BEYOND POVERTY:
EMPOWERING DREAMS Annual Report 2022
Dear friends of SELF, First, let me thank you for all the ways you have continued to help SELF thrive as Butler County’s Community Action Agency. From contributing to our annual direct mail campaign, to adopting hard-working families for the holidays, to volunteering to repair homes for your neighbors, your loyalty allowed Supports to Encourage Low-income Families to continue helping low-income Butler County residents with a “hand-up” in 2022. While most of SELF’s programs returned to pre-pandemic operations, COVID-19 emergency rent and utility assistance remained the largest program at our organization. SELF maintained a hybrid work environment and many program staff worked remotely several days a week. Through all our programs, 6,217 households were served by SELF in 2022.
We were fortunate in 2022 to hold our first in-person gala after a two-year gap due to the pandemic. The 1970’s themed “Friday Night Fever” was a total success! It’s thanks to your support that SELF can continue to educate, uplift, and empower Butler County residents who are working to achieve their dreams! Please take a look at all SELF was able to accomplish in 2022 with your help. Yours in service,
Jeffrey Diver Executive Director
SELF offered educational programs like JOBS NOW! and the Microenterprise program in person and kept families in their homes with emergency rent assistance. We also launched a new program in 2022, Automotive Repair Assistance, to provide free car repairs for employment purposes.
SELF’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Stitsinger President
Karri Owens Vice President
Timothy Speight Treasurer
Nancy Harris Secretary
Dienna Becraft Leslie Besl Nancy Braun Amber Franklin Casey Frazee Katz Tina Jones Rodney Muterspaw Brian Pendergest Eric Pohlman James Sherron Aaron Simpson
GOALS SELF’s overall goals aim to help clients: • Move beyond crisis situations toward improved financial stability and general well-being • Retain the skills and attitudes necessary for sustained employment and self-sufficiency • Build and maintain assets to disrupt the cycle of poverty
OUR MISSION
VISION
As Butler County’s Community Action Agency, Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) exists to enhance the quality of life for county residents by impacting the causes of poverty and empowering individuals to achieve, sustain, and advocate self-sufficiency.
Through SELF’s efforts, an environment is created in which: • Individuals and families have the opportunity, resources, and tools to make decisions which lead to self-sufficiency and the development of their full potential • The community is inspired to actively contribute to the goal of self-sufficiency and personal development • Policy makers are advocates for the needs of all within the community • A cycle of self-sufficiency is perpetuated, which raises the quality of life in the community
HISTORY Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the state-designated Community Action Agency for Butler County, Ohio. Founded in 1995, SELF’s focus is on offering employment and educational services to help low-income individuals achieve long-term self-sufficiency. SELF 2021 Annual Report | 1
EVENTS MADE POSSIBLE with Your Help! Annual Awards Celebration:
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER
Each year, SELF hosts an Annual Awards Celebration to recognize hard-working clients and community members, while raising money to support our programs. The 1970s themed event was a hit! Everyone boogied down on April 8, 2022 with live music, bell bottoms, games, and more!
2022 Janet Clemmons Community Service Award Winners:
Pastor Shaquila Mathews, HYPE Hamilton & Bethany Tompkins, Sew Purpose
165 $24,746
guests joined us for a groovy evening
raised to help
Butler County residents
2 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
Volunteers from Butler Tech assisting with making hot cocoa kits for adopted families.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY HOLIDAY PROGRAM SELF’s Adopt-A-Family program provides holiday meals and gifts to the families of SELF clients who are working toward self-sufficiency. Recipients are nominated by SELF program staff each fall. Families receive meal boxes for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and presents are provided for the entire family!
Generac donated $750 to the 2022 Adopt-A-Family program!
40
families were adopted
130
individuals served
More than
$3,700 in donations
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 3
A YEAR IN REVIEW
How our Programs Empowered Butler County Residents in 2022
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR ASSISTANCE
SELF’s Auto Repair program provides free car repairs, up to $2,500, for vehicle owners in need. Recipients of repairs must use their car for employment purposes, such as getting to and from work. SELF’s first partnership for this program was with Pohlman’s Auto & Tire Center in Hamilton.
SELF’s Auto Repair program launched in September of 2022
First
car repair
took place on September 8
s alway s a h “SELF ry helpful. e e been v e my vehicl d a ” m It has le and safe. b relia epair R – Auto ent Recipi
4 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
From September through December,
16
cars were repaired!
BUILD-UP ACADEMY The Build-Up Academy construction training program teaches teens and young adults construction skills and connects them to jobs, apprenticeships, and advanced training programs. Hands-on work is included, and SELF offers employment and OSHA 10 training as part of the program. In 2022, SELF offered the Build-Up Academy program exclusively through a partnership with Marshall High School in Middletown. Students enrolled in the program received classroom instruction through their school, and hands-on experience was provided by SELF, with many of their projects taking place in SELF’s renovation homes. Students participating in Build-Up Academy have been able to take their future into their own hands! Students were also paid for their work, thanks to a partnership with Easter Seals.
