Telling the whole story.
Annual Report 2013
From the Executive Director
As Poet Laureate Maya Angelou once said “there is no greater burden than carrying an untold story.” So it is fitting that Voices for Children in Nebraska is committed to “telling the whole story” for Nebraska kids. For we know when we tell the whole story, we ease our children’s burdens and create an environment for them to thrive. As the outspoken, independent voice for Nebraska children, we are passionate about fairness and justice for all Nebraska kids. Over the years, Voices for Children has secured many, many policy victories for Nebraska children, and 2013 was no exception. On pages 8 and 9, you will see some of our key wins for kids during the 2013 legislative session. How do we do this? Our success is due in large part to our continuous efforts to collaborate, partner and engage with advocates, professionals and decision-makers across the state. Our annual Kids Count in Nebraska Report guides our decisions around necessary policy changes. We also understand the importance of finding new, innovative ways to engage Nebraskans in awareness and action. Through use of issue briefs, almost daily blogs, social media, infographics, videos and other visualizations, we are able to effectively communicate the stories of our children. It shouldn’t matter where a child is raised in Nebraska, they should have access to all they need to grow into happy, healthy, productive adults. We know at Voices for Children that bringing this dream to reality can’t happen in isolation. On behalf of the staff and board of directors, I want to thank each of you who have, in your own way, helped us tell the story of children in our state and our communities. I invite you to be our partner, help us tell the whole story and thereby create a better world for all of our children. Sincerely,
Carolyn D. Rooker, MSW
2
About Voices for Children Our Mission:
Voices for Children in Nebraska educates and motivates Nebraskans to take action to better the lives of Nebraska’s vulnerable children in the areas of Health, Education, Safety and Economic Stability. Policy victories for kids don’t happen by accident. For more than 25 years, Voices for Children in Nebraska has been standing up for the best interests of Nebraska’s kids and working with lawmakers to craft the best solutions for the problems children and families face.
With kids at the center of our work, we follow three basic principles: When a policy is good…
…We will support it When a policy is harmful…
…We will fight it When a policy is missing…
…We will create it 3
Research Annual Kids Count in Nebraska Report All of Voices for Children’s advocacy for kids lies on a strong foundation of data and research. For over 20 years, the cornerstone of this research has been the annual Kids Count in Nebraska Report. We use the commentary and data throughout the year to inform the public and lawmakers about the important issues that impact kids. The 2012 edition was released in January 2013. The Kids Count in Nebraska Report Commentary focused on Nebraska’s Child Welfare System. The Commentary highlighted the importance of keeping children safe and ensuring they grow up in stable, loving and permanent homes. The 2012 issue of Kids Count marked the first time that we moved to a more visually-oriented style to help users find the numbers they need quickly and easily. More charts and infographics replaced narrative-heavy portions of previous reports. This change in style has helped us more effectively communicate data and “tell the whole story.”
? 2012
The Kids Count in Nebraska 2012 Report was generously funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation
Kids Count in Nebraska Report
with additional support provided by:
4
?
Dr. Thomas & Jane Tonniges
and
Issue Briefs When we see a need for additional information that isn’t contained in the Kids Count in Nebraska Report, we produce a special issue brief. In 2013, we produced an issue brief on College Savings. The obstacles that youth face in pursuing higher education can significantly affect their overall well-being and upward mobility. In Nebraska, the socioeconomic and racial disparities that exist in higher education leave plenty of untapped potential in our growing economy, which is why we examined one promising intervention: strengthening college savings plans as a means of encouraging college aspirations from the earliest stage possible.
In February 2013, Voices for Children participated in the release of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot: Youth Incarceration in the United States. This report showed that while the national rate and number of youth detained or incarcerated fell significantly between 1997 and 2010, more work remained. Unfortunately, Nebraska incarcerates youth at the 3rd highest rate in the nation and our incarceration rate actually grew while the national rate plummeted. The report release generated a great deal of press coverage and helped spur legislative commitment to investing in juvenile justice reform.
