Annual Highlights Report April 1, 2018–March 31, 2019
CRADLES TO CRAYONS NATIONAL
Dear Friends, It has been 17 years since Cradles to Crayons® (C2C®) started our journey to provide the 22 million children nationwide living in low-income and homeless situations with clothing and other everyday essentials they need to thrive. With your consistent support to fight Clothing Insecurity, we have now served more than 1.7 million children and have become an established brand of excellence throughout our markets and beyond! This past fiscal year has been an exceptionally exciting one—leveraging our collective genius to build more infrastructure and focus on strategic growth for our long-term organizational health. This has also been a year of real estate milestones! In March, we opened the doors to our brand-new Giving Factory® in Philadelphia—which is within Philadelphia city limits, increasing our accessibility to everyone we engage. Additionally, great strides have been made in securing our “Forever Home” in Boston—we are officially building owners and are beginning the build-out! Both of these moves represent the long-term commitment that you have made to ensure we continue to be a resource for years to come. Reflection on this past fiscal year reminds us of the incredible power of empathy. Whether you have volunteered in our Giving Factories, held a drive in your community, or donated—your kindness has helped make an immeasurable difference in the lives of many children. We truly appreciate your dedication to our mission, and thank you for your compassion and support. Please enjoy Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia’s highlights. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with you in the coming year!
Lynn Margherio, Founder and CEO
1 IN 3 CHILDREN
FACES CLOTHING INSECURITY IN MASSACHUSETTS
FY2019 Natio
ean Athanasia, Chair, National Board of Directors; President of D Consumer and Small Business, Bank of America
1 IN 3 CHILDREN
FACES CLOTHING INSECURITY IN MASSACHUSETTS
MORE THAN 22 MILLION CHILDREN
LIVE BELOW 200% OF THE POVERTY LINE IN THE US
nal By the Nu mbers
282,904 KIDS SERVED
$11.5M
FUNDS RAISED
473
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
73,467 VOLUNTEERS
This year Cradles to Crayons started focusing on elevating awareness of “Clothing Insecurity”—which we define as the lack of access to affordable, adequate, and appropriate clothing. Formally recognizing this issue by name helps spotlight this hidden basic need. Without adequate and appropriate clothing, children face unfair barriers and participate in life on an unequal playing field. Cradles to Crayons works to mitigate this insecurity for the children we serve.
Massachusetts State House Briefing In February—in partnership with Representative Marjorie Decker—we held a briefing at the Massachusetts State House to introduce the term and consequences of “Clothing Insecurity” to Massachusetts elected officials. The event was attended by 25+ members of state government and inspired several officials to freely address the room to share their own stories of growing up without adequate clothing. It was a powerful testament to our mission to hear how the devastating effects of poverty—shame, embarrassment, inadequacy— were still so familiar to these incredible leaders in our community. This effort was realized in our first application for an earmark for funding. We are very excited to continue to have the newly formed External Affairs team focus on furthering this work in FY20.
Photo: Cradles to Crayons briefs Massachusetts legislators about Clothing Insecurity Top row, left to right: Karen Grant, VP External Affairs, Cradles to Crayons; Cibele Goncalves, Parent, Administrative Assistant, MassHousing; Alanna Mallon, Cambridge City Council; Marjorie Decker, MA Representative, Cambridge; Sharon Scott-Chandler, EVP/COO, Action for Boston Community Development; Lynn Margherio, Founder and CEO, Cradles to Crayons; Katy DeMoura, Senior Manager Community Engagement (Massachusetts), Cradles to Crayons; Jenn Askjaer, Former Executive Director (Massachusetts), Cradles to Crayons Bottom row, left to right: Kirsten Sims, Director Marketing and Communications, Cradles to Crayons; Marguerite Dowd, Director Operations (Massachusetts), Cradles to Crayons; Keri Wolfe, Senior Manager Partner Relations (Massachusetts), Cradles to Crayons
sic Need a B n e d id H Serves this s n o y a r C o t How Cradles
The “4 As”:
ACCESS
AFFORDABLE
C2C distributes C2C KidPacks are KidPacks via Community free of charge to Service Partners recipients
ADEQUATE
C2C KidPacks contain one week of clothing
APPROPRIATE
C2C KidPacks are customized based on gender, size, age, and season
CRADLES TO CRAYONS NATIONAL
Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Crisis
CRADLES TO CRAYONS NATIONAL
KidPacks received through the Predictable Service for Deeper Impact Pilot include a week’s worth of clothing and age-appropriate school supplies
Expanding our Commitment As we continue to raise awareness about Clothing Insecurity, Cradles to Crayons is also deepening our impact by piloting proactive programs to better meet the long-term needs of the children we serve. Through our innovative, people- and community-centered model, we will continue to mitigate Clothing Insecurity by delivering custom KidPacks on demand, while we also test new ways that we can better fulfill the full scope of need for basic essentials for as many children as possible.
