Kansas City Metro CARES January 2013

New Members

Proud to Support the “You Must Give Back” Veteran Entrepreneur Vanessa’s Books Kauffman FastTrac Page 11

Page 15

8240 W. 151st Street, Overland Park, KS 66223 facebook.com/AbsoluteAwards

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We are a family run business since 2007.

We pride ourselves on our friendly customer service and quick order turn around. Our customers are our priority and we value their continued support.

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contents january 2013 3

Table of Contents

4

Membership Directory KC Metro Cares members

5

Letters from the Editor and Publisher

6

A New Year Get involved with a local charity

7

Yours in Health Monthly health & fitness column

8

Welcome New Member Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

9

My Story Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

9

10 More Than Just a Meal Operation BBQ Relief

11 Proud to Support the Veteran Entrepreneur Kauffman FastTrac

12 Integrity Home Care 13 Help Parents Promote Independent Reading at Home Books for All Foundation

15 You Must Give Back

15

Vanessa’s Books

16 Local HS Student Gives Back to the Community Blake’s Closet

17 Welcome New Member Children’s Miracle Network

18 Welcome New Member Suicide Awareness Survivor Support

19 Sexy Singles Auction Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City

20 Welcome New Member Sunflower House

22 Calendar of Events

19

Charity Events for January

23 Hope...Take That Cancer Braden’s Hope

24 Nonprofit Turnover Troubles Center for Nonprofit Communication

27 Games Fun Stuff

staff

advisory panel

Amy Michael Publisher

Steve Rittmaster

Phil Dellasega Creative Director Tom Mezzacapa Graphic Design Sharna Rittmaster Editor

122 Central Park Square • Springfield, MO 65806

417.849.CARE • www.goicare.com

Michelle DeWitt Graphic Design/ Web Maintenance

Merissa Rittmaster Amanda Goetz Shawn Muller Vanessa Faller Mike Dalena

3 3

membership directory CARES Memberships are available to local non profits that are registered as 501 (c)3 organizations. The goal of CARES is to give non profits a center for non profit communication and awareness. Not just an ad, not just a picked up press release here and there; but an annual

3908 Washington St Kansas City, Mo 64111 816.777.2871 bbbskc.org

3901 Rainbow Blvd, Mailstop 4004 Kansas City, KS 66160 913.588.9100 cmnkc.org

marketing program that cover the online and print resources that are needed to truly communicate with the community. CARES is a communication hub that provides an online volunteer database, interactive robust calendar, resources for assistance with the print magazine to share stories of hope, details on upcoming events and photographs of past events and what they have accomplished. You can view the details of Membership by going to: www.goicare.com/pdfs/Membership_Package.pdf or by emailing editor.op@goicare.com for more details and a face to face meeting. Let us show the community

15440 W. 65 Street Shawnee, KS 66217 913.631.5800 sunflowerhouse.org

PO Box 23242 Stanley, KS 66223 913.681.3050 sass-mokan.com

all the great ways that KC Metro CARES by sharing your mission and your needs with them.

Dear Non-Profit,

We want to talk to you! Kansas City Metro CARES Magazine focuses on non profits and bringing awareness of the impact they make in our community. Does this sound like something you want to be involved in?

Call today for an appt, 913-890-3133!

P.S. Visit our website at www.goicare.com and while you are there sign up for our FREE iCARE Package!

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Sincerely,

Letter from the Editor As 2013 begins I am very proud to present this wonderful new publication to the Kansas City community. When my family and I moved back to Kansas City after being away for so many years I was amazed and delighted to see how much KC had im-

printing

web

custom custom qrr codes q codes

design

proved and grown. We have varied and impressive fine arts productions, very loyal sports fans, historic sights everyone must visit and most importantly we have great residents who like to help. I love helping others and one of my favorite moments is to see a person or child smile when they’re happy. I want to say thank you to Amy Michael, the publisher of CARES and a long time family friend, for entrusting this city to me. I am thrilled to have an avenue in which to help so many people and I will do whatever I can. So, I encourage you, as my readers, to please write me your ideas, comments and questions. This is a community magazine and I want to provide to you what you want.

With the most generous help and remarkable support from my family, good friends and incredible community, I present to you our first Kansas City Metro CARES magazine.

Sharna Rittmaster Contributing Editor editor.op@goicare.com

Letter from the Publisher Hello and Happy New Year!

Since this is our first issue of Kansas CIty Metro CARES Magazine (KC Metro CARES) I would like to share a little about myself and CARES. I’m the single mom of three incredible kids, Nicholas is 7, Brooklyn is 14 and my oldest daughter Alyssa is 15 (and a ½ if you ask her!)

I started Springfield CARES Magazine in June of 2010 because I saw a need for a center for communication for the non profits in the community. It seemed like there were so many great things happening and not enough people knew about them, and that it was hard as an individual to get the info I wanted in order to volunteer or donate. Plus I love events and I had a hard time knowing when there was one! CARES provides that online and print exposure that all non profits need to communicate and create the awareness in the community that will help them grow and continue to provide their wonderful services. I hope that if you are a non profit representative, volunteer or are on a board, you will take the time to learn about what has been accomplished in Springfield CARES and how KC Metro CARES can help you

hive her Kub.lisS n o or/P r i it y d B E 28 .29 6 .32 561 6 417 | F: ar, MO om 003 li s.c lv 70.0 , Bo prep 17.7 777 ozark @ P: 4O. Box iv e v P.O bsh

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www.ozarkpreps.com www.ozarkpreps preps com preps.com

in 2013. Check out our Membership page to see some details on what we offer to area non profits.

I look forward to learning more about each and every one of the non profits in the area and sharing their information with you, our readers.

Kind Regards,

Amy Michael Publisher

Contact us forr a FREE FRE EE quote By phone: 417.379.6393 93 or by email: design@dvlarue.com ue.com www.dvlarue.co om www.dvlarue.com 5

The colorful lights are off. The decorations are put away. The bells are silent. The pantries are empty.

The reserves are used… Every year there is a balance of people in the Kansas City area who are in need of help and those who provide it. The people of Kansas City gave like they always do in 2012 because we are a very giving city dating back to the early 1950’s. The holidays tend to bring out the giving and helping in all of us. But what about now that it is a new year?

Many local charities need help beyond the holidays.

2013 should be the year that Kansas City shows how much we CARE throughout the whole year.

