Annual Report 2012 – 2013

The fiscal year was a roller-coaster of loss and gain.

Sequester cuts decreased state funds and program termination produced agency losses the likes of which we haven’t seen since 1981.

Our Head Start sequester cut, effective January 1, was close to $240,000. This reduction came on top of a 3-year cumulative loss of NC Pre-k funds totaling nearly $260,000. Even with exceptional budget work, we were unable to balance the Children, Family and Community Partnerships (CFCP) department budget without cutting 63 Head Start slots. Sadly, at the end of the school year, we closed four Head Start classrooms and eliminated 11 full-time positions. We expect to receive sequester cuts in Weatherization and CSBG next year.

Also, after a year-long evaluation of the financial viability of the Family Development Credential Training and unresolved concern about the curriculum’s relevancy, we made the hard decision to end our state-wide sponsorship of this program. Our last class will graduate in August.

Fortunately, like the ride, the plunging lows were followed by exhilarating highs:• In November, the Head Start tri-annual review team concluded that our Agency complied with, and often exceeded, all program standards. • Our CFCP Director secured new revenue to help serve our Head Start children with special needs. • Nearly 90% of our teachers now hold either B-K licensure, or a 4-year degree in Early Childhood, making our Head Start one of a handful of non-public school programs of our size with this many BK–licensed teaching staff.• We began to offer Life Works in McDowell County, our newest service area.• We completed the first group of units (355) under the ARRA-WAP Multi-Family Pilot Program. Our success convinced state funders to authorize only our Agency for a second round. As far as we know, by the time we close the program on September 30, we will complete more ARRA-funded multi-family units than any other WAP in the country.

As we move forward, we will consider Longfellow’s words in “Loss and Gain”:

In the coming year, as Longfellow advises, we will use our injuries to enhance our gains and renew our pledge to serve.

Sincerely,Vicki Heidinger, Executive Director

“Change” is one constant in this Agency’s history. This year was no exception.

Though the nation continued to recover, our waiting lists remained long. These conditions made the onslaught of continued state and federal budget cuts difficult to understand and even harder to manage. The most surprising reduction, caused by the federal budget sequester, took $240,000 from our Head Start program. This loss finally required us to do what we

had avoided for two years; cut 63 Head Start child slots beginning August 2013.

Fortunately for our customers, the other constants in our agency are this agency’s solid direct-service and management employees and strong governing bodies. Along with our first-rate technology systems and our new Facilities and Fleet management function, I am confident that we will continue to help our families and overcome future challenges to our programs.

Moving forward in this uncertain world, I am sure of two other things: one, we will face many complex problems, some of which, we have not dealt with before, and two, we, more than most, have what it takes—right here, right now, to overcome any obstacle in our path, as long as we work together.

Thank you for remaining a true catalyst of positive individual, family and community change.

Sincerely,Edward R. Schell, Chairman

Edward R. Schell, Chairman

Linda Brown, Vice-Chair of Planning

Max Haner, Vice-Chair of Finance

Clara Jeter, Secretary

Recy Barnette

Willie Mae Brown

Edgar Bryant

Bill Clark

Cathy Cody

Bethany Dalton

Jane Hatley

Michelle Mease

Boyd Phillips

Jerry Plemmons

Zia Rifkin

Elizabeth Russell

Harriett Thomas

Sarah Thornburg

Ann Von Brock

Natanna Byrd, Chairperson

Leighton Pally, Secretary

Allison Smith

Brenda Rice

Tracie Franklin

Geneva Neeriemer

Jessica Pittillo

Vickie Lester

Britta Spencer

Patrick Huggins

Amanda Teague

Erin Evans

Amber Albritton

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012 - 2013

HEAD START POLICY COUNCIL 2012 - 2013

THE BOARD CHAIRMAN

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THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“…But who shall dareTo measure loss and gain in this wise?Defeat may be victory in disguiseThe lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.” — Longfellow

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We are a customer

focused, results-oriented

organization, recognized

as a catalyst of positive

change for individuals,

families and the

community we serve.

