000177 mca

2007-08

ANNUAL REPORT

from the board of directors & Chief Executive Officer On behalf of the Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC, Inc., Board of Directors, we are proud to present our Annual Report for 2007-2008. We have faced challenges and great victories. We have used our knowledge and experience to seek out opportunities and resources to respond to these events with creative and positive actions. We are very proud of our accomplishments in maintaining our level of service delivery to sustain our programs for children, youth, seniors, individuals and families. We are most grateful to our Board of Directors, parents, volunteers, and staff for their unselfish contributions to help us in improving the quality of life in our communities.

Our Agency made a positive impact on over 30,000 individuals through our Early Head Start, Head Start, and Community Service programs. This may appear to be a significant number of people; however there are thousands more that need our assistance. Many of our clients are assisted in ways that bring about a long-term change which redirect the course of their lives to a positive outcome. We understand the burden awaiting us to continue our mission of helping to improve the lives of others, and we warmly embrace it.

Though economic uncertainty greatly impacts our clients, we are encouraged by the human spirit to not forsake the needs of the less fortunate. Our partners have always risen to the occasion, and we expect no less this time. With funding short falls becoming a common occurrence, we will be flexible, and find strength with stability in our collaborative partnership initiatives. It is critical that we continue to persevere and work harder to be the voice that speaks to the heart of Americans about the plight and resulting self sufficiency of the impoverished.

We thank you and ask for your continued support and dedication to make a difference in the future of those we serve.

Hersheil Mann, Jr.

Tom Gardner, Jr.

Board Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

1

mission statement To mobilize and combat the conditions of poverty by providing services and programs to enhance the quality of life for low-income individuals and families in Montgomery County, AL; To empower low-income citizens with knowledge, skills, opportunities and resources they need to achieve their goals of self sufficiency; To be an advocate for the poor to assure that the issues and concerns for the poor are effectively heard and addressed.

community action promise Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

2

board of directors and officers Sector I City and County Representatives Hersheil Mann, Jr., Board Chairman Edward Stephens, Secretary Melanie Bicatel-Wilson, Treasurer Addre Bryant Dr. John L. Alford, Sr. Willie Parker Sector II Private Organizations Rev. James Nuckles, Vice Chairman Nexton Marshall, Jr. Herman Powell Rev. Leon F. Ross, Sr. Romay C. Davis Kalia Sankey Claude Douglas Sector III Neighborhood Policy Advisory Annie Powell Sonya Wilkins Corrine Dunaway Barbara Williams Acquanetta Poole Alex Fuller Mary Belser Isaiah Flowers, Jr.

Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC, Inc. Board of Directors is made up of a tripartite board consisting of representatives from the Public, Private, and Low-Income sectors of Montgomery County. The goal of the tripartite board is to ensure the concerns of the low-income are being heard and met.

3

Head Start Policy Council Kalila Sankey, Chairperson Odessa Patterson, Vice Chairperson Abena Taylor, Treasurer Alvin Johnson, Parliamentarian Teleesha Caldwell Mia Peoples Terri Johnson Tatiana Pitts Talisa Robinson Virginia Hails Tammie Gipson Anitra Lee Cassandra Stephens Melanie Bell Charles Battle Oyana Moorer Pastor Samuel Smith Latonya Howard Monica Gibby Crystal Stone Alexis Thomas LaToya Ware Lekeisha Bennett Teletha Pecks Michelle Jones

Rha’Tonda Powell Natasha Cottrell Ashley Robinson Robyne Smith Samuel Brown Tamika Johnson Mekebe Parker Lashunda Harris Cyrinthia Fuller Erica Guice Carol Gipson Tiffany Murry Chrystal Powell Juanita Thrasher Shauntye Taylor Tammy Owen Adreinne Gile Alice Andrew Tiana Coprich Felicia Tyrus Lee F. Jenkins II Sadie Jones Melanie Bicatel Joann Young Ashley

The Policy Council is comprised of two types of representatives: parents of currently enrolled children and community representatives. At least 51 percent of the members of the policy group must be the parents of currently enrolled children.

Community representatives must be drawn from the local community: businesses; public or private community, civic, and professional organizations; and others who are familiar with resources and services for low-income children and families.