Cash may be easy for you to give, but why not give an hour a month of your time and get rewarded by seeing first hand how your contribution is doing well in this community. Become eco-friendly and recycle by donating your gently used items such as clothes or furniture to a place that can give these items to those in need. A bonus for you is a charitable tax write off on qualifying donation. Hobby based projects could be refocused to make things for those in need. Like to walk or run in races? Pick one of the many local events to participate in and collect donations for it.

Here are some general charities to inspire you to get thinking outside the box, check them out and get involved! Find a program or two that you feel comfortable with or that you can be actively involved through volunteering your time.

Many charities and non-profit organizations do great things year round. Right now many are in need of your help to replenish their empty resources. Resources for them are not just cash, but your time, skills, talents, gently used items, new items, and so much more.

by: Jenn Knopke

6

Local church programs

Prevention programs

UÊ `Ê«> ÌÀ ià UÊ > Êà i ÌiÀà UÊ >Ì ÊL>Ãi`ÊVi ÌiÀà UÊ,iLÕ ` }Ê> `ÊLi>ÕÌ vÞ }Ê}À Õ«Ã UÊ V> Ê «À v ÌÊ}À Õ«Ã UÊ6iÌiÀ> ÃÊ> `Ê Ì>ÀÞÊ}À Õ«Ã UÊ `Ài Ê À}> â>Ì Ã UÊ Ã« Ì> à UÊ i iÃÃÊà i ÌiÀà UÊ-V à UÊ i> Ì Ê ÃÃÕiÃÊ>Ü>Ài iÃÃÉÀiÃi>ÀV Ê}À Õ«Ã

UÊ ÕÀà }É,iÌ Ài i ÌÊ ià UÊ- ÕÌ Ê ÀÊ `iÀ ÞÊ«À }À> à UÊ Ã« Vi UÊ `Ê`À Ûià Kansas City CARES about those in need. All it takes is one person, one business, one project to help one person, one family. Now, get out there and make someone smile.

Is Your Blood Healthy to Donate?

January starts off the year for fresh beginnings and

race to better yourself and others. Find a gym, run-

new challenges. It makes you wonder what you can

ners club, or get a personal trainer to have some ac-

do differently this time around than the year before.

countability. If working on your nutrition, then find

Can you donate more money? Can you spend more

a healthy cookbook to make better meals. Remem-

time volunteering with special events and fundrais-

ber that making a lifestyle change means sacrificing

ers? These are a few questions we consider when

some of your bad habits.

looking forward to doing better for others. Helping

Of course January also starts the “new year resolu-

others is wonderful, but how can you take better

tion” exercising craziness from the recent holiday

care of YOUR HEALTH to help your cause?

parties and meals. What will your goals be for this

My goals throughout these monthly articles are to

time of year? Will you try to eat healthier? Will you

make you aware of YOUR HEALTH! So often we

exercise more? Know that just picking and having a

place ourselves on the back burner. Lack of nutrients,

goal is half the battle. Focusing on your plan will

vitamins and minerals sacrifice your daily require-

make you healthier to donate your time and blood.

ment of energy to perform at your best. We all know

The true reward is taking better care of YOUR

that we have missed a meal because we are too busy.

HEALTH!

We reach for more coffee than water when we need

YOURS IN HEALTH,

that extra boost of energy. More often we are mis-

Jonathan Rios Laser Sharp Fitness M.S., B.S., Wellness Expert NASM, ISSA, Master CPT

guided through our own negligence. Dr. Angela Ribaste would always tell me, “The airplane attendants instructs’ you to place your mask on before helping others because you have to be at your best to help others”. These words always resonate for me to ponder if I am at my best when helping others. Some challenges are harder when it comes to your health.

This month of January is also known as National Blood Donor Month. According to the American Red Cross 32,000 pints of blood are used every day in the U.S. They continue to let us know that 60% of Americans are eligible to donate but about 5% donate often. Can you recall the last time you donated blood? Have you ever needed blood that has been donated by a volunteer? Imagine lying in a hospital bed and needing blood only to have the practitioner say, “So sorry but we are all out of blood, we did not receive enough donations this month”. Makes you wish you could have donated or help out with the local drive in your neighborhood.

A monthly column by

Exercise your heart to make your blood healthier to

Jonathan Rios

donate. Start off by going for a walk outside for a

Laser Sharp Fitness M.S., B.S., Wellness Expert NASM, ISSA, Master CPT

few minutes a day. If you find it too cold outside, than simple marching inside can do wonders while you are in front of the television. Sign up for a 5k

Have a question or topic you’d like to see covered?

Email Jonathan at rios.a.jonathan@gmail.com 7

Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member 1. What is your mission?

Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.

parent my son. Knowing that Luis has someone to confide in about

can someone get involved?

things that might be uncomfortable for him to discuss with me

We have over 500 kids who are waiting to be matched with a Big Brother,

makes it so much easier to just be Mom.

Big Sisters or Big Couple. We have two programs to choose from. Our Traditional program matches kids ages 8-14 with an adult mentor. They spend a few hours a week together doing normal, everyday activities like watching a movie, playing catch or just hanging out. Our Kauffman Scholars program matches high school students who are soon to become first generation college students with a mentor. They get together once a month and help with the transition from high school to college. Kids who have a Big Brother, Big Sister or Big Couple have improved grades, get along better with their families and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.

Over the past year I’ve noticed little changes in Luis since Kevin’s been in his life. He’s maturing, he’s more focused and Kevin’s been there for him. Last Mother’s Day Kevin took Luis out to get me my first Mother’s Day card I’ve ever received. I will never forget how excited he was to give it to me. He wrote the sweetest message inside and it meant the world to me. I think Kevin had a major influence in helping him open up and express his feelings. It was an amazing moment that I’ll never forget.”

- Caroline Florez

To become involved, visit bbbskc.org or call 816.777.2892.

5. Any upcoming events?

3. Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

Big Brothers Big Sisters' Big Picture Lunch

Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on children living in a one-parent household.

Wednesday, January 30, 2012

25% of the school aged population lives in a one-parent household. This 25%

BBBS-KC Office – 3908 Washington Street, KCMO 64111

makes up 90% of juvenile court cases, 90% of high school drop outs and 65%

Noon – 1:00

of teen suicides. This group of kids are more likely to go to prison, end up as

Join us for lunch to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters and how men-

teen parents or live in poverty. When we match them with a Big Brother, Big

toring is changing the way children are growing up in Kansas City.

