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DIRECTOR'S ANNUAL REPORT 2008
“The work of the settlement house is to support a standard of life, fit for human beings, and to do so in concert with our neighbors, consistent with our belief that all members of our democratic society are equally valuable and able to contribute to the common good.”
This year presented strong contrasts for South Side Settlement—We initiated new programs, entered into new contracts and partnerships, were challenged to meet new demands and to rejuvenate dormant relationships.
PROGRAM
Summer program at Triple S Camp received a strong infusion of support from the United Way of Central Ohio and Franklin County Job and Family Services,in 2007, through the GO! Summer Initiative that provided summer-long tuition for 30 TANF eligible children.(35 additional children per session attended but did not receive the GO! Grant tuition). This was a first for our residential camp program, and resulted in steady enrollments throughout the 7-week season. Consistent participation coupled with consistently excellent program content and activities, meant good results for children and positive responses from their families. The GO! grant has been renewed for the 2008 summer season, to provide funding for 40 eligible children in each session.
Our services for seniors expanded beyond transportation from 3 senior centers, to include weekly meetings at South Side, trips to many interesting events and places chosen by the group members, volunteer projects, and luncheons. Wendy Damron, our dedicated Senior Services worker kept this busy schedule organized and effective, while continuing our traditional “friendly visits” to home-bound seniors. The expanded seniors program has grown out of Columbus Federation of Settlements partnerships. Over 120 seniors have received services this year.
A change in September that left our Preschool/Childcare program without the HeadStart program support that we had received for the past seven years, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. South Side Settlement was able to meet the qualifications for membership in the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) a partnership that has increased our access to training for staff, screenings for children, and funding for the program. Lead teacher, Valerie Pugh, received CDA certification, and the number of children enrolled has doubled.
After two years as a sub-contractor, South Side entered into an independent contract with FCCS to provide Family to Family case-management and advocacy services for families needing to address child abuse and neglect. Our team of two social workers and a community services worker exceeded the contract expectations, while providing compassionate and effective work with troubled families.
In an effort to bring costs more in line with resources, we reduced our Junior Program enrollment from four to three groups of fifteen children. Program included regular enrichment experiences in nutrition and fitness, natural science, and dance. A new initiative through the Columbus Federation of Settlements and Greater Columbus Arts Council brought art experiences into South Side through Art in the House for children, and TransitARTS for teens. This unique opportunity began operating at SSS in April.
Other Youth initiatives included an innovative project called MOVE, that was funded by a grant from the Columbus Medical Association and engaged children and parents in regularly scheduled physical activity. MOVE events took place on alternate Saturdays throughout the school year to encourage active participation, provide exposure to a range of different types of exercise. and help families view fitness and nutrition as regular part of their lives.
A special 12-week tutoring project aimed at improving reading, was provided at South Side, for children who were income-eligible and attending schools considered to be under-performing. This was a targeted effort which allowed our staff to pre- and post-test participants using a standardized measurement.---children participated, and --% showed improved scores at the conclusion of the project.
NEW PROJECTS
Recognizing that our historic Methodist connections should be constantly renewed, we took steps to reintroduce South Side Settlement to local congregations. With the help of Board member Rev. Ellen Phillips, and other long-time Methodist supporters, we made contacts with churches and UMW’s, and initiated an opportunity for church groups to collect donations for SSS as a part of their Lenten observations. This increased our visibility among people who have a historic and philosophical relationship with our institution and mission.
South Side was included in a National Youth Advocacy Program grant, sponsored by the United Church of Christ. This has allowed us to engage in capacity-building opportunities including training for staff, and support for our effort to develop a curriculum for group-work with youth, that we hope will form a basis for accreditation of our settlement house practice in this area.
In preparation for our annual Evening of Poetry, South Side Settlement presented a series of 5 poetry workshops, each led by an outstanding local poet, who represented a unique perspective. The workshops were supported by a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and were free and open to anyone who was interested; they included writing poetry and readings by the instructor and students. Total attendance was 35, and 18 people attended one or more workshops.