14
students participated in the program
Marshall students working with their instructor in one of SELF’s renovation homes
“We le renova arned how to te a bat hro to remo del an u om, how ppe We buil t a shed r floor. , and it turned out aw esome! ” – Mar shall Hig h School Studen t
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 5
EMERGENCY RENT AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE This critical program launched in 2020 provides emergency rent and utility assistance to Butler County residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for this program was made possible by the Butler County Commissioners and the State of Ohio. Families receiving assistance were in danger of losing their homes, having their electricity cut off, and more. Many families found themselves in need of help for the first time and found hope through SELF.
2,172 families were served through this program in 2022
“Everyone was very helpful. I appreciated all the help I received and they knew I felt less of a mother, and they just gave me courage, told me to keep my head up. A few words go a long way when somebody needs uplifting.” – Rent Assistance Recipient
6 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
“I was guided through the process every step of the way. The compassion and patience of the staff who go above and beyond is incomparable. Thank you so much.” – Rent Assistance Recipient
“This staff is a God send! They were so quick in response and communicating while I was in panic mode.” – Rent Assistance Recipient
EMPLOYER RESOURCE NETWORK SELF’s Employer Resource Network, Soaring to Success, is a supportive employment program that provides the services of SELF’s Success Coach to area Employer Members. The Success Coach splits her time between employers to meet with employees and assist them with resources they need to better thrive in the workplace, such as transportation, education, government agency navigation, financial literacy, and more. The Employer Resource Network increases employee retention for companies that participate, while employees are better able to care for themselves and their families.
Employer Members: Choices in Community Living, Graceworks Lutheran Services, Matandy Steel, and Primary Health Solutions
478
20.5% of employees
employees served
utilized the Success Coach
704
services provided
Holiday staff photo SELF 2022 Annual Report | 7
GETTING AHEAD “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World”
is a workshop assisting individuals living in poverty with evaluating their life and developing skills necessary to not just survive, but thrive. Getting Ahead participants develop a series of mental models to examine their own past while planning for the future. Getting Ahead was held at Ohio Means Jobs in Fairfield and at Sojourner Recovery Services through its MAMAs program.
34
clients enrolled
23
graduates increased social bridging,
11
in Getting Ahead
a way of expanding their resource network
graduates gained employment
Matthew (2nd from left) posing with SELF staff
Matthew’s Story Matthew participated in the Getting Ahead program while trying to get back on his feet after incarceration. Not only was he able to build a support system within the group and with the facilitator, but he also was able to find new confidence. SELF was able to help Matthew find employment. He began working two jobs and after a long search, found an apartment as well. He thanks SELF for helping him find his footing, teaching him new skills, and for allowing him to make connections in this new chapter of his life!
“Getting Ahead opened my head up to a lot of circumstances and things that go on in the world that I just hadn’t given a lot of thought to before. So now when I’m engaging in the world and trying to think of my future, I keep those things in mind.” – Matthew 8 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
SELF’s 2022 HEAP Summit was held to inform social workers, school liaisons, and other area employees of our utility assistance options.
HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)
1,511 640
households were assisted
through the Summer and Winter Crisis Programs
LIHWAP applications approved
SELF provides energy assistance through HEAP, as well as its seasonal Winter Crisis and Summer Crisis Programs. SELF verifies and re-verifies participants on the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus program and was able to offer the Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) due to funding from the Ohio Department of Development. SELF also provides intake for the free Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), with work being performed by its sister agency, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership.
1,640 116
households verified or re-verified on PIPP
Weatherization applications approved
“With me having atrial fibrillation, diabetes, needing a hip replacement, and with everything going up, I found myself in desperate need of help with my utilities. The SELF staff went above and beyond!”
“My SELF HEAP/PIPP specialist was accurate, on time, very caring, very concerned, timely manner… She went out of her way to make sure that we got the proper assistance, along with ways to help. I couldn’t ask for better service.”
– HEAP client
– HEAP client
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 9
Jeremiah’s Story Jeremiah has been through several of SELF’s programs: Microenterprise, Build-Up Academy, Getting Ahead, JOBS NOW!, and IDA. He credits these programs for helping him get his life on track. From assistance with getting a job, to learning how to budget and manage his money, to saving for a home, Jeremiah has made strides working with SELF’s program facilitators toward his dreams!
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT (IDA) The IDA program provides financial literacy classes and goal-specific education, combined with matched savings accounts for low-to-moderateincome clients so they may acquire a home, start a business, or access higher education. Client savings are matched by SELF $2 to every $1, up to $1,000!
