Community Action 2012-2013 Annual Report

Table Of Contents “You don’t have to see the whole

staircase, just takethe first step.”

1Palm Beach County Community Action Agency 2012 - 2013 Annual Report

About Community Services

Letters From The Chairman & Director

Six National Goals

Employment Skills & Job Placement

Pathways Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency (PASS)

Eviction Prevention Program

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Emergency Assistance

Food Assistance

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Community Partnerships

Youth Enrichment Program

Leveraged Resources

Financials

Community Action Partners

Community Action Advisory Board

Locations

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3

4

5

6

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9

10

11

12

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14

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About Community Action “There are no problems we cannot solve together,

and very few that we can solve by ourselves.”

Lyndon B. Johnson


THe missiOn:

To remove barriers and create opportunities for low-income individuals and families that will enablethem to become more self-sufficient.

THe visiOn:

To be an innovative resource agency that improveslives within the community.

THe PROmise OF COmmUniTY ACTiOn:

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodiesthe spirit of hope, improves communities, and makesAmerica a better place to live.

We care about the entire community, and we arededicated to helping people help themselves and eachother.

HelPing PeOPle HelP THemselves:

Since 1974, the Palm Beach County Community Action Agency hasassisted families in moving away from government assistance. Thisfederally funded program is a part of national movement to fightpoverty on the local level. For nearly forty years, Community Action hasallocated funding to fill service gaps. As stewards of taxpayer dollars,Community Action seeks to maximize the return on investment with thepeople we serve.

Our agency offers services in the following categories:

N Small Business Startup

N Employment Skills Training

N Housing

N Utility Assistance

N Transportation

N Food

N VITA Tax Assistance

N Childcare

N Case Management and Referrals

letters From The Chair & Director


What an awesome year this hasbeen for Community Action! Wehave made tremendous progress

in the past year building a stronger bondwith our community, enhancing agencycapacity and creating opportunities for lowincome individuals and families.

Over the past year, we provided services formore than 20,000 individuals. With a strongfocus on providing employment supportCommunity Action helped more than 60working families avoid eviction and assistedover 120 families in obtaining skills that

would lead to employment. Our agency will continue to focus onfulfilling the promise of Community Action and we will always striveto help people help themselves and others.

mary WilkersonChairperson, PBC Community Action Advisory Board

Iam proud of the accomplishments ouragency has made throughout the pastyear! We’ve made tremendous strides in

filling service gaps in our community andfacilitating real change within the lives of ourfamilies.

This year, Community Action made enhance-ments to a new electronic transaction systemthat has increased productivity and savedthe county thousands of dollars. As stewardsof the taxpayer’s dollars, we’ve helpedhundreds of individuals obtain employmentskills and jobs creating a tremendous return

on investment. In the past twelve months, we have doubled our numberof community partnerships and conducted short, intermediate and longrange plans to strategically address the needs of our community.

Community Action continues to lead in fighting the war against povertythroughout Palm Beach County. We take pride in creating opportunitiesfor low income families, teaching them to advocate for themselves andgiving them a hand up not a hand out!

Channell WilkinsDirector, Palm Beach County Community services Department

“For the war against povertywill not be won here in

Washington. It must be wonin the field, in every privatehome, in every public office,

from the courthouse to the White House.”Lyndon B. Johnson

Low-income peoplebecome moreself-sufficient

The condition inwhich low-income

people live areimproved

Low-incomepeople own astake in theircommunity

Agencies increasetheir capacity toachieve results

Low-income people,especially vulnerablepopulations, achieve

their potential bystrengthening familyand other supportive

systems

Partnerships amongsupporters and

providers of servicesto low-income people

are achieved

six national goals


“Poverty is a mindset. You can’t get rid ofpoverty by giving

people money.”

employment &employment support

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day;show him how to catch fish, and you feed him

for a lifetime.”


COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs PARTiCiPAnTs OBTAin emPlOYmenT

This year, Community Action worked with over a dozen agenciesto provide trainings and employment support to over 200 lowincome families. The agency assisted 67 individuals in obtainingemployment. Many participants also learned ways to saveenergy and manage their household budget.

In addition, to gaining employment skills, CommunityAction assisted 20 families in starting their own business.

