2008

Ph: (585) 589-5605 Fax: (585) 589-9015

www.caoginc.org Serving Orleans and Genesee Counties Since 1965

409 East State St. Albion, New York

14411

Annual Report

VALUES and PRINCIPLES

Compassion - We have the ability to understand needs and treat people with dignity and re-spect.

Respect - We will understand one’s views without judging and behave accordingly.

Fairness - We will deal with people with under-standing, honesty, and consistency.

Trust - We will be true and loyal to ourselves and others, and to our Mission.

Integrity/Honesty - We will say what we mean and mean what we say and be consistent.

Hope - We will encourage people to be optimistic while pursuing their goals and dreams.

Continuous Improvement - We will continually work toward improvement in all that we think, say, and do.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

MISSION To Provide Services, with Dignity

and Respect, that Help People

Become Self-Sufficient

VISION OUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION

LEADERS IN HELPING PEOPLE CHANGE AND GROW

Embracing Our Community.

Message from the Chairman of the Board: 2008 was a busy year for the Community Ac-

tion Board of Directors. The Board dedicated 361 hours to completing a lot of strategic work through planning and general oversight. As the ‘Stimulus’ funding gives us

the opportunity to serve more consumers, the Board will work to make the most effective use of the money and serve as many people as possible. I hope this year will be a suc-cessful one in both Genesee and Orleans Counties as we take on these challenging op-portunities. Thank you for your support and your partnership with us. — Dean London, Community Action Board Chairman and Board member since 1997.

Community Action Board of Directors

Dean London, Chairperson, Law Enforcement

Grace Denniston, Vice Chairperson, Senior Services

Pam Whitmore, Secretary, Gen. Co. Office for Aging

Ashley Ward, Treasurer, Retired Housing Services

Eileen Banker, Rep. State Legislator Hawley

Sue Baker, Retired Educator

Cassandra Ploessel, Head Start Policy Council Rep.

Mary Ann Salisbury, Retired, Human Services

Dee Dee Hintz, Community Sector

Bonnie Johnson, Saint-Gobain

Esther Leadley, Genesee County Legislator

Mike Paduchak, Private Agricultural Business

Geary Shenck, Rep. State Senator Maziarz

Emily Frank, Medina Ministerium

Mary Repass, Community Sector

Community Action Board of Directors

Seated: (left to right) Geary Shenck, Ashley Ward, Cassandra Ploessel, Grace Denniston, Emily Frank. Standing: Sue Baker, Esther Leadley, Dee Dee Hintz, Mary Repass, Mike Paduchak, Dean London,

Bonnie Johnson. Not Pictured: Eileen Banker, Mary Ann Salisbury, Pam Whitmore.

Message from the Executive Director: I’m pleased to report that our new name: Community Action of Orleans & Genesee became official in December! We are working toward full implementation of the name change throughout the agency.

2008 was indeed a busy year for the agency! I am proud of our staff and their accomplishments in providing exceptional service to our community. I invite you to take the time to review what we have accomplished in 2008 in the pages of this report. These out-

comes are a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff to providing quality service!

Thanks also go to our volunteers. Without them we would not be able to provide the level of service that we do. I thank the members of our board of directors for their leadership, commitment to our mission, and volunteer service to the agency. Thank you also to our community partners, our funding agencies, and those who have donated time and financial resources to our agency. We pledge to con-tinue to be good stewards of your charitable contributions and your public resources.

2009 is sizing up to be a challenging year. Given the state of the economy, the agency is experiencing record demand for services. The agency will experience a significant influx of funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“Stimulus”) to help meet the needs in our community. We will continue to welcome opportunities and work hard to provide services to help people over-come the challenges of poverty and build self-sufficiency in the lives of our neediest neighbors.

- Edward Fancher, Executive Director

New and Expanded Programs & Services

Food Stamp Outreach In 2008, Community Action provided outreach services to potential Food Stamp recipients in

both Genesee and Orleans Counties.

Main Street Store Expansion The Main Street Store expanded next door to 45 North Main Street in Albion and now offers

furniture, home décor items and tutoring services to at-risk Albion students.

Expanded CATS Service in Orleans County In 2008, the Community Action Transportation Services (CATS) expanded transportation

services for disabled senior citizens (over 50 in this case) to medical appointments.