“SELF treated me like they cared and with respect, like they wanted me to succeed as an individual. Without SELF, I wouldn’t have been able to put money up, and now I’m a first-time homebuyer! And they’re still helping me. It’s a great program and will get you on the right path.” – Jeremiah
11 11 9 2
clients enrolled in the program
clients graduated, a 100% graduation rate! graduates opened savings accounts assets
were acquired
10 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
JOBS NOW! This powerful employment workshop series provides education for low-income individuals to improve economic stability by obtaining new or better employment. JOBS NOW! was provided at Ohio Means Jobs in Fairfield in 2022, as part of its Employment Success Program. The four-day workshop provides limited emergency services, such as utility assistance, interview clothing, and job-related transportation. Most importantly, JOBS NOW! builds participants’ confidence while connecting them to job leads!
42 33 22 1
clients enrolled in the program
clients graduated, a 79% graduation rate! graduates gained employment
client pursued additional education
Jasmine (2nd from left) posing with SELF staff
Jasmine’s Story Jasmine enrolled in JOBS NOW! despite already having a job. She was looking to find a new career path. Her son also enrolled in the program alongside her, and together they completed the program. Jasmine was able to find a new career through SELF. She also graduated from the IDA and Microenterprise programs and continues to work toward and achieve her dreams!
A JOBS NOW! graduate proudly displaying her certificate of completion and her resume.
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 11
MICROENTERPRISE AND MICROLOAN The Butler County Microenterprise and Microloan program is a series of group workshops that help low-to-moderate-income participants learn all aspects of starting a business. Participants of the program receive hands-on assistance in writing a business plan, and upon graduation can apply for a $5,000 microloan to assist in launching or expanding their business. The Microenterprise program is taught by a professional business consultant.
Erik (center) posing with SELF staff
Erik’s Story
13 13
clients enrolled clients graduated, a 100% graduation rate!
Microenterprise graduation, November 2022
Prior to enrolling in the Microenterprise program, Erik was employed for two years with a window company but felt a calling to be an entrepreneur. Upon learning about the program, Erik enrolled in Microenterprise and quickly began learning how to start his business. He developed a business plan that is still used to lead his business, A-1 In Home Assembly. Erik was also approved for a microloan upon completing the program.
“My business has been doing well enough to reach back into my community. I have been fortunate to hire people to help on a few jobs, and I am able to keep one person on hand as a co-worker. Without the Microenterprise program, I would have still been dreaming about starting and running a successful business, but SELF has equipped me with the tools to make that dream a reality.” – Erik 12 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
Connie’s Story
Neighbors Who Care:
HOME REPAIR
SELF staff volunteering with the home repair program
This year-round, volunteer-driven program provides free home repairs to low-to-moderate-income homeowners in need, primarily senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Activities spike each summer with two home repair blitz weeks and thousands of hours of labor donated by hundreds of volunteers. SELF’s 2022 Group Workcamps blitz week was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, SELF was still able to host the Catholic Heart Work Camp in July.
167 732
Connie lives alone in a two-story home in Hamilton and was barely able to get in and out of her home when she called SELF for help. She uses a walker to get around and has steps leading up to her doors. She was hoping SELF could help build a ramp for her and demolish a deck that was rotting away. With the help of volunteers, SELF was able to restore Connie’s deck and build a wheelchair ramp, giving her freedom to enter and exit her home safely!
“SELF is a blessing. It’s easier to go to church now, and I can even go to the grocery store instead of having my groceries delivered!” – Connie
Connie smiling while sitting on her newly restored deck
home repair projects were completed on 124 homes
volunteers donated 3,880 hours of service
Volunteers pose with a home repair recipient on her new wheelchair ramp
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 13
Liberty Street home exterior
Neighbors Who Care:
RENOVATIONS
This social enterprise program completes renovations with the help of volunteer support. SELF purchases properties, rehabilitates them, and sells them to credit-worthy low-to-moderate-income families. • SELF sold properties on Clark Street in Middletown, 11th Street in Hamilton, and Liberty Street in Millville. • Properties on Grove Street in Middletown and Oxford State Road in Lemon Township were purchased for renovation.
Clark Street house
11th Street house
After
Before
14 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
After
Before
FINANCIALS 2022 Support and Revenue
Grants/Contracts
2022 Expenses
$14,334,389
Self Sufficiency Programs
$877,714
Contributions
$70,067
Housing Services
$12,121,511
In-Kind
$62,240
Home Energy Assistance
$1,021,065
Program Income
$168,347
Supporting Services
$460,063
Interest and Dividends
$16,908
Fundraising
Rental Income
$32,233
Total Expenses
Investment Gains (Losses)
$(16,764)
Total Support and Revenue
$14,667,421
$37,867 $14,518,220
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 15
CORPORATE DONORS, SPONSORS, AND GRANTORS We thank the following list of donors, sponsors, and grantors for their gracious support of SELF. With their generosity, SELF’s community impact is much greater. AllWealth Federal Credit Union
City of Middletown
Miami University Regionals
Barclays
Cleveland Cliffs Foundation
BBC Venture Properties LLC
Clutter 2 Care
Miami Valley Community Action Partnership
Butler County Commissioners
Cohen Recycling
Butler County Community Health Consortium, Inc.