ON-GOING PROJECTS
In the midst of change, there were several important projects that persevered in pursuit of established goals: The plans to upgrade the information technology capabilities of the agency continue to be implemented, under the direction of Board member Matt Chretien. This included adding wireless Internet access, which allowed SSS to serve as a tax preparation (VITA) site for the south side community, and as a location for the Benefit Bank, a “one-stop shop” for people who need to apply for public benefits. These services are not only very helpful to people, but we were also the only location for them in this area. A new website has also been developed for SSS. The website, which is user-friendly and easily modified, is a step forward in our efforts to more effectively communicate our mission, programs, and needs.
The Outside/Change Committee, which was formed as a part of our 2004 strategic plan, has continued to actively address conditions and concerns of the immediate neighborhood. Efforts this year have centered on causes and solutions to criminal acts, slum housing and exploitation, creating a safe, nurturing community for children, the economic potential of a small-business incubator, and building community block by block. Leadership and commitment to sustained engagement around these concerns has come from Kathleen Gmeiner, and a core of community volunteers.
This year, the food pantry housed at South Side Settlement and staffed by volunteers from Clair United Methodist Church under the leadership of Betty Houston, transitioned into a CHOICE Pantry. Keith English enlisted Kroger in donating funds for stainless steel shelves, carts, and a large quantity of food stocks. This pantry and our free lunch program continue to experience a growing number of people in need of food donations as a subsistence strategy.
The Reeb-Hosack/Steelton Village Planning Association continued to be a significant voice for the neighborhood and an active participant in the on-going Parsons Avenue revitalization project, to encourage economic development and, acting in concert with community groups, developers and businesses, to develop the area near Parsons and Barthman. This includes an active dialog about the possibilities for cooperative housing, the return of the John Maloney Neighborhood Health Center, and the need for retail, banking, etc. in this area. South Side Settlement House continues to sponsor the SSExpress which is being written by volunteers and provides the only local news specific to this neighborhood.
Our Community Garden re-emerged after a two-year hiatus caused by noxious weeds. A Neighborhood Partnership grant and assistance from the Franklin Park Conservatory, volunteers and SSS staff prepared the garden for active use during the 2008 planting season. This is particularly relevant to a South Side Health Initiative that emphasizes access to fresh produce and farmers’ markets to help combat an epidemic of obesity and diet related health conditions in this area.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Columbus Federation of Settlements continued to build capacity and develop opportunities for the member agencies. This included funding the initial implementation of the TransitARTS and Art in the House projects, to bring professional artists into our settlement houses, providing art and entrepreneurship experiences to children and teens, based on the highly successful Short Stop/CAPAcity model. All of the CFS members continue to benefit from joint projects transporting seniors, development of standardized HR and volunteer management procedures, and staff development and training opportunities.
Audubon volunteers worked on a weekly basis with two Junior Program groups. Children built on previous years of experience feeding and watching birds in our neighborhood, and participating in the planning process to develop a metro park on the Whittier peninsula.
The presence of the SS Neighborhood Pride office in our building and joint efforts of our two agencies has benefited the neighborhood, and served as a particularly important partnership for community development efforts around the Parsons Avenue plan and Outside/Change.
CHANGES
A significant structural change was undertaken this year to merge the South Side Settlement Foundation with South Side Settlement House. This eliminated the “holding company” role of the Foundation, made our financial position and transactions simpler and more transparent, and eliminated the need for two annual audits.
TRIUMPHS
Associate Director Tommy Ferguson received a Walter and Marian English Award to attend the 2007 International Settlements Conference in Romania, representing South Side Settlement and the Columbus Federation of Settlements. He shared information on this experience in a presentation made at the Columbus Federation of Settlements’ annual conference in Columbus. He was invited to attend, and will make a presentation on youth work, at the 2008 conference in Helsinki, Finland.