Nutritional Support for Working Families Community Action began providing support to working families in Genesee County by col-laborating with the Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide nutrition education and en-

hanced Food Pantry Services.

Drug Free Communities (DFC) Partnership with GCASA Community Action partnered with the Genesee/Orleans Council on

Alcohol and Substance Abuse (GCASA) to fund the DFC Coalition in Orleans County. The Coalition aims to change the culture of Orleans

County through information, events and community involvement.

Programs and Services

Weatherization Energy Audit, Conservation

• 105 housing units were weatherized, becoming more energy efficient and reducing the energy burden for those families.

• Another seven residences were made more en-ergy efficient through NYSERDA.

Early Childhood Education Head Start, Early Head Start

Helping Hands Program, Universal Pre-K

• 337 children were enrolled in Head Start (3 and 4 year olds) or Early Head Start (birth to 3 years old) — 51.2% of the eligible children. • 100% of Head Start and Early Head Start children received medical exams and 94% of Head Start children received dental exams. • 218 children attended center-based Head Start from September to June, in Albion, Kendall, Batavia or Medina. • 107 four year olds were developmentally ready to enter kindergar-ten by the end of the year. • 44 were Early Head Start children, 33 of whom attended the center based program in Batavia or Medina. • Average monthly enrollment was 97.1% for the school year. • 251 children were screened and 36 were identified with a disability. Three children successfully completed an individualized education plan. • Over 63,000 meals were served in Head Start and Early Head Start.

• 221 parents set and followed up on life goals. For example:

• 3 parents obtained employment • 7 families improved their housing • 45 parents improved parenting skills • 9 progressed toward completing ABE or GED course-

work. • 13 parents progressed toward a post-secondary degree.

• 24 youth volunteered in the ‘Helping Hands’ program to

read to Head Start children in Albion.

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)

Provider Training, Parent Referral • 16 day care providers completed

health and safety trainings and be-came licensed, creating a total 200 new day care slots.

• 390 parents received referrals to child care programs.

• 58 families successfully enrolled children in child care programs as a result of these referrals.

ACT — Helping Youth ACT Responsibly Pregnancy Prevention Education provided through: • Individual & Small Group Services: 70 females

and 88 males completed, 22 con-tinue services. • Workshops / Presentations (Schools / Organizations): 1642 youth served. • Community Awareness: 7,646 individuals reached.

Programs and Services

HEAP & Energy Packaging Energy Assistance & Conservation

• 321 low-income residents of Genesee County completed applications for home energy assistance program and 305 re-ceived benefits.

Food Stamp Outreach Food Stamp application assistance

• 167 households completed the application process and 94 received benefits.

The Main Street Store Dress For Success, Thrift Shop, Tutoring,

Computer access, Job counseling

• Approximately 2,880 people purchased high quality, low-cost clothing

• 96 individuals obtained attire for job interviews.

• 189 individuals used a public computer • 18 youth at-risk of dropping out of school

completed a tutoring program. • 39 unemployed

adults completed a retail training pro-gram.

• Out of 62 women en-rolled in the Genesee Valley Women’s Pro-ject Initiative, 34 ob-tained employment.

Emergency Services Goal Setting, Crisis Counseling, Food, Cloth-ing, Personal Care Items, Referrals, Advocacy

• 2,213 families requested emergency assis-tance and received crisis counseling

• 1,431 families received emergency food • 80 families received emergency housing or

utility assistance • 13 received temporary shelter • 47 received emergency transportation • At least 709 families received surplus food

Eastern Orleans Community Center Senior Nutrition and Activities, Soup Kitchen,

Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Computer access After School Programming, Referrals

• 4,822 meals were served in the Soup

Kitchen in 2008. • 30 Seniors participated in

social or recreational activi-ties on a regular basis.

• 19 were able to participate independently in the commu-nity as a result of services.

• 20 youth attended after school hours.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

• Volunteers prepared tax returns for 279 families, generating $109,317 for clients.

Job Seeking Skills Resume Building, Job Search Assistance

• 180 TANF recipients completed the class

and showed increased knowledge about job seeking.

• 151 students improved interview skills • 62 students obtained employment.

C.A.T.S. Transportation Community Action Transportation System:

Appointments, Public Events, Shopping and Private pay

• CATS transported 393 riders in 2008. • 78 of the riders were disabled. • 139 of the riders were elderly • 9 buses were used to transport riders; an-

other 12 transported Head Start children.

