Lowell Association for the Blind

Transcription

1 Lowell Association for the Blind General Information 169 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor Lowell, MA 1852 (978) Website Organization Contact Elizabeth Cannon Year of Incorporation

2 Statements & Search Criteria Mission Statement To support educate and nurture the blind and visually impaired of the Greater Merrimack Valley by assisting them in the enrichment of their lives and helping them to gain maximum independence. To stimulate the interest and education of the general public to the problems and issues facing the blind and visually impaired as productive members of society seeking fulfillment of their human potential. Background Statement Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) is the only nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to working with the blind and visually impaired north of Boston. Established in 1923, the Lowell Association for the Blind was founded by the Middlesex Women s Club to provide food and transportation to medical appointments for local blind residents. Since that time our services have evolved to meet the needs of clients of all ages with a variety of eye conditions. LAB currently provides social,educational and recreational programming such as: Youth, Senior Youth and Adult Programs, College Awareness and Readiness Experience, the Visually Impaired Partners Program, a Radio Reading Service and Braille and computer training. LAB is supported by contributions from the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, the Talking Information Center, memorial donations, grants from foundations and program funding. An office in downtown Lowell provides 3, square feet of handicapped-accessible space for meetings, adaptive-equipment training, Braille lessons, and a radio studio. Impact Statement Accomplished in 216: 1. Implemented a comprehensive Development Program by hiring and training a Development Director. 2. Implemented a Senior Outreach Program funded through a grant from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. Goals for 217: 1. Identify funding for a computer training program for tablets and Smart Phones to connect the blind with friends and family. 2. Identify funding for the Senior Teen Employment Program. 3. Continue implementing Development Program to increase funding and awareness. Needs Statement Lowell Association for the Blind most pressing needs include: 1. Keep up with changes in assistive technology for the blind/visually impaired. Provide blind individuals with independent living skills program in the Merrimack Valley. 2. Reaching out to the community to identify volunteers to assist with programming. 3. Expand fundraising and development to ensure the long term stability of the organization. 4. 2

3 CEO/Executive Director Statement The Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) is a multi service agency providing services to the blind/visually impaired in the Greater Merrimack Valley since Currently in Massachusetts there are over 3, individuals registered as legally blind with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. In the coming years, blindness is expected to double with the aging of the baby boomer generation with macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. As a community based organization we rely on many individuals, businesses and volunteers. In addition, we partner with many organizations such as the Massachusetts Audubon Society, Middlesex Community College,University of Massachusetts Lowell, City of Lowell and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. We could not do it without them. Our clients are people of all ages and backgrounds from all over the Merrimack and the Nashoba Valley. I came to LAB over fifteen years ago and I am still inspired everyday! Elizabeth M. Cannon Executive Director Board Chair Statement In June 216, I assumed the position of President of the LAB Board of Directors. The Board is an active group of members of the community who share their time and talents with this wonderful organization. Our focus is to oversee the governance and the finances of the organization but our passion is to provide necessary services to the blind/visually impaired in the Greater Merrimack Valley. Our clients inspire our Board discussions and decisions. We often hear stories of clients that overcome great challenges to come to programs or to continue their education. LAB clients range in age from 5-97 and have a wide variety of eye conditions. LAB offers a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of this population. Recently, LAB received a grant to begin a Women Helping Women Program as well as a grant to reach out to seniors dealing with low vision. The staff is constantly looking to provide services that our clients need whether it is our new Quilting for the Blind, technology training or independent living skills. LAB has developed partnerships with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Massachusetts Boston, the City of Lowell, and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind to name a few in order to provide these services. Since we have been in continual operation in the City of Lowell since 1923 we receive broad support from individuals and local businesses. We could not do it without their continued support and the support of our many volunteers. I am honored to be the President of this organization and look forward to see where we go from here. Melanie St. Croix President Board of Directors Lowell Association for the Blind Service Categories Blind/Visually Impaired Centers, Services Geographic Areas Served Greater Merrimack, Nashoba Valley and Southern New Hampshire Please review online profile for full list of selected areas served. 3

4 Programs Adult Program Description Social, recreational and educational program for blind/visually impaired adults. Budget 15 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Human Services, General/Other Services for Individuals with Disabilities People/Families with of People with Physical Disabilities, Adults, Encourages blind/visually impaired individuals to remain independent and meet others dealing with a similar disabilty. Provides opportunities for blind/visually impaired adults to learn about adaptive technology, meet others with similiar eye conditions and remain active in the community. Clients are surveyed for program suggestions and requests throughout the year. Amazing when I think of how he was when he first starting coming to the LAB. Literally I remember bringing him there for the Valentine s party and his head hanging low. He was so incredibly depressed. And though he misses his old seeing life and can still get sad if he has too much down time, he honestly loves coming to the LAB and missed it while he was at school. I feel like there are a lot of great services for blind people but what he most benefits from is the experience of being with other people going through the same thing who let him show up sad or happy or whatever and just walk with him through the transitions. That s been a great gift. -A recent unsolicited testimonial from the wife of a client 4