Sister or Big Couple, the statistics begin to change. 80% of kids with Bigs report improved self esteem, 65% report improved grades and 95% report

RSVP at http://www.bbbskc.org/bigpicturelunch

no involvement with the juvenile court system. Kids with Bigs are 75% more

6. If you could thank one person/business in the community

likely to graduate from college. When making these changes in one kid, it

that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

affects the family, the classroom, the school and the entire community.

A big thanks to our outgoing Board President Paul Kushnir. Paul Kushnir, CEO

4. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped?

Feel free to change names if necessary.

Here is a letter we recently received from a mom in our program:

of Wireless Lifestyle, is the President of the Board of Directors and the Event Chair of the Chiefs Charity Game.

Wireless Lifestyle is the largest Sprint retailer in the country.

“As a mom, it’s hard to admit that you can’t do everything but after

Wireless Lifestyle is the Premier Sponsor of the annual Match Appreciation

the divorce with my husband I began to realize that my 13 year

Banquet, Five teams participating in Summer Bowl for Kids' Sake, sponsor of

old son, Luis, was going to need more than what I was able to give

the Chiefs Charity Game, annual Legacy Invitational team, annual Man 2 Man

him at times. To be a man he needed a strong male role model in

participation.

his life. That’s when I decided to enroll him in the Big Brothers Big

Wireless Lifestyle's financial support has helped BBBS-KC match over 150 kids

Sisters program. Luis was matched up to his Big Brother Kevin last

with a Big.

November and it’s been the best decision I’ve even made.

"We are so thankful for the support of Wireless Lifestyle. Big

Kevin has filled a void that was missing in Luis’ life. Kevin has truly

Brothers Big Sisters could not think of a better company to do busi-

become a real member of our family. I feel blessed to have him in

ness with or to have as a supporter."

- Micheal Lawrence, CEO of BBBS-KC

our lives to help me guide Luis through these tough teenage years.

I know that Luis has made a lifelong friend in Kevin. He has shown Luis the importance of academics and has helped him improve in 8

his athletics. He is a great role model. He makes it easier for me to

2. What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have? How

My Story

Nine years ago I was matched up with my Big Sister Sandra Rayford in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

by Little Sister Sena

I

t’s truly been a life-changing experience. I grew up in a single parent household and didn’t have a mother figure. My father decided that I needed someone that I could relate to. I remember when I

first met Ms. Rayford. There was a strange car parked in my driveway.

I wondered who that was. I walked inside to find my father, my grand-

mother and my BBBS Case Manager. But who was this other business lady? She was Ms. Sandra Rayford. She would soon be the extra push along the road to success that I needed.

Ms. Rayford never tried to take my mother’s place; she was just there for me, always, through the ups and downs. I had a rough childhoodshe was there. I had lonely days- she was there. I had a question that I felt nobody could understand- she was there. She told stories about her life that corresponds with mine to help me better handle situations. She let me know that strength lies within you. She inspired me to understand that I should set the example for other young females to be the best that they can be even in rough communities and households. She has shown me the keys to being a lady: to hold your head high, to pursue your dreams, be financially stable not only for yourself but for your future. I have come a long way. I now know that truly all I need to do is be me and lead the way for generations to follow. Hard work is of course a major factor but it most definitely pays off in the end!

I was once shy and unsure of myself, now I shine bright! I am involved in many activities in both school and my community. I’m in the A+ program, am the highest ranking cadet in M.C.J.R.O.T.C. at my high school, I play soccer, I dance, I played basketball and am involved in countless other things.

Ms. Rayford has inspired me to finish high school and receive a higher education. She has also told me to never forget the easy road is not always the best road. My goal is to become an African-American Engineer.

I will live up to my potential. At one point in time I did not have such confidence and pride in myself but now when I see her, I know I can be just like her someday.

I am thankful to Big Brothers Big Sisters. You have changed many children's lives and given them that special person they needed to make life worthwhile. This is our story but I know thousands of other children have been affected like me, while another child’s journey with their Big is just beginning. On behalf of all of these children, thank you!

9

By Jeff Stith Co-Founder and Executive Director, Operation BBQ Relief

fect food for times of disaster when people are hurting. It provides a sense of normalcy in a world that is no longer recog-

Operation

nizable to those impacted by nature’s fury. When we see the

BBQ Relief vol-

expressions on the faces of those we serve, there is little doubt

unteers were

that it’s more than a meal. The tearful thanks and hugs our vol-

seemingly not evenrecovered from the horrors of Hurricane Isaac on the Gulf shores when she first appeared on the nation’s radar screens. “Here we go again.” This thought immediately came to my mind when Hurricane Sandy turned towards the Atlantic coast, bearing

unteers receive tell us that we’ve accomplished our mission.

down on New Jersey and New York. Like most Americans, I’d been hop-

They are the fuel we use to move forward each day we are de-

ing and praying that the weather forecasts would prove to be inaccurate.

ployed, and they are the constant reminders of why we do

Unfortunately they were not. As a result, hundreds of thousands of peo-

what we do and that we are fortunate to be in a position to

ple lost power, homes, irreplaceable possessions and, in too many cases,

help our fellow Americans.

loved ones.

not-for-profit disaster relief organization, by visiting our web-

a good meal, sometimes for days on end. Once again, Operation BBQ Re-

site at www.OperationBBQRelief.org and make a tax de-

lief jumped into action to provide hope, compassion and friendship to

ductible donation if you’d like to help support our mission.

people in need. Just as the organization has been doing since it was

We’re also on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Opera-

founded in the wake of the April 2011 Joplin tornado, where it provided

tionBBQRelief. We’d appreciate you clicking that “like” button.

120,000 meals in eleven days, Operation BBQ Relief was again prepared

Learn why I like to say it’s not just about the meal.

to feed the masses of people who so desperately needed a good meal.

With more than 100 volunteers from the region plus states as far away as Ohio and Alabama, Operation BBQ Relief attacked the need full force. Over the course of 12 days, its volunteers set up shop in nine locations throughout New York City and New Jersey and, with the help of many generous donations, both private and from businesses, were able to serve 102,200 hot, nutritious meals.

Operation BBQ Relief is known for providing hot meals, 308,200 of them, in fact. But those meals are just the means by which we fulfill our mission of providing hope, compassion and friendship to people in need. Barbecue is one of the only truly American cuisines, but more than that, it’s a comfort food. It conjures up memories of home, friends and family, and cookouts – the good times that make life special. It is the per10

I invite you to learn more about Operation BBQ Relief, a 501c3

Hurricane Sandy left countless people without food and no way to get

!"#$% &"% '#(("!& &)*% +*&*!,-% .-&!*(!*-*#!

