2020 Biennial Report Stella Simpson, Executive Assistant Board Members: Wendy Prettyman, Finance Officer Dr

Urban League of 3101 Broadway Gary, Indiana 46409 Northwest Indiana, Inc. Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. Empowering Communities. Changing Lives. Phone: (219) 887-9621 Empowering Communities. Changing Lives. Fax: (219) 887-0020 Board of Directors: = Web: www.ulofnwi.org

Executive Committee: Email: [email protected] Chancellor Thomas L. Keon, Chairman Yolanda Davis, Vice Chair, Internal Affairs M. Celita Green, Treasurer Staff & Volunteers: Chancellor R. Luis Gonzalez, Secretary 2020 Biennial Report Stella Simpson, Executive Assistant Board Members: Wendy Prettyman, Finance Officer Dr. Akima Anderson Deborah A. Black Kristina Bailey Chandra Franklin Brandon Comer Alice Gallegos Kevin Comerford Johnny Greene Denise Comer Dillard Tersina Jones Kiki Encarnacion Darwin Kenney Eric Evans Dr. Beverly Lewis Chancellor Kenichi Iwama Penelope Love Rev. Dr. Rameen Jackson Antwain Mackerl Dr. Danny Lackey Ramone Mackerl Dr. Byron Martin Ola Morris LaRue Martin, Jr. Bobbie Sanders Randy Palmateer Alisa Spencer Guillermina Perez Veronica Zizumbo Raynetta A. Stansil Michael L. Suggs Patricia Ann Winkfield Michael Wortham

Advisory Members: Taghi Arshami Dr. Robert Beach Robert Buggs Sharon Chambers Carol Dahlen Gamma Psi Omega AKA Sorority (Quanda M. Davis) David A. Dowling Katy Dowling Susan Galant Dr. Angela Johnson Wells Connie Kann Cynthia Mose-Trevino Justin Mount Suzette Raggs Charles Reese, Jr. Rebecca Reiner Rev. Regan Robinson Art Russell Bahiyah Shabazz Africa Tarver Vikki Walton

I AM EMPOWERED A Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity 28 1 Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

 Board Member $1,800.00  Adult & Young Professional $50.00 P  Advisory Board Member $300.00  Fraternity, Sorority $20.00

 Supporting Member $200.00  Retired Person $10.00 L  Church, Business, Agency $100.00  College Student $10.00

 Individual Supporter $100.00  Elementary-High School Student $ 3.00 E  Other ______$ ______

D All contributions are tax deductible. Online donations can be made at: www.ulofnwi.org G Click the “Donate” button

F PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY

O FIRST NAME ______Card Number______

LAST NAME ______Signature Required ______R Expiration Date ____/______CVV______ADDRESS ______M One-Time Gift $ ______CITY ______Company Matching Gift Form Enclosed: Y / N STATE ______ZIP ______Monthly Gift: $ ______This is the Biennial Report produced expressly by:

URBAN LEAGUE OF NORTHWEST INDIANA, INC. PHONE _(____) ______All Rights Reserved—December 2020 Charge Credit Card Monthly ______No reprints of text or images are permitted without the express written EMAIL ______permission of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. Deduct monthly amount from checking account (check enclosed) ______Make checks payable to: URBAN LEAGUE OF NWI, INC. Mail to: A Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity Urban League of NWI, 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409 2 27 Table of Contents It’s easy to … Donate Our Mission and Vision…………………………………………………..….. 4 Executive Committee and Board of Directors ...……………………………. 5 P NOW !!! An Abbreviated History ……………………………………………………… 6 www.ulofnwi.org L From the Heart ……………………………………………………………… 7 Text to Give E Organizational Chart ………………………………………………………… 8 Our Volunteers ………………………………………………………………. 9 44321 D Message and Data Rates Apply Signature Programs …………..……………………………………………. 10 G Education ………………………………………...…………………………. 11 Ask your employer about a E 2020 Scholarship Winners ………………………………………………… 12 Gift Match! College and Career Readiness ..………………………………………….….. 13 Financial Stability Services ………………………………………………… 14 F Diversity and Inclusion: Professional Development Training ………………….…………….... 15 O Check with your employer about Awards Presentations …..……………………..…………………...… 16 workplace giving with Benevity. R Award Winners ………………….………….……………….………... 17 Diversity & Inclusion Corporate Sponsors …….….………………………… 18 Make checks payable to: M Finances - 2019 Revenue ...………………………………………………….. 20 URBAN LEAGUE OF NWI 3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 75th Anniversary Radiothon and Special Donations ………………………… 21 46409 2019 Revenue Audited Statement ..………………………………………….. 22 2019-2020 Grants ……………………………………………………………. 23 Community Involvement …………………………………………………… 24 Pledge Form ………………………………………………………………… 27