Kids Count in Nebraska by the Numbers
174 state-level indicators of child well-being 30 indicators with disaggregation based on gender, age, ethnicity/race, or county 96 pages 91 tables & figures 32 county indicators 4 impact & policy boxes 5
Awareness Special Events Film screenings and panel conversations help elevate the level of conversation on key issues related to child well-being. In 2013, we drew attention to issues ranging from child hunger to juvenile justice. On September 19th, Voices for Children joined with Hunger Free Heartland and Active Voice to co-host a local screening of the film “A Place at the Table.” The film tells some of the real stories about people struggling with hunger in America and presents some possible solutions. The film was followed by a panel discussion featuring local experts to talk about hunger in Nebraska and what we as a community can do to address it.
1 in 8 Nebraska households don’t know where their next meal is coming from. On December 11th, Voices for Children hosted an exclusive pre-release screening of the critically acclaimed film, “Kids for Cash.” The film delves into the scandal that erupted when two Pennsylvania judges took over $2.6 million in funds in exchange for committing youth to a private facility. Participants attended the screening and then engaged in a lively panel discussion with filmmaker Robert May, national juvenile justice expert Marsha Levick, and a number of local reformers, on what lessons “Kids for Cash” holds for Nebraska’s juvenile justice system and ongoing reform efforts.
Marsha Levick of the Juvenile Law Center and filmmaker Robert May
6
Infographics As a data-driven organization, we rely on infographics and data visualizations to help us better understand an issue or to give the data context.
Awareness by the Numbers
135% growth in number of Facebook fans Over 1,000 followers on Twitter Website & Social Media Our website and blog serve as a central repository of data, information, and analysis on the issues affecting Nebraska’s children. Moving policy forward for kids requires a conversation about the issues and challenges they are facing. The growth in our social media presence is just one way we know that our work is having an impact on those conversations. In 2013 our Facebook fans grew by 135%.
Want to be a part of the conversation? Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ voicesforchildreninnebraska
Over 200 attendees at Kids for Cash screening and panel Over 200 attendees at A Place at the Table screening and panel
Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/voicesNE
7
Advocacy 2013 Legislative Session The 2013 Legislative Session saw several advances on children’s issues as well as some challenges. Here are a few highlights of the legislative session:
Health
The Legislature took a step forward in helping more children access behavioral health services with the passage of LB 556. This bill allows for the expanded use of telehealth, which connects providers with children when they cannot be physically present in the same location. The bill also created a pilot project on integrating behavioral health screenings into primary care settings. The Legislature failed to pass a bill that would have expanded Medicaid. This change would have impacted an estimated 54,000 Nebraskans and the failure to pass this bill will leave a gap in insurance availability in Nebraska as the Affordable Care Act was fully implemented in January 2014. This will leave some parents without access to health insurance.
Early Childhood
The Legislature made significant progress on early childhood with the passage of LB 507. This bill establishes a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for child care programs that will be mandatory for centers receiving large amounts of public funds. The rating system will allow parents and providers to assess the quality of care being provided and give providers a pathway to make improvements. The bill also increased eligibility for child care assistance for the first time since it was cut in 2002. Eligibility will increase from 120% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 125% FPL in 2014 and 130% FPL in 2015. This change will help ensure that more kids are in a safe place while their parents work.
Child Welfare
The Legislature built on its work from recent child welfare reform efforts in a number of ways. LB 265 removed barriers to placing children in the foster care system with adults they know, love and trust like godparents, coaches, and teachers. This reduces children’s trauma when removal from their home is necessary. The bill also made licensure more accessible for relative and kinship homes. Lawmakers also gave approval to other important measures that invested additional dollars in our child welfare system. LB 216 extends voluntary services and support to youth who have yet to find a permanent, loving home between the ages of 19 and 21, easing the transition to adulthood. It also provides extended adoption and guardianship subsidies for older youth in care. LB 530 took steps towards fairer and more adequate payment to foster parents.
8
Juvenile Justice
One of the major accomplishments of the 2013 legislative session was the passage of a comprehensive juvenile justice reform package. LB 561 invested an additional $14.5 million in the juvenile justice system and placed a focus on keeping kids out of the juvenile justice system unnecessarily, ensuring they can access evidence-based services close to their homes, and reducing Nebraska’s reliance on detention and incarceration. It also handed over responsibility and funding for services for most youth in the juvenile justice system to probation, allowing youth to access services without becoming state wards. The Legislature also passed LB 44, which brought Nebraska into compliance with the Supreme Court’s Miller v. Alabama decision, ending mandatory life without parole for youth.
Tax & Budget
$
The Legislature passed a moderate budget that starts to make smart and targeted investments that the state has not had funding for in recent years. After several years of budget cuts, the 20142015 biennial budget invests in things like home visiting and education that can help improve the quality of life for our state’s children and families.