TEAMWORK is a dynamic process that includes the responsible participation of all members, who focus on tasks and solve problems to produce outcomes that the team accepts and supports.

QUALITY requires us to be professional and accountable, exceed standards, provide excellent service and strive to satisfy customers.

COMMUNICATION is a dynamic process that requires us to demonstrate a spirit of openness as we listen responsibly and share relevant information, in a timely and accurate manner, to plan, solve problems and meet the organization’s needs.

RESPECT of self and others means that we understand boundaries, value diversity, communicate in a direct and non-judgmental fashion, are honest, thoughtful and empathetic and show support and appreciation.

Our ValuesOur Vision

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7 8 9

2019 22

10

1716

12

13 14 15

18Team

wor

k

LEADERSHIP TEAM

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ADMINISTRATION

1) Vicki Heidinger, Executive Director

2) Darren Waugh, Finance Director

3) Linda Gamble, Human Resources Manager

4) Bob Gregory, Information Technology Director

5) Linda Biggers, Program Resources Coordinator

6) Joyce Smith, Executive Assistant

CHILDREN, FAMILY & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DEPARTMENT

7) Brian Repass, Director

8) Peggy McLeod, Early Childhood Program Manager

9) Leslie Hennessee, Family & Community Partnerships Program Manager

10) Vickie Baldwin, Interim Health Services Program Manager

11) Kaye Swartzentruber, Registered Dietician

12) VACANT, Program Operations Manager

13) Terri Bowers, Early Childhood Education Supervisor

14) Lorraine Riddle, Early Childhood Education Supervisor

15) Monica McLeod, Early Childhood Education Supervisor

16) Jane Alexander, Early Childhood Education Supervisor

17) Rebecca Gilleran, Early Childhood Education Supervisor

18) Marcia Bacoate, Lead Family Service Worker

19) Michelle Bevans, Lead Family Service Worker

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

20) Ben Watts, Director

21) Carey Gibson, Self-Sufficiency Program Manager

22) Paloma Cor, Lead Life Coach

We help people who live on limited income transform their lives.Our dedicated, diverse and exceptional staff and leadership: • Deliver comprehensive and innovative, high-quality services, • Build and support strong partnerships, and • Mobilize community action to create positive change.

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Our Mission

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FINANCIAL REPORT: July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013*

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Qua

lity

Communication

Life WorksAdults who have a limited income and are ready to make the hard changes necessary to improve their lives, can get the help they need in Life Works. With the support and resources offered by the program’s Life Coaches, customers reach specific goals within one to three years–whether it’s finding and keeping a better job, enrolling in and graduating from school or vocational training, obtaining safe and affordable housing or building personal and economic strength to stabilize their families.

21st Century ParentingBeing a parent is a critical and often difficult job. It can be even harder for families who live on low income. That is why we offer “21st Century Parenting” to parents: single, couples, adoptive, foster, etc. who want to raise their children in a nurturing relationship. Research indicates that families with these dynamics are more likely to be productive, cooperative and respectful, and less likely to experience substance abuse, depression and violence. Our evidenced-based course material, developed by experts in healthy parent-child relationships, offers families new and positive ways to interact. This year we hosted three 12-week classes. A total of 33 participants completed the series.

Black Mountain Family CenterLocated at Black Mountain Primary School, the Black Mountain Family Center is an in-school resource center for families and children. The Center offers families a variety of resources and support, including preschool playgroups, child-sitting training and opportunities to participate in the Life Works Program or apply for Weatherization Assistance.

Weatherization AssistanceMaking homes safe, healthy and more energy-efficient, is the focus of the Weatherization Assistance Program. Using a “whole house” approach, we install insulation under floors, in attics and walls, seal air leaks and repair minor holes in walls, floors and ceilings. We also test and install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescents, repair faulty heating and cooling systems and share home energy cost-saving ideas with customers.