By: Alana Muller President, Kauffman FastTrac I’m the proud daughter of a Vietnamera veteran. My dad shared many tales of his days in the U.S. Army with my brothers and me as we grew up. We’d sit rapt as he regaled us with memorable accounts of his days as an enlisted man. And, given that I was just nine weeks old when my mom and I boarded a flight bound for an Army base in Germany where we would make our home for nearly a year, many of his stories included adventures of which I was a part.

That feeling of fascination, awe, and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country has always been part of who I am. And so, it has been a particularly gratifying year for me because the organization I have the privilege to lead, Kauffman FastTrac, a global not-for-profit organization that trains entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, just completed its first year of the Kauffman FastTrac Veterans Initiative.

In seven cities across the United States: Dover, DE; Fort Bragg, NC; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; San Diego, CA; and Washington, D.C.—and through several online courses, we delivered veteran-focused FastTrac courses to 300 veterans. The courses and specially developed content were made possible as a result of a generous grant we were awarded in late 2011.

Veterans are a special group. They have given selflessly of themselves for our country and our individual freedom. They have demonstrated immeasurable courage and dedication. They have learned skills in training, while deployed and on the battlefield that most of us cannot even fathom. And, in a time when more vets are re-entering civilian life only to discover there are a limited number of jobs available, I believe these heroes are well poised for entrepreneurship.

Alana Muller as a baby.

U.S. Department of Labor statistics as of July 2012 tell the story that unemployment among post-9/11-era veterans averaged 9.5 percent vs. the general population unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

Furthermore, according to a March 2011 report from the SBA Office of Advocacy, veterans are at least 45

percent more likely to be selfemployed than people with no activeduty military experience. It makes sense since veterans possess the leadership skills, decision-making abilities, power to mitigate risk, and experience in leading and engaging with highfunctioning teams.

My colleagues and I are inordinately proud to have played some small part in helping 300 veterans tap those skills —and consider self-employment, explore their startup business ideas, and create jobs for others. We will continue our efforts in 2013 by training an additional 500 veterans across the country. Assuming the outcomes in 2013 track with those of 2012, we can expect to see nearly 200-new companies created and more than 1,000 fulland part-time jobs created.

Personally, I look forward to witnessing our nation’s heroes’ continued success.

About Kauffman FastTrac® Kauffman FastTrac is a global provider of learning curricula that equip aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the business skills and insights, tools, resources, and network to start and grow successful businesses. Kauffman FastTrac was created by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the largest foundation in the world devoted to entrepreneurship.

For more information about Kauffman FastTrac, visit www.fasttrac.org and follow the organization on Twitter at @fasttrac, like it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kauffmanfasttrac and connect on LinkedIn at www.fasttrac.org/linkedin.

About the Author: Alana Muller is President of Kauffman FastTrac, a global provider of training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs, giving them the tools, resources and networks to start and grow successful businesses.

K a u f f m a n FastTrac was created by the Kauffman Foundation. Alana is the author of a book, Coffee Lunch Coffee: A Practical Field Guide for Master Networking and a companion blog, CoffeeLunchCoffee.com. She is a frequent lecturer and workshop facilitator on topics such as networking, entrepreneurship and women in business. She has been a contributor to Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, CNBC and other publications. Alana has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago, where she was the recipient of the Mike and Karen Herman Fellowship for Women in Entrepreneurship, and an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Smith College. She was recognized as a 2012 Influential Woman by KC Business magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @AlanaMuller.

www.fasttrac.org

11

lished in 2011 by Director, Stacey Adams.

Being involved in education for over 13 years as a Special Education teacher, Stacey found that there was an extreme lack of reading and educational materials that were accessible to children with disabilities. As a result, Books for All grew and is dedicated to providing these unique edu-

Books for All Foundation

The Books for All Foundation was estab-

It is our belief that greater access to independent reading materials designed to meet the needs of all children is a necessity to ensure educational success today and in the future. economic and educational climate across present-day America, these reading experiences are not easily available. It is our belief that greater access to independent reading materials designed to meet the needs of all children is a necessity to ensure educational success today and in the future.

We fulfill our mission to support par-

cational programs, resources, and materi-

ents and families through presenta-

als to help parents promote independent

strating techniques and strategies designed

tions at local schools and other charitable

reading at home. Our goal is to help parents

to develop a valuable, independent reading

organizations that highlight these princi-

locate and utilize published materials that are

experience: a privilege all children should be

pals, providing the basics to assist parents

accessible to all children, while also demon-

allowed, regardless of ability level. The foun-

in designing reading goals and tools that

dation’s goal is to aide parents as they foster

allow their children to be successful read-

an environment of learning by helping them

ers. Books for All also provides some of

locate and provide reading materials and ex-

these previously hard-to-find reading ma-

periences that allow all children to develop

terials-written, illustrated, and developed

their independent reading skills.

by Director and educator, Stacey Adams-

Books for All is designed to help not only

that are designed to be accessible to all lev-

families with special needs, but to work with

els of readers. Books for All supports and

local businesses and schools to provide “just

participates in local charity drives for special

right” reading materials for areas with large

needs groups, including the Down’s Guild

populations of at-risk and emer-

of Kansas City, the Recreation Council of

gent readers who face similar

Greater Kansas City, and Autism Speaks, as

challenges. “At-risk” readers are

well as sponsoring book drives and donat-

defined as those students, who-

ing materials to areas of at-risk students.

due to socio-economic, physical,

The website provides links to materials,

emotional, or cognitive chal-

ways to get involved with the organization,

lenges, are in need of additional

and a blog for parents that includes tips

and enriched reading experi-

and tricks to promote education and help

ences. Unfortunately, due to the

their children develop a love for reading.

If you are interested in having Books for All present or work with your organization to attain similar educational goals, please contact us through our website at:

www.booksforallfoundation.org or e-mail at stacey@booksforallfoundation.org.

By Merissa Rittmaster

“If you are blessed, you have to give back.”

As far back as she can remember Vanessa Faller heard these words so many times from her grandmother that they became ingrained in her very being. She lives them every day while sharing the significance of these words with her children. As she progresses through life, Vanessa plays many roles including those of mother, wife, nurse, and dreamer. She dreams up projects to benefit those in need and implements them in the real world. One of her longest running projects is called a “busy box set.”