4

Montgomery Neighborhood Policy Advisory Council Members (MNPAC) Ada Vickers Alex Fuller Alma Golson Annie Kimber Annie Landrum Annie Powell Annie Webster Antronette Davis Barbara Williams Beatrice Sankey Bertha Johnson Bessie Carter Catherine Snow Corine Dunaway Daisy Mae Curry Delores Dunaway Edger Johnson Eloise Johnson Evelyn Price Fannie Mae Swanson Frankie Wright Geraldine Jones Gladys Arrington Herman Powell

Hula Ballard Isaiah Flowers, Jr. Julia Harris Lillian P. McClain Linda Caldwell Louise Robinson Lucille Lloyd Marilyn Riley Martha Humphrey Mary Battle Mary Belser Mary Brown Mary Jones Melinda Jackson Nettie Edwards Odell Brown Rebecca Appling Rebecca Foster Sallie Cotton Sarah Boswell Tempie Nelson Tommy Spencer Willie Ruth Hooten

In an effort to empower community residents to take action, MCAC has organized the Montgomery Neighborhood Policy Advisory Councils in each of the eight service areas. One council member from each service center area is elected to serve on MCAC Board of Directors. This allows them to have a direct voice and input in planning the programs and projects MCAC will undertake.

5

head start Head Start is a federally funded comprehensive child development program for preschool children from low-income families. Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC., Inc. serves 1323 children between the ages of three and five years old at 20 centers in Montgomery County. Out of the 20 Head Start Centers 10 are accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) For school year 2007-2008 MCAA Head Start program served 1520 children. The average monthly enrollment was 99.7% in the program. Sixty-four percent (64%) of the eligible population entering public and private schools on an annual basis would qualify for Head Start.

Education The curriculum at Head Start promotes creativity and encourages parent participation at all levels. It is environmentally based and child-centered, taking the developmental level of each child and parent into consideration. Ninety-six (96%) of the MCAA teachers have their Child Development Associate and seventy-nine (79%) of the teachers have an Associate degree or higher.

Early Childhood Development This program is dedicated to building positive relationships between infants and their parents. This begins with comprehensive pre-natal care for expectant mothers enrolled in the program. After the child is born, the family receives support and training in caring for the infant.     

6

Home Visits (Teachers) Development Screenings In Center Enrichment Activities Child Development Trainings with Parents

Staff Professional Development Training (15 hrs annually)

1,471 4,622 15 6 37

Health Head Start provides every child with a comprehensive health care program that includes medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition services. MCAC Head Start works with the parents to coordinate medical and dental screening prior to starting our Head Start program.

Number of children served Percentage  Medical and Dental Screenings 1471 108%  Medical and Dental visits for follow-up treatment 201 14%  Vision Screenings 1413 104%  Hearings Screenings 1413 104%

Nutrition The Nutrition Service Team provides balanced meals and snacks daily, thereby teaching good eating habits and building strong bodies. Training is available for parents in the area or budgeting, cooking, and shopping.   

Nutritious Meals and Snacks Special Diet Meals and Snacks Growth Assessments

327,161 40 1,057

Family Services Head Start assesses each family to determine its specific needs and then works with the family to build upon its strength and weaknesses. Families are taught to use community resources to become self-sufficient and productive individuals. Families are encouraged to sign a family partnership agreement and family service workers monitor their progress and assist families in overcoming barriers. Head Start also assists parents in obtaining their GED and pursuing other adult education opportunities.

Services Provided      

Number of people benefitted Social Service Referrals 1,551 Home Visits (Family Service Workers) 237 Emergency/ Crisis Assistance 36 Family Partnership Agreements 2,717 Direct Services (Food, Clothing, and Shelter) 571 Community Partnership Agreements 53

7

Disabilities Numerous services are provided to meet the special needs of disabled children, including speech and language therapy, referral to other agencies for specialized treatments, special materials or equipment as needed, an individualized education plan, part-time enrollment, and special educational services from Montgomery Public Schools.

All children are screened for obvious or potential problems. The Disabilities Services Program provided the following disabilities services:

Services Provided       

8

Number of children received service Suspected Disabilities Referrals to the LEA (Local Education Agency) 80 Individual Education Plans developed 206 Special and Related Services provided 206 Speech/ Language Therapy 101 Disabilities Assessments Conducted 50 Mental Health Referrals 48 Behavior Screenings Conducted 4622

Parent Involvement Parents are the first and primary educators of their children and the most important influence on a child’s development. Head Start and parents share a strong commitment of establishing a network of partnership where home and school are working closely together to facilitate the child’s development process. An essential part of every Head Start program is the involvement of parents in parent education, program planning, and operating activities. Through participation in classes on child development and through staff visits to the home, parents learn about the needs of their children and about educational activities that can be carried out at home. Parents are involved in all program service areas through developed and supervised activities to help parents continue their involvement to ensure school readiness for the children.