Heating/Air Repair/Replacement ProgramThrough the Heating/Air Repair/Replacement Program (HARRP), we fix or replace faulty or unsafe heating units in customers’ homes and repair or replace cooling units for people with qualifying medical conditions.

Head StartHead Start is a comprehensive child and family development program for families with limited incomes who have children ages three to five years old. Focused on the physical, educational, social and emotional growth of children, Head Start also helps parents to assess and meet their family’s short-and long-term needs. Experienced classroom teachers plan, assess and record each child’s progress and share that information with parents. Children leave Head Start prepared for school and life. Head Start welcomes families from all racial, religious and cultural groups, including those who speak little or no English or who have children with disabilities.

North Carolina Family Development Credential The Agency sponsored three state-wide classes for people who work with families in a variety of front-line jobs. This year, 43 workers completed the required course work, portfolio review and passed the comprehensive test to earn their Family Development Credential.

REVENUE: Federal–Direct 4,612,831 Federal–Passed through the State 4,887,721 ARRA Weatherization Assistance Program 1,532,012 ARRA Multi-Family Pilot Project Weatherization 1,837,562 State Appropriated 744,363 Local 185,272 In-Kind 1,063,212 Other 1,484,576 TOTAL REVENUE $ 12,977,975

EXPENSES:CHILDREN, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DEPARTMENT Head Start 4,846,648 NC Pre-K — Madison County 414,668 NC Pre-K — Buncombe County 1,222,838 Child Care Food Program 452,459 Child Care Services 83,326 Quality Enhancement 389 Outdoor Learning Environments 0 Other 119 DEPT TOTAL $ 7,020,446

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Life Works Program (CSBG) 502,097 Weatherization Assistance Program 364,244 Heating/Air Repair/Replacement Program 155,176 ARRA Weatherization Assistance Program 1,532,797 ARRA Multi-Family Pilot Project Weatherization 1,940,696 Accountable Results for Community Action 167,375 Community Response 65,039 21st Century Parenting 24,419 Family Development 61,784 Other 0 DEPT TOTAL $ 4,815,628

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT ** Indirect Cost 936,254 ** Information Technology Services 147,381 ** DEPT TOTAL $ 1,083,635

OTHER ACTIVITIES Self-Funded Health Claims 790,389 Other 6,394 DEPT TOTAL $796,784 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 12,632,858 REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $ 345,117

TOTAL $ 12,977,975* Unaudited**We allocate administrative costs to grant expenses. Therefore, for presentation purposes, we exclude the Administration Department’s total from the Total Expenses line to avoid a double count of these costs.

LIFE WORKS CUSTOMER TAMARA MILLER

If you tell Tamara Miller, 28, that she can’t succeed at something, she will prove you wrong every time.

Two years ago, Miller felt hopeless. She was exhausted from a low-wage job and the demands of single parenting her two children, then 2 and 3. “…I quit my job every day,” says Miller. “But without another option, I walked back through that door the next.” When she started Life Works she couldn’t see how to change. “I had to take time off from work to get to the appointments,” recalls Miller.

Soon Miller realized that transformation “…was not going to be handed to me,” she says. “My coaches helped me see my strengths and that I knew what to do to improve life for my children and me.”

After that, she was unstoppable. “She achieved her goals numerous times over,” says Paloma Cor, Lead Life Works Coach. The Program fixed her car, bought car seats for her children, paid for dental care and purchased uniforms.

While she looked for a new job, Miller signed up for CAO’s Nurturing Parenting training. Later, Cor nominated Miller for a scholarship to participate in CAO’s Family Development

Credential training. This 7-month obligation required Miller to stretch in ways she never dreamed possible before 2011 – classroom instruction, homework, portfolio development and a comprehensive exam. Miller will receive her credential in October.

Miller used OnTrack to fix credit problems caused by a creditor mixing up her information with her twin brother’s. She also found housing where her children could safely play outside.

