A N N U A L R E P O R T 2020

Uniting people facing homelessness with loving, supportive communities they can call home. 2020 was a very difficult year for our nation that deeply affected our community. We witnessed tremendous loss of lives, intolerable racial injustices, and economical turmoil. It was heartbreaking to witness and be part of. However, Friendship House stayed true to mission and was able to find a way to serve our neighbors when they needed us most. We witnessed new levels of faith and courage as we navigated through these challenges. I am so touched by what we accomplished because of your support.

From increased food giveaways from our Empowerment Centers, to laptops provided to residents for their virtual meetings, to forming a new partnership with the New Castle County in the opening of the Hope Center, we found a way to be a community to thousands of people who were houseless and homeless - all because you were there with us along the way.

2020 caused Friendship House to step in new directions, and we did it with innovation and creativity. This is continuing in 2021. We are focusing our efforts on injustices as we work with our Board of Directors on weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into the framework of everything we do. We are advocating through new partnerships and collaborations to ensure every person has a place they can call home with respect, grace, and compassion. And, we are prioritizing the wellbeing of our staff through professional workshops and improved benefits. These goals are not just goals - they are part of our mission.

Our annual report shares our accomplishments for 2020. These achievements are because of you - our loving, supportive community. Thank you for being part of our story.

Your friend,

Kim Eppehimer Executive Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 01 In 2020, the acronym "CDC" became a part of our lexicon like we never thought it would. When I began to reflect on how the Friendship House staff leaned into serving the community during the time of crisis, that acronym took new shape. It now spells Courage, Determination, and Commitment. Courage to remain a loving resource while putting themselves and their families at risk. Determination to find new ways to protect those without safety nets, whether it was securing hotel rooms, or lobbying for portable restrooms when facilities began to close. And commitment that never waivered despite the extraordinary obstacles the pandemic presented.

I want to thank the devoted Friendship House staff for their steadfast service to the community during these unprecedented times. This organization is magnificently blessed with the kindest, most courageous, determined, and committed staff, along with a loving community of volunteers.

On behalf of the Board, with all of our hearts, we thank you.

Brenda Dean Board President

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 02 COVID-19 IMPACT

Friendship House has been hard at work ensuring safe delivery of services during this pandemic. We have made certain our guests experiencing street-level homelessness, who had lifelines shut down when the state went on lockdown back in March, had access to the most urgent things like bathrooms, hand- washing stations, food, and water. In the spring of 2020, we were able to provide nearly 100 people with hotel stays, serve over 20,000 meals, and countless cups of coffee!

We have seen significant increases in financial assistance requests. With support from businesses and foundations, we provided more than 1,000 people directly affected by COVID-19 with financial assistance to prevent homelessness and lack of utilities.

We have continued to provide clothing, job training, and transitional housing throughout this pandemic, too. Although never easy, FH continued to find a way to connect people facing homelessness with loving, supportive communities they can call home.

"Because of our "Friendship House loving and never shut down." supportive - Tim Keeler, community, we never Empowerment Centers missed a payroll." 20,000 Manager - Roxane Blake, Office MEALS DISTRIBUTED Manager I N N E W C A S T L E C O U N T Y F R O M M A R C H 1 5 - J U L Y 1 5

EMERGENCY PORTA POTTIES 88 PEOPLE P L A C E D A C R O S S P L A C E D I N H O T E L S N E W C A S T L E C O U N T Y

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 03 THE FIGURES

Businesses & Organizations INCOME: $1,843,097 9.8% $180,490 Foundation Grants 22.9% 9.79% $422,481 22.92%

Faith Commun2i2ti.e2s% 22.16% Oth er $408,495 0.87% $01.96,%042

3.38% Program Inco me 40.87% $632.4,2%83 Individual Donations $753,306

40.9% USE OF FUNDS: $1,683,390 Transitional Housing $569,202 34% Empowerment Centers $459,067 27%

Financial Assistance $289,204 17%

Admin/Fundraising $192,754 12%

Clothing $156,297 9% Hope Center $16,866 1%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 04 CLOTHING BANK

The Clothing Bank accepts and redistributes new or gently-used clothing to individuals across New Castle County free of cost. We also provide a job training program, which employs women looking to get back into the workforce.