Proposals to eliminate or drastically reduce the income tax and rely more heavily on regressive forms of taxation like sales tax were handily defeated. LB 405 and LB 406 were indefinitely postponed and the Legislature instead chose to create a committee to study tax policy over the interim and make recommendations with the goal of making changes to state tax policy in 2014. Voices for Children will continue to monitor major changes to our state tax structure and support a revenue structure that allows for adequate community investments and does not increase taxes on lower income Nebraska families.
Advocacy
by the Numbers 655 bills introduced 209 bills impacting kids 32 positions taken on bills 8 Voices for Children priority bills signed into law 3 interim studies introduced
9
Spotlight Gala Voices for Children hosted its annual Spotlight Gala at the Embassy Suites-La Vista on September 21st. More than 625 event attendees helped raise over $220,000 to support our research and advocacy. David and Nancy Jacobson served as this year’s honorary family. They, along with their children, Rachel, Sara, Ben and Justin, were recognized for their long-standing community involvement. Awards presented during the “Spotlight Gala” included: Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Tom Tonniges, Individual Award to Patti Koraleski, Youth Award to Steven Juarez, and Organization Award to Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts. Julie Cornell of KETV Channel 7 served as event emcee and Jeff Post led the live auction as auctioneer. The Spotlight Gala committee members were lead by Patti Koraleski and Emily Tonniges. Tessa Barney and Wendy Koontz chaired the auction committee. Special thanks go to Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Just Good Meat for their donations.
Photos by Jamie Vaughn Photography
The event’s Presenting Sponsor was the Weitz Family Foundation. Diamond sponsors of the event included KETV Channel 7, Alegent Creighton Health, Barnhart Press, and Rebel Interactive. Platinum sponsors were the David and Nancy Jacobson Family and Omaha Steaks.
State Senator Pete Pirsch, Carolyn Rooker, Dr. Tom Tonniges, David Hecker and former U.S. Senator Ben Nelson
10
Event & Auction Chairs Tessa Barney, Emily Tonniges, Patti Koraleski, and Wendy Koontz
As an independent voice for kids, Voices for Children in Nebraska wouldn’t exist without the financial contributions of foundations, individuals, and corporate supporters. A complete list of those donors is available online at www.voicesforchildren.com/annualreport.
Income Community Giving 1%
Contributions 8%
Grant Awards ....................... Special Events ..................... Contributions ........................ Community Giving ................
$ 401,150 $ 183,389 $ 73,153 $7,808 $ 665,500
Special Events 31%
Grant Awards 60%
Expenses Other/Administrative 12%
Awareness ......................... Research ............................ Other/Administrative ........ Fundraising ........................ Advocacy ............................ (Direct lobbying)
$ 192,684 $ 257,561 $ 59,637 $ 43,172 $ 10,442
Fundraising 9%
Research 37%
Advocacy 2%
$ 563,496 Awareness 40%
11
Donors Foundations, Organizations, and Businesses $90,000 + The Sherwood Foundation
$75,000-$89,999 The Annie E. Casey Foundation $25,000-$74,999 The Lozier Foundation William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation Holland Foundation Weitz Family Foundation M+R Strategic Services, Inc. $10,000-$24,999 ConAgra Foods Mammel Family Foundation Alegent Creighton Health First Focus-America’s Promise Alliance Presbyterian Church of the Cross The Kim Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Omaha Community Foundation Get OnBoard Conference Fund The Hawks Foundation The Todd & Betiana Simon Foundation $2,000-$4,999 Omaha Schools Foundation Community Services Fund of Nebraska Nebraska Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church P & A Management Co., L.L.C. Kiewit Corporation Leo A. Daly Mary Lanning Healthcare Nebraska Medical Center St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center Kutak Rock LLP The Annette and Paul Smith Charitable Foundation $500-$1,999 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska Bluestem Prairie Foundation Boys Town Bryan Health Charles Drew Health Center Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
