Repairing Homes, Restoring Hope.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Director's Summary
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Message from the Chairman
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Treasurer’s Report
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Operations Director’s Report
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GN Leadership
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Summer Youth Camp
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Mission Moment
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2013 Donors & Contributors
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Supported by:
A member agency of the United Way of Southern Chester County
To make homes warmer, safer, drier and healthier for qualified homeowners as an expression of our faith in Jesus Christ. To eradicate substandard housing in southern Chester County.
This Annual Report is underwritten by A. Duer Pierce, Jr.
Financial
HOUSE 5818 Kennett Pike, Centreville, DE 19807 Phone: (302) 654-5451 FAX: (302) 654-5847 bud@financialhouse.com 2
205 E. State Street Kennett Square, PA 19348 Phone: 610-444-1860 info@GoodNeighborsHomeRepair.org www.GoodNeighborsHomeRepair.org
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2013 Annual Report
In 2013, Good Neighbors grew from a “fledgling home repair ministry” to a seasoned non-profit with revenue that soared to 16% above last year’s record setting performance. This allowed us to serve 235 people in 91 homes as we completed 120 repair projects for our low-income neighbors… and all this despite a weak U.S. economy. This should remind us that God is still in control, and continues to bless our efforts. The need for significant home repairs among our low-income neighbors shows no signs of slowing down; but thanks to a dedicated Board, faithful prayers, and many generous supporters, our capacity continues to grow. 2013 highlights include: ● Restored hope to 235 residents ● Completed 120 repair projects ● Improved 91 homes ● Deployed over 250 volunteers ● Generated 7,000+ volunteer hours ● Maintained a 6-month revenue reserve ● Grew our “Founders Fund” ● Welcomed 102 new donors In 2013 we saw revenue "Soaring to New Heights" ($370K), a level that no one was brave enough to forecast! So now, we boldly press on, confident in the knowledge that every good gift comes from our great Creator God, whose call on our lives is clear, and whose plans for us are sure. As the need for our services in southern Chester County continues to grow, your support of this important work has never been more vital. So, I invite you to share your time, talent and treasure with GN. As you do, I’m confident you will personally experience God’s blessings. Come discover the joy in serving others - sign up today and help us keep "Soaring to New Heights"! Rob Ellis Executive Director Rob Ellis with the Bove family
2013 Annual Report
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2013 was an outstanding year for Good Neighbors and it was an honor and a blessing to be part of it. Revenue for the year was nearly $370,000, the highest in our 20 plus year history. This allowed us to complete 120 repair projects at 91 homes and restore hope to 235 residents in southern Chester County. We are heartened by God’s goodness and faithfulness and honored to be used by Him to help our fellow neighbors. Although Good Neighbors accomplished much in 2013, we are not content with what we have achieved. We cannot yet declare victory. In 2014, we expect to soar to new heights by completing more repair projects, at more homes, as we continue to pursue our vision to eliminate substandard housing in southern Chester County. How will we make 2014 an even better year than 2013? First, we will continue to rely on God’s grace, wisdom and provision. Next, we will continue to honor the core values of our ministry as we strive to do more. And we will build on the foundational strength that has brought us this far — our faithful contributors and volunteers, our dedicated and talented Executive Director and Board of Directors, and our skilled and tireless Operations Director and Project Managers. The final ingredient just might be you. For us to keep “Soaring to New Heights”, we will need additional board members, committee members and volunteers to expand this vital ministry. If you are interested in serving on the board, on a committee, in the office or in the field, please contact us. We would love to hear from you and we would be happy to share the blessings of serving in this ministry with you. Fred J. Bruns Chairman of the Board 4
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2013 Annual Report
Good Neighbors has successfully met all three financial goals for 2013 set out in last year’s annual report: ● Identify new sources to replace revenue from a one-time $40,000 grant: ten new foundations plus increases from existing foundations added $58,000. ● Expand home repairs: The total income increase of $54,000 allowed us to add an additional project manager and to increase spending on home repairs by 60%. ● Increase % of budget spent on Program items to >80%: In 2013, Program expenses increased to 84% of total expenses. Thanks to 102 new donors in 2013, we received record revenues from a balanced set of supporters of $399,000 (accrual basis). This was well above our budgeted income of $330,000. Expenses were right on budget at $331,000. The surplus and the 10% increase in our budget for 2014 will allow us to further increase our work on home repairs in southern Chester County. We also seek to maintain the financial strength to allow us to implement the goals and objectives of our new Strategic Plan. In Christ’s service, Bob Johnson, Treasurer