Community Action Angels Help for anyone in need

• The Angels sponsored community events such as a Battle of the Bands, a Bike Rodeo, School Supplies, Books and Coat give-a-ways, the Golf Tourney, Safety events and much more.

• 469 households received Holiday Baskets. • Over 400 children came to the Children’s Carnival. • Community Action Angels provided vouchers to 91 households totaling $5,825.

As a national organization, Community Action has three Areas of Emphasis: building self-sufficiency, increasing ca-pacity and improving community con-ditions. In 2008, Community Action served 5,851 families including 9,798 individuals. The following initiatives sought to move individuals and fami-lies of Orleans and Genesee Counties towards self-sufficiency. • 155 individuals sought and obtained

employment. • 58 adults were able to maintain em-

ployment or pursue education or vo-cational training due to ability to find affordable, quality daycare

• 231 individuals obtained pre-employment skills

• 88 households had an increase in income as a result of tax preparation assistance

• 5 obtained safe, affordable housing • 22 individuals are working towards

their college degree

• 2,213 households in crisis had their emergency needs ameliorated

• 68 Head Start parents participated in parenting programs to become more effective parents

• 1,044 youth avoided risk-taking be-havior for defined periods of time

• 57 individuals completed and main-tained a budget for 90 days

• 312 Head Start and Early Head Start children accessed medical or dental care

• 165 seniors and 78 disabled indi-viduals maintained an independent living situation

• 107 Head Start children were devel-opmentally ready when entering kindergarten

• 30 seniors participated in daily con-gregate meals at Holley Center

• 22 seniors participated in social, educational or health related activi-ties that improve their quality of life

Building Self-Sufficiency

The process of building agency capacity is one of the areas of focus for Com-munity Action. Some of the ways Community Action attempted to work on this area in 2008 were: • 70 formal partnerships were established or maintained with other public and

private entities to provide services • 44 partners serve on agency program advisory councils • 15 Agency personnel serve on other agency program advisory councils • Community Action applied for 17 new or continuing program opportunities

by applying for funding from external sources • Improved visibility of agency due to increased marketing (updated website,

new letterhead and signage, presence at community fairs and special events) • Improved service delivery by improving agency buildings and grounds

Another area of focus for Community Action on a national level is improving the community living conditions of low-income people. Better community conditions improve the quality of residents’ lives, resulting in greater opportunities for successful independence. Community Action produced the following community improvements in 2008: • CATS, increased the availability and affordability of essential transportation services,

enabling low-income, seniors, and disabled residents to work and attend appointments • 200 new child care opportunities were created in two counties. • 113 safe and affordable housing units were preserved or improved.

Improving Community Conditions

Increasing Agency Capacity

Life Change

A Helping Hand: Community Action’s HEAP Coordinator tells the following story (the name has been changed to protect the customer’s identity): “When Cheryl came to my office for the first time, her smile and positive attitude was invigorating. One thing I always remember her saying was ‘Everything in life happens for a reason, and I will get through it.’ She was going through a divorce and working two jobs just to make ends meet. Throughout our discussions I learned that Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer and has been going through treatment for a while now. She had many relapses and even though things seemed dim, Cheryl still had a smile on her face and told me not to worry that she would be OK. During our last HEAP meeting in March, Cheryl told me that she was on her way to being healthy again! As if Cheryl didn’t have enough things on her plate to deal with, she recently told me that she took custody of her grandson. She said that no matter what she had to do she would give that child a good life and would not put him in foster care despite the additional costs. After telling me she was struggling with the cost of child care, I referred Cheryl to CCR&R. She received assistance and was put on the list to get help with her grandson’s child care situation.”

Lives Changed: Katie (name changed for protection), a newly separated mother with 5 children living in a rural area of Genesee County came to Community Action looking for information, support and assistance. After a domestic violence incident, Katie became a single parent without a significant income. Katie had children to care for and little help. Through Community Action, Katie accessed programs and services that helped her develop coping skills and support her family. Katie has persevered through domestic violence, separation, divorce, and navigating the Department of Social Services for financial assistance for herself and her children. With the help of Community Ac-tion as well as a network of other human service agencies, Katie is no longer on Public Assistance and is self-supporting. She even takes the time to give back by volunteering at Surplus Food Distributions.