Children & Adolescent Clinic P. C. Community Initiatives COPIC Insurance Company Doane College First National Bank of Omaha Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP Lutheran Family Services Methodist Hospital Monroe-Meyer Institute Mueller Robak LLC Nebraska Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Nebraska Children’s Home Society Foundation Nebraska State Education Association Norm’s Door Service Northern Natural Gas Omaha Firefighters Local 385 Omaha Performing Arts Society One World Community Health Center OPPD Rebel Interactive Regional 3 Behavioral Health Services St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center Saint Francis Medical Center Sharee and Murray Newman Foundation Special Olympics of Nebraska The Karen Sokolof Javitch Charitable Foundation The Kim Foundation The Visiting Nurse Association of the Midlands UNMC- College of Public Health University of Nebraska Foundation $100-$499 Access Bank Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation KC Credit Services Kristin Williams and Erin Porterfield Charitable Fund Nordquist for Legislature Rose Blumkin Foundation Inc. Tax Help United Way of the Midlands $1-$99 Ebsco Industries, Inc. Lincoln Community Foundation Springfield Drug & Soda
Donors Individual Gifts
Dr. George & Colleen Adam Scot & Rita Adams Dr. Keith & Pauline Allen Jason Ames Rodney & Kim Anderson Anonymous Michael Applegate Nancy Arendt Brain & Jodie Austin Rabbi & Mrs. Aryeh Azriel Richard & Mary Ann Balluff Tessa Barney John & Christine Barnhart Tim Barry John & Mary Lynn Bennett Kendra Bigsby Cameron Billingsley Marvin Bittner Bob & Stacie Bleicher Dennis & Amy Boesen Nancy Bond Rik Bonness Rachel Boyer Becky Breed Gary Bren Dr. Amy Brin Miller Dr. Beth Ann Brooks Fred & Penni Bruning Frank & Mary Bruning Ray Burke Matt Butler James Cabela Jim Cada Senator Kathy & Richard Campbell Angelica Carl Patricia Carlson Amy Carr Dr. Jacque & Judy Carter Kelly Casey Lorriane Chang Cullen Chollett Jason Christensen Chelsey Christensen Renee Claborn Mark & D.J. Clarke John & Gina Coffey John & Marcia Colombo Kevin & Lynn Corley
Ann Coyne Daniel & Pamela Daly Jonas & Chris DaSilva Nicole DaSilva Tim & Linda Daugherty Donald & Mary Dendinger Roy & Gloria Dinsdale Joyce Dixon Chinh Doan Patrick & Cindy Doherty Jon Doyle Jennifer Dreibelbis Jeff & Theresa Drelicharz James & Paula Duncan Brooke Eggert Julie Erickson Kristen Erickson Karla Ewert Dr. Fan Tait Lisa Fangman Americo Fernandes Ed Ficenec Jeremy Fitzpatrick Don & Janice Flegle William Fleming Joseph Kapusnick & Sarah Forrest Mitzi Fox Kenneth & Marjorie Fridrich Angie Garrett R. Edward & Patricia Gehringer Patricia Germer Korby Gilbertson Lisa Goc John & Kay Lynn Goldner David & Whitney Goldner Jeff & Judy Greenwald Mark Griffin Pat Griffin Carl Gumbiner Alison Gutierrez Cindy Hadsell Gary Hammack Bea Haney Bart Haney & Sara Jacobson Patrick & Suzanne Haney Elizabeth Hastreiter Sandy Heather David & Melanie Hecker