26 3 Our Mission BP COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS 2019 The mission of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. is to 7th and 8th Graders promote services in education, economic empowerment, civic leadership, civil rights, and social justice to all residents of Lake, LaPorte and Porter Counties.

Our Vision To ensure the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. continues to be the premiere agency supporting and promoting neighborhood community collaborations.

∞ Past Presidents ∞

In honorable recognition of their leadership, commitment and service,

we salute: GARY COMPLETE COUNT

UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND [UNCF] COMMITTEE

Joseph C. Chapman 2019 (2020 CENSUS) Term: 1945-1949

Clifford E. Minton Term: 1949-1965

George Coker Term: 1965-1971

Roy L. Harris Term: 1971-1976

Cleveland Nicholson, III [Acting]: Term: 1976-1978

Eloise Gentry

Term: 1978-2009

NIPSCO ENERGY AMBASSADORS 2019 Regional High Students

4 25 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Chairperson: Chancellor Thomas L. Keon - Purdue University Northwest ST. MONICA AND ST. LUKE Big Shoulders Food Distribution Vice Chairperson: Yolanda Davis - Horizon Bank

Treasurer: M. Celita Green - Municipal Accounting Consultant

Secretary: Chancellor R. Luis Gonzalez - Ivy Tech Community College - Lake County

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Dr. Akima Anderson Kristina Bailey Brandon L. Comer Lighthouse College Prep. First Midwest Bank Comer Capital

Kevin Comerford Denise Comer Dillard Kiki Encarnacion Construction Advancement Fdn. WDS Group Hard Rock Northern Indiana

GARY HOUSING AUTHORITY Chancellor Kenichi Iwama Eric Evans Pastor Dr. Rameen Jackson Food Distribution Indiana University Northwest Geminus Corp. St. Timothy Comm. Church

NEIGHBORHOOD Dr. Danny Lackey Dr. Byron Martin LaRue Martin, Jr. Merrillville Comm. Sch. Corp. Valparaiso University United Parcel Service BEAUTIFICATION KIT Provided by Urban League NWI and Legacy Foundation Randy Palmeteer Guillermina Perez Raynetta A. Stansil NWI Building & Const. Trades AmeriStar Casino Methodist Hospitals

Michael L. Suggs Patricia Ann Winkfield Michael Wortham STRACK & VAN TIL NIPSCO (Retired) Majestic Star Casino BP-America Corp. Food Gift Cards

24 5 An Abbreviated History of Urban League of Northwest Indiana, 2019 - 2020 Grants Incorporated

The “Urban League of Gary” was founded June 25, 1945, as an affiliate of the Comcast “National Urban League”. Its purpose was to remove the racial barriers that prevented African Americans from enjoying equal opportunities in housing, employment, education and Horizon Bank many other facets of American life. Thus, the “Urban League of Gary” was born with the commitment to strive for equal Lake Area United Way opportunity for all citizens. In December 1970, the Board of Directors voted to reorganize as the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Incorporated to better reflect the service community Legacy Foundation of the Lake Area United Way; the targeted areas included Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. The Urban League of Northwest Indiana seeks to actively empower citizens throughout NIPSCO: In-Power Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties and aggressively address the social and economic needs of each community. This is achieved by serving as the catalyst for mobilizing people, NIPSCO: Energy Ambassadors institutions, and resources toward our goals in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, Diversity & Inclusion, and Advocacy. United Way of Porter County We are actively engaged in EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES AND CHANGING LIVES throughout Lake, Porter and LaPorte Counties! The Urban League sincerely appreciates all individual donations from businesses and corporations! Without your continual support, we would not be able to provide the variety and level of services directed towards improving our communities.

