MAKING A DIFFERENCE FY2016 Philanthropy Report
Building Relationships. Enhancing Lives.
Network Angels
22 30
Community Engagement
6
The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation
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National Volunteer Day
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Message from Chief Executive Officer Bruce Nardella....................................................5 The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation...................................................................6 Community Partners.........................................................................................................7
A Longtime Community Partner: Encore Studio for the Performing Arts
Introducing a New Community Partner: Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
Network Leaders Lend a Hand
Paying it Forward
Community Champions..................................................................................................20 Network Angels..............................................................................................................22
From Our Donors: Why We Give
Helping Our Own When They Need it the Most
National Volunteer Day....................................................................................................26 Community Engagement................................................................................................30
F YF 2Y 02 10 61 6P Ph hi li laanntthhrrooppyy RR e p o rr tt · 3 · 3
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Dear Friends, Symbols lend power and understanding when words fall short. For example, the shape of a sideways figure eight is known as the infinity symbol. In mathematics, this symbol captures the abstract concept of limitlessness, an idea that also looms large in mysticism and literature. We can apply the same sense of limitlessness—of unknown beginnings and endings—to philanthropy and volunteerism. Where does giving end and receiving begin? At The MENTOR Network, our employees appreciate the positive role both play in their own lives. Despite the hours spent delivering quality human services, they cite It makes me feel good as a top motivator for going above and beyond their professional responsibilities. It is important to give back is another. These two impulses work in tandem—like the curves of the infinity symbol—and result in both the giver and the receiver being strengthened. The same can be said for the organization as a whole. Contributing to the individuals and communities we serve is part of The Network’s DNA. You’ll see in this report a remarkable generosity of spirit. You’ll also find well-developed and highly impactful initiatives that are responsive to a range of needs: Network employees facing unexpected and devastating challenges that compromise their financial stability; Nonprofits experimenting with innovative solutions to some of society’s toughest problems; Community organizations supporting children and families, people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, individuals with intellectual disabilities and elders deserving of a boost from Network events, fundraising drives, and volunteer hours. In return, The Network is more tightly woven into the fabric of our communities. Our relationships with those we serve and their families are stronger. And we have a deeper understanding of what it means to be an organization committed to the transformational power of human services. “We make a living by what we get,” said Winston Churchill. “We make a life by what we give.” As an organization, The Network is proud to offer opportunities for both to our employees. And as a human services leader, we are especially proud to broaden the impact of our community-based supports with philanthropy. It is in the spirit of giving’s limitlessness—of the hope and generosity it conveys—that I share this report with you. Best regards,
Bruce F. Nardella President & Chief Executive Officer The MENTOR Network
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THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation is committed to transforming the delivery of human services through the generation of new ideas and best practices. We seek to advance an agenda based on quality, accountability and respect for the individual. The Foundation’s giving is focused on supporting organizations that take an innovative approach—through research, creative thinking, direct care and programming—at how individuals with disabilities and youth at-risk and their families, people with brain injury and neurological challenges, and elders are cared for in our society. The Foundation also works to expand opportunity for people served by The Network by providing tuition assistance for educational and vocational advancement, and recognizes Network employees and independent contractors who devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy to
local charities.
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Our Community Partners are change agents within human services. They are 501(c)(3) organizations that are either delivering innovative care or developing new ideas and models for doing so. They also mirror The Network itself: creative, effective and focused on the highest quality standards. Since its inception in 2007, more than 215 Community
Partner grants have been awarded to organizations in 26 states.
A LONGTIME COMMUNITY PARTNER Encore Studio for the Performing Arts, Madison, WI In 2000, when Kelsy Schoenhaar started as Encore Studio for the Performing Arts’ Executive and Artistic Director she had one task: to make it work. She had to find the funders to sustain the organization and get the word out within the disability community about this first of its kind program. Six months after Schoenhaar founded Encore, the organization was well on its way to establishing itself as a theater company with one production under its belt and actors lined up to perform in others. Encore is the only professional theater company for people with disabilities in Wisconsin and one of a very few in the United States. The organization offers an innovative, inclusive, and professional environment where all people work together in the pursuit of artistic and theatrical excellence. Since its founding this groundbreaking theater company has produced more than 50 original works to local, regional, and even national acclaim. It is Encore’s objective not only to provide employment opportunities in the performing arts for people with disabilities but also to use this medium to convey an authentic message about disability and culture.