Diversified Sources of Record Revenue
2013 Annual Report
On-budget Expense Control
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Each month the Operations team at Good Neighbors gets together to review how things are going on all levels of the ministry. One key area we monitor closely is the funding available for materials and sub-contractors. Happily, we ended 2013 with a surplus -- not a bad problem to have -- but a non-profit with a “surplus”? Could this really be? Turns out the answer is yes – due to several contributing factors. First, God blessed us with December donations that were surprisingly strong… record setting in fact! Further, we now have in place 3 very talented field managers who are available 6 days a week, completing home repairs at a very low hourly rate. Also, the can-do attitude of our Project Managers is difficult of overstate. A few examples: working with a local church group, we replaced an entire roof ourselves for a savings of about $3000. Our Project Managers boldly repaired another lowincome home with a broken water main and corroded water lines, completing all the work “in-house”. (The contractor’s estimate was $2,800; we did it for under $850.) Last but not least, we completed a full bathroom makeover to make it handicap accessible. These are just a few of the many jobs where we saved thousands thanks to the gifted folks God has brought our way. As God blesses and we continue to grow, our pledge is to continue $tretching your donation$ as we strive to repair even more low-income homes in 2014. In His service, Bill Stecher Operations Director
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2013 Annual Report
FRED BRUNS … serves as Board Chair and Committee Chair for Board Development. He also works for Exelon Nuclear in Kennett Square in Corporate Operations Training.
LEAHA LOPEZ … began her relationship with GN years ago as a youth camp volunteer. She serves on our Board and Fund Development Committee. Leaha is a full time teacher in the Oxford, PA school district.
ROBALEE DEIKE
MARC BEVIS … is a longtime volunteer and project leader and GN Ambassador. In addition, he now serves on our Board and our Board Development Committee.
… is a retired DuPont executive with years of YWCA Board experience. She serves as Board Secretary and chairs the Good Neighbors Fund Development Committee.
2013 Annual Report
ROBERT WHITLOCK … is a retired Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on our Fund Development Committee as Grants Coordinator.
ROB ELLIS … is Executive Director of Good Neighbors Inc. His management experience includes 23 years at DuPont as well as 5 years as Admissions Director for Wilmingtron Christian School.
ROBERT JOHNSON … serves as our Treasurer and sits on our Board of Directors. He is also a longtime GN volunteer and has served for many years as our Summer Camp Director.
BILL STECHER … has been a GN volunteer for many years and in 2012 became our Operations Director. He also sits on our Board of Directors. He is Owner and President of Integrity Home Inspections, Inc.
CHRISTOPHER WOLFE … brings a wealth of legal experience to GN’s Board and our Audit Committee. Chris is also a law professor at the University of Delaware.
JOSHUA KNOTT … serves as our Board Chaplain and Summer Camp Team Leader. In addition to his GN volunteer work, Joshua is Associate Pastor of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark, DE.
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"Here to Serve" was the theme for our 14th Summer Youth Camp as six local youth groups served five lowincome homeowners by repairing their homes. It was a win-win-win week as: ● 2 homeowners in Kennett, 2 in Avondale and 1 in Oxford were blessed with major homes repairs ● 51 teenagers experienced the joy of fulfilling Christ's call to serve ● Good Neighbors safely completed our busiest week of the year "Repairing Homes & Restoring Hope" Camp was held July 14-19, the hottest week of the year - again!. Four of our work teams benefitted from treeshaded lots. The fifth learned to work on the shady side of the home as the sun moved. Fourteen youth leaders 8
and 79 other adults joined our 51 youth to generate over 4,000 volunteer hours in one week. Repair projects included: ● Repair/paint exterior gables, soffits and siding of four homes ● Rebuild roof over large porch (see cover photo) ● Renovate bathroom including extra grab-bars for amputee ● Install new windows ● Rehab a water-damaged basement ● Clean and paint a home's stained interior walls & ceilings ● Convert old office into living quarters for caregiver Avondale Presbyterian Church was once again our gracious host as the youth and their leaders ate together, shared devotions, played games, prayed,
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2013 Annual Report
studied God's word and slept overnight at the church. Joshua Knott, Associate Pastor at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark and chaplain of Good Neighbors, led the evening programs. We look forward to the 2014 Good Neighbors Youth Camp which will take place from July 20-25. Avondale Presbyterian Church will again be our host.