The Creating Excellent Outcomes (CEO) Job Training Program is a core part of the Clothing Bank. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was still able to see growth in 2020. Program participants include women who are referred by the Department of Corrections’ Work-Release Program and our Transitional Housing program. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Clothing Bank had to operate on a limited staff as a result of the lockdown of the correctional system. In 2020, the Clothing Bank employed 12 job trainees and had 3 participants successfully graduate from the program. The Job Training Program was also able to see success from graduates during follow-up interviews. Several of these women reported having full or part-time employment as well as stable housing. One of the program graduates was excited to notify us of her new employment at Second Chances Farms. We are extremely proud of the Job Training Program graduates from 2020!

One of the major goals of the Job Training Program is to help participants develop plans for success upon completion of the program. This includes developing strategies to deal with potential roadblocks such as housing, transportation, substance abuse, medical care, and permanent employment. Participants are provided one-on-one guidance to achieve their goals including identifying marketable traits and skills, building resumes, strengthening computer skills, and submitting applications for employment and housing. In 2020 there was an expansion of workshops to better assist participants such as typing skills, voter education, filing tax returns, and information about the Federal Bonding Program. We are grateful for another successful year despite challenges and are looking forward to expanding the program even more in years to come!

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 05 CLOTHING BANK

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Clothing Bank was closed from late March until June 1, 2020 for the safety of our staff and volunteers. We did not accept clothing donations and only filled emergency clothing orders.

"Not only did Timeeka train me as an employee, but she also helped me to learn to love myself and know my worth." - Sharon, Senior Warehouse Associate 12 JOB TRAINEES E M P L O Y E D I N 2 0 2 0

3,972 PEOPLE SERVED A C R O S S N E W C A S T L E C O U N T Y 108 REFERRING AGENCIES I N N E W N E A R L Y C A S T L E C O U N T Y 150,000 LBS O F C L O T H E S P R O C E S S E D

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 06 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

1,990 RESIDENTS S E R V E D T O D A T E

11 PROGRAM GRADUATES i n 2 0 2 0 3 M e n a n d 8 W o m e n

"I knew this was a place that gave me the best chance to transition successfully back into society" 75 - Dmitri, Resident RESIDENTS I N 2 0 2 0

34 RESIDENTS S T I L L I N P R O G R A M

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 07 TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

The Transitional Housing Program assists displaced adults who demonstrate a commitment to addressing their life issues. We continue to fill the existing gap by combining subsidized housing with a holistic programming approach.

"January 4, 2020, was the last day I used. January 5, 2020, is the day I finally accepted help. I checked myself into a short-term rehab facility in . I, Sharon D’Antonio, am proud to announce that I am 15 months clean as of April 5, 2021! Friendship House got me thriving instead of surviving! I’m enjoying every minute of it. Sometimes I wonder where I would be without the support of my children and Friendship House and then I realize I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here to share my story. My children have forgiven me and we have a great relationship. I just recently started thanking myself because without my mistakes, addiction, and struggles, I wouldn’t have met the wonderful people in my life today." Sharon (Resident & Senior - Sharon, Resident Warehouse Associate)

"I’ve made this embarrassing walk before, to their front door, usually asking for food, clothes, a place to stay, or instant forgiveness. This time was different. As she opened the door cautiously, my mom realized I had finally reached a moment of true and unreserved surrender. Then she heard what any mother would want to hear from a child struggling with addiction: “The truck is out of gas, can you take me to a treatment center?” It was my way of asking for help. She responded, “No, I’m in the middle of cooking Christmas dinner! But I’m sure your father will be happy to take you.”' - Dmitri, Graduate Dmitri (Graduate)

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 08 EMPOWERMENT CENTERS

The Friendship House Empowerment Centers maintain direct contact with those experiencing homelessness throughout New Castle County. At these centers, we are able to address individual and community needs. Prior to COVID-19, staff & volunteers interfaced with over 250 people daily.