The original work Encore has produced has garnered local, regional, and national attention.
The MENTOR Network’s support of Encore dates back to 2000, when REM, not yet a part of The Network, joined a small group of local disability services providers in Wisconsin to provide the seed money to get the program off the ground. “REM and, subsequently The MENTOR Network, have continued to support us over the years, which is very important as a theater company,” said Schoenhaar. “Money is always very tight, so we are constantly seeking grants to pay our actors’ salaries. We’ve been witness Continued on page 8 F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 7
“That is what makes our theater company so unique,” said Schoenhaar. “Like all other theaters, the productions are a labor of love and a tremendous amount of work. However we give these individuals a place to call home, where they can find trust and be themselves.”
At Encore, all people work together in the pursuit of artistic and theatrical excellence.
to other theaters going down, but we have successfully kept our doors open.” Encore is a hybrid because they are a professional theater company, and also a vocational support agency for their actors, providing paychecks to their contracted actors who must audition and demonstrate a desire to work hard.
“It’s been gratifying to watch Encore thrive over the years,” said Shelley Hansen-Blake, Executive Director, REM Wisconsin. “They have become a mainstay in the rich community theatre culture in Madison. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to be affiliated with this innovative, creative organization.” “We take on some of the most challenging people in the community,” said Schoenhaar. “But the show always goes on!”
“I am so honored to be doing this because I have seen people who arrive with such amazing raw energy and talent,” said Schoenhaar. “Our actors stay with us because they grow with Encore and we grow with them.” Encore supports many individuals who present behavioral issues, so a big part of the success of the theater is that the individuals have found a home where they can be who they are. One of Encore’s veteran actors has autism and is blind, but she has a perfect pitch and an amazing memory that most actors only dream of. Thanks to her involvement with Encore, she is a star in her community. 8 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k
Shelley Hansen-Blake, Executive Director, REM Wisconsin, and Olwen Hansen-Blake, Quality Improvement Director, The MENTOR Network, presented a grant to Kelsy Schoenhaar, Executive and Artistic Director of Encore Studio for the Performing Arts in Madison, Wisconsin.
INTRODUCING A NEW COMMUNITY PARTNER Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Boston, MA
The FaB Factor program serves girls ages 5-18 and promotes positive social skills and behaviors.
The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation was proud to welcome Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEM) as a Community Partner in FY16 and support their mission of helping to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Nationally, there are 3.2 million Girl Scouts, with 50,000 in eastern Massachusetts alone. The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts FaB Factor program was founded in 2008 in response to a documented need to extend opportunities for membership into communities
that have historically been underserved by Girl Scouts. “The FaB Factor program is unique in that it is one of the only youth leadership-development programs in the Commonwealth specifically serving girls in underserved communities,” said Robin Crowell, Development Manager, GSEM. “We serve approximately 3,000 girls annually across 17 underserved eastern Massachusetts communities at no cost to girls and their families. GSEM understands that girls, particularly minority populations and those who grow up in poverty, often face unique Continued on page 10 F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 9
challenges and obstacles to economic and social stability.” FaB Factor is intended to be a steady, positive presence in girls’ lives throughout their adolescence. All girls from FaB Factor communities are encouraged to participate in the program, which serves girls of diverse backgrounds, personal circumstances, and abilities in grades K-12. The communities are often marked by high rates of poverty, low rates of on-time high school completion, poor standardized test scores, placement on the state’s list of 25 cities with the highest rate of teen pregnancies, and higher-than-average rates of juveniles participating in or victimized by violence.
The program’s outcomes are impressive. Pre-and post-program surveys have shown FaB Factor girls’ growth in all outcome areas related to the three keys to leadership: developing positive values and practical life skills, building healthy relationships and resolving conflicts, and identifying community needs and problem solving. “Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts FaB Factor program is one important way in which we ensure that our membership reflects the diversity of the cities and towns within our council,” said Patricia A. Parcellin, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. “GSEM developed FaB Factor with a belief that a targeted Girl Scout leadership curriculum, and consistent access to
“We are deeply grateful to The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, whose strategic investment in FaB Factor provides the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls who would otherwise not have access to it...” —Patricia A. Parcellin, CEO, GSEM FaB Factor Girl Scouts gather for a meeting.