The 7th Annual South Side Settlement ArtsFreedom Awards, honored Loann Crane and Fred Holdridge, two significant patrons of the arts. This was a slight variation from our usual patterns of selecting working artists for recognition. It was consistent, however, with the intent of the Awards to honor and encourage those who utilize their gifts in the arts for the common good. Huntington Bank continued as our leadership sponsor and Bob Evans Farms, Inc. committed a significant gift for the event. South Side Settlement's 6th Evening of Poetry and Poets presented Li-Young Lee, whose works have received international acclaim. A reception for event patrons and the poet was hosted by Baba Obadina, and was attended by representatives of the Columbus Chinese Association.
Board members, Tasha Ruth and Robin Loughrin organized a Halloween fundraiser, that raised awareness of our agency among young legal professionals, as well as generating donations for programs.
CHALLENGE/OPPORTUNITY
Challenge and opportunity are two faces of change that are integral to our work as a settlement house. The process of change has been an important component of our relationship to the United Way of Central Ohio, our primary funder. We recognize the need to diversify our base of support, while taking advantage of appropriate opportunities to work in concert with the United Way's goals and priorities. To that end, we continue as active participants in the UWCO Professional Advisory Council and on Impact Councils. At the same time, we have looked for more grants and contracts to support work that is relevant to our values and mission, as costs outstrip contributions.
Although the fiscal health of South Side Settlement remains sound, this speaks to our ability to support the work that we do in the face of rising costs of operations, including increases in utility costs, insurance, and the need to repair and replace vehicles and other equipment. Our challenge is to create a consistent balance of support by reducing our expenses through routine economies, sound business practices, and attention to costs; and to increase revenues by thoughtful grant-seeking, and assertive friend-raising.
Last, but hardly least, is the expected change in leadership as the agency prepares to hire a new Executive Director. Over the past five months the Board of Directors has developed a search process that should culminate in a completed transition by February 2009. Staff and community volunteers are an active part of this process.
Ultimately our greatest challenge is to step forward to meet and foster change as the times require, and to do so while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the values that inform our mission. The work of South Side Settlement requires that we return daily to our philosophy and work toward the standard set out so simply in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”
Mari Sunami
May 21, 2008
“The work of the settlement house is to support a standard of life, fit for human beings, and to do so in concert with our neighbors, consistent with our belief that all members of our democratic society are equally valuable and able to contribute to the common good.”
This year presented strong contrasts for South Side Settlement—We initiated new programs, entered into new contracts and partnerships, were challenged to meet new demands and to rejuvenate dormant relationships.
PROGRAM
Summer program at Triple S Camp received a strong infusion of support from the United Way of Central Ohio and Franklin County Job and Family Services,in 2007, through the GO! Summer Initiative that provided summer-long tuition for 30 TANF eligible children.(35 additional children per session attended but did not receive the GO! Grant tuition). This was a first for our residential camp program, and resulted in steady enrollments throughout the 7-week season. Consistent participation coupled with consistently excellent program content and activities, meant good results for children and positive responses from their families. The GO! grant has been renewed for the 2008 summer season, to provide funding for 40 eligible children in each session.
Our services for seniors expanded beyond transportation from 3 senior centers, to include weekly meetings at South Side, trips to many interesting events and places chosen by the group members, volunteer projects, and luncheons. Wendy Damron, our dedicated Senior Services worker kept this busy schedule organized and effective, while continuing our traditional “friendly visits” to home-bound seniors. The expanded seniors program has grown out of Columbus Federation of Settlements partnerships. Over 120 seniors have received services this year.
A change in September that left our Preschool/Childcare program without the HeadStart program support that we had received for the past seven years, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. South Side Settlement was able to meet the qualifications for membership in the Early Learning Initiative (ELI) a partnership that has increased our access to training for staff, screenings for children, and funding for the program. Lead teacher, Valerie Pugh, received CDA certification, and the number of children enrolled has doubled.
After two years as a sub-contractor, South Side entered into an independent contract with FCCS to provide Family to Family case-management and advocacy services for families needing to address child abuse and neglect. Our team of two social workers and a community services worker exceeded the contract expectations, while providing compassionate and effective work with troubled families.