Repairing Homes… Restoring Hope When we at Good Neighbors learn of a low-income neighbor requesting our help, we typically call and then visit the family to scope out the needed repairs.. Frequently homeowners tell us that they’ve tried every possible resource, and no one seems willing or able to help. Glimmers of hope start to reappear, however, once homeowners learn more about GN and the work we do in southern Chester County. In fact, they often describe us as “a real answer to prayer”… sometimes a very specific prayer. Such was the case with Cecilia. Due to termite damage, her home needed signifiant repairs: flooring, roof, windows, electrical, etc. Sadly, due to her disability and limited income, she could neither attempt the work herself nor afford a contractor. Cecilia could pray, however, and pray she did! One night, in tears and total desperation, she’d gotten down on her knees, and prayed that God would somehow provide a way for her home to receive the repairs it so desperately needed. The very next morning, (unaware that her application had just been approved) Cecilia received a call from a GN Project Managers who wanted to set up a work schedule and begin the requested repairs! Of course our project timing isn’t always so dramatic – sometimes folks have to wait. However, “coincidences” like this remind us that God still hears and answers prayer. What a compelling reason for all of us - homeowners, donors and volunteers alike - to seek a deeper relationship with the God who loves us, and hears us, and answers us. Have you spoken to God recently? He's still listening. 2013 Annual Report
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Since our founding in 1992, God’s blessing on Good Neighbors has been unmistakable. We are also blessed by a host of Major Donors and Supporters (plus many who make “Gift in Kind” and anonymous donations). With your faithful support - and God’s rich blessings - we plan to keep on “Repairing Homes & Restoring Hope” for many years to come.
Chester County Community Foundation
BNY Mellon
Chester County Dept of Community Development
Covenant Wealth Strategies
Connelly Foundation
CSOLS, Inc
Genuardi Family Foundation
Dansko Foundation
J M & Lois B Herr Family Foundation
Dave's Auto Service
Kennett Run Charities
DelFera & Sons
Land O'Lakes
Diversified Exteriors, Inc.
Luther Management Co of SCC Inc
Exelon Generation
Oxford Area Civic Association
Financial House
Oxford Area Foundation
J C Renovations
Patricia Kind Family Foundation
Jenkins & McMahaon
Renolds Rencourt Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
Rotary Club of Kennett at Longwood
Oxford Feed & Lumber
Springbank Foundation
Oxford Plumbing & Heating
Stoner/Waters Family Foundation
Northbrook Canoe Co
The James S Herr Foundation
Rapid Repair
The Mushroom Festival, Inc
SECCRA
United Way of Chester County
Synthes
United Way of Delaware
Visionary Wealth Management LLC
United Way of Southern Chester Co
YMCA, Kennett & Jennersville
W W Smith Charitable Trust
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2013 Annual Report
Avondale Presbyterian Church
Mr Foster Friess
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
Ms Gail Graham
Episcopal Church of the Advent
Mr & Mrs Robert Henriksen
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark
Ms Anne Humes
Hockessin United Methodist Church
Dr & Mrs Robert Johnson
Living Faith Community Church
Ms Janet Julian
Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square
Mr & Mrs Robert Kane
St Michael Lutheran Church
Mr & Mrs Brian Keefer
Trinity Community Church
Mr Paul Keenan
Willowdale Chapel
Mr William Lafferty
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square
Mr & Mrs Thomas MacAulay Rev Laura Ann Martin Mr Barry Mellinger
Mr & Mrs Robert Almond
Mr & Mrs Charles Miller
Mr Blair Althouse
Mr & Mrs Christopher Mohn
Mr & Mrs Spencer Andress
Mr & Mrs Scott Morrison
Mr & Mrs Chester Bartoli
Mr Alex Morze
Ms Mary Becker-Pasha
Mr & Mrs James Palic
Mr & Mrs Marc Bevis
Mr & Mrs R. J. Scaggs
Mr & Mrs Michael Bontrager
Mr & Mrs William Siehl
Mr & Mrs Howard Brooks
Mr Keith Smith
Mr & Mrs Fred Bruns
Mr & Mrs William Stecher
Mr & Mrs Scott Cherry
Mr Francis Taylor, Jr
Ms Hannah Christopher
Ms Denise Waters
Mr & Mrs Alan Deike
Mr & Mrs James West
Mr & Mrs Rob Ellis
Mr & Mrs Danny Wigley
Mr & Mrs K Nelson Farris
Dr & Mrs Robert Whitlock
Mr Edward Foley
Mr & Mrs Christopher Wolfe Mr & Mrs Jeff Wolters
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" We are so thankful for all Good Neighbors has done; you have truly blessed us. Now may God bless all of you."
205 E. State Street Kennett Square, PA 19348 Phone: 610-444-1860 info@GoodNeighborsHomeRepair.org www.GoodNeighborsHomeRepair.org