CoChair Company Affiliation Paul Cravedi Priante Development Board Members Name Affiliation Status Paul Crevedi Priante Development Voting Charles Donahue Harvard Law School Voting Paul R. Loiselle Century Bank Voting Jay O'Laughlin EnCon Associates Voting Anne Marie Slaughter New America Foundation Exofficio Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 1 Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 4 Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other Board Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified 3 2 Board Information Board Term Lengths Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 9 3 9

10 Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions Constituency Includes Client Representation Under Development 95% 95% Yes 1

11 Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Jan 1, 213 Fiscal Year End Dec 31, 213 Projected Revenue $19,. Projected Expenses $18,. Endowment? Spending Policy N/A Credit Line? Reserve Fund? Yes Months Reserve Fund Covers Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year Total Revenue $159,227 $165,394 $179,35 Total Expenses $195,983 $175,458 $185,149 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year Foundation and Corporation -- $11, $139, Contributions Government Contributions $ $ $ Federal State Local Unspecified $ Individual Contributions $159,227 $34,394 $1,35 Indirect Public Support $ Earned Revenue $ Investment Income, Net of Losses $ Membership Dues $ Special Events $ Revenue In-Kind -- $3, $3, Other $

12 Expense Allocation Fiscal Year Program Expense $126,155 $111,198 $121,223 Administration Expense $69,828 $64,26 $63,926 Fundraising Expense $ Payments to Affiliates Total Revenue/Total Expenses Program Expense/Total Expenses 64% 63% 65% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue % % % Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year Total Assets $19,147 $58,612 $66,151 Current Assets $19,147 $58,95 $64,84 Long-Term Liabilities $ $3,883 $1,358 Current Liabilities $1,174 $ $ Total Net Assets $17,973 $54,729 $64,793 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets % 7% 2% Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? Comments CEO Comments Working in partnership with other organizations, The Bridge Fund leverages funds from partner and other organizations. These funds are not reflected in the agency financials, but each year TBFM raises $5, - $6, in leveraged funds for homeless prevention loans and grants. The main challenge of TBFM is that the need for our services so out weights the funding available. Foundation Staff Comments Financial summary data in the charts and graphs above are per the organization's IRS Form 99s. Additional revenue breakout detail was provided by the nonprofit and Schedule B's. Created Copyright 218 The Boston Foundation 12