"Many of [our clients] got jobs in big box stores, grocery stores, and construction, and felt very empowered to be able to have a job and be a productive citizen during COVID." -Marc Marcus, Assistant Executive Director

"The hardest part about [being homeless], I think, is probably finding places to be where you're allowed to just sit and relax, or you know, use the facilities, or charge your phone." - Emily, client

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 09 EMPOWERMENT CENTERS

1,599 SERVED WILMINGTON EMPOWERMENT CENTER TOTAL SERVED TO DATE: 32,540 Serving the greater Wilmington area

619 NEWARK EMPOWERMENT CENTER SERVED TOTAL SERVED TO DATE: 7,771 Serving the greater Newark area

162 SERVED MOT EMPOWERMENT CENTER TOTAL SERVED TO DATE: 499 Serving the Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area

141* BOXWOOD EMPOWERMENT CENTER SERVED TOTAL SERVED TO DATE: 340* Serving Richardson Park/Millcreek area * Number includes Millcreek Outreach clients

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 10 HOPE CENTER

The Friendship House Empowerment Program at the New Castle County Hope Center provides 24 hour a day guidance and case management to over 200 guests. We ensure all guests have access to food and transportation to their appointments and work. Our program also connects guests with access to medical assistance, mental help professionals, and substance abuse counselors.

We have a family of eight at the Hope Center. The mother works downstate and early every morning she takes five of her seven children with her and drops them off with grandparents. Two of those children still attend school in person through a Maryland school district, who has arranged transportation to and from the grandparent’s house. The three younger kids are watched by grandparents. Her oldest two sons, both in high school, are at the Hope Center virtually learning. The oldest boy, who is eighteen years old, has access to a second car and will take himself and his brother to a local park to play basketball.

PEOPLE EXPERIENCING 73 HOMELESSNESS Entered the Hope Center on Dec 15, 2020

20 PETS 120 DAYS Currently living at the In operation Hope Center 119 CHILDREN 255 RESIDENTS Currently living at the Currently living at the Hope Center Hope Center

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, FH Executive Director Kim Eppehimer, and Senator Chris Coons

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 11 VOLUNTEERS

5,389 2,450 1,508

VOLUNTEER HOURS INTERN HOURS IN-KIND DONATIONS

Where did our volunteers serve?

EMPOWERMENT TRANSITIONAL CENTERS HOUSING 43% 15% ADMIN 7%

WINTER CLOTHING BANK PROGRAMMING 27% 9%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 12 2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Executive Board Brenda Dean P resident | First & Central Pres. Church, Wilmington DE Gina Martinez V i c e President | At Large, Wilmington DE Karen Chellquist S e c r etary | Grace United Methodist Church, Wilmington DE Sarah Berninger T r e a s urer | Trinity Episcopal Church, Wilmington DE Kim Eppehimer Executive Director | Wilmington DE

Board Members Theodore Ashford III A t L arge, Wilmington DE John Barineau Concord Presbyterian Church, Wilmington DE Carolyn Cotter Limestone Presbyterian Church, Wilmington DE Fred Crowley R e d C l a y Presbyterian Church, Wilmington DE Sandy King Westminster Presbyterian Church, Wilmington DE Heddi Knox At Large, Wilmington DE Lee Maus St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Wilmington DE Rosanne Miller Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Wilmington DE Jackie Moultrie At Large, Wilmington DE Scott Sapp Trinity Presbyterian Church, Wilmington DE Connie Shultz I m m a n u e l Church Highlands, Wilmington DE