N Obtained Employment 67

N Obtained Employment SkillsCertification

104

N Obtained Post-Secondary Certificate 101

N Obtained Before/After SchoolAssistance

43

N Obtained Health Care Services 44

N started new Businesses 20

N Obtained Telephone Lifeline 110

Pathways Torwards Achievingself-sufficiency (PAss)

“Physical fitness is not onlyone of the most important

keys to a healthy body, it isthe basis of dynamic and

creative intellectual activity.”John F. Kennedy


COmmUniTY ACTiOn AnD TlJms AssisTFAmilies in liFesTYle CHAnge

The Community Action Agencyteamed up this year with the T. LeroyJefferson Medical Society, JeromeGolden Behavioral Health Center,Debthelper.com and other entitiesto implement the Pathways forAchieving Self Sufficiency (PASS) bestlife program.

PASS is a community-based lifestyleimprovement program designed tohelp low-income individuals reducehealth risks associated with heartdisease, hypertension, diabetes,obesity and much more. Activitiesconducted during this programincluded financial workshops, healthscreenings, health education work-shops, diet and nutrition workshops,physical fitness activities, and a5K run/walk.

As a result of this program, participants improved their body massindex (BMI), cholesterol level, blood pressure, nutritional intake andcoping skills. They also learned how to manage their finances, foundjobs and gained employment skills, started their own businesses,and learned to live more happy, healthy and prosperous lives.

HeAlTH eDUCATiOn OUTCOmes

N 100% Increased Knowledge

HeAlTH sCReening & PHYsiCAl HeAlTH OUTCOmes

N 75% Improved Blood Pressure N 82% Improved Cholesterol N 75% Improved Blood Sugar N 65% Reported needing Less Medical Attention

DieT & nUTRiTiOn OUTCOmes

N 95% Tried something new N 90% Purchased healthier foodN 75% Drink more water and eat healthier foods

FinAnCiAl mAnAgemenT OUTCOmes

N 65% Improved Budget N 25% Improved: Credit Scores, Lowered APRs, NSF,

Check Cashing, Late Fees N 30% Obtained/Increase: Checking/Savings Account

OTHeR FAmilY OUTCOmes

N 84% Families improved or maintained nutritionN 95% Families obtained access to services N 78% Families improved or maintained physical or

behavioral healthN 76% Families increased functioning or coping skillsN 45% Families obtained medical insurance and/or

a medical home

eviction Prevention Program “Your personal philosophy is the greatestdetermining factor in how

your life works out.”


COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs FAmilies sTAY in THeiR HOmes

In 2012-2013, Community Action helped 67 working familiesremain in their homes. Each household that participated in theEviction Prevention Program learned to manage their financesmore effectively by participating in the financial managementcourse offered by the agency and Debthelper.com.

Families submitted a budget that showed how they would manageand use the assistance provided by Community Action to pay offother debts that were outstanding. After conducting a six, nineand twelve month follow-up, over 70% are still in their homes.

N Prevented Eviction 67 Families

N Remained in home after 6 months

89%

N Remained in home after 12 months

71%

N Families obtained adequate, safe, affordable housing

N Families increased their knowledge and/or abilityto manage income

low income Home energyAssistance Program (liHeAP)

“Happiness is not something you postpone

for the future; it is something you design

for the present.”


COmmUniTY ACTiOn ResTORes eleCTRiCiTY seRviCes FOR seniORs,CHilDRen & DisABleD inDiviDUAls

During grant year 2013, Community Action helped over 700families with Seniors to prevent disconnection or restore theirelectric service.

Community Action also serviced over 900 families with disabledhousehold members. Many of the families served participatedin an Energy Efficiency Workshop presented by Florida Power& Light.

The Head of Household for each family took a pre and posttest, reflecting their new knowledge on how to save energyto reduce their energy cost. Seniors were also referred toIndiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. and their WeatherizationProgram to help them reduce the cost of their energy bill.