Predictable Service for Deeper Impact In the fall of 2018, we launched our Predictable Service for Deeper Impact Pilot, aimed to provide preventative service and reach students before they are in a crisis. This two-year pilot program, which serves Boston, Worcester, and Holyoke Public Schools, delivers seasonal clothing packs and school supplies four times a year to a group of 309 students. By working with the school districts, we are able to track and evaluate the tangible outcomes on social and emotional well-being, as well as attendance and academic performance.
Mobile Clothing Pantry Continues Now in its fourth year, our Mobile Clothing Pantry has served more than 14,000 children through partnerships with school- and community-based food pantry programs. This one-stop hub for orders and distribution meets families where they already are to distribute KidPacks monthly. As part of our work to understand the impacts of reliable, accessible service, this effort continues to deliver insight and data for additional improvements in our model.
When Isabel started second grade, her classmates would tease her and call her “smelly.” This hurt Isabel’s feelings, and she would withdraw from her teachers and classmates. Isabel now participates in the school-based Cradles to Crayons Predictable Service Pilot and has access to clean, appropriate clothing that fits her (and her personality) three times a year. Along with the outfits, she also receives hygiene items, and has stopped feeling ashamed and insecure around her peers! Her mom even tells us, “Cradles to Crayons gives my daughter the confidence she needs to do well in school and establish successful peer relationships.”
CRADLES TO CRAYONS PHILADELPHIA
Dear Friends, Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia has had an extraordinary year by any standards. Thanks to you we served more children than ever before, raised an operating budget of over $2M for the first time in our history, and successfully undertook a capital campaign which has enabled us to renovate and move into our inspiring, 33% larger, Giving Factory. Our new Giving Factory opened on April 1—the first day of our new fiscal year— with the goal of serving an anticipated 100,000 children by 2021. We could not have done any of this without the support of the volunteers in the warehouse, in the community, our wonderful partners, and our community of donors who enabled us to realize this dream. Poverty continues to rise in Philadelphia, and in this new location with this larger Giving Factory, we are better positioned to provide vitally needed, everyday essentials for some of the most vulnerable children in the region. We could not have achieved these milestones without your help and we look forward to seeing you in our new Giving Factory in FY2020. You have an open invitation. Thank you!
Michal Smith, Executive Director
John Marcante, Co-Chair, Philadelphia Board of Directors; Chief Information Officer and Managing Director, Vanguard’s Information Technology Division
CRADLES TO CRAYONS REACHES
38% OF CHILDREN
IN NEED OF OUR SERVICES IN GREATER PHILADELPHIA
* 50% of the Federal Poverty Line: $12,550 for a family of four annually
48% OF CHILDREN
IN PHILADELPHIA LIVE IN DEEP POVERTY*
Lee Yohannan, Co-Chair, Philadelphia Board of Directors; Managing Member, Yohannan Capital, LLC; CEO and Board Member, Global Capital Companies; Founding Partner, LiquidHub
3 IN 5 CHILDREN
FACES CLOTHING INSECURITY IN PHILADELPHIA
e Numbers h t y B ia h lp e d FY2019 Phila
$2.2M
FUNDS RAISED
275
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
24,062 VOLUNTEERS
70,617 KIDS SERVED
CRADLES TO CRAYONS PHILADELPHIA
MLK Day
Minquas Fire Company, No. 2 , one of 30 MLK Day collection sites
On January 21, Cradles to Crayons honored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service in the community by holding its largest volunteer day of service and community product collection to date. A record 200+ volunteers gathered at The Giving Factory in West Conshohocken where they sorted, inspected, and packaged childhood essentials for local children living in poverty. In partnership with local fire stations, first responders and community centers, a record 30 sites hosted product collections across the five county Greater Philadelphia region.
Another Successful Un-Gala! Hundreds of supporters gathered at The Giving Factory on November 16 and 17 for the annual Un-Gala Preview Night and Family Day. The two-day event raised enough to serve more than 20,000 children during the winter and was generously supported by presenting supporters Bank of America and The Marcante Family.