5 Radio Reading Service Description Program provides daily reading of local newspapers and community information by volunteers. LAB is an affiliate of the Massachestts Radio Reading Network located in Marshfield, MA. LAB broadcasts on a sub band of the University of Massachusetts Lowell radio station. Clients received specialized receivers to listen to our broadcasts. Budget 45 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Human Services, General/Other Services for Individuals with Disabilities Elderly and/or Disabled, People/Families with of People with Physical Disabilities, People/Families with of People with Disabilities Blind/visually impaired individuals are informed on news in their communities. Blind/visually impaired individuals are informed and connected to their community. Blind/visually impaired listeners are surveyed bi-annually. Examples of Program Success LAB provided 6 hours of local programming per month with 15-2 volunteers. Clients listen to programming in their homes on specialized receivers or on the internet with live audio streamming. Clients often get to know the volunteer readers and call and inquire if they are not in on a certain day. Recently one of our regular listeners called in and asked to speak to the volunteer reader to be able to get more information about a recenly read article. 5

6 Youth Program Description Provides blind/visually impaired youth social, recreational and educational opportunities. Budget 35 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Human Services, General/Other Children & Youth Services People/Families with of People with Physical Disabilities, Children Only (5-14 years), Children are offered a variety of activities each month. Parents must sign up their children for activities that they are interested in attending. Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Youth have the opportunity to meet other children with similar disabilities. Parents and youth are asked for feedback on programs to gage interest. Youth often request certain activities to be repeated for example: audio described theater performances. The Youth Program was able to attend an audio described performance of Hairspray at the Wheelock Family Theatre. The youth were given headsets for audio description and brailled programs. After the show, the youth were able to meet some of the performers and ask them questions about what it was like to be an actor. The youth were able to leave with autographed programs and pictures with all of their favorite characters. 6

7 Senior Youth Program Description Provides blind/visually impaired teens social, educational and recreational opportunities. Budget 1 Category Population Served Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Human Services, General/Other Services for Individuals with Disabilities Adolescents Only (13-19 years), People/Families with of People with Physical Disabilities, Many of our Youth Program participants transition to the Sr. Youth program at age 14. Program provides age appropriate activities for teens that are blind/visually impaired. LAB monitors program attendance, asks for teen input of program activities and takes suggestions from parents for activities. Recently, LAB has teamed up with UMass Lowell and created a valuable relationship. In November, the UMass Lowell s River Hawks hockey team volunteered to paint the LAB office. After finishing with helping out, the hockey team invited the Senior Youth Program to attend a game. The Senior Youth participants were given seats close to the ice for visual and handicapped purposes. All of the participants were excited to be so close to the action at such an enthusiastic game. 7

8 Visually Impaired Partners (VIP) Description Visually Impaired Partners (VIP) is a site based mentoring program with blind adults mentoring blind youth. Budget 2 Category Human Services, General/Other Services for Individuals with Disabilities Population Served People/Families with of People with Physical Disabilities,, Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Youth and mentors have participated in program for more that one year. Mentor matches have been in place for 1 or more years. Program evaluation to be completed this year using the Mass Mentoring Program evaluation. Examples of Program Success The Visually Impaired Partners (VIP) Program aims to complete a community service project quarterly. Pairs work as a team to create wonderful acts of kindness. In December, the VIP Program got together to create holiday centerpieces of Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley. Both mentors and mentees were able to design and put together Christmas themed centerpieces using their senses (like fluffy cotton ball snow, or cinnamon scented pine cones). Participants were happy to be able to take part in making someone s Christmas a little merrier while learning how fun, easy, and accessible volunteering can be. 8