The program enables GSEM to reach and serve girls who may not otherwise benefit from all that the Girl Scouts have to offer, including leadership development opportunities, and supportive, all-girl environments in which girls explore interests and learn together. “FaB Factor also acts as an introduction to wider Girl Scouting opportunities such as the annual STEM Conference and Expo, and summer camps,” said Crowell.
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caring adults, would make a difference in the lives of girls in underserved communities.” “We are deeply grateful to The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, whose strategic investment in FaB Factor provides the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls who would otherwise not have access to it and extends its impact through projects and community service carried out by our girls,” said Parcellin.
215
COMMUNITY PARTNER GRANTS
...HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO 130 UNIQUE ORGANIZATIONS IN 26 STATES SINCE THE FOUNDATION’S INCEPTION.
The Network’s Community Partners include...
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NETWORK LEADERS LEND A HAND At The MENTOR Network, service is a way of life for our employees—and that extends not only to the work we do each day providing community-based services to a range of individuals in programs across the country—but also to the communities in which we live and work. Our relationships with many local non-profits have either started or deepened as a result of our employees’ commitment to service. Read on to learn more about four members of our executive leadership team and the ways in which they donate their time and talent to make a tangible impact on local non-profit organizations that are meaningful to them. Denis Holler Chief Financial Officer, THE MENTOR NETWORK Director, THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Director, COMMUNITY ROWING, INC., BOSTON, MA
Denis Holler got to know Community Rowing (CRI) when his youngest daughter, now a senior at Brown University and a member of the crew team, was rowing there in high school. CRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the belief that the sport of rowing provides unique opportunities to promote personal and community growth through teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. CRI is committed to making rowing accessible and has become one of the largest rowing programs in the United States, with more than 5,000 people participating annually. Interested in exploring a new sport, Holler decided to take up sculling at CRI and soon after, was recruited to join CRI’s board of directors where he now serves as Treasurer. “Rowing is about taking control of your life in a certain way,” said Holler. “It is about comradery. You have to be in complete sync with everyone else. It is very powerful and is an activity that harmonizes people in some way,” said Holler.
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This year was Holler’s 2nd year rowing in the Head of the Charles where he competed in the Grand Nationals Division in Single Scull and with his daughter in Parent/ Child Double Sculls.
Holler appreciates that through the sport of rowing, people of all abilities can become athletes, learn to take risks, develop confidence, and enjoy the benefits of learning together in a community that supports a healthy lifestyle. CRI’s innovative Adaptive Rowing Program, which has been a recipient of a Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation, provides individuals with physical and cognitive challenges an opportunity to be a part of a rowing community that values teamwork, self-determination, and commitment to personal goals. The program currently serves approximately 300 individuals annually; including 200 young people ages 12 and older and 100 adults and veterans.
Kathleen Federico Chief Human Resources Officer (Retired) THE
Windrush farm
TH ERA PEU TIC EQ U ITATION , I NC.
MENTOR NETWORK Director, THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (RETIRED) Director, WINDRUSH FARM, NORTH ANDOVER, MA
The MENTOR Network’s 2nd Annual Volunteer Day brought Kathleen Federico, who until January 2017, served as The MENTOR Network’s Chief Human Resources Officer, to Windrush Farm for what she thought would be a few hours of volunteering alongside her coworkers. Windrush is non-profit organization providing equine assisted activities and therapies to children and adults with special needs, veterans, youth at risk, survivors of human trafficking and more. Her participation in Volunteer Day led to much more when the Chairman of Windrush Farm’s Board of Directors—knowing that she lived nearby— approached her to talk about getting more involved. Her initial reaction was that she had no prior experience with horses, but she quickly learned that it is not about a passion for horses but rather a passion for transforming the
A trainer at Windrush Farm walking a therapy horse into the barn for a practice session.