Katie has evolved from a timid woman with very low self-esteem into a strong, capable, determined woman who is no longer a “victim” of her past situations.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. One day the opportunity will present itself and I will return the generosity you have shown me. Thank you.”

Community Action in the News

A.C.T. Community Council Representatives

Mary Zangerle (Chair) Bonnie Malakie Marsha Rivers John Gorham Carrie O’Neal Cheryl Johnson Laurie Thornley Cindy Perry Nola Goodrich-Kresse Margo Bowerman Pat Crowley James Graziano Teresa Zwifka Sue Starkweather Stephanie Burke Angela Barbeau Kaitlin Smith

Community Action Angels Advisory Board: Genesee County

Maudie Howell, Chairperson Elaine Ryan,

Vice Chairperson Jim Scharping

Mary Felice

Geary Shenck Midge Jenks

Linda McGlen Terry Probst

Eula Lavendar

Community Action Head Start Policy Council Mike Stalker Cassandra Ploessel Dee Dee Hintz (Chair) Lorelei Roll Julie Johnston Kelly Morrison Mary Ann Salisbury Nicole Helsdon Donald Butts Patricia Crowley Heidi Haines Migdalia Cole Heather Calder Maria Sanders Jeannette Higgins Denise Syzmanski Heather Pratt Christina Salt

Community Action Angels Advisory Board: Orleans County Annette Finch Grace Denniston Joni Dix Rev. Randy LaBaron Sue Hackenberg Ann Holmes Debbie Whittier Beverly Storms Donna Roberts Barb Ostrowski Brenda Radzinski Jerome Pawlak Bonnie Johnson Kathy LaLonde Ella McGee Marilyn Rouse Jessica Stacker Freddie Stewart Margie Adalco Lori Panek Consuela Smith Alicia Thiel Amy Lester Teresa Price

Eastern Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Board

Pam Whitmore Connie Boyd

Esther Leadley Bob Goodsell

Beverly Mancuso Mary Repass

Ray Walker Barbara Bradt

Michael Metcalf Pat Phillips

Tabitha Torcello

Number of Logged

Volunteer Hours: 31,530

Number of

Logged Program

Volunteers: 1,123

Community Volunteers Volunteers are extremely important to the operations of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee. Community Action is governed by volunteers, advised by volunteers and much of the work is accomplished by volunteers. This agency functions much more effectively with volunteers from the community, employment trainees from Workforce Development, interns from local colleges and many individuals from local organizations, churches and businesses. Youth in the service area were very active in 2008 Community Action projects. Girl scouts, Boy scouts, Genesee Community College and local schools all partnered with Com-munity Action to provide volunteers and many hours of service. Parent involvement is also an integral part of agency operations. Head Start parents have an opportunity to be a part of the program on a daily basis. Most parents interact with the program at least once a month. The following are some examples of parent involvement in our program: classroom volunteers, field trip volunteers, self assessment involvement, monthly parent meetings, monthly Policy Council meetings, Content Area Advisory meetings, parent-ing classes, Parent Extravaganza (community agency fair and training), parent celebration at the end of the year and program wide volunteers. Below are pictured just a few of the many faces that have given their time to Commu-nity Action, and a big THANK YOU to all of those who have aided our mission this year.

Financial Statement Unaudited Statement of Revenue and Expenses For the Fiscal Year 2008: February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009

Operating Revenue Federal Revenues $3,271,594 59.99% State Revenues $490,854 9.00% Local Revenues $617,461 11.32% In-Kind Goods & Services $799,792 14.66% Private and Other Revenue $274,188 5.03% Total Operating Revenue $5,453,889 100.00% Operating Expenses Salaries and fringe benefits $3,255,558 60.66% Materials and Supplies $237,812 4.43% Insurance and professional fees $76,264 1.42% Contractual services $97,060 1.81% Equipment and renovations $36,247 0.68% Vehicle and travel expense $317,204 5.91% Food expense $108,516 2.02% Office expenses $89,650 1.67% Occupancy $232,034 4.32% Other program expenses $116,774 2.18% In-kind goods and services $799,792 14.90% Total Operating Expenses $5,366,911 100.00%

Community Action has received an unqualified opinion on the annual audited financial statements. This audit was reviewed by the Department of Health and Human Services, which released a report for 2008. Audited financial statements are available upon request or by contacting the New York State Attorney General’s Office Charities Bureau.