Every donation is greatly appreciated!

3101 Broadway, Gary, IN 46409 Office Phone: 219-887-9621 Fax Number: 219-887-0020 Website: www.ulofnwi.org

6 23 From the Heart of: Urban League of Northwest Indiana, Inc. DR. VANESSA ALLEN-McCLOUD

2019 Revenue

President and Chief Executive Officer 2010 - Present

Over the past 10 years, it has been my honor to work alongside the Urban League of NWI’s Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers to provide services to the Northwest Indiana region in the areas of education, financial stability, and advocacy.

Our educational programming has touched the lives of more than 10,000 Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties’ middle and high school youth through college and career readiness workshops, STEM programs, and scholarships. In partnership with the “Infinite Scholars Program”, our “Scholarship Fair” financial scholarship offered to high school graduating seniors increased from $1.5 million in 2010 to $5.4 million in 2019!

We have assisted customers through job readiness, counseling, resume development, senior citizen computer classes, and referrals to assist with navigating mortgage and foreclosure assistance. Our “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” [V.I.T.A.] program has provided annual income tax service, free of charge, to over 500 clients annually. This year the Covid-19 pandemic devastated many individuals and businesses with employment abruptly stopping leaving many families in dire need. With the help of staff and volunteers, we participated in emergency food giveaways, provided food and rental assistance to needy families, and referred customers to other agencies for specific assistance with homelessness and legal consultation.

In these challenging social and economic times, we continue our advocacy in diversity and inclusion professional development outreach services to local and surrounding area organizations. Over the past 2 years, the climate of the nation has experienced trauma with the senseless murders of African American men and women – many at the hands of police. The ongoing shooting of African American men and women caused worldwide multicultural demonstrations of people who marched to lend voice to injustices. Never forgotten are those who were slain — from Emmett Till to George Floyd — we continue to say their names.

The realization is Black and minority communities have been historically left out of or denied the same rights and privileges of the larger society; therefore, the Urban League of NWI has taken the lead in providing opportunities and strategies of bringing awareness to the ongoing issue of race through facilitated diversity and inclusion professional development training on topics of implicit bias and stereotyping. We are the only agency in Northwest Indiana that recognizes local and surrounding area individuals, youth groups, non-profit agencies, and organizations for their proactive efforts to enhance diversity in the workplace and community through hosting an annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Presentation. The Diversity and Inclusion Symposiums have served to provide various workshop presentations for a deeper dive into the subject matter.

The Urban League of NWI makes exceptional strides to provide a better quality of life for students, families, and community stakeholders. Many individuals and organizations made significant financial contributions that increased resources that assisted in providing services to Northwest Indiana communities. I welcome your continued support and financial donations as we– together, make a difference. Every penny we receive is an investment in those who deserve it most.

Empowering communities and changing lives is what the Urban League of NWI is all about!

Donate today at Audited Financial Statements by McMahan and Associates - CPAs available for request at ulofnwi.org. www.ulofnwi.org

22 7 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2020 $20,000 Urban League of NWI Inc.’s 75th Anniversary NATIONAL ∞ Radiothon ∞ URBAN LEAGUE Tuesday, August 4, 2020

URBAN LEAGUE OF NWI EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE URBAN LEAGUE OF NWI Special Donations COMMITTEES Indiana Farm Bureau Jeff Strack NISOURCE Calumet Township Strack and Van Til Charitable Trustee Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud President/CEO By-Laws & Indiana Plan Ruth Needleman Greater Illinois Title Denise Dillard Strategic Plan Rev. Curtis Whittaker Richard Rupp Church Mutual DJ Design Insurance Deborah Jefferson