Federico gets her hands dirty as she cleans up trails at Windrush Farm during The MENTOR Network’s Annual Volunteer Day.
lives of the clients of Windrush Farm that was important. Initially, Federico joined the small but mighty group of volunteers at Windrush serving as an advisor before joining the Board of Directors in 2014. “Similar to the work of The MENTOR Network, Windrush is a mission-based organization focused on improving lives in a setting that can help bring about healing,” said Federico. “The difference being that Windrush does this through horses.” Windrush Farm is committed to helping children and adults with a broad range of disabilities excel through equine-assisted activities. The farm’s programs are designed to encourage, challenge and motivate their clients. Programs focus on improving flexibility, balance, strength, coordination, self-confidence and autonomy. Weekly therapeutic riding lessons are offered to individuals, and hippotherapy is offered for children who are too young or whose disabilities do not allow them to participate. Summer programs for youth at-risk and children with special needs are also offered. In addition to these groups, Windrush serves veterans and participants of the Best Buddies program. Continued on page 14 F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 13
Gerry Morrissey Chief Quality Officer, THE MENTOR NETWORK Director, BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF DORCHESTER, MA
Gerry Morrissey grew up in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester and his hometown pride has never wavered. Among the ways he has stayed connected to his community is by serving on the Board of Directors for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester for more than 30 years. Gerry has served as President of the Board, and as a member of the personnel, nominating, strategic planning and executive committees. He is also the parent of two Club Alumni, Kathryn and Daniel.
“For over 30 years Gerry has poured his heart and soul into Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester, making sure that we are positioned to ensure a safe and stable place for the youth of Dorchester to thrive,” — Bob Scannell, President & CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester. “The Club is an oasis where kids and young adults can come for leadership development, to learn new activities, play sports and be supported,” said Morrissey. “There are 3 clubs in Dorchester serving 4,000 children from 40 different cultures and 120 different schools. Volunteering there is second nature to me. I like to contribute my time wherever needed, whether by being an active board member serving on committees or getting on my bike to do the Rodman Ride for Kids to benefit the Club.”
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Morrissey bikes in the Rodman Ride for Kids to raise funds for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester.
Morrissey is responsible for starting the Safe Summer Streets Program and was extremely influential in the establishment of Project Project B.I.N.D. (Boston Inclusion Network for Disabilities) which The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation provides funding for through the Community Partners grant program. Project B.I.N.D. is an initiative designed to encourage the educational and social enrichment and advancement of children with special needs. Together with a network of partners, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester provides access to exceptional after-school programs and activities while nurturing the full inclusion of children of all abilities. “For over 30 years Gerry has poured his heart and soul into Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester, making sure that we are positioned to ensure a safe and stable place for the youth of Dorchester to thrive,” said Bob Scannell, President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester. “Gerry has unselfishly dedicated himself to our mission, and has taken the Club to a new and higher level of excellence in each and every one of his 30 years. We ask our Board members to contribute their time, treasure, or talent to further the mission of the
organization, and Gerry gives us all of that and more. Gerry has been a model of compassion and integrity within our community.” Dwight Robson Chief Public Strategy and Marketing Officer, THE MENTOR NETWORK President, THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION Director, ROCA
Dwight Robson’s first interactions with Roca, a Chelsea, Massachusetts based non-profit organization whose mission is to disrupt the cycle of poverty and incarceration for some of the Commonwealth’s most challenging young people ages 17-24, occurred more than a decade ago when he was recruited to offer pro-bono government and media relations assistance to the organization. Robson found the organization incredibly compelling because not only does Roca seek to make a difference in the lives of the young people it supports, but it is also willing to be held accountable for the results it achieves. Since first being introduced to Roca, Robson served as an advisor to the Executive Director, then as President of the Board of Directors, and now as the Secretary of the Board of Directors.
community and our society as a whole.” The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation’s Community Partners grant program has been proud to support Roca’s Intervention Model, which is a cognitive-restructuring and skills development intervention that was developed and implemented to address this high-risk, underserved population, which includes street, court, and gang-involved youth; those who have dropped out of school; young parents; refugees; and immigrants. Using the Intervention Model, Roca helps young people move out of violence and poverty over two years with two additional years of supportive follow-up. Robson continues to dedicate his time to the organization because it operates with a combination of commitment to growth, mission and outcomes. The model is so effective that other cities across the country are actively recruiting Roca to expand its programs beyond Massachusetts. “The organization understands stages of behavioral change so they incorporate relapse into their model. They are there to pick someone up if they fall,” said Robson.