The Head Start Parent Involvement Program includes the following services and activities:        

Service as Policy Council Members Service as Center Committee Officers Parent Volunteers Parent Volunteer Hours Non-Parent Volunteer Hours Number of parents participated in goal setting Number of parents achieved at least one goal Number of Fathers/Males participated in center activities

40 80 957 7,440 2,855 2,713 788 706

9

10

early head start Early Head Start serves infants and toddlers ages three and younger, as well as pregnant women and pregnant teens. The mission is to promote a safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for infants and toddlers by supporting and strengthening parent/child in the early development stages of life.

Early Head Start touched the lives of 46 families  Infants and Toddlers  Expectant women and teens

35 11

Family Child Care Development Families enrolled in Early Head Start are taught the skills necessary to help them become self-sufficient. The Early Head Start team provides the support and guidance needed to create a nurturing family unit.

Community Building Early Head Start establishes relationships with other community service providers to offer a continuum of services to children and families.

Federal Review A triennial review is conducted with every Head Start program in the nation. The Office of Head Start acknowledges that Montgomery Community Action Committee, Inc. Based on information gathered for the 2006 review, it was established that our program was in full compliance with applicable Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations, and policy requirements. (Awarded in 2007) MCAC underwent its triennial review in December 2008 and is awaiting its official reports which will be published in the 2008-2009 annual report.

Fiscal Audit The annual independent audit was conducted by Carr, Riggs and Ingram Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants of Enterprise, AL. This audit was conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. The auditor’s opinion expressed that “the consolidated financial statements…, in all material respects, the financial position of Montgomery Community Action Committee, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as of February 29th, 2008 and the changes in their net assets and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

11

Pre-K Program Alabama’s First Class Pre-Kindergarten Program builds on a system that is voluntary, economical, and available to all children. The goal is to expand the program and provide high quality Pre-Kindergarten to as many four-year-old children in the state of Alabama.

The Alabama Pre-K Excellence model builds on existing public schools, federally-funded programs, small businesses, non-profits, and the Pre-K State Supported Slots ensure that the program is economical for the state and affordable for all families.

First Class will consist of two components: 1) Pre-K Excellence Grants of up to $45,000 that will be awarded to public school systems, Head Start centers, and private childcare centers and other community based early learning programs to help them meet the “Alabama High Quality Pre-K Standards” and 2) Pre-K State Supported Slots that will provide varying levels of funding to Pre-K classrooms based on the number of low and middle income children they serve. This model allows Alabama to build on its existing preschool infrastructure and recognize quality that already exists, while providing affordable access to voluntary, high-quality Pre-K for a much greater number of Alabama’s four year-olds. MCAC Head Start currently has 20 children enrolled in the program.

12

head start funding Year ended February 29th, 2008

Approved

(Over)

Budget

Actual

Under

$ 7,883,776

$ 7,883,776

$0

In-Kind Contributions

796,544

831,315

(34,771)

Total Support

8,680,320

8,715,091

(34,771)

Personnel

3,037,203

3,230,182

(192,979)

Fringe Benefits

1,925,510

1,745,202

180,308

60,750

27,651

33,099

-

112,707

(112,707)

Supplies

418,604

418,381

223

Other

1,813,008

1,593,484

219,524

628,701

756,169

(127,468)

7,883,776

7,883,776

-

796,544

831,315

(34,771)

8,680,320

8,715,091

(34,771)

Support HHS Funds Awarded Grantees Contributions

Expenses Program Operations Direct Costs

Travel Equipment

Indirect Cost Total Federal Share Grantee’s Share Grand Total

13

Community Services Block Grant Programs (CSBG) Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC., Inc. strives to support a variety of programs and services designed to assist low-income residents of Montgomery County. From seniors, to families, to youth, the programs stress independence, promote community, and encourage self-reliance.

The Agency’s general community programs are funded by monies from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which are distributed through the State of Alabama’s Department of Economic Affairs (ADECA). All services are free to eligible residents; with approval for participation being granted based on availability of funds and documented need.