New Warehouse
Left to right: Co-Board Chair John Marcante, Executive Director Michal Smith, Cradles to Crayons CEO Lynn Margherio, Philadelphia Wings Mascot Wingston, and 6 ABC Action News Anchor Alicia Vitarelli
With a goal of furthering our mission and serving up to 100,000 children, Cradles to Crayons has relocated to a new Giving Factory in East Falls, Philadelphia—increasing our physical space from 16,000 to 25,000 square feet, and adding 60 parking spaces so that we can host more volunteers and help more children than ever before. The move to the new facility began in March 2018 and ended with a grand opening event on Saturday, May 18, 2019, which was hosted by 6ABC Action News anchor Alicia Vitarelli and featured an appearance from Wingston, the official mascot of the Philadelphia Wings.
It is difficult to choose just one story of a family who has been impacted by the gifts from Cradles to Crayons’ donors and all the hours spent by staff and volunteers pouring their love into sorting, packing, and distributing these items. Cradles helps families remain healthy and comfortable while alleviating some of the financial pressures of parenting in the most difficult times of their lives.”
–Tina Rhoades, Philadelphia Access Center
With tears in my eyes, I want to thank all the staff, volunteers, and donors for what Cradles to Crayons is able to provide to hardworking families.” –Loretta, The Center for Autism
CRADLES TO CRAYONS PHILADELPHIA
I am so excited to share the impact on a client/family I work with! This particular family of six (four kids under age nine!) recently emigrated from Mexico to our area. They live in a one-bedroom home in North Philadelphia and the father works long (14+ hour) days as a cook to provide for everyone. Their youngest child—a boy, age six—is non-verbal and mom stays home to take care of him. In the fall, I brought each of the four children their KidPacks and it was like a holiday, watching them tear through their new items. The mother cried out of gratitude. Today, I’ll be able to give the family their winter KidPacks and share their excitement again.
CRADLES TO CRAYONS  PHILADELPHIA
Cradles to Crayons has earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars for sound, transparent financial management for 11 consecutive years—an achievement earned by only 1% of organizations evaluated. For 18 years, Charity Navigator has been evaluating nonprofit organizations for financial health and accountability/transparency. The four-star designation shows donors that we use our support efficiently; sustain our programs and services consistently over time; and are committed to good governance, best practices, and openness with information. Cradles to Crayons donors can be confident that their dollars are supporting an organization that prioritizes financial health and responsibility as well as our mission-driven work.
Organizational Financials Donor support enables Cradles to Crayons to assist children in need of everyday essentials. Our commitment to transparent financial operations and sharing with our donors the meaningful impact of their contributions are top priorities.
Expense Breakdown (FY2019)
85% PROGRAMS 8% FUNDRAISING 7% ADMINISTRATIVE
View FY2019 financials online: cradlestocrayons.org/what-we-do/audited-financials
As a long-time supporter of Cradles to Crayons, I am still excited about their unique business model which leverages our financial contributions to provide maximum benefits to local children each year. As a board member and local business leader I am able to engage my colleagues in rewarding and teambuilding service work that multiplies the value we provide to kids in need. Every business leader should be engaging with Cradles to Crayons.
–John Atkinson, Managing Director, Willis Towers Watson
CRADLES TO CRAYONS FINANCIALS
Committed to Fiscal Responsibilty
Our mission is to
provide children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or lowincome situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. We supply these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities.
Our vision is that one
day every child will have the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn, and valued.