It is comprised of a pencil box (filled with crayons, pencils, stickers, and busy travel booklets), a composition book, and, for the younger crowd, a coloring book.

Although Vanessa has a wide range of recipients, the main beneficiaries of her donations are children in shelters and hospitals. She wanted to create a simple gift that would be both meaningful and useful; something a child of any age can receive and make their own. The pencil box and coloring book give the child an easily portable activity center while the composition book provides an outlet for expression. This composition book becomes a canvas for their feelings, ideas, and communication with their world. She knows from experience that for children in shelters and hospitals this is an invaluable gift. In a life that can be so unstable, the busy box set becomes a consistent element. Equally important, it becomes one of their few personal possessions. On the occasion that Vanessa encounters a parent of one of these children, she is thanked for that small but wonderful gift.

Vanessa has remarkable creativity when developing her dreams. She repurposes items as much as she can to make use of objects we readily discard. For the pencil box, she uses VHS boxes acquired from video rental stores like Blockbuster who would discard hundreds of them on a weekly basis. She became so well known for salvaging them, the video stores started calling her to come pick them up. She buys the composition books on sale and in bulk. To engage the attention and imagination of the child recipient, she uses colorful cloth remnants in conjunction with trimmings like lace to decorate these boxes and books for the sets. Vanessa uses material with themes including sports, culture, cartoon figures, old toys, military, and animals.

Even if Vanessa is present at the time of the donation, these sets are given anonymously as inside each book a sticker reads, “From someone who loves you,” with the implication that it is from a parent or loved one. In her own words, “It is enough just to see their smiles.” And now, 20-years later, she is still busy making these sets in conjunction with her many other projects while she raises her children with similar values. They can be seen helping to organize the books into sets or packing the boxes in the car for transportation to a shelter or school. Her grandmother would be proud.

If you would like to help or learn more about her activities, please contact the editor: Sharna Rittmaster: editor.op@goicare.com.

“IIf you “If you are aree bblessed, lesssed, you you hhave ave ttoo ggive ive bback.” ack.”

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Local High School Student

Gives Back to the Community My name is Blake Carnes and I am currently a Blue Valley High School student. In 2010, my family and I founded Blake’s Closet. Blake’s Closet is a non-profit organization that provides clothing for families in the local community. I was driven to start Blake’s Closet because I saw a need in the community and wanted to make a difference. I have always had a passion for community service and serving others, and I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity to do that. Blake’s Closet has allowed me to touch the lives of over 1700 men, women, and children through clothing that was donated by the community. Blake’s Closet serves families in the Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, Olathe, DeSoto, Gardner, and Spring Hill areas, as well as clients from Catholic Charities, Safehome, Salvation Army and other assistance programs available to the community.

Before starting Blake’s Closet I had been an avid volunteer for over 7-years at The Blue Valley MultiService Center (BVSMC), a program of Johnson County Human Services. The BVMSC is located at the Blue Valley Academy at 151st & Metcalf and it serves families and individuals in need in our area. During the past few years, they have experienced large increases in the numbers of people requesting assistance. Due to program restructuring by Johnson County Human

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large scale collections in local schools during the years that followed. All the food that I collected during these drives went to the Blue Valley Multi Service Center to benefit those needing assistance in our community.

During the summer there is a greater need for food at the center because without the help of free and reduced lunch program services, people in our community will have a harder time putting food on the table.

Services, the Blue Valley MSC Clothing Closet was closed in December of 2010. I decided that I wanted to come up with a solution to meet this need, and decided to create Blake’s Closet.

My organization has recently achieved a 501(c)3 status, which means clothing contributions may be tax deductible. Blake’s Closet was able to assist more people in 2012 than we ever had. We handed out over 1,400, 13 gallon trash bags of clothing and household items to those in need.

In 2005 I saw a need for food in the community, and decided to organize my first food drive. I began by going door to door asking for donations, and eventually started organizing

In order to make Blake’s Closet and the annual food drive possible, community involvement is necessary.

Even one item can make a difference.

I would also ask that before throwing out clothing items, you donate them to Blake’s Closet so that someone in the community could benefit from the clothing. Any clothing donation made will be tax deductible. Blake’s Closet collects items all year round. In 2012 we will be doing 2 food drives as well as 2 clothing drives.

If you would like more information on Blake’s Closet or want to volunteer, please visit: www.blakescloset.com www.facebook.com/blakescloset

Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member 1. What is your mission?

To save and improves the lives of as many children as possible.

2. What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have? How can someone get involved?

We have “Secret Shopper” opportunities during various campaigns throughout the year. In addition, we ask for volunteers to assist us with assembling campaign kits and materials and have opportunities available during local fundraising events. For the latest available opportunities, please visit our Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/cmnkc.

3. Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater Kansas City is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for local children’s hospitals. In the Greater Kansas City area, proceeds benefit the University of Kansas Medical Center Pediatrics Department. The 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals throughout the United States and abroad provide the finest

5. Any upcoming events?

IHOP is hosting National Pancake Day on February 5, 2012 at each location in Kansas City. All proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals of Greater Kansas City. Come enjoy free pancakes, make a donation and help local kids!!

6. If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals staff and the families we serve are proud and forever indebted to our Partners and Sponsors in the Kansas City area. We would especially like to take the opportunity to thank Walmart & Sam’s Clubs. Through their

medical care, life-saving research and preventative education—help-

tireless efforts and dedicated associates, they have raised over

ing over 17 million kids each year.

$500,000 in 2012 for CMN!

4. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? Feel free to change names if necessary.

Beautiful and fighting for her life, she spent three months in the

At 21 weeks, Avery’s mom was having complications. Kelly visited

those months rocking their tiny baby to health. After three

her doctor and was told she would miscarry. Devastated and un-

months and two weeks Avery was sent home weighing 3 pounds

willing to accept this as final answer, Kelly received a second opin-

1 ounce. Today, Avery is a healthy beautiful baby girl, gaining

ion at KU Medical Center. She

Avery

weeks she delivered her miracle into this world – 17 ounce Avery.

KU Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Kelly and her husband spent

weight and hitting every milestone!

was put on bed rest and at 23

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Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member 1. What is your mission?

The goal of SASS-MoKan is to increase awareness about suicide to the community through education, survivor support, and collaboration with community partners. SASS has five steps that we are taking to ensure the “Suicide should be everyone’s business.”