Shirley Heinze Katherine Schneider AJ the Plumber Majestic Star Casino Stella Simpson Wendy Prettyman Budget, Finance, Financial Officer Executive Assistant Audit, Diversity & Land Trust Arthur J Brown Inclusion Lilly Endowment Who’s Yer Games Enterprise Holdings Indiana University Northwest Michael and Verlie Bosak Motors Karen Freeman Wilson McMahon & Administrative and Federation of Suggs Program Support Block Clubs Education, Interns and Volunteers Ola Morris Annual Fund Rev. Ozzie Smith Legacy Foundation First Financial Bank Vance Kenney Dr. Beverly Lewis Alisa Spencer WLTH Radio Raynetta Stansil City of Gary AHEPA Chapter #78 Charities

Alelia Z. Johnson Lake Area United Way Dr. Brenda Thompson Exelon Services housed in the Urban League NWI Office: College and Career Readiness Volunteer Income Tax Deborah Black Assistance [V.I.T.A.] Tersina Jones

8 21 OUR VOLUNTEERS

We take great pride in offering workplace skill building opportunities to community volunteers, which includes college students and interns! Togeth- er, they provide invaluable assistance to our office.

V.I.T.A.* VOLUNTEERS: OFFICE VOLUNTEERS:

Tersina Jones—Site Coordinator Irene Allen Kimbalyn Beene Darian Collins Kathleen Bowen Beverly Hmurovic Kevin Brown Alice Gallegos Shirley Campbell Carol King Ella Carr Naomi Lyles Laura Collins Antwain Mackerl Crystal Emery Shirley Moorehead Joseph Flores Dr. Mary Stewart-Pellegrini Evie Irons Allen Jongsma Tasha Miller Alvin Mitchell Brenda Mitchell Luneil Morrow Linda Peterson Willie Richardson Phillip Vechey Kathleen Bowen Shirley Campbell

* Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

20 9 ∞ Our Corporate Sponsors ∞ Signature Programs - continued -

Core Service Area: Provide High School Students With Tools for Post-Secondary Success

Scholarship Fair [Fall]: This is a unique opportunity for high school Juniors and Sen- iors to visit colleges and universities from across the United States on a single occasion in one location. During these Fairs, some students have received partial or full scholarships and on-the-spot, conditional admittance to colleges and universities.

Scholastic Luncheon [Spring]: This Annual Luncheon recognizes and celebrates the Winners of the Scholarships sponsored by key corporate and community stakeholders. The Winners are presented with awards, and recognized for their academic achievements.

College Readiness [Recurring]: This is a full curriculum delivered to high school students that includes: Oral Presentation and Writing Skills, Financial Aid Tips, Explora- tion of Career Options, Tours of Local Colleges and Universities, and Digital Literacy.

Core Service Area: Provide Adults With Free Tax Assistance and Neighborhood Collaboration

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance [V.I.T.A.] [Spring]: Free Tax preparation and E- COVENANT file submission of income taxes for citizens whose annual incomes are below $57,000. United Church of Christ

Federation of Block Clubs [Recurring]: This Program provides one-on-one support to communities to guide them through establishing block clubs in their neighborhoods for the purpose of neighborhood improvements and activities. PEGGY HINCKLEY Core Service Area: CONSULTING Guide Citizens Through the Processes of Learning to Positively Engage and Inter- act With Others of Diverse Backgrounds

Diversity and Inclusion Training [Recurring]: A team of professionally trained Diversity and Inclusion Consultants and Facilitators tailor cultural competency, and diversity and inclusion explorative dialogues for its clients. These workshops are tailored to achieve optimal impact for any size group, and workshop fees are based on scope of services provided.

Diversity and Inclusion Luncheon [Spring]: This Annual Luncheon is held in recognition and celebration of organizations and high school students in NWI that have implemented notable diversity and inclusion initiatives within their organizations and high schools.