Organizational Budget for 2009: $5,500,744

Friends of Community Action We thank the following for their contributions and support*

ABATE Albion Correctional Facility Albion Post Office Albion First Presbyterian Church Albion First United Methodist Church Albion Free Methodist Church Albion Rotary Club All Babies Cherished American Legion Post #35 Assemblyman Stephen Hawley Babcock Construction Barre Center Presbyterian Church Bartley Batavia Business and Professional Women Batavia City School District Batavia Post Office Benay Chamberlain Catherine Braley Carmen Rore Brittan Care-Net Pregnancy Center Carlton United Methodist Church Clarendon First Presbyterian Church Delayne Coats Nancy L. Cook Country Contracting Darien Lake Theme Park Jean Durfee Nancy Ellison Jan and Chap Fabry Fidelis Care New York Michael Fisher Greg and Helena George Michael George Alicia Grandy Carol Gural

Steven Thompson, DDS Stockham Lumber Ann Strickland Heather and Robert Stone Stonewood Furniture Susan Tillman Tops Markets, Albion Tops Markets, LeRoy Town of Clarendon Town of Murray Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning United Way of Eastern Orleans Village of Holley Washington Mutual West Barre United Methodist Church We sincerely regret any omissions from this list. If you have contributed to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee in any way, the staff, board members and volunteers sincerely thank you. * Due to space restrictions, we can only list those people and organizations who donated more than $500 in cash or in-kind. All donations are greatly appreci-ated.

Donna Ham Harry’s Bar & Grill Holley Rotary Club HSBC Bonnie Johnson Lake Plains Community Care Network Lakeshore Construction Lynda Moore The Masonic Brotherhood, Albion Medina Area Association of Churches Medina Memorial Hospital Medical Staff Morton Baptist Church Gloria Nauden Oak Orchard Community Health Center Olan Mills Portrait Studio Oliver’s Candies Orleans Correctional Facility Barbara Ostrowski Pawlak’s Save-A-Lot Rachel & Rob’s Wildwood Lake Campground Jennifer Rengal Linda Roberts Saint Gobain Technical Fabrics (Bayex, Inc.) Saint Peter’s RC Church, LeRoy Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church, Medina Saint Vincent DePaul Jeff Schwartz Senator George Maziarz Ann Simpson Spurr Dealerships

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Program Locations Orleans County Main Office Genesee County Main Office 409 East State Street 5073 Clinton Street Road Albion, NY 14411 Batavia, NY 14020 Phone 589-5605 Phone 343-7798, 1-888-871-9673 Fax 589-9015 Fax 343-4063

Weatherization Weatherization Family Development Family Development Emergency Services Emergency Services

Community Action Angels HEAP/Energy Packager Holiday Baskets Surplus Distribution (when avail.) Surplus Distribution (when available) Bread/Pastry (when available) Bread and Pastry Distribution (when avail.) Income Tax Assistance Head Start Class Room 589-7097 Community Action Angels

CATS 589-7700 Head Start - 344-1997 1-888-867-3172 Early Head Start – 343-1860 Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R)

ACT/CCR&R Orleans Program Offices Phone 343-7727 113 East State Street Albion, NY 14411 Main Street Store ACT 49 North Main Street Phone 589-5754 Albion, NY 14411 Fax 589-7435 Phone 589-1430 CCR&R Orleans Thrift Store, Job Skills, resumes

Phone 589-5088, Fax (same) Public Computer Access, faxes, copies

Head Start/Early Head Start Locations Eastern Orleans Community Center Administrative Offices 75 Public Square 401 East State Street Holley, NY 14470 Albion, NY 14411 Phone 638-6395, Fax - Same

Phone 589-5683, Fax 589-5712 Family Development Emergency Services

Albion Classroom Albion Central Schools Soup Kitchen 411 E. State Street 324 East Avenue Surplus Distribution (when avail.) Albion, NY 14411 Albion, NY 14411 Holiday Baskets Phone: 589-7097 Youth Program Kendall Central School Public Computer Access Batavia Site 1932 Kendall Road 5073 Clinton St. Road Kendall, NY 14476 Batavia, NY 14103 Phone 659-8916 Phone 344-5917 Medina Site 123 Ensign Avenue Medina, NY 14103 Phone 798-2261, Fax 798-3512 Early Head Start 798-3735