These steps are education, public awareness, networking with healthcare agencies and uniting survivors and providing information and assistance to area support groups.

lar but none of her friends knew. She was well liked and was in her senior year. This young lady

2. What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have? How can someone get involved?

Volunteers are needed for our community events such as our annual community walk, Holiday Remembrance Service, and Healing Day. Anyone interested can contact bonnie@sass-mokan.com

and died. Her parents and her brother took her death extremely hard. The

3. Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

but hearing the sto-

SASS unites survivors through our annual community awareness

ries over and over

Mom came to group

walk, presenting at schools, religious and community organiza-

has been a challenge

tions, sharing relevant materials through our sass-mokan web-

for her. However,

site, and assisting area support groups with information and

Dad comes often and

monetary support. SASS has ongoing support groups the 2nd and

always has some healing words for others that have experienced

SASS-MoKan founders Mickey & Bonnie Swade

4th Tuesday of the month at the Life Dynamics Building (in front

a loss of a teen. Both have gotten very active in SASS-MoKan’s

of Shawnee Mission Medical Center) from 6:30-8:15. Other loca-

activities and are board members.

tions can be found on our website sass-mokan.com

4. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped? Feel free to change names if necessary.

One couple that still attends our group lost a son to suicide. This

5. Any upcoming events?

A Healing Day on Saturday, February 23, 2013 10th Annual Community Remembrance Walk on September 8, 2013

telligent young man and had many friends. His parents tried to

6. If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

encourage him and they had a close relationship.

Paul and Vicki Silverman from Em’s Spotlight have supported

young man was in Law School and had suffered some depression but seemingly was back on a positive road. He was a caring, in-

This bright, young man took his life and left his parents and a brother devastated. They first came into our group with the usual question of “Why?” They now continue to attend our support group because they want to help other new survivors who attend. Their insight and quiet mannerisms show our participants that one never forgets but can accept a new normal.

Another participant that continues to attend and shares his insight with others lost his seventeen year old daughter. She was bipo-

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jumped off a bridge

our goals and beliefs. They have generously given their time and financial support for our annual Community Walk. They have their own foundation but are always giving us support emotionally, financially, and unconditionally.

of Greater Kansas City

On Friday, December 7, 2012, the Voodoo lounge at Harrah's hosted 25 of Kansas City’s sexiest singles, which were chosen by KC Magazine. Some of the outings that were auctioned off included a trip to the set of Modern Family, a trip to NYC and Good Morning America, all inclusive trip to Costa Rica, PGA Tour and NFL Pro Bowl, Super Bowl trip, and an African Safari.

The Emcees for the evening was Holly Starr and George Waldenberger. Tanna Guthrie led the auction. The alumni from past years Sexy Singles auction were there to cheer on this years class as well.

A BIG thank you to this group who raised over $92,000 with

the amazing auction packages they put together. That means that with ticket and raffle sales this year's event brought in $95,000 which will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship programs. Did you know that there are over 500 “Littles” waiting to be matched?

We couldn't be more thrilled.

Thank you KC Magazine and the 2012 class of Sexy Singles for your generosity Thanks to everyone that came out to show their support and for creating a new record for BBBS of KC!

Kansas City Metro CARES welcomes new member 1. What is your mission?

The mission of Sunflower House is to protect children in our community from physical and sexual abuse through education, advocacy, forensic and medical services.

Our vision is safe children thriving in nurturing families and communities.

2. What kind of Volunteer opportunities do you have? How can someone get involved?

Volunteers play an integral role in promoting our cause and accomplishing our mission. If you are looking for a group that does a wide variety of activities on evenings or weekends, both social and volunteer, then our Friends of Sunflower House group may be right for you! We also have opportunities for dedicated and talented volunteers in our education program and to assist the children and families we serve.

Current needs for volunteers include: Child Assessment Administrative Volunteer – Commit to a 4 hour weekly shift to assist the Program Director by making follow-up phone calls to families and other administrative tasks as needed.

Development Administrative Volunteer – Commit to a 2 hour weekly shift to assist fundraising staff with various administrative tasks.

Family Care Volunteer – Assist with the care of families while they are here for appointments.

Happy Bear program volunteers – Assist with the Happy Bear abuse prevention programs that take place in area elementary schools.

3. Specifically, who/how do you help the community?

Sunflower House serves more than 500 children each year ages 0 – 17 from Johnson and Wyandotte County who are involved in an investigation of child abuse. At our child-friendly facility, in Shawnee, Kansas we provide a comfortable and safe setting for the children to tell the details of their abuse to a trained forensic interviewer, receive a specialized medical examination, and for the family to receive resources and referrals for follow-up care and concerns.

Additionally, Sunflower House works to prevent abuse in our community by providing educational programs to more than 20,000 children, caregivers and professionals each year through the area school districts and community groups. Through the P.S. Happy Bear program young children are taught to how to recognize, resist and report abuse to a trusted adult.

The Let’s Talk about Personal Safety Program reinforces these concepts for 3rd through 5th grade and includes bullying and electronic safety. The Let’s Cyber-Chat Program goes to 6th-8th grade students to address the dangers of inappropriate electronic use including sexting, cyber-bullying, gaming and chat rooms.

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4. Could you tell a short story of someone you have helped?

Feel free to change names if necessary.

“Our son found the courage to begin disclosing some of the horrendous details of his abuse that happened five years ago at the hands of a family friend. We learned that our son was raped, choked, cut with a knife and threatened repeatedly that if he told ANYONE, the abuser would kill him or abuse his sisters in the same way. Threatening to harm the victim and members of the family is classic perpetrator behavior that ingrained tremendous fear and kept our son silent.

It shouldn’t have happened to our child…

As parents, we were responsible for his safety and somehow, without knowing it, we failed to protect him. Our most precious gift, and we failed him. The anguish, depth of sadness and regret still reside within me. When we came to Sunflower House we did not expect to feel relief in the midst of tragedy. There was relief. Sunflower House was a ray of sunshine in the middle of a ferocious storm. I felt hope…hope that, somehow, our son could heal. Under their roof, people work together to provide compassionate care and services to children…I can’t imagine a better place for healing to begin than with Sunflower House. We are forever grateful for the warm and timely response and for the strong arms that wrapped around our son that day.”

5. Any upcoming events?

Valentine Gala – February 2, 2013 The Sheraton Overland Park Hotel Child Abuse Prevention Month – April 6. If you could thank one person/business in the community that has shown that they CARE, who would it be and why?