www.cradlestocrayons.org Cradles to Crayons–Philadelphia | The Giving Factory | 4700 Wissahickon Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19144
FY2019 Highlights Report: PHILADELPHIA LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Marcante (Co-Chair), C hief Information Officer and Managing Director, Vanguard’s Information Technology Division Lee Yohannan (Co-Chair), M anaging Member, Yohannan Capital, LLC; CEO and Board Member, Global Capital Companies; Founding Partner, LiquidHub, Inc. Dan Aungst, Partner, Ernst and Young, LLC Jim Bruder, Chairman and CEO, Harron Communications Deborah Cohen, Retired Partner, Pepper Hamilton, LLC; General Counsel, Accolade, Inc. Steve Croney, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Comcast Cable John Docktor, President, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors Lisa Fleischer, Chief Legal Officer, De Lage Landon Ann Frechette, Managing Director, BlackRock Christopher Miller, Managing Director, Merrill Lynch Greg Rigdon, President of Content Acquisition, Comcast Cable Andy Santacroce, Vice President of Technology Development, Toklo Marine North America Services Steven Singh, Vice President of Technical Services, PECO Energy Gary Zimmer, M.D., Chief Medical Advisor, Digital Health, Comcast; Principal, HedDI, LLC
CORPORATE ADVISORY COUNCIL Philip Amoa (Co-Chair), Partner, McCarter & English, LLP
Ryan Conner (Co-Chair), Principal, Tactix Real Estate Advisors Dan Aungst, Partner, Ernst and Young, LLC Matthew Blank, Business Development Manager, Friedman, LLP Deborah Cohen, Retired Partner, Pepper Hamilton, LLC, General Counsel, Accolade, Inc. Christopher D’Angelo, Director Corporate Finance, Hartford Funds Kim Dula, Managing Partner, Friedman, LLP David Heins, Manager, The Mortgage Network Terri Kirkwood, Sales Associate, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Anton Makharynets, Agency Operator, Avis Budget Group
FY2019 Highlights Report: PHILADELPHIA LEADERSHIP
FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Kris Kent (Co-Chair), Bryn Mawr, PA; Owner, Kris Kent Interiors Trupti Trivedi (Co-Chair), Berwyn, PA; Vice President, Adaptimmune Chelsea Collins, New Hope, PA; Cradles to Crayons Ambassador Sheri Feinberg, Philadelphia, PA; Cradles to Crayons Ambassador James Gwynn, Chester Springs, PA; Assistant Vice President and Area Manager, Liberty Mutual Tessa Jenkins, Chester Springs, PA; Studio Manager, Bulldog Yoga Kelly Kupper, Huntingdon Valley, PA; Cradles to Crayons Ambassador Julie Laine, Villanova, PA; SVP, Chief Compliance Officer, Comcast Cable Erin Lievens, Media, PA; Managing Partner, Headroom LLC Molly Murphy, Philadelphia, PA; Cradles to Crayons Ambassador Eli Musewicz, Exton, PA; Therapist, Private Practice Mark O’Donnell, Philadelphia, PA; Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Matt Pedicino, Ambler, PA; Partner, Director of US Institutional Sales, Brown Advisory Marjorie Portnoy, Radnor, PA; Managing Partner, Portnoy Disability Practice LLC Patti Rowland, Harleysville, PA; Vice President, C.H. Briggs Elizabeth Koch Singh, Chadds Ford, PA; Chemical Engineer, Research Consultant Amanda Strine, Media, PA; Director, Center for Educational Services Kimberly St. Pierre, Gwynedd Valley, PA; Private Wealth Advisor, St. Pierre, Martin & Associates Kara Todd, Chester Springs, PA; Believe & Achieve Foundation
ANNUAL CORPORATE PARTNERS
FY2019 Highlights Report: NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dean Athanasia (Chair), President of Consumer and Small Business, Bank of America Jay Bhatt, Managing Director, Thomas H. Lee Partners Todd Cook, Managing Director, Bain Capital Double Impact Gerard du Toit, Partner, Bain & Company Jack Greenberg, Chairman of the Board, Innerworkings; Retired Chairman, Western Union; Retired Chairman and CEO, McDonald’s Jason Hancock, Managing Partner and Practice Leader, Spencer Stuart Peggy Koenig, Chair, Abry Partners Lynn Margherio, Founder and CEO, Cradles to Crayons Bill Matson, Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Analog Devices Heidi Ryder, Executive Vice President of Merchandising, TJX Companies, Inc.
ANNUAL CORPORATE PARTNERS
FY2019 Highlights Report: IN-KIND SUPPORTERS
In-Kind contributions provide critical support throughout a broad range of services and resources—from office furniture to transportation service to legal counsel. Ace Tickets
Mark’s Moving & Storage, Inc.
AIM Magazine
Monster Movers
Boston Globe
Premium Q Moving and Storage
Boston Magazine
Pricewaterhousecoopers
BrickHouse Moving Company, Inc
Regan Communications
Browne and Brand
Ropes & Gray
Burkhardt Brothers Moving & Storage
Roy’s Moving
Comella’s
Schlep
Cook Illinois Corp
Sitterly Movers
Freeman
Staples
Heather Grimmett
Supreme Industrial Products
Isaac’s Moving & Storage
The Other Guys Moving
Kirkland
UPS
M&M Moving and Storage
Vanguard