In an effort to bring costs more in line with resources, we reduced our Junior Program enrollment from four to three groups of fifteen children. Program included regular enrichment experiences in nutrition and fitness, natural science, and dance. A new initiative through the Columbus Federation of Settlements and Greater Columbus Arts Council brought art experiences into South Side through Art in the House for children, and TransitARTS for teens. This unique opportunity began operating at SSS in April.
Other Youth initiatives included an innovative project called MOVE, that was funded by a grant from the Columbus Medical Association and engaged children and parents in regularly scheduled physical activity. MOVE events took place on alternate Saturdays throughout the school year to encourage active participation, provide exposure to a range of different types of exercise. and help families view fitness and nutrition as regular part of their lives.
A special 12-week tutoring project aimed at improving reading, was provided at South Side, for children who were income-eligible and attending schools considered to be under-performing. This was a targeted effort which allowed our staff to pre- and post-test participants using a standardized measurement.---children participated, and --% showed improved scores at the conclusion of the project.
NEW PROJECTS
Recognizing that our historic Methodist connections should be constantly renewed, we took steps to reintroduce South Side Settlement to local congregations. With the help of Board member Rev. Ellen Phillips, and other long-time Methodist supporters, we made contacts with churches and UMW’s, and initiated an opportunity for church groups to collect donations for SSS as a part of their Lenten observations. This increased our visibility among people who have a historic and philosophical relationship with our institution and mission.
South Side was included in a National Youth Advocacy Program grant, sponsored by the United Church of Christ. This has allowed us to engage in capacity-building opportunities including training for staff, and support for our effort to develop a curriculum for group-work with youth, that we hope will form a basis for accreditation of our settlement house practice in this area.
In preparation for our annual Evening of Poetry, South Side Settlement presented a series of 5 poetry workshops, each led by an outstanding local poet, who represented a unique perspective. The workshops were supported by a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and were free and open to anyone who was interested; they included writing poetry and readings by the instructor and students. Total attendance was 35, and 18 people attended one or more workshops.
ON-GOING PROJECTS
In the midst of change, there were several important projects that persevered in pursuit of established goals: The plans to upgrade the information technology capabilities of the agency continue to be implemented, under the direction of Board member Matt Chretien. This included adding wireless Internet access, which allowed SSS to serve as a tax preparation (VITA) site for the south side community, and as a location for the Benefit Bank, a “one-stop shop” for people who need to apply for public benefits. These services are not only very helpful to people, but we were also the only location for them in this area. A new website has also been developed for SSS. The website, which is user-friendly and easily modified, is a step forward in our efforts to more effectively communicate our mission, programs, and needs.
The Outside/Change Committee, which was formed as a part of our 2004 strategic plan, has continued to actively address conditions and concerns of the immediate neighborhood. Efforts this year have centered on causes and solutions to criminal acts, slum housing and exploitation, creating a safe, nurturing community for children, the economic potential of a small-business incubator, and building community block by block. Leadership and commitment to sustained engagement around these concerns has come from Kathleen Gmeiner, and a core of community volunteers.
This year, the food pantry housed at South Side Settlement and staffed by volunteers from Clair United Methodist Church under the leadership of Betty Houston, transitioned into a CHOICE Pantry. Keith English enlisted Kroger in donating funds for stainless steel shelves, carts, and a large quantity of food stocks. This pantry and our free lunch program continue to experience a growing number of people in need of food donations as a subsistence strategy.
The Reeb-Hosack/Steelton Village Planning Association continued to be a significant voice for the neighborhood and an active participant in the on-going Parsons Avenue revitalization project, to encourage economic development and, acting in concert with community groups, developers and businesses, to develop the area near Parsons and Barthman. This includes an active dialog about the possibilities for cooperative housing, the return of the John Maloney Neighborhood Health Center, and the need for retail, banking, etc. in this area. South Side Settlement House continues to sponsor the SSExpress which is being written by volunteers and provides the only local news specific to this neighborhood.