9 Senior Teen Employment Program Description Provides pre-employment training for blind/visually impaired young adults, mentoring and internship placements. The program helps participants identify their skills while also learning new soft skills to enable them to become qualified candidates for employment. Budget 4 Category Human Services, General/Other Services for Individuals with Disabilities Population Served Children and Youth ( - 19 years),, Program Short Term Success Program Long term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success 9% of our participants have gone on to get internship placements in their various chosen career fields. Similarly, getting a job has helped boost their confidence and self-image. The Young adults learn to cope adequately with their daily challenges, stay gainfully employed, establish a work routine and develop positive work ethics. LAB monitors attendance and participation at programs. LAB also regularly checks in with their employers to monitor progress of participants. We are excited to know that while our clients are progressing at their internship placements they also excel at school. Being able to balance their work and school life has been a huge success of the program. Also, the young adults recently volunteered their time to help members of the Billerica community through a local non-profit, Sunshine Girl s Inc. They helped serve food to residents who needed a warm homemade meal and good company. The folks were delighted to see the teenagers move around serving coffee and meals with very little or no help. It was indeed a proud moment for us as the Sunshine Girls requested that the participants return to future events. Program Comments CEO Comments Two of the greatest challenges for the Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) in providing services for the blind and visually impaired are keeping up with constantly changing technology and of course, transportation for clients that must rely on family or public transportation. 9

10 Management CEO/Executive Director Executive Director Term Start Nov 2 Ms. Elizabeth M Cannon ecannon@lowellassociationfortheblind.org Experience Elizabeth Cannon has over 2 years of non-profit management experience. She is a graduate of UMass Lowell with a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Law and Justice and Franklin Pierce University with a Masters in Business Administration. Before coming to LAB she worked at Community Teamwork, Inc. and Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities. Elizabeth was elected the President of the Non Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell in 216 (having served as the Treasurer and Vice President) and is a member of the Regional Advisory Committee for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Elizabeth joined the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Board of Directors in 216. Senior Staff Ms. Monica Mullen Title Experience/Biography Development Director Monica is a graduate of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences. Before coming to LAB she worked for Honey Creek Mall in Terre Haute, Indiana as the Assistant General Manager of the shopping center for over 13 years. Monica is the Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Billerica Alliance, Board member of Billerica Access Television, volunteer for the Sunshine Gals and member of the Billerica Rotary Club. Staff Information Full Time Staff Part Time Staff Volunteers Contractors Retention Rate % Staff Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 5 1

11 Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other 1 Staff Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified 5 Formal Evaluations CEO Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Formal Evaluation Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency NonManagement Formal Evaluation Non Management Formal Evaluation Frequency Annually Annually Annually Plans & Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? Years Strategic Plan Considers Date Strategic Plan Adopted Feb 211 Does your organization have a Business Continuity of Operations Plan? Management Succession Plan? Organization Policy and Procedures Nondiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Is your organization licensed by the Government? Permit? No 3 No Under Development Under Development No Exempt Collaborations The Lowell Association for the Blind has many collaborations including but not limited to: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Middlesex Community College, Perkins School for the Blind, Carroll Center for the Blind, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Talking Information Center and 11

12 many nonprofits which are members of the Non Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell. Awards Awards Award/Recognition Organization Year Excellence In Communications Massachusetts Nonprofit Network 213 Service Learning Community Partner Award Staff Person of the Year Dorothy Donovan University of Massachusetts Lowell 214 Nonprofit Alliance of Greater Lowell

13 Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Ms. Carolyn Gregoire Company Affiliation self employed Term June 217 to May 218 Board Members Name Affiliation Status Ms Mary Barrett University of Lowell Voting Ms Shauna Carroll Enterprise Bank Voting Mr. Jim Dyment Whistler House Museum of Art Voting Ms Deborah D. Finch University of Massachusetts Lowell Voting Mrs Carolyn Gregoire Personal Trainer Voting Ms. Deme Gys University of Mass Lowell Voting Mr. David Hall Lowell General Hospital Voting Mr Salmaan Kapadia Dakota Systems Voting Mr. Michael Lally Lowell Cemetary Voting Ms. Gloria Leahy retired NonVoting Ms MaryRose Loring Lowell Five Voting Mr Bruce Macaulay Winchester Hospital Voting Ms. Leslie Moran retired Voting Mr. Ed Perry client representative Voting Ms Melanie St. Croix Lowell Five Savings Bank Voting Ms. Bethanne Welch City of Lowell Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black Asian American/Pacific Islander Caucasian 15 Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian Other 1 Board Demographics - Gender Male Female Unspecified

14 Board Information Board Term Lengths Board Term Limits Number of Full Board Meetings Annually Board Meeting Attendance % Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions Constituency Includes Client Representation % No 9% 1% Standing Committees Executive Constituent Board Members Name Ed Perry Affiliation retired Comments CEO Comments The Lowell Association for the Blind Board of Directors is an active group of professionals from the Greater Lowell area. Board members regularly use their areas of expertise to assist with the with the operations of the organizations. Board members are expected to attend Board meetings and assist with fundraising events. 14