In June, Miller landed a full-time entry-level position, (with benefits) at Genova Diagnostics. Within a few months, impressed by her work ethic and ability to learn quickly, her employer promoted Miller. “I have been there four months and have received a bonus, a raise and promotion,” laughs Miller. “I love the job and the drama-free workplace.”

Since her credit score was good, she recently purchased more reliable transportation. “I bought a 2006 using my

name and my own credit. Because of Life Works, I have the strength to make it,” praises Miller.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

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Acknowledgment: “This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy under Award Number DE-EE0000118.”

Disclaimer: “This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government of any agency thereof.”

OUTCOMESLife Works helps customers improve their own and their children’s quality of life. To do that, Life Coaches help participants set goals they can accomplish within five years. We use a ten-point Progress Scale, originally developed under the Results Oriented Measurements and Accountability, (ROMA) federal initiative, to evaluate the progress customers make. When customers enter the program, we assess their status and establish a baseline in each life dimension we measure. We also review their status while they are in and when they leave the program, using this same process and scale, to show the degree of change they achieved. The Progress Scale above, (top) represents the “graduated” customers who received support from our Life Works program, which is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. We also measure the first year “Social Return on Investment” (S.R.O.I.) of the same customers. In the graph immediately above, we compare the amount we spent on the graduates in Fiscal Year 2013 to the combined economic and social value we project they will “return” their first year out of the Program. Doing so, also lets us know how cost-effective we are.

$350,000$300,000$250,000$200,000$150,000$100,000$50,000

$0Program

Cost

$76,080

Estimated Tax

Revenue

$32,168

Cost Avoidance

Government Assistance

$79,620

Combined Total

$326,243

÷ Annualized Salary

$214,455

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

LIFE WORKS

Social Return on Investment (S.R.O.I.)The first year S.R.O.I. is $4.29 for every $1.00 Life Works Invested

Life Works Program FY 2012-2013 — Total Life Works Graduates: 15

We compute the S.R.O.I. by dividing the Actual Cost into the Combined Total of Tax Revenue, Cost-Avoidance of Government Assistance and Annualized Salaries.

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Entry Thresholds Graduation Thresholds

Prog

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Dimensions of Assessment

Progress Scales of FY 2013 Life Works Graduates Supported with CSBG Funds (N=15)

Housing Education (above HS)

Employment

Life SkillsHealthcare AccessNutritional Access

Managing Income Emotional/Financial Income

Prevention Line

Forced Air System–Replaced

Forced Air System–Repaired

Vented Space Heater–Installed

Life Works is a five-year self-sufficiency program funded by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)

FY 2012-2013 Heating/Air Repair & Replacement Program

61 Homes Served

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SCHOOL READINESS As described in our School Readiness Plan, three times a year we formally assess and report the developmental progress each child makes in our Head Start program. We use the web-based tool, Teaching Strategies GOLD, to measure thirty-eight learning objectives in six major Areas of Development. Based, in part, on the assessment information they collect in the fall and spring, teaching staff design individual Strategies that focus on each child’s needs and stimulate his or her developmental potential.

The graph below shows the percent of positive change made by our 4-year old children who remained enrolled through the full school year. Each percentage, (measured in the fall, winter and spring) represents the mean score achieved by 320 children.

100%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%

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DevelopmentLiteracy MathematicsCognitiveSocial &

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Physical Health &

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Fall Winter SpringSchool Year 2012-2013Pre-K 4 Level - Meeting or Exceeding Developmental Expectations

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82.0%

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CHILDREN, FAMILY & COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DEPARTMENT HEAD START

Results of the Most Recent Review by The Secretary

In November of 2012, a Federal Tri-annual Review Team determined that our “Head Start program is in compliance with all appli-cable Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations and policy requirements.” The full report is available for public inspection at our office on Gaston Street.