Johnson and Wyandotte County agencies charged with the protection of children as well as the investigation and prosecution of child abusers – these agencies include local law enforcement, district attorney’s offices, and child protective services.

Sunflower House works hand in hand with each of these agencies to ensure the best outcomes for each victim of abuse that comes through our door. Their tireless efforts on behalf of abuse victims in Johnson and Wyandotte County is imperative to the work of Sunflower House.

Harvesting for a Good Cause

by Ben Taylor My name is Ben Taylor. I am a Webelos Scout in Den Panther of Pack 3476 (Harmony Elementary). My pack and I just went to Harvesters Food Warehouse on Saturday, Dec 1st.

We assembled backpack snacks for other school kids who need food during the weekends. The snacks included milk, beef ravioli, peaches, beans, carrots, almonds, fruit loops and Crispix among other things. The scouts in my pack were at a station (we traded off) where we were packing certain items in a bag and passed the bag down the line until it was done. My friend, Dane Saathoff, called it, “A fun assembly line.” My favorite job was sorting the broken down cardboard boxes.

This section is dedicated to our community active youth. I know that we have amazing children doing wonderful volunteer work here in Kansas City. I want to read about your rewarding experiences helping others! Send your stories to me at editor.op@goicare.com by the 5th of every month as a word document of 200 words and please include photos.

At the end of the day our Harvester tour guide, Michelle, said we made 1170 backpack kits! She gave us a tour where we went into a freezer and someone said it was negative ten degrees. It was the biggest freezer I ever saw. There were several machines moving pallets of food around and I asked Michelle how many kids get lunches from Harvesters. She said over 17,000 “BackSnacks” are sent to 26 counties around Kansas City each week.

At the end of the day I told Michelle, “I am happy we can do some good things for other kids who don’t get enough food.” Some of my other Den Panther scout mates felt the same. We all like helping others with our Cub Scout activities…and it is even better when we have fun!

THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE PROUDLY PRESENTS

This Year’s Auction Categories Include: Major League Man Cave, Glory Road (Sports), Field of Dreams Family Fun, Money Pit (Home & Garden), A League of Their Own Ladies Lounge, Sideways Wine Cellar

Enjoy your moment in the spotlight!

Black Tie Optional Reservations: $150 per person The favor of your reply is requested by the 18th of January Call 913-631-5800

Saturday, the Second of February Overland Park Sheraton Hotel 6100 College Blvd Overland Park, KS 66211 Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction at six o’clock Dinner & Program at half past seven o’clock Live Auction at nine o’clock Dancing with music performed by Flashback at ten o’clock

Visit www.gala2013.com for more information

SPECIAL GUESTS Larry Moore, Emcee - KMBC-TV Gary Ryther - Gary Ryther Auctioneers Jeni & Bryan Camerlinck

Detective Vickie & Pete Fogarty

Gala Chairs

Honorary Chairs

Kansas City

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c a l e n d a r january 1

7 | 1:00pm

There is no place in Kansas City – or any city – quite like Union Station. This fully restored landmark is Kansas City's most prominent destination for cultural and entertainment activities.

Grief Recovery offers a support group to those dealing with loss, to help them walk through the grieving process in a healthy way.

1 Bridging The Gap is currently looking for volunteers to help patrons unload recyclables and assist the site manager. This is an ongoing volunteer opportunity. For any questions or to volunteer, contact Amy Smith at 816-561-1087 or e-mail volunteer@bridgingthegap.org. All volunteers must register in advance.

1-Feb 5th Childrens Miracle Network is having their Miracle Balloon campaign at IHOP from January 1 through February 5. They will be selling balloon icons for a donation to their customers leading up to National Pancake Day on February 5.

4 | 6:00pm First Friday Art Walk in downtown Warrensburg. Starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 9:00 pm. Free passports available at participating businesses.

Read more here: h t t p : / / c a l e n d a r. k a n s a s c i t y. c o m / e v e n t / i d / E 0 - 0 0 1 053208889-0/first-friday-art-walk#storylink=cpy

6-7 The Western Nursery and Landscape Association is composed of independent garden centers, growers, landscape architects and designers, landscape contractors, and other green industry professionals from throughout the United States and Canada. The 2013 National Green Centre will be held January6-7 in Kansas City at the Overland Park Convention Center.

19 | 1-4:00pm 39th Annual Snow Ball - Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas’ 39th Annual Snow Ball. Proceeds from this black tie gala will help provide the most basic needs such as food and utilities to children and families in our community.

For more event information, please contact Kerry Gentry at 913.433.2046 or kgentry@catholiccharitiesks.org. Please visit www.catholiccharitiessnowball.org to reserve your table or seats.

21 The Dream 5K & Freedom March | Kansas City, Missouri. Join us on January 21, 2013 to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday and help bring diversity to the Historic 18th & Vine District. This area served as a key part of Kansas City during the Civil Rights Movement.

22-Feb 21st Number The Stars - The Coterie Theatre, Crown Center Shops, Level 1. Based on the Newbery Medal winning book

by Lois Lowry. During World War II, the Johansen family faces soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs and the loss of loved ones to help their neighbors, the Rosens, escape across the ocean to safety in Sweden. Based on true actions during the Holocaust. Part of the Coterie's Preteen/Young Adult Series.

816-474-6552 or CoterieTheatre.org.

30-31 Big Brothers Big Sisters - Jan 30 & 31 Bingo at Hamburger Mary's benefiting BBBS

If you have a charitable event you would like to add, please email us at events@goicare.com

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HOPE…TAKE THAT CANCER! Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer Foundation Inspired by Love.

On December 28, 2007, three-year-old Olathe resident Braden Hofen was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a solid mass tumor form of childhood cancer and it came with a 30% chance for survival over five years. Braden spent about a year and a half in the hospital receiving 6-rounds of high dose chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, a bone marrow transplant and follow up radiation and maintenance therapies. His doctors believed that he was in remission.

Braden’s family received a letter stating that he could qualify for immunotherapy because it had been shown to improve his odds of survival by 20%. The family chose to enroll Braden in this immunotherapy and he went in for scans to qualify. Unfortunately, the scans showed that his cancer had returned, just a few months after he was thought to be in remission.