15 Impact Goals The Lowell Association for the Blind (LAB) is a community based nonprofit organization serving the needs of the blind/visually impaired of the Merrimack Valley. The mission of LAB is to provide services to ensure people living with blind and low vision have the opportunities to live, work and socialize in our community as well as to educate and inform the public of the needs of the blind/visually impaired. Strategies To make our mission a reality LAB leads by offering services that will fit the needs of the blind/visually impaired. In addition LAB s mission is to educate the public to the needs of the blind. LAB does this through outreach events and our new monthly newsletter that features article of interest focusing on the blind community. The newsletter won an Excellence in Communications Award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network in 213 and LAB won the Community Partner Award from UMass Lowell for working with students. Capabilities The Lowell Association for the Blind has been providing service for the blind/visually impaired since The Lowell Association for the Blind office is centrally located in downtown Lowell with easy access to public transportation. The facility is handicapped accessible with space for group meeting and training space as well as a state of the art radio studio. LAB has a strong financial support with funding for program and services with state and local government, corporations, foundations and individuals. LAB also has an active Board of Directors and a large group of dedicated volunteers. Indicators LAB continuously measures and monitors the progress of all of our programs and services. We know we are making our mission a reality with feedback: From a Mother of two boys in LAB s Youth Program: They benefit from the interaction they receive from other children whom are blind. It gives the boys an opportunity to teach others and learn from peers who are experiencing the same difficulties they may be facing. From an Adult Program participant: As I lose more vision, doing paperwork becomes more of a challenge. It s very comforting to know that LAB will provide such a wonderful service to its legally blind clients. LAB recently loaned a CC TV (technology that magnifies printed materials) to a client who was struggling to read and remain independent. Her daughter came in to pick up a new magnifier for her Mom. When we inquired how her Mom was doing with the new equipment. Her response was "life changing!" 15

16 Progress LAB is a leader in the nonprofit community in the Greater Lowell area. LAB is looked to locally as a resource for businesses and organizations on accessibility issues. In recent years, LAB has developed and implemented unique programming to meet the needs of the blind/visually impaired such as the Visually Impaired Partners (VIP) a sight based mentoring program where blind adults mentor blind children. The greatest challenges for meeting the needs of the blind and visually impaired are: Rates of blindness are expected to double by 22. Every seven minutes, someone in the United States loses his/her sight. Around the world, an adult goes blind every 5 seconds and a child goes blind every minute. Public transportation is limited and often difficult to maneuver for the blind/visually impaired. LAB works closely with clients to help them navigate learn to navigate these systems. In our society, we rely on computers, phones and a variety of devices to remain independent and communicate with friends, family and for business. These devices are not always accessible for the blind/visually impaired. Our greatest challenge in assisting the blind and visually impaired is to be able to keep up with the fast changing and high priced accessible technology and training to use that technology that can vary with each person s eye condition. 16

17 Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Jan 1, 215 Fiscal Year End Dec 31, 215 Projected Revenue $339,788. Projected Expenses $339,788. Endowment? Endowment Value $6823. Spending Policy N/A Credit Line? No Reserve Fund? Months Reserve Fund Covers 18 Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year Total Revenue $249,292 $149,592 $281,381 Total Expenses $314,661 $273,269 $287,542 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year Foundation and Corporation $46, $49,4 $31,46 Contributions Government Contributions $ $ $ Federal State Local Unspecified Individual Contributions $17,74 $6,666 $6,191 Indirect Public Support $343 $9,744 $53,293 Earned Revenue $76,3 $71,127 $11,772 Investment Income, Net of Losses $6,122 ($29,316) $48,677 Membership Dues Special Events $49,12 $41,971 $39,988 Revenue In-Kind Other

18 Expense Allocation Fiscal Year Program Expense $218,846 $193,729 $27,914 Administration Expense $77,519 $67,187 $66,794 Fundraising Expense $18,296 $12,353 $12,834 Payments to Affiliates Total Revenue/Total Expenses Program Expense/Total Expenses 7% 71% 72% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 16% 11% 1% Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year Total Assets $951,111 $1,15,939 $1,139,643 Current Assets $951,111 $1,15,939 $1,139,382 Long-Term Liabilities $ $ $ Current Liabilities $541 $ $27 Total Net Assets $95,57 $1,15,939 $1,139,616 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets % % % 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? No Comments CEO Comments The Board carefully monitors the income and expenses of the organization at each meeting. LAB was founded in 1923 and has operated on a continual bases with support from many sources. Foundation Staff Comments Financial summary data in the charts and graphs above are per the organization's Reviewed financials. Created Copyright 218 The Boston Foundation 18