Family Services155 Emergency or Crisis Intervention349 Parent Education54 Health Education73 English as a Second Language training

101 Adult Education (GED etc.)

Parent and Family Involvement593 Total Families Served916 Parent Volunteers

1,127 Teacher Home Visits1,386 Parent & Teacher Conferences

787 participated in center committee meetings and family members received training and information on transition into Head Start, child abuse prevention, child develop-ment, positive behavior supports, general health topics, Hispanic-specific topics and transition into Kindergarten.

HEAD START CUSTOMERS, YOSHIDA AND CINCERE MILLS

Head Start parent and single mom, Yoshida Mills, knows how hard it can be to get her son, Cincere, now five, what he needs to succeed in school and life.

As an infant, Cincere showed signs of being gifted. “He walked a week before he was 8 months old and talked early, too” says Mills. A former Head Start child, Mills knew that her son’s best early learning opportunity would be in Head Start. She enrolled him when he was three.

The first year, in Ms. Dorothy White’s classroom, Cincere blossomed socially and emotionally. The second year, his cognitive skills soared. Every day he woke up excited to go to school and came home with questions about how volcanoes work and how long it takes to grow a plant from a seed. “He asked me things I couldn’t answer,” laughs Mills.

However, when White and Family Service Associate, Amelia Garcia, talked about Cincere’s future in elementary school, Mills became concerned. She had volunteered in his classroom and realized that in elementary school, Cincere would need classes with fewer students, a high teacher-student ratio and a challenging curriculum. These requirements eliminated public school.

With Garcia’s help, Mills looked at many different options. She finally settled on New City Christian School because they offered Cincere an income-based scholarship, and she was impressed by the students. Now, settled into his new kindergarten class, Cincere is thriving.

Mills credits Head Start for preparing Cincere for this advanced elementary school. Mills also appreciates the staff who guided her through the decision-making process. “I didn’t know where to start,” says Mills. “But, they all stuck with me.” Now, because of his mom’s determination, Cincere Mills has a real shot at breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Department BudgetJuly 1 2012 to June 30, 2013

Revenues

CACFP 6%

NC Pre-K 10%

Smart Start, Subsidy &

TEACH 3%

In-Kind Salaries & Rent 15%

Expenses

Head Start 66%

Administrative Costs 9%

Contractual 4%

Other 4%

Food Costs 6%

Facility Costs 12%

Technologies 2%

Salaries & Fringe 63%

Preparing Children for Kindergarten

Children Served624 Total Children Served552 Head Start

Funded Enrollment563 Average Monthly

Enrollment

Head Start Served102% Of Funded Enrollment46% Eligible Children

within Madison and Buncombe Counties.

83.5% Average Daily Attendance4.9% Absent due to illness

Annual Meals Served to Children69,472 Breakfast71,501 Lunch39,487 Snack

180,460 Total

Child Demographics

Gender53.8% Male46.2% Female

Race 40.6% White28.0% Black/African-American29.8% Bi-& Multi-Racial1.6% Other

Ethnicity 27.9% Hispanic72.1% Non-hispanic

Primary Language74.8% English23.2% Spanish2.0% Other

Age33.0% 3 - 4 years old67.0% 4 - 5 years old

Health Services Actual Number Completed

Percent Completed

Medical Screenings 611 98Needed Treatment 64 10Received Treatment 64 100

Dental Screenings 594 98Needed Treatment 89 15Received Treatment 83 93Children with Disabilities 107 17.1

25 Gaston StreetAsheville, NC 28801

(828) 252-2495toll free: (877) 989-2495

www.communityactionopportunities.org

We are a catalyst of positive change for individuals, families and the communities we serve. We help hundreds of people each year

overcome poverty and transform their lives. As a Community Action Agency,

founded in 1964 by the Economic Opportunity Act, we work with citizens

who live on limited incomes, elected public officials and private sector

representatives to confront and solve the problems that cause poverty.

Respect

Graphic design by 12 50 Design, Asheville, NC