CSBG Programs Emergency Energy Assistance Program The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Alabama Business Charitable (ABC) Trust Energy Assistance Program, and Alabama Gas Corporation (ALAGASCO) provides some relief to eligible residents of Montgomery County for heating and cooling costs during the winter and summer months Provider Outcome To administer Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to eligible households in meeting the rising costs of home energy. Home Energy provides the source of heating and cooling in a residential dwelling.

Client Outcome  5,522 households received assistance on energy bills to prevent interruption of service, to restore service, and/or receive continuous conservation counseling activities  240 households gained knowledge on energy conservation measures  87 households received assistance from the ALAGASCO fund  286 households received Alabama Charitable Trust fund assistance

14

Direct Assistance Program The Direct Assistance Program is designed to meet the emergency needs of households confronted with a financial crisis. This program provides one-time financial assistance to qualifying households to cover such basic expenses as food, shelter, and/or the purchase of prescription medications.

Provider Outcome The program provides emergency medical assistance to purchase prescription medication to low-income households without adequate medical insurance. In addition, MCAC provides one-time emergency assistance to restore or stop disconnection of utilities such as power, gas, and water. Food vouchers are furnished to eligible households who are unable to purchase food.

Client Outcome  102 individuals were able to maintain medication for 30 days  12 households were able to maintain water service for 30 days  8 households were able to receive nutritional meals and food vouchers

15

Senior Citizen Program Montgomery Community Action Committee (MCAC) Senior Program is designed to meet the basic needs of the seniors of Montgomery County. The two senior program locations Mt. Meigs and Antioch provide services four days a week such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, hot meals, health and nutrition education, legal assistance, and homebound assistance.

Provider Outcome Two senior program centers provide resources to assist in meeting the basic needs of the senior citizens in the Community.

Senior Citizen Outcome 42 households and 62 people received nutritional meals, educational programs, recreation and transportation.

Community Outreach Montgomery Neighborhood Policy Advisory Council MCAC operates eight neighborhood service center offices in the low-income neighborhoods throughout urban and rural Montgomery County. Our goal is to allow community residents to have a voice and take action to improve their neighborhoods through our Neighborhood Policy Advisory Councils Representatives are selected to serve on the Agency’s Governing Board.

Provider Outcome MCAC helps to develop activities which encourage and promotes volunteer participation and community involvement by low-income residents in their communities.

MNPAC Member Outcome 365 households receive information from community service organizations and resource agencies that can assist residents in their community.

16

Family Gardening Project The Family Gardening project provides seed, fertilizer and technical assistance to families to plant and harvest their own fresh vegetables to reduce their overall food cost. In some cases the families can generate additional income to support their households by the sale of their produce.

Provider Outcome Montgomery Community Action Agency eight (8) Neighborhood Service Centers distributed seeds, fertilizer, and provide technical assistance for gardening project through a partnership with the Montgomery County Extension Service.

Garden Participant Outcome 100 Households and 245 individuals benefitted from receiving seeds fertilizer and technical assistance to plant their own gardens to reduce food cost and promote a healthier diet.

8 households and 25 Individuals benefitted by selling their garden produce to generate additional income to support their households.

Youth Development/ Recreation Program MCAC takes a special interest in addressing the needs of low-income youth. Our team works with the youth in the neighborhood service areas to build self-esteem, foster pride for self and community, and boost their overall self-image.

17

Provider Outcome Through the State Department of Education at Risk Funds Grant and other various non-profit organizations partners; our agency was able to provide academic enrichment, character building, summer employment, back to school supplies, school uniforms, educational workshops, and a safe learning environment for the at risk youth.

Youth Outcome Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC, Inc. made a positive impact this year by touching the lives of 735 at risk youth throughout Montgomery County and provided summer employment for 10 youth.

Housing Counseling The housing program was to design to educate, advocate and assist in preventing housing crises for low-income families so that families may maintain or improve their living conditions.

Provider Outcome Montgomery Community Action Committee, & CDC. Inc. is a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling Agency.

Client Outcome MCAC housing program provided 159 households with housing counseling services.

Three (3) individuals became first time home owners. Twelve (12) families were provided emergency housing and additional services to get safe and affordable housing.

Community Food Program The community food program is designed to provide nutritional services in an effort to reduce hunger and malnutrition among the low income residents in Montgomery County.