N Restored Electricity/Prevented Disconnections 19,664

N Prevented Disconnection for Householdwith Seniors (55 & Older)

772

N Prevented Disconnection for Householdwith Disabled Individuals

1,398

N Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Participants whose homes were weatherizedas a result of referral to local program

81

N Percentage of Households who maintained their services on for 6 months

86

N Number of Participants completing and increasing knowledge from Energy Efficiency Workshops

336

The Following occurred as a result ofParticipants receiving services through

the liHeAP Program:N Prevented children from entering into foster care due to utility

services disconnection

N Enabled families to maintain their groceries

N Enabled families and youth to maintain their educationalrequirements and family functioning

N Increased disposable income for Senior Citizens

N Increased the ability for Senior Citizens to stabilize their financial crisis due to fixed income

N Enabled families who received disability to maintain machines that offer life support

emergency Assistance ““You don’t have to worryabout burning bridges, if

you’re building your own”Kerry E. Wagne


COmmUniTY ACTiOn HelPs ResTOReWATeR & gAs seRviCes

In 2012-2013, Community Action helped over 200 familiesmaintain/restore their water and/or gas services. CommunityAction supported families that needed to cover their basicneeds, in order to go out to school and to work.

Community Action worked with over twenty utilitycompanies in Palm Beach County, including PalmBeach County Water Utilities Department, City of WestPalm Beach, and the Glades Utility Authority.

Seniors who received services from Community Action, receiveda monthly discount from the City of West Palm Beach.

WATeR seRviCes ResTOReD

N Total Families Served 206

N Household with Seniors (55 & Older) 56

N Household with Disabled Individuals 29

gAs seRviCes ResTOReD

N Total Families Served 22

N Household with Seniors (55 & Older) 4

N Household with Disabled Individuals 9

N Families maintained physical health andwell being

N Senior citizens and individuals with disabilities maintained independent living

Food Assistance “Change your thoughts and you change

your world.” Norman Vincent Peale


FeeDing OUR ResiDenTs THROUgH CROs minisTRies AnD Jl CARes minisTRies

Gleaning is the act of collecting leftover crops from farmers'fields after they have been commercially harvested or on fieldswhere it is not economically profitable to harvest. The recoveredfood is then given to local agencies with feeding programsfor homeless, working poor or low-income individuals andfamilies, free of charge.

During Grant Year 2013, Community Action invested in thegleaning of products such as sweet corn, cucumber, eggplant,and tomato. These products were distributed to food pantriesall over Palm Beach County to reduce hunger.

JL Cares Ministries also contributed to stopping hunger inPalm Beach County by distributing its products to foodpantries in the Delray Beach area.

N Total Number of Volunteers 2009

N Total Number of Volunteer Hours 10,050

N Pounds of Produce Gleaned 319,483

As a result of the Agency’s Partnership with Christians Reaching Out to society (CROs)

ministries, the following occurred:

N Hundreds of families were alleviated from hunger

N Over a dozen food pantries maintained fresh fruits andvegetables that were made accessible to low-income families

volunteer income Tax Assistance (vita)


vOlUnTeeRinCOme TAX AssisTAnCe (viTA)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides freeincome tax preparation services to low-income householdswith less than $51,000 total annual income.

During tax season 2013, Community Action processed 86income tax returns, resulting in $232,590 in tax returns. PalmBeach County residents were able to save money instead ofpaying fees charged by tax preparation companies. They wereable to use their refunds for many purposes such as payingoff debt, investing in education or housing, or opening abank account.

2012- 2013 viTA TAX

N Total Number of Applications 86

N Total Earned Income Tax Credits $84,600

N Total Tax Returns $232,590

“You cannot change yourdestination overnight,

but you can change your direction overnight.”

Community Partnerships “Success is doingordinary things

extraordinarily well.”


2013N Non Profit 18

N Faith-Based 4

N Local Government 15

N State Government Entity 4

N Federal Government Entity 4

N For-Profit Business or Corporation 10

N School Districts 1

N Institutions of Post SecondaryEducation / Training

2

N Financial / Banking Institutions 1

N Health Service Institutions 1

N Utility Vendors 26

WORking WiTH THe COmmUniTY

Community Action Program has enjoyed numerous partnerships

within Palm Beach County that have satisfied its Six National Goals.

Community Action Program along with its community partners

have combined, organized, and adjusted available resources to ensure

that the needs of low-income people and communities are addressed.