“There are so many organizations that have similar intentions, but Roca is different because they work with the most high-risk young people, who are not yet ready, willing or able to change,” said Robson. “The outcomes of this model are tremendous, including keeping these young people out of jail, placing them in jobs, and helping them to become contributing members of society. This has a strong ripple effect in their Robson attends Roca’s 11th Annual Breakfast with fellow supporters including Roca’s Founder and CEO, Molly Baldwin and Roca participant, Tyler King. F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 15
FY2016 COMMUNITY PARTNER GRANTS
— HOW WE INVEST — 43%
52%
Programs to support individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities
Programs to support youth & families at risk
5% Programs to support individuals with brain, spinal cord & other neurological conditions
20%
Education
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66%
Health & Human Services
14%
Arts & Culture
PAYING IT FORWARD In FY16, The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation was proud to award Community Partner grants to 24 organizations in 11 states. Throughout the year, leaders from The MENTOR Network visited some of our Community Partners to personally deliver the grants from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation and learn more about the important work being done by these organizations in their communities.
Lisa Pakkebier, Executive Director, REM Iowa, presents a check to Amy Jellison, Vice President, Families Helping Families of Iowa, to support their Spread Your Wings Program.
Families Helping Families (FHF) of Iowa offers programs and services designed
specifically to help and assist children in foster care, and the families that care for them. From supporting children in their academic pursuits to providing clothing and school supplies to foster families throughout the year, FHF helps better the lives of thousands of Iowa’s children. Their Spread Your Wings Program provides scholarship funding for children in family foster care to gain self-confidence by supporting their participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, art, music lessons, dance, gymnastics classes, martial arts, Special Olympics and summer camps. Because the stipend foster families receive often only covers the basic expenses of welcoming a child into their home, the “extras” often have to be bypassed. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation supported additional scholarships for these youth. Continued on page 18
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Sabrina Ullah, Area Director for California MENTOR, presents a check to Karol Hernandez, Program Manager for Free Arts in Los Angeles, to support their Children’s Court program.
Free Arts partners with domestic violence shelters, housing programs and after school
initiatives throughout Los Angeles to deliver therapeutic art programs and adult mentors to children. Free Arts for Children’s Court is the non-profit’s program that is designed to infuse the healing, therapeutic power of creative self-expression into the lives of children ages 4-18 who have experienced abuse. The program provides open-ended therapeutic art projects for children and their siblings waiting to attend their dependency hearings at the Edmund D. Edelman’s Children’s Court in Monterey Park, California. Free Arts volunteers engage children in quick, fun and creative activities to relieve stress and help them reach a calmer state of mind. Children report that drawing or crafting helped them feel less frightened, worried or sad. The impact of the program is also evident through the testimonies of court personnel, including judges and attorneys who believe the program enhances the ability of children to open up about their experiences and give the court the information they need to make the best possible decisions for the children before the court and their families. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation allowed for 250 additional children to benefit from this program.
Susan McCarthy, Executive Director of REM New Jersey, presents a check to Lisa Ford, Director, The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute, and Thomas Baffuto, Executive Director, The Arc of New Jersey.
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The Arc of New Jersey is the state’s largest organization advocating for and serving citizens
with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc’s Family Institute helps family members gain the tools necessary to become effective advocates as well as support families as they try to navigate service delivery systems. The Institute provides direct individual advocacy for families who have encountered obstacles to accessing needed services and teaches families how to advocate on their loved ones behalf so that they may be more successful in the future. Funding from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation’s Community Partner grant was used to provide family education activities including workshops, trainings, webinars and podcasts.
Courtney Walsh, Executive Director, REM West Virginia, and Rosemary Wilshire, Regional Director, REM West Virginia, presented a check to Julie Sole, Executive Director of the Disability Action Center in Fairmont, West Virginia.