Relapsing neuroblastoma brings with it the words, “no known cure.” The family was devastated. They were told that they could either do nothing allowing their son to die without intervention or they could try experimental measures that had not been shown to be effective accompanied by the possibility of even worse side effects. The family chose to fight and Braden began receiving therapy from a team specialized in relapsing Neuroblastoma at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

The family created Braden’s Hope For Childhood Cancer, which is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to raise awareness and funds for treatments of childhood cancer. The foundation awards grants of $100,000 to children’s hospitals and research institutions to find the activators for childhood cancer and targeted treatments to shut those down.

Since the foundation was formed, Braden has had many ups and downs with his therapy results. He has been the first and last child to receive several treatments. No other child has traveled the same journey as Braden. In January of 2011, Braden was found to be in a miraculous second remission! Although his scans show no signs of cancer he remains in treatment today to try to continue to keep his cancer at bay.

As they say at Braden’s Hope for Childhood Cancer, HOPE…TAKE THAT CANCER!

For more information, contact Braden’s Hope at: www.BradensHope.org

Four days before he was scheduled for round two in Philadelphia, his mom, Deliece, found a lump in her breast. She would wait until after his second therapy to have her scan but it would prove to be Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma.

They had chemotherapy on the same days in two different locations in Kansas City. Deliece was given an 86% chance of survival and a plethora of treatment options compared to Braden’s no known cures. She began to research why and learned that childhood cancer is extremely underfunded and overlooked.

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Nonprofit Turnover Troubles

by Dan Prater The Center for Nonprofit Communication at Drury University dprater@drury.edu

Benjamin Franklin once said "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."

Had he been talking about nonprofit organizations, he might have said "...except death, taxes, and employee turnover."

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Crash and Burn Nonprofit employees are dedicated, hardworking, and passionate people. They are experts at working with few or no resources, often in less-than-perfect conditions. Compared to other sectors, they are able to accomplish more with less.

There are so many needs to be met it seems there is no end in sight. Because the need is both great and urgent, nonprofit employees go full blast. They come in early, work nights and weekends. Seven days a week. It's a frenzied pursuit of the mission.

A study by the Brookings Institution revealed seventy percent of nonprofit employees strongly agreed that they always have too much work to do, and that burnout was a problem in their job.

"Burnout" is a state of emotional distress, physical exhaustion, lack of enthusiasm, and depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout comes from a variety of factors, including a heavy workload, unclear job expectations, stressful or chaotic work environment, and having a job that doesn't match your skills or interests.

Considering how many nonprofit organizations function in chaotic environments, responding to emergencies and life-threatening situations (or deal with clients who live daily in a similar environment), it's no wonder employees suffer from burnout.

When employees suffer from burnout and job dissatisfaction, the nonprofit suffers turnover.

The Cost of Turnover An April 2012 article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy says the average tenure of a nonprofit employee is only 16 months.

Several years ago I was part of a small nonprofit organization that had 6 full-time employees that experienced this problem. In a period of three years, they had 22 different people (filling four positions) working for them.

The implications of such a high turnover rate can be devastating.

There are various figures used to estimate the fiscal cost of replacing a lost employee. Costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training a new employee range from 150 percent of a salary, to as low as 25 percent. Using the low-end 25 percent rule-of-thumb, employees making $35,000 annually would have a turnover cost of $8,750. Applying the 150 percent rule, turnover would cost the organization $52,000.

Other costs associated with employee turnover include loss of services to clients, additional workloads placed on other employees, and a loss in donor confidence. Donors want to give to people they know and trust.

Seeing a new executive director or development director every 6-12 months causes them to wonder about the stability of the organization.

Causes A report by the Johns Hopkins Nonprofit Employment Data Project found other reasons why nonprofit agencies have difficulty in retaining employees.

1. Low pay 2. Limited opportunities for advancement 3. Lack of competitive health benefits The nation's economic crisis has created a harsh environment for nonprofit organizations. As they continue to meet a wide variety of increased community needs, they are forced to do so with reduced funding from the government and donors. Increased workloads and pressure on workers, high stress, and fewer funds to support them have resulted in employee dissatisfaction and increased turnover.

Retaining Your People Leaders in organizations must focus on retaining good employees. (It's OK to let the poor performers move on!)

employees in a competitive manner or to offer them career advancement. So they must find inexpensive ways to retain good people.

1. Create a culture of caring.

It's almost ironic that nonprofit leaders would have to be reminded of the importance of caring for people. After all, that's what the organization is all about. Most nonprofit mission statements focus on helping people—those outside the organization (sometimes referred to as "clients"). Yet in some cases, the organization overlooks the needs of its own people, providing little or no attention or support to their own staff.

When organizations fail to treat their staff with the same care, respect and dignity that they treat their clients with, it causes employees to feel devalued.

A simple, cost-effective way to demonstrate a culture of caring is allowing employees autonomy and the flexibility to respond to personal needs.

Taking time off to go to a dentist's appointment or working from home so they can care for a sick child helps an employee balance the needs of home and work without having to choose between the two.

2. Create a culture of communication.

Listening is a sign of respect. When leaders take time to listen to employees, they feel valued. Set up and keep regular times where employees have access to leaders to discuss ideas and issues, in both group settings as well as one-on-one.

I once had a boss who every year asked me where I wanted to go (in the company). With that information, she formed a plan to help me get there. She provided training and experiences that would lead me closer to my goal. Her interest and investment into me created a loyalty to the company.

Other ways to communicate include providing clear job descriptions and giving your staff the opportunity, at least annually, to complete an anonymous survey where they can freely express their feelings about the organization and its leadership.

3. Create a culture of celebration.

It's easy to get bogged down with tasks. But it's important to take time to celebrate successes, both organizational and personal. Show pride in your staff by honoring them and telling others how important they are to your organization. It does not have to be elaborate; even a card or a note goes a long way.

These measures won't eliminate all employee turnover, but will certainly help your staff to know they are highly valued and will cause them to be less likely to seek out better ground.

Most nonprofit organizations lack the means to compensate their

www.NPcomm.org

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H H X O I G U U V D U Z K P T

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L M F W I E J E S G E B T J D

T A Q N C B R T H C R V T E E

E L G I U U W I G T O B I P T

F S E I R R U L F U A C M Z H

L X S N O W B A L L S E O E Q

L K U V B B L E V O H S W A R

BLIZZARD BLOWER COCOA FIREPLACE FLURRIES FROST ICE MITTENS SHOVEL SKIING SLEDDING SNOWBALL SNOWMAN TEMPERATURE WEATHER

Make It to the Fireplace to Stay Warm

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Early Winter Fun

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