Diversity and Inclusion Symposium [Fall]: This Annual Symposium includes invigorating workshops, as well as stimulating opportunities to engage in programs and activities that offer tools to promote diversity education for making and sustaining posi- tive changes.

10 19 Diversity & Inclusion Luncheon Education “Moving the Needle”: Advancing Diversity & Inclusion in Northwest Indiana Urban League 2020 Scholarship Check Presentations

In March 2019, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana hosted its 8th Annual “Diversity & Inclusion Luncheon”! During this Event, we celebrated those organizations that not only support diversity and inclusion, but also practice diversity and inclusion. Our 2019 Event was held in Merrillville, IN, with over 500 attendees joining the celebration. These Lunch- eons continue to recognize and celebrate those championing for and demonstrating diversity and inclusion within their organizations throughout Northwest Indiana! ∞ Our Corporate Sponsors ∞

We acknowledge the many contributions from our donors that help this Affiliate provide opportunities to improve the quality of life among students and families.

18 11 2020 Scholarship Winners Martin Family Promise Scholarship - $1,000.00 Tomiya Hamer - Lighthouse College Prep.

Joseph Trent Morrow Scholarship Armoni Shonetra Jones Two (2) $2,500.00 Scholarships East Chicago Central High School Desiree Taylor West Side Leadership Academy

Horizon Bank Scholarship Laurentha Horton—Morton Sr. High School Five (5) $1,000.00 Scholarships Tyler Hemmons—Andrean High School Indya Lewis—Hammond High School Trinitee Hassan—Munster High School Tomiya Hamer—Lighthouse College Prep.

Horizon Bank Mid Year (2019) Tyler Peppers—Donald Gavit High School Scholarship Tyler Hemmons—Andrean High School Five (5) $1,000.00 Scholarships Andrea Zaknoun—Michigan City High School Alexis Wood—Calumet New Tech Mareeya Amiyah Scully—Michigan City HS

Senator Carolyn B. Mosby / NIPSCO Scholarship Christian Haggard - Thea Bowman Leadership Five (5) $1,000.00 Scholarships Abigail Naumann - Thomas Edison Jr/Sr. HS Alexander Worley - Calumet New Tech Abigail Edwards - Whiting High School Alexis Proudman –Crown Point High School

NIPSCO “S.T.E.M.” Power Scholarships Noah Ford - Indiana Corrections Academy One (1) $1,000.00 Scholarship (LaPorte) - $1000.00 One (1) $500.00 Scholarship Mareeya Amiyah Scully Michigan City HS - $500.00

Chester Arthur Jones and Robert L. Buggs, Sr. Laurentha Horton - Morton Sr. High School Engr./Const. Trades Scholarship - $500.00 Trinitee Hassan - Munster High School

The Gary Frontiers Service Club Inc. Desiree Taylor Scholarship - $500.00 West Side Leadership Academy

National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc. - $250.00 Tomiya Hamer - Lighthouse College Prep.

Guthrie Family Scholarship Kennedy Rozier Two (2) $2000.00 Scholarships West Side Leadership Academy Desiree Taylor West Side Leadership Academy

Dr. Connie R. Horton Scholarship Tomiya Hamer - Lighthouse College Prep. Two (2) $1,000.00 Scholarships Khaon Andrael Robinson Steel City Academy

Timothy Lamar Johnson Foundation Inc. Indya Lewis - Hammond High School Scholarship Fund - $1000.00

Shalonda Crump Scholarship - $500.00 Christian Haggard Thea Bowman Leadership Academy

Paul Steven Stewart Scholarship - $1000.00 Trinitee Hassan - Munster High School

Love Laila Nursing Scholarship - $1000.00 Zebaneeka Washington - Calumet New Tech. Northwest Indiana Corvette Club Alexis Proudman - Crown Poing High School Two (2) $1000.00 Scholarships Razariah Combs - Merrillville High School

Givens Education Healthcare - Mareeya Scully - Michigan City High School Scholarship - $1000.00 12 17