The Agency has participated in community group meetings, and has

performed outreach activities, looking to reach the maximum feasible

amount of community partnerships. This past grant year, the

Agency also referred customers to other organizations for volunteer

opportunities, community forums and other events to encourage low

income participants to take stake in their own communities.

gOAls meTN Low-income families improved access to employment, housing

and other services

N The number of jobs and essential services were increased

N CAA resources expanded capacity of other agencies to serve low-income people

N Economic development in the community resulted in employmentopportunities for low-income people

N The scope and number of volunteer opportunities for the communityincreased

N The number of low-income families who participated in communitygroups or initiatives, community boards or councils that provides input to the decision making and reflect the needs of low-income people increased

N The number and scope of opportunities for low-income persons to participant in advocacy activities resulting in policy and programchange increased

N Low-income volunteer participation reduced the need and increased the capacity for the agency staff to perform additional functions

N The number of low-income families owning a business increased

Youth enrichment Program “Learn how to be happywith what you have while you pursue all

that you want.”


emPOWeRing PAlm BeACH COUnTY’s YOUTH

Community Action sponsored a Youth Enrichment Program thisfiscal year. The agency’s research indicated that many youngadults were unable to obtain employment due to their criminalbackground history as youth.

In addition, there were very limited resources available to preventyouth between ages 12 and 17 from entering into the criminal justicesystem. For this reason, Community Action designed a programto teach youth life skills, conflict resolution/anger management,making healthy choices and building healthy relationships. Thisprogram also provided trainings on entrepreneurship, computerskills, and health and wellness.

N 77% of participants increased their knowledge on ways to avoid situations that lead to criminal behavior.

N 85% of participants increased awareness on ways to prevent diseases that adversely affect the low income community.

N 80% of participants demonstrated an increased knowledge of physical fitness activities that will prevent diseases that are prevalent within the low income community.

N 75% of participants showed an increase of knowledgeas it relates to entrepreneurship.

N 75% of participants increased or acquired knowledgeon various leadership styles, types, and theories.

PROXY OUTCOmes

N Reduced Juvenile Crime in the community

N Decreased probability of youth being denied employment due to criminal record.

leveraged Resources “We become what we thinkabout all day long.” Ralph Waldo Emerson


DOnATiOns, COnTRiBUTiOns, AnD vOlUnTeeRs

This year, Community Action significantlyincreased its community partnerships andleveraged more resources for low incomeindividuals and families. The agency alsoworked closely with the City of West PalmBeach to offer utility bill discounts for seniorcitizens.

In addition, Community Action collaboratedalongside community based programs likeUnited Way, Jonathan Landing Cares, variouschurches, and for profit businessess to receiveand distribute donations. In addition, theprogram leveraged resources from thecounty to carry out its mission of movinglow income families to greater independence.

N Food donations 1,500 lbs.

N Thanksgiving Donations 30 Turkeys = $260

N Christmas Donations $11,000

N Publix Gift Cards $200 +$2,000 in Bread

N Low Income Volunteer Hours 380

N City of WPB Water Utilities Credit $10,280

N United Way Turkey Vouchers 26 Cards = $260

N AARP Volunteers $10,179

N JL Cares Packages of Food 4,400

Financials “Economic disaster beginswith the philosophy

of doing less and wanting more.”


HouseholType served

ethnicity

CsBg serviceAllocation

Self Sufficiency26%

Health1%

Employment37%

Linkages3%

Nutrition7%

EmergencyServices

11%Housing

10%

Education4%

IncomeManagement

1%

Asian3%

Hispanic24%

Black56%

White16%

Other1%

Single Parent42%

Single 28%

COHAB 15% Divorced

1%

Married 14%

Multi 3%

Roommate 4%

Separated 2%

Widowed 0%

Community service Block grant

Administration $73,154

Direct Client Assistance $1,120,826

Other Program $99,525

Total grant $1,293,505

low income Home energy Assistance Program

Administration $334,093

Direct Client services $3,057,789

Outreach expenses $538,632

Total grant $3,930,514

Community Action Partners“You must take personal

responsibility. You cannotchange the circumstances,

the seasons, or the wind, butyou can change yourself.”