Provider Outcome The eight (8) neighborhood service centers have access to food bags once each month to meet low-income resident’s nutritional needs.

Client Outcome 5600 households received a nutritional bag of food to reduce cost of grocery bills.

18

Provider Outcome The eight (8) neighborhood service centers have access to food bags once each month to meet low-income resident’s nutritional needs.

Client Outcome 5600 households received a nutritional bag of food to reduce cost of grocery bills Agency Service Area

agency service area

Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC, INC. has served the residents Montgomery Community Action Committee & CDC, INC. has served the residents of of Montgomery County since October 15, 1965. Montgomery County consists of a Montgomery County since October 15, 1965. Montgomery County consists of a total area of 800 total area of 800 square miles, 790 sq ft of it consists of land and 10 sq miles of it issquare water.miles, 790 sq ft of it consists of land and 10 sq miles of it is water.

According to the 2007 census bureau Montgomery County total population is 224,542 with the poverty rate to at 17.7%.

According the 2007 census bureau Montgomery County total population is 224,542 with the poverty rate at 17.7%.

Montgomery County, Alabama

Montgomery County, Alabama

13

19

montgomery community action committee, & cdc, inc. partners Alabama Department of Education Alabama Gas Corporation

Technical College

Alabama Power Company

Lighthouse Counseling Center

Alabama State University

Lister Hill Health Clinic

Alpha Rho Zeta Stork’s Nest, INC.

Montgomery Chief Youth Football

American Red Cross

and Cheerleading League

Boys and Girls Club

Montgomery County Board

of South Central Alabama

of Education

Catholic Social Services

Montgomery County Commission

Center for Families

Montgomery County Extension Services

Central Alabama Aging Consortium

Montgomery County Health

Central Alabama OIC

Department

Children’s Rehabilitation Services

Montgomery Housing Authority

City of Montgomery

Montgomery Tarheels AAU Basketball

Department of Human Resources

Payless Shoe Source

Enough is Enough

Salvation Army

Faith Rescue Mission

St. Jude Social Services

Family Guidance Center

We Can Make a Difference Program

Girl Scouts of America

YMCA

Goodwill Industries

20

H. Council Trenholm State

Community Housing Development Organization - CHDO Montgomery Community Action Committee and CDC, INC.’s CHDO is designed to provide opportunities to very low, low and moderate income families and individuals to obtain adequate, safe, and affordable housing. Through the CHDO program MCAC along with other partners developed 72 brand new affordable homes in Montgomery County.

Community Village first phase is 72 homes that were available for lease in 2007. The homes consist of 3 and 4 bedroom 2 bathrooms homes ranging in size footage from 1200 sqft to 1500 sqft.

Community Village has maintained an occupancy rate of 96% and higher. The construction of these homes was funded with low-income housing tax credits, HOME funds, and conventional financing. After all compliance periods have been met, the plan is to convert as many of these initial 72 homes as possible to homeownership for the residents. The agency offers a housing counseling and homeownership-training program, which include budgeting and money management, homeowner responsibilities, how to shop for a mortgage loan, maintenance and upkeep. These services are offered to the residents of Community Village.

Outcomes    

72 single family affordable homes Community Center for neighborhood planned activities Playground, Picnic Area, and Gazebo provides recreation for the Community 72 families occupying good affordable housing

21

MCAC Funding Year ended February 28th, 2008

Support Grants Donations In-kind contributions Interest income Program revenue Total Support

$ 10,578,865 398,900 621,075 8,414 13,784 11,621,038

Expenses Program Services Community Services Block Grant LIHEAP Head Start Child and Adult Food Care Program Title III

State General Fund Alabama Business Charitable Trust Montgomery County Commission Community Housing Development Alabama Gas Energy Assistance Employer Assistance Housing

Garden Project Housing Counseling Supporting Services Administration Decrease in unrestricted net assets Net Decrease in Unrestricted Net Assets Net Assets, Beginning of year Net Assets, End of year

22

474,531 1,055,847 7,322,868 857,586 40,006 49,299 60,589 79,260 100,855 21,276 3,000 32,480 12,648 1,625,754 11,735.999 (114,961) 847,131 $732,170

1066 Adams Avenue | Montgomery, AL 36104 334-263-3474 PH | 334-262-0491 FX www.mcaccdcinc.org