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13 OUR FAITH PARTNERS Abundant Life Faith Center COGIC New Covenant Presbyterian Church Aldersgate United Methodist Church Newark Church of Christ Arise at Peninsula McCabe United Newark United Methodist Church* Methodist Church Parkview Assembly of God Awakened Heart Spiritual Center Peniel United Methodist Church Bethel AME Church Prevailing Church International Brandywine Valley Baptist Church Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church Calvary Baptist Church Red Lion United Methodist Church Calvary Presbyterian Church* Resurrection Parish Christ Church Christiana Hundred Richardson Park United Methodist Church Christ Community Church RiverCross Fellowship Christian Love Worship Center Sikh Center of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Silverside Church Church on Main* Skyline United Methodist Church Community Presbyterian Church St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Concord Presbyterian Church St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church Congregation Beth Emeth St. David’s Episcopal Church Connection Community Church St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church Church Dioceses of Delaware St. Herman Orthodox Eastpoint Community Church St. John’s the Baptist - Holy Angels Ebenezer United Methodist Church St. John the Beloved Catholic Church Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and St. Mark's United Methodist Church* Matthew* St. Nicholas Episcopal Church First & Central Presbyterian Church* St. Paul UAME Church First Presbyterian Church St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church First Tabernacle Beth El COGASOC St. Paul's United Methodist Church (Odessa) First Unitarian Church of Wilmington St. Paul's United Methodist Church Grace United Methodist Church (Wilmington) Good News Church St. Philip's Lutheran Church Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church St. Thomas Episcopal Church Holy Family Catholic Church St. Thomas More Oratory Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Suakim Count No. 54 Church Suakim Temple No. 60 Immanuel Church Highlands Temple Beth El Islamic Society of DE Masjid Ibrahim The Journey Kingswood United Methodist Church The Mission La Iglesia de Jesucristo Trinity Episcopal Parish* Limestone Presbyterian Church Trinity Presbyterian Church Linden-Lithicum United Methodist Church Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Valley Point Church Mt. Zion UAME Church Westminster Presbyterian Church* New Ark United Church of Christ New Castle Presbyterian Church New Castle Presbytery *Host of one or more of one of our programs New Community Church

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 14 PARTNERING BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

7 Nights Dead Presidents Pub & Kendal at Longwood AA/NA Restaurant Lands' End Delaware Moms Demand M&T Bank Alexion Pharmaceuticals Action Moe's Southwest Grill Amalfi Pizza Delaware State Bar New Castle County Council Amazon Association New Castle County Hope AmeriHealth Caritas Discover Center Inc. Delaware DivvyUp Socks Newark Area Welfare Argilla Brewing Co. at Domino's Pizza Committee Pietro's Pizza Dunkin' Newark Rotary Club Ashford Capital duPont Once Upon A Child Management Dysrythmics Band One Warm Coat AstraZeneca Elms Brook Farms Operation Warm Bank of America Elwyn Operation Zip Up Barclays Bank OshKosh B'gosh & Carters Barnes & Noble Faegre Drinker Our Daily Bread BBD, LLP Firm Foundation Pampered Chef Bellefonte Lions Club First State Squash Panera Bread Berkshire Hathaway FMC Corporation Patterson Schwartz/Fairway HomeServices Fox & Mortgage Roach Realtors Frank's Wholesale Produce Pettinaro Residental BJs Wholesale Club From the Ashes Prince Hall Freemasonry Blo Blow Dry Bar Full Circle Food Races2Run Bombas Gamma Phi Beta Reading Assist Institute Brae's Brown Bag Girl Scout Troop 719 REI Breakwater Accounting & Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Rendall Co. Advisory Corp Bay Troop 1078 River Bend Apartments Bucky's BBQ Girl Scouts of Chesapeake RMB Group Burlington Bay Troop 513 RN Bunch LLC Caffe Gelato Restaurant Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen Roots Natural Kitchen Capital One Griswold Home Care S.H.O.P. Chalkboard Charities Hanes School Bell Apartments Christiana Rotary Club Harrison Properties Ltd Serrv International ChristianaCare Health Hazel D. Plant Women's Sevy’s Auto Repair System Treatment Facility ShopRite Citibank Heaven & Health LLC Shriners City of Middletown Highmark Siemens Healthcare City of Newark Hope Dining Room Diagnostics City of Wilmington Hotel DuPont Spiritual Life Committee Cokesbury Village Spiritual Housing Alliance Delaware State Employees’ Charitable Life IGH Charitable Foundation Campaign Community Interactions Inc. JPMorgan Chase Bank SunnyD Costco Junior League of Switzenbaum & Associates Crowley Wealth Wilmington Tamman Technologies Management JustFaith The Bancorp Bank Cub/Boy Scouts Pack 29 Keller Williams Greater The Center for Stress Pain & Newark Wellness Management

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15 PARTNERING BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