The Disability Action Center (DAC) provides services and programs to individuals with
disabilities and their families with a mission of empowering each member to reach their greatest level of independence. DAC currently serves over 450 individuals and families in West Virginia’s Marion County and the surrounding area through service offerings, including a career readiness center, education and training, health and wellness, life skills and independent living, assistive computer technology and social opportunities. The Go! Program is an extension of these services and provides increased recreational and outdoor activities to participants while also broadening community awareness towards inclusion and accessibility for all. The Community Partner grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation provided funds to help the Go! Program hire a Recreation Specialist, purchase additional adaptive sporting equipment and general mobility devices, and support the completion and marketing of an accessible recreation guide to be used by participants.
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Because community service is The MENTOR Network’s way of life, the Foundation created the Community Champions program to recognize our employees who devote extraordinary amounts of their time and energy to local charities.
THE NETWORK’S FY2016 COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Crystal Allen
New Jersey MENTOR Mom’s Pajamas
Sara Drish
REM Iowa & Illinois MENTOR Iglesia Santiago Parish
Lynda Knecht
REM Iowa First Baptist Church Carter Lake
Elizabeth Farley
The MENTOR Network Pine Street Inn
Jennifer Kulka REM Hennepin
Our Dance Place
CHAMPIONS ARE CELEBRATED BY THE NETWORK, AND THEIR CHOSEN NONPROFIT RECEIVES A GRANT OF $500. 20 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k
Robin McInnis
NeuroRestorative Avalon Park Camp Boggy Creek
Elaine Lortscher
Jesus Ocampo
MENTOR Oregon League of Women Voters of Curry County
CareMeridian American Youth Soccer Organization
Colm Roe
NeuroRestorative Avalon Park Boy Scouts of America
MeMe Perdue
NeuroRestorative Kentucky Action for Healthy Kids
Hanna van der Walt
CareMeridian Foundation For His Ministry
Stepping Stones—a program established and managed under The Network’s Charitable Foundation—helps those we serve achieve independence. Whether they are individuals transitioning out of the foster care system, receiving services for brain injury or living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, many people served by The Network lack the resources and support to attain higher education or specialized vocational training. The fund offers grant money for job training and readiness activities, vocational and higher education, and other programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence.
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NETWORK ANGELS Established in 2010, Network Angels is a charitable organization that helps employees and independent contractors of The MENTOR Network who experience sudden, life-altering events that jeopardize their ability to meet basic living expenses. Network Angels collects monetary donations from Network employees, Mentors—also known as foster parents and Host Home providers—and other independent contractors, and from The MENTOR Network itself. Because Network Angels is a public charity, the law requires public support in the form of donations and limits the amount of money the company can provide.
Donations from individuals are the lifeblood of the organization and critical to our ability to provide support to colleagues in need. The organization’s Grant Selection Committee reviews applications for assistance and distributes funds as quickly as possible. The number and size of each grant depends on available resources, the scale of the event and the grant’s potential impact on the recipient and his or her family.
Somewhere to Turn
“I don’t know where to begin. There are no words to say but THANK YOU for the help Network Angels is giving to me and my husband during the toughest part of our lives. Our lives changed when my husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. It is not curable and there was no one else to turn to except our friends and coworkers at REM Ohio and Network Angels. All I can say again is thank you. I am proud to work for a company who is there to help their employees when they need it the most.” —Nancy Conley
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DURING FY2016...
1,647
Employee donors contributed to Network Angels
64
Grants were awarded to Network employees & independent contractors
~$90K
was distributed to help individuals move forward in their lives
HELPING OUR OWN WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST Donavon and Angie Blumer
For Donavon and Angie Blumer, DSPs at REM North Star in International Falls, Minnesota, working for The MENTOR Network is a family affair. With more than 19 years of service, collectively, Donavon and Angie have dedicated their careers to supporting the individuals in REM North Star’s Aspenway home. As professional caregivers, Donavon and Angie are used to being the people others turn to in their time of need. Last May, they found themselves in the unexpected position of needing help from others when Donavon suddenly required emergency hernia surgery. After a four-day stay at a hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, Donavon was discharged and instructed by his doctors to recuperate at home for four weeks. While four weeks with Donavon off of work would be challenging for the family, they had a plan. Angie would continue to work and they would make ends meet while Donavon recovered. Not long after returning home though, the Blumers found themselves back at the hospital for Donavon to undergo a second surgery to treat an infection from the first surgery. Suddenly, four weeks off of work turned into more than two months. To further complicate the situation, Angie would need to take a leave of absence to care for Donavon during his recovery from the second surgery. Concerned about making ends meet during his recovery, Donavon applied for a grant from Network Angels. In his application, Donavon wrote, “this medical setback is preventing me from returning to work and my family and I are in a great deal of financial stress. I think about our young son and the possibility of being evicted as we have no way of paying our rent.” Network Angels responded with a grant to cover their utility bills and two months of rent. “I am honored to share our experience with Network Angels,” said Angie. “We never could have got through this without the support and kindness of Network Angels. You were there for us in our time of need.” Both of the Blumers are now back to work supporting the individuals at the Aspenway home. “We will never forget the gift Network Angels gave to our family,” said Donavon.