Community Health Alliance
Butler County Department of Community Development
Duke Energy
Butler County Department of Job and Family Services
Dorns Business Solutions, Inc. Eaton Road Church of God Edwards Furniture
Middletown Community Foundation Moon & Adrion Insurance Agency Mother Earth Vitamins and More Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton, Inc. Northern Cincinnati Foundation
Butler County Educational Service Center
First Financial Bank
Ohio Community Development Corporation Association
Generac
Butler County Real Estate Investors Association
Oxford Walmart
Hamilton Community Foundation
St. Paul’s United Church
Butler County Regional Transit Authority
Hamilton Ohio PRIDE
Staffanation
Incense N Things
The Original Mattress Factory
Kettering Medical Center Network
ThyssenKrupp Bilstein
Kharis Christian Academy
Touch of Elegance
Kroger
Transport-U Transportation
LCNB National Bank
United Way of Greater Cincinnati
LemonGrenade Creative
US Bank
Butler County United Way Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Butler Tech Transition Team Capital Advisory Services CareSource Foundation Christ the King Lutheran Church City of Hamilton
16 | SELF 2022 Annual Report
Magnified Giving Mercy Health
DONORS Dick and Patti Alderson
Richard Fiorenza
Ralph and Cathy Knauer
Eric Pohlman
Sonia August
Rick Ingersoll and Melany Fisk
Mindy Koff
John Post
James Fitton
Kevin Kurpieski
Jim and Sandy Ramsey
Annette Landesman
Tim Rettig
Robert and Donna Leslie
Barney Riesbeck
Kara Love
Kathleen Romans
Susanna Lozano
Dawn Ruhl
John and Jeannette Lucia
Greg and Annette Sargent
Darren Mabrey
Aubree Schenck
Karin Maney
David and Carole Schul
Shelia Marcusky
Carie Schultz
Neil Marks
Rob Peak and Judy Scherrer
Patrick and Lori Jo Martin
Bill and Helene Sedwick
Debbie Mastandrea
Robin Senser
John and Christine Matacic
Rachel Sheets
Doug and Tina McKinley
Aaron Simpson
Anthony and Angela McPeters
Linda Smith
Fred Miller
Timothy Speight
Richard and Anne Bailey Dan Bates Gary and Lori Becker Joel Fink and Doris Bergen Kim Bingham Judi Boyko Thomas Bretz Robert and Barbara Brown Kenzie Brant Tyrone Burrow, Jr. Georgia Coddington Beth Combs Charlie Cox Carol Coxhead Donald and Susan Crain Matthew Crehan Kate Crooks Randy and Kathy Crothers Brenda Dales Michael Dandenault Don Davis Judy Dirksen Sandra Diver Jeffrey and Angela Diver Donald Dixon Deb Dorn Gayle Drexler Lori Elliott Patricia Everhart James Farley Michael Feely Russell Finney
David and Holly Foster Amber Franklin Terri Franz Casey Frazee Katz Connie George John Geyer Kenneth and Judy Gibbons Paul and Rhonda Giroux James and Bonnie Greenwood Anita Gronas Doug and Kathryn Gruver Keelie Gustin Rick Hamm Janet Hammons Nancy Harris Shelly Hauer Beverly Howard Carolyn Huber Craig and Sara Hughes Dan Hughes Michele Ittel
Greg and Tonya Miller Pat Moeller Lisa Morgan Larry Mulligan Nancy Nix Stephanie Nowak
Anthony and Pamela Ives
Douglas and Jennifer Noxsel
Curtis and Cynthia Juncker
Jack and Karin Obszarski
William and Barbara Keck
Patrick O’Connor
Patti Keegan
Lee and Jackie Parrish
Cynthia Kelley
Kimberly Patterson
Eva Kessler
Monique Patterson
Tyler Kinnaman
Brian and Kathleen Pendergest
John and Kim Kirsch
Edna Southard Lisa and Bruce Spring Nick and Kathy Staarman Sarah Starr Lisa Stitsinger Taylor Stone-Welch Nelson and Margaret Vazquez-Ramos Steve Walsh Emily Weinel Craig and Susan Wilks Jocelyn Williams James Wimmers Joan Witt Donna Wyatt
SELF 2022 Annual Report | 17
HAMILTON OFFICE 415 S. Monument Ave. Hamilton, Ohio 45011 (513) 868-9300
MIDDLETOWN OFFICE 930 9th Ave. Middletown, OH 45044 (513) 217-7930
selfhelps.org