The Well Coffeehouse and United Way of Delaware Wilmington West Rotary Marketplace US Attorney’s Office Women's Fitness Trail Creek Outfitters US Fire Marshal WSFS Bank Twist'd Tomato Waste Management YourCause UD Residents Ensemble Wilmington 1st Walk-In Zakat Foundation Players (REP) Wilmington Garden Day Zoup! PARTNERING PARTNERING FOUNDATIONS SCHOOLS Ashford Family Foundation Brandywine High School Baxa Family Foundation Brandywine SITE Program Benevity Caravel Academy Debley Foundation Centreville Layton School Delaware Community Foundation Charter School of Wilmington Elice & Rose McDonald Foundation Children of America Helen Greene Fund Delaware Military Academy Josephine C Osbun Fund Delaware Technical Community Kenny Family Foundation College Longwood Foundation Nativity Prep Starfish Fund Newark Charter School Welfare Foundation Newark Methodist Preschool West Legacy Trust Shortlidge (Evan G.) Academy St. Andrew’s School St. Ann Episcopal School St. George’s Technical High School Tatnall School Tower Hill Shool Ursuline Academy University of Delaware William F. Cooke Elementary Wilmington Friends

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 16 2021 FRIENDSHIP HOUSE STAFF Administration Kim Eppehimer Executive Director Marc Marcus Assistant Executive Director Roxane Blake Office Manager Genell Walls R e f e r r a l s M a n a g e r Kristen Reisor Community Engagement Manager Annie Randolph-LaBerge Assistant Administrator Cassandra Bryant V o l u n t e e r a n d Communications Coordinator

Clothing Bank Cheryl Bryant Clothing Bank Director Timeeka Cropper Senior Warehouse Associate Sharon D'Antonio Senior Warehouse Associate

Empowerment Day Centers Tim Keeler Manager of Empowerment Centers Robin Cross Manager (MOT) Patty Gross Manager (Wilmington) Josh Klein Manager (Newark, Boxwood) Zuly Bullock Case Manager (Boxwood) Kaylie Fruits Case Manager (Wilmington) Christina Johnson Case Manager (Wilmington) Paul Kielar Case Manager (Wilmington) Nina Lopez Case Manager (Newark) Kelly Tompkins Case Manager (Newark, Hope Center) Carey Phillips Front Desk (Wilmington) Transitional Housing Shawn Helmick Director of Women's Housing Paul Slowik Director of Men's Housing Silas Harrison Case Manager Danielle Mess Case Manager Sara Brisiel Program Worker John Jordan Program Worker Lauren Limmina Program Worker Kim McKinnie Program Worker Linesh Perry Program Worker Sheila Turner P r o g r a m W o r k e r

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17 2021 FRIENDSHIP HOUSE STAFF Hope Center April McElrath Supervisor of the Client Services Program Cassie Brown Case Manager Chandel Bethea Client Services Coordinator Brittney Ebright Client Services Coordinator Gwen England Client Services Coordinator Monet Harris Client Services Coordinator Tiffani Mills Client Services Coordinator Ron Palmer Client Services Coordinator Jazmin Upshur Client Services Coordinator Mahkea West Client Services Coordinator

OUR LOCATIONS

Administrative Office Boxwood Empowerment Center 1503 W. 13th St. 701 S. Maryland Ave Wilmington, DE 19806 Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 652-8133 (302) 648-3117

Clothing Bank Hope Center 1603 Jessup St. 365 Airport Rd. Wilmington, DE 19802 New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 654-1390 (302) 358-4146

MOT Empowerment Center Newark Empowerment Center 44 W. Main St. 69 E. Main St. Middletown, DE 19709 Newark, DE 19711 (302) 416-0982 (302) 544-0165

Transitional Housing Wilmington Empowerment Center 722 N. Union St. 720 N. Orange St. Wilmington, DE 19805 Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 428-0151 (302) 652-8033

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 18 Uniting people facing homelessness with loving, supportive communities they can home.

www.friendshiphousede.org Facebook.com/friendshiphouseofwilmington Instagram.com/friendship_house_de Twitter.com/FriendshipHseDE [email protected] (302) 652-8133