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WAYS EMPLOYEES CONTRIBUTE
FROM OUR DONORS: WHY WE GIVE
I donate because I know what it’s like to need, and I think it’s wonderful that I work for a company that makes it such a priority to help our employees and coworkers when the unexpected happens. I’m so grateful to be a small part of easing a burden in someone’s life.” —Jessica Frausto, HR Coordinator, CareMeridian
PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS
BAKE SALES & LOCAL FUNDRAISERS
I have been extremely fortunate to have had role models in my life teach me that the greatest thing you can do is to give back in life and to not expect anything back in return. The greatest gift you can give is to see a family in need have food on their table, buy a gift for their child, or pay a utility bill so they can have heat during the cold winter months. I am a firm believer that when you give of yourself and do not expect anything in return, someone will be there for you during your most challenging times.” —Sherry Navaro, Quality Improvement Specialist, NeuroRestorative Michigan
You may not know who you are helping, but kindness shows love to others without ever having a chance to meet them.” —Roxanne Galindo, Office Coordinator, California MENTOR SPORTS TOURNAMENTS & RAFFLES
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I really like the Network Angels program because I like to help out my co-workers in their time of need.” —Jeff Hessing, Direct Support Professional, REM Iowa
I donate because it just feels like it is what I should be doing. We all need help at some point in our lives and if I am able to help just one person, then I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose in life. I truly feel good knowing I could possibly help someone who is in need.”
PAYMENTS FOR UTILITIES
—Diane Pisculli, Program Coordinator, New Jersey MENTOR
HOUSING PAYMENTS
I see in my line of work that life is precious and can change in an instant. I have seen that even our staff has had tragic events. I give because I could be that person that needs help. I want to make a difference and I want people to see that there is humanity and caring left in the world.” —Brandy Beaven, Assistant Director of Nursing, CareMeridian FUNERAL EXPENSES FOR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS
I feel a kinship with the employees across our vast network and feel empathy towards any person who is experiencing a difficult financial circumstance. I am aware it is exceedingly difficult for others to ask for help. With that in mind, I desire to make a difference in the lives of others and am aware my contributions to Network Angels have assisted my fellow employees with getting back on their feet while maintaining their dignity.” —Diedra Perkins, Statewide Quality Improvement Specialist, Georgia MENTOR
HOW WE HELP
F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 25
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER DAY The MENTOR Network is about serving others—and that extends to the community at-large. Each spring, Network employees and individuals we serve come together for a singular mission: to
give back to the communities in which we live and work. The Network’s annual Volunteer Day began in 2013 when five Network states decided to spend a day lending a hand in their communities to benefit the populations we serve as a company. Local projects included beautifying parks, sorting donations at food pantries, painting schools and cleaning up Boys & Girls Clubs. Over time, The Network’s employee volunteerism has grown significantly. Volunteers now include family members, friends and individuals served by Network programs. In 2016, more than 2,500 volunteers completed 64 service projects in 25 states on a single day.
HOW WE’VE GROWN
2014
2013 5 SEVICE PROJECTS IN 5 STATES
13 SERVICE PROJECTS IN 9 STATES
2015 26 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k
50 SERVICE PROJECTS IN 17 STATES
2016 64 SERVICE PROJECTS IN 25 STATES
1 + 64 + 2500
DAY 2016 Volunteer Day
PROJECTS
VOLUNTEERS
From coast to coast, the Network’s volunteers gathered to...