N Division of Senior Services N Debthelper.com N Anton Academy

N Division of Human Services N Channel 5 N Glades Initiative

N Migrant Farmworker Program N Internal Revenue Services N New Beginnings Community Development Center

N Head Start N Deaf Service Center N Urban League of PBC

N Palm Beach State College N Century Village N Workforce Alliance

N Palm Beach County Court Systems N Kingspoint N Safelink Wireless

N Center for Enterprise Technology N Palm Beach Atlantic University N Jay’s Ministries

N Home Education Loan Program N 211 N Florida Power & Light

N TED Center N AARP N Lake Worth Utilities

N Children’s Services Council N PNC Bank N Indiantown Non-Profit Housing, Inc. (WAP)

N Bridges N A & Associates N CROS Ministries

N Palm Beach County School District N Palm Beach Vocational Institute N United Way

N City of West Palm Beach N Palm Beach County Housing Authority N Jonathan Landings Cares

N Town of Jupiter N Jerome Golden BHC N Other Entities

N Department of Children and Families N City of South Bay

N T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society N Invictus

Community Action Advisory Board “If you don’t go after whatyou want; you could spendyour entire life settling for

what you can get.” Mo Stegall


Authority

Resolution R2009-1549; adopted September 15, 2009 as required by theU. S. Department of Health and Human Services.

mission, Purpose & History

To conduct regular assessments of resources needed in the low incomecommunity, encourage citizen participation, participate in thedevelopment and implementation of programs/projects and helpfoster cooperation between governmental agencies, community-basedand non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses. Since 1974, theboard has assisted in implementing the goals of the program. Theboard will also submit an annual report to the County Commissioners.

Composition & membership

The Community Action Advisory Board is a tri-partite board that iscomprised of fifteen (15) members. One-third shall be elected publicofficials (or a designee) holding office on the date of selection. No fewerthan one-third shall be individuals chosen in accordance withdemocratic selection procedures to assure that they are representativesof low-income individuals and families in the target neighborhoodserved. The remainder shall be individuals who can bring pertinentand significant resources from the private sector. Members must bePalm Beach County residents. Members shall serve three (3) yearterms. An individual may serve two (2) consecutive full terms. Termsshall begin on October 1 and end on September 30. A vacancyoccurring during a term shall be filled for the unexpired term.

meetings

There were ten meetings held during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Accomplishments

The board assisted the agency in implementing the work plan goals.The board provided oversight and support to the director throughoutthe year. The board assisted with the community needs assessment,town hall meetings and the poverty symposium.

estimated staff Time

It is estimated that approximately 152 staff hours were used tosupport the committee throughout the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the board continue to provide the resourcesand support needed to serve the low-income community.

ChairMary Wilkersons (Public Sector)

TreasurerTheresa Jackson (Low-Income Sector)

Public sector

Christine Thrower

Maria Ruiz

Dr. Yvette Coursey

Dr. Florenzia Davis

low-income sector

Elaine Gulley

Valerie Mays

Retha Lowe

Terrance Davis

Theresa Jackson

Private sector

Paula YastremskiJason McMurry

Rosealynn Ramsubhag

Gary Hawkins

Delvin Thomas

locations“If someone is going

down the wrong road, he doesn’t need motivationto speed him up. What heneeds is education to turn

him around.”


main Office

810 Datura StreetWest Palm Beach, FL 33401

TEL: (561) 355-4792

lake Worth Office

1699 Wingfield StreetLake Worth, FL 33460TEL: (561) 694-5415

Riviera Beach Office

1440 M.L.K. Blvd.Riviera Beach, FL 33404

TEL: (561) 845-4670

Jupiter Office

6415 Indiantown RoadJupiter, FL 33458TEL: (561) 694-5471

Tri-Cities glades

625 M.L.K. Blvd.South Bay, FL 33493

TEL: (561) 996-0660

education

staff

selfsufficiency

Palm Beach County Board of County CommissionersCommunity services Department

Community Action Agencywww.pbcgov.com/communityservices

(Front Row l to R): Shelley Vana, District 3; Steven Abrams, District 4;Priscilla A. Taylor, District 7, Mayor

(Back Row l to R): Jess Santamaria, District 6; Paulette Burdick, District 2,Vice Mayor; Mary Lou Berger, District 5; Hal R. Valeche, District 1

Published March 2014

Documents

Community Action 2012-2013 Annual Report