Jack Heidel Jessica Heineman Lee Heithoff Scott & Ruth Henneman Rosalee Higgs Donald & Patricia Holt Pat Horner Dr. Janet Howe Tim Hron Elizabeth Hruska Matthew & Mary Hunziker Sharon Hyer Sheila Ireland Leonora Isom David & Nancy Jacobson Richard Jacobson Ken James Drs. Ajoy & Laura Jana David Johnson Mary Johnson Robert & Cynthia Jones Jocelyn Joyce Gary & Sarah Kaplan David& Kristine Karnes Senator Russ & Jill Karpisek Thomas Kealy Mark & Kimberly Keating Danna Kehm Tim & Angela Kelso Joe Ketchmark Sunnah Kim Katie Kiper Wendy Koontz Robin & Ann Koozer Jeffrey & Patricia Koraleski John & Sarah Ann Kotchian Marc & Joan Kraft Sharon Krauss Gary & Cheryl Lerner Darrell & Karla Lester Elizabeth Llewellyn Edward & Cheryl Lockwood Ed & Carol Loose Erin Loucks Gary Lundgren Dale Mahlman Matt & Aubrey Mancuso John & Karla Marburger John & Megan Massey
Donors Gayle McKeon Bryan & Aimee McKim Stephen & Susan McWilliams Lori Meier Ray & Mary Meints Lloyd & Charlene Meyer Marie Meyers Craig & Kathy Moore Bob Moore Donald & Jean Moore John & Karen Morey William Mueller Tara Muir Alan & Linda Muskin Joseph & Deborah Neary Terese Nelson Senator Benjamin & Diane Nelson David Newell Senator Jeremy & Shannon Nordquist Yolanda Nuncio Doug & Lorri Oakeson Noelle Obermeyer Dennis & Susan Ocken Daniel Olaez Steve Osberg Diane Osborne Daniel Padilla Bill Pallett Stacy Pardue Dave & Lori Payne Don & Sharon Perry Pam Perry John & Cathy Pershing Jennifer Peter Sean Peterson Patricia Peterson Nicholas & Kristine Pieper Louis & Janet Pol Daniel Pridal Ronald & Helen Raikes William Randby & Julie Cornell B.J. & Christine Reed Kori Reed Jill Reel Peter Ricketts & Susanne Shore Holly Roberts Alex Rooker Carolyn Rooker
Nicole Rossitto Peter & Carla Rowe Dave Sanderson Judy Schweikart Kenton Shaffer Suzanne Shehan-Ames Bradley Sher Elvin & Helen Shew Charles Shoemaker & Lynne Friedewald Dr. & Mrs. Calvin Sia Sarah Sjolie Jennifer Skala Andrea Skolkin Sandi Skorniak Bob & Karen Slovek Theresa Smith Jim & Ruth Smith John & Patricia Sparks Joan Squires Thomas & Denese Stalnaker Frederick Stilwill Sandra Stuckey Robert & Jane Stutzman Michael & Patricia Sullivan Sharon Taba & Lynn Wilson Vera Tait Michael Taylor Fawn Taylor David & Karol Theophilus Mary Thompson Weston Thomson Deb Tomek Chris & Tracie Tonniges Emily Tonniges Terry Tonniges Dr. Tom & Jane Tonniges Robert & Georgina Tribolet Brandi Tumbleson Gary & Becky Unger Andy Vacek Nancy VanderSluis Jamie Vaughn Eileen Vautravers H. Nicholas & Gretchen Vondrak Ashley Voorhees Brenda Wagner Senator Norman & Pat Wallman Jason & Madison Warnemunde Jerry & Sue Warner
Jill Westfall Warren & Nancy Whitted Margot Wickman Kristin Williams Caroline Wilson Glenda Wilson David & Laura Wilwerding Phil & Jennifer Winkelmann Debora Wisneski Shelli Wolverton Christine Wright Michael Young Vicki Young Charlene Zabel Richard & Terryl Zacharia Dr. Heather & Matthew Zimmerman
Donors
A special thank you to all of our donors for helping us reach our goals in the year 2013. Without you we wouldn’t be where we are today!
7521 Main Street, Suite 103 Ralston, NE 68127 (402) 597-3100 phone (402) 597-2705 fax voices@voicesforchildren.com http://voicesforchildren.com
Telling the whole story.
Our Mission: Voices for Children in Nebraska educates and motivates Nebraskans to take action to better the lives of Nebraska’s vulnerable children in the areas of Health, Education, Safety and Economic Stability.
Board of Directors David Hecker, JD President
Keith Allen, PhD Anne Yu Buettner, MA Yolanda Chavez Nuncio, MEd Judy Greenwald, MSW Donna Hammack, MSEd Tim Hron, MA, LIMHP Kristen Erickson, CPA Lloyd Meyer Steve Mitchell Eric Nelson, MSE Daniel Padilla Tim Thoreson Regina Tullos-Williams
Jocelyn Joyce Vice President Delores “DJ” Clarke Secretary Steve Drucker, CPA Treasurer
Staff Carolyn D. Rooker, MSW Executive Director
Connie Hacker Accounts Manager
Rachel Boyer Special Projects Coordinator
Aubrey Mancuso, MSW Policy Coordinator Health & Economic Well-being
Chrissy Tonkinson, MPH Research Coordinator Sarah Forrest Policy Coordinator Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Shannon-Jo Hamilton, JD Child Welfare Policy Associate
Courtnay VanDeVelde Policy Associate Jill Westfall, MPA Communications & Operations Coordinator