Diversity and Inclusion Awards Presentation 2020 LAKE COUNTY COLLEGE Calumet New Tech High School The Urban League works to promote diversity and inclusion through Eggers Middle School professional training, and acknowledging organizations and individuals and during our annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards and Luncheon. Lighthouse College Prep Thea Bowman High School CAREER West Side Leadership Academy

READINESS PORTER COUNTY Boys & Girls Club of Porter County Portage High School Willowcreek Middle School

LAPORTE COUNTY Michigan City High School

Scholars Program

More than 2,000 SCHOLARS SERVED

OVERVIEW: SINCE 2011

The “College and Career Readiness” [CCR] Scholars Program, which is open to middle and high school students, runs six (6) weeks per school Program Design:

session. Select students participate in workshops and  Five (5) workshops (one per week) activities designed to educate and encourage them to  Opportunities for students to interact with remain focused on post-high school goals, careers Professional Mentors

(including trades), and college readiness. By the end  Sharing and discussing career and educational of the Program, scholars experience measureable pro- requirements gress in their knowledge, behaviors and preparation  A tour of at least one (1) college or university for career and/or college. campus, or an invitation to participate in a Award Winners - Page 17 mini-college fair held at a host school

16 13 Financial Stability Services

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance [V.I.T.A.] Diversity and Inclusion [D&I] Free Tax-Filing assistance to ensure citizens who earn less Professional Development Training Program and Workshops than $57,000 yearly receive all the eligible exemptions, deduc- tions, and related benefits. Diversity and Inclusion go hand-in-hand! There are broadly two (2) types of Diversity Training: Awareness and Skills. The

goal of Awareness Training is to heighten clients’ consciousness and perceptions by helping them envision the world Tersina Jones - Coordinator

around them through the eyes of others — whether from a different culture, ethnicity, nationality, generation, gender, V.I.T.A. Sponsors: sexual orientation, religion, beliefs, etc. Then, Skills Training engages clients in developing and improving effective com-

munication to lessen occasions of unconscious bias in decision-making. To better serve our clients and communities, our Diversity and Inclusion Training Program encompasses both!

Staff assists 92-year old Our framework provides our clients with the tools and supports to identify and address systemic barriers in order to build citizen in filing his taxes. a diverse and inclusive workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. By setting an atmos- Housing Opportunities phere of amicability and congeniality, we engage in “Keeping-It-Real” sessions, which allow our Facilitators to present and provide the means to integrate diversity and inclusion values and practices into existing organizational processes. This community-sustained nonprofit resolves and prevents homelessness for adults, children, and seniors in Porter and Our D&I Program consists of up to four (4) hours of comprehensive training workshops that offer clients a minimum of 2-4

LaPorte counties by providing emergency housing and hours of professional development training and facilitated discussions in the areas of: affordable rentals.  Implicit Bias Phone: 219-548-2800  Stereotyping United Way of Porter County  Cultural Competence  Leadership Through the federally-funded program — “Hardest Hit Fund” - this agency assists homeowners with mortgage payments and offers housing counseling.  Customer Service Phone: (877) GET-HOPE Facilitators’ services include: Email: Lisa - [email protected] Rebecca - [email protected]  A minimum of 2-4 hours of on-site and/or virtual training Federation of Block Clubs  Curriculum and Training Materials Encouraging and empowering citizens to build strong, cohesive Grant-Funded services include: neighborhood communities.  A minimum of four (4) hours training

Ola Morris - Coordinator  Pre-Knowledge/Attitude Assessment Surveys Alisa Spencer - Neighborhood Resource Specialist  Curriculum and Training Materials

 Individual and Group sharing College & Career Outreach—Scholarships  Facilitated Action Plans Networking with colleges and universities to connect with high school students desiring  Post-Knowledge/Attitude Assessment Surveys to improve their financial outlook by pursuing higher education for personally fulfilling  Certificates of Completion for Participants and potentially lucrative career opportunities.

Deborah Black - Coordinator Dr. Beverly Lewis - Supervisor of Community Outreach Fees are contingent on the scope of training provided.

14 15