Our Community Garden re-emerged after a two-year hiatus caused by noxious weeds. A Neighborhood Partnership grant and assistance from the Franklin Park Conservatory, volunteers and SSS staff prepared the garden for active use during the 2008 planting season. This is particularly relevant to a South Side Health Initiative that emphasizes access to fresh produce and farmers’ markets to help combat an epidemic of obesity and diet related health conditions in this area.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Columbus Federation of Settlements continued to build capacity and develop opportunities for the member agencies. This included funding the initial implementation of the TransitARTS and Art in the House projects, to bring professional artists into our settlement houses, providing art and entrepreneurship experiences to children and teens, based on the highly successful Short Stop/CAPAcity model. All of the CFS members continue to benefit from joint projects transporting seniors, development of standardized HR and volunteer management procedures, and staff development and training opportunities.
Audubon volunteers worked on a weekly basis with two Junior Program groups. Children built on previous years of experience feeding and watching birds in our neighborhood, and participating in the planning process to develop a metro park on the Whittier peninsula.
The presence of the SS Neighborhood Pride office in our building and joint efforts of our two agencies has benefited the neighborhood, and served as a particularly important partnership for community development efforts around the Parsons Avenue plan and Outside/Change.
CHANGES
A significant structural change was undertaken this year to merge the South Side Settlement Foundation with South Side Settlement House. This eliminated the “holding company” role of the Foundation, made our financial position and transactions simpler and more transparent, and eliminated the need for two annual audits.
TRIUMPHS
Associate Director Tommy Ferguson received a Walter and Marian English Award to attend the 2007 International Settlements Conference in Romania, representing South Side Settlement and the Columbus Federation of Settlements. He shared information on this experience in a presentation made at the Columbus Federation of Settlements’ annual conference in Columbus. He was invited to attend, and will make a presentation on youth work, at the 2008 conference in Helsinki, Finland.
The 7th Annual South Side Settlement ArtsFreedom Awards, honored Loann Crane and Fred Holdridge, two significant patrons of the arts. This was a slight variation from our usual patterns of selecting working artists for recognition. It was consistent, however, with the intent of the Awards to honor and encourage those who utilize their gifts in the arts for the common good. Huntington Bank continued as our leadership sponsor and Bob Evans Farms, Inc. committed a significant gift for the event. South Side Settlement's 6th Evening of Poetry and Poets presented Li-Young Lee, whose works have received international acclaim. A reception for event patrons and the poet was hosted by Baba Obadina, and was attended by representatives of the Columbus Chinese Association.
Board members, Tasha Ruth and Robin Loughrin organized a Halloween fundraiser, that raised awareness of our agency among young legal professionals, as well as generating donations for programs.
CHALLENGE/OPPORTUNITY
Challenge and opportunity are two faces of change that are integral to our work as a settlement house. The process of change has been an important component of our relationship to the United Way of Central Ohio, our primary funder. We recognize the need to diversify our base of support, while taking advantage of appropriate opportunities to work in concert with the United Way's goals and priorities. To that end, we continue as active participants in the UWCO Professional Advisory Council and on Impact Councils. At the same time, we have looked for more grants and contracts to support work that is relevant to our values and mission, as costs outstrip contributions.
Although the fiscal health of South Side Settlement remains sound, this speaks to our ability to support the work that we do in the face of rising costs of operations, including increases in utility costs, insurance, and the need to repair and replace vehicles and other equipment. Our challenge is to create a consistent balance of support by reducing our expenses through routine economies, sound business practices, and attention to costs; and to increase revenues by thoughtful grant-seeking, and assertive friend-raising.
Last, but hardly least, is the expected change in leadership as the agency prepares to hire a new Executive Director. Over the past five months the Board of Directors has developed a search process that should culminate in a completed transition by February 2009. Staff and community volunteers are an active part of this process.
Ultimately our greatest challenge is to step forward to meet and foster change as the times require, and to do so while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the values that inform our mission. The work of South Side Settlement requires that we return daily to our philosophy and work toward the standard set out so simply in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.”
Mari Sunami
May 21, 2008
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