NeuroRestorative San Antonio, San Antonio Food Bank, TX
Indiana MENTOR, Community Harvest Food Bank, Fort Wayne, IN
SORT AND PACKAGE MORE THAN 40,000 MEALS...
REM South Central Services, food drive for food banks in Buffalo and Monticello, MN
REM Hennepin, Feed My Starving Children, Chanhassen, MN
NeuroRestorative Florida, Feeding Tampa Bay, FL
F Y 2Continued 0 1 6 P h i l aon n t page h r o p y28R e p o r t · 27
REM Iowa, Clothing Closet at Families Helping Families, Cedar Rapids, IA
NeuroRestorative Carbondale, Green Earth Nature Preserve, Carbondale, IL
REM Wisconsin, Salvation Army, La Crosse, WI
BEAUTIFY 37 LANDSCAPES & COMMUNITY CENTERS... REM Ramsey, Battle Creek Park, St. Paul, MN
REM New Jersey and New Jersey MENTOR, Pine Grove Manor Elementary School in Somerset, NJ
28 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k
REM Heartland, Partners for Affordable Housing, Mankota, MN
REM North Dakota, Hospice Care, Grand Forks, ND
CREATE MORE THAN 550 CARE PACKAGES FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS, SENIORS AND CHILDREN...
NeuroRestorative New Jersey, Cathedral Kitchen, Camden, NJ
The Boston Office & North Andover Shared Services Center, Cradles to Crayons, Allston, MA
Missouri MENTOR, the Uplift Organization, Kansas City, MO
AND MUCH MORE! F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 29
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Throughout the year, employees across The Network regularly come together to make a difference in the communities in which we live and work through volunteering their time and talents to organizations and causes that need it most. The following snapshots represent just a few examples in FY2016 of these volunteer activities and events: Employees from our NeuroRestorative Virginia program in Blacksburg participated in the 2nd Annual Joggin’ for your Noggin’ 5K to raise money for Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia.
REM Hennepin employees in Minneapolis, MN volunteered at Second Harvest Heartland sorting and packing food to distribute to individuals in need across the state.
The MENTOR Network’s corporate finance team served a hot lunch to individuals at Rosie’s Place in downtown Boston, MA.
Participants and staff from California MENTOR’s Cole Vocational Services in Covina, CA teamed up with their community’s Parks and Recreation Department to volunteer and beautify Edna Park. 30 · T h e M E N T O R N e t w o r k
“One of our clients said it best, ‘To help others in need helps me feel good about myself.’” —Joanne Souza, Program Director, Revel ADH
Community Engagement Employees and participants from our New England Community Care Adult Day Health program in Lowell, MA made scarves for members of their community.
Georgia MENTOR staff members visited the Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter serving the Albany area, to deliver and serve lunch as well as distribute hygiene items they collected.
Patients, family and friends, along with staff and therapists from CareMeridian, participated in the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association’s 5K Wheel-a-Thon.
The REM Iowa team held a combination bake and yard sale to promote and raise funds for Davenport’s 3rd Annual “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
For the 5th year in a row, The MENTOR Network and NeuroRestorative employees participated in The Red Sox Foundation’s “Run to Home Base” event at Boston’s Fenway Park. The event raises money for veterans with brain injury and their families. F Y 2 0 1 6 P h i l a n t h r o p y R e p o r t · 31
THE MENTOR NETWORK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION FY2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce Nardella, Chairman Dwight Robson, President Linda DeRenzo, Secretary Chris Kozakis, Treasurer Sarah Magazine, Executive Director Neil Brendmoen Brett Cohen Kathleen Federico Denis Holler
NETWORK ANGELS FY2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce Nardella, President Chris Kozakis, Treasurer David Baird, Assistant Treasurer Sarah Magazine, Executive Director Neil Brendmoen Brett Cohen Robin Fishman Terri Greco Doug Hoffer Bruce Kuluris Robert Melia Terri McMullen, R.N. Connie Menne Carol Middel Dave Peterson Roxanna Saad Chris Williamson Jane Wiemerslage
www.thementornetwork.com www.networkcharitablefoundation.org www.networkangels.org