2018 ANNUAL REPORT
Education Health and Wellness Leadership Mission To empower children and their families to lead healthy and productive lives by promoting success in education, nurturing wellness in mind and body, and developing skills in tomorrow’s global leaders.
Vision
To have a safe, healthy, and thriving community for children and families.
Focus Education, health, and wellness to prevent substance abuse in our children and youth.
Guiding Principles
• Children are our greatest asset. • Lifelong health and wellness begin with good decisions. • Education is the key to unlocking the future. • Parents are children’s strongest advocates. • Strong families are the cornerstone of thriving communities. Quick Facts 2018
19 Counties Served 115 Anderson Schools Served Bell Bosque Cherokee Coryell Falls Freestone Hamilton 48,000 Henderson Hill Individuals Impacted Kaufman Lampasas Limestone McLennan Milam 69 Mills Navarro Community Partners Rains Van Zandt
41 Full-time Staff 3 27 Years of Service Office Locations
Corsicana Killeen Waco Leadership 2018 Board of Trustees
Chairman Mike Cox, Navarro County Sheriff’s Department, Retired Vice Chairman Rev. Meredith Bell, Director of UCF Wesley Foundation at Navarro College Secretary Kay Lynn Harris, Educator, Retired Treasurer Clifford Brown III, President, Kilmarnock Oil Company, Inc. Dr. Shellie Buckley, Chair of Communications, Navarro College Brenna Conklin, Legal Assistant, Dawson & Sodd Kit Herrington, Trust Officer, Citizens National Bank Russell Hudson, Bookkeeper, Russell P. Hudson Bookkeeping and Tax Service Neal Green, Jr., Attorney at Law, Law Office of Neal Green, Jr. Ericka Kincaid, Specialist, Child Protective Services (CPS) Heather King, Scholarship Coordinator, Clifford Foundation Anna Paul, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Navarro Regional Hospital Hayden Thomas, Sales Consultant, Stewart Motor Company
McLennan County Advisory Council
Erica Ancira, Visiting Lecturer, Hankamer School of Business, Baylor University Robert Callahan, Attorney at Law, Callahan & King Stephanie Hines, Community Partnership Specialist, WISD Eric Jeter, Senior Manager, Cenikor Tara Kimbell, Marketing Account Manager III, Amerigroup Debbie Luce, Community Volunteer Craig Nash, Child Hunger Outreach Specialist, Texas Hunger Initiative Pete Peterson, Justice of the Peace, McLennan County, Precinct 1 Cathy Pleitz, Community Volunteer Bob Anne Senter, Community Volunteer Patrick Swanton, Sergeant/Public Information Officer, City of Waco Police Department Darlene Terry, Community Volunteer Josh Tetens, Attorney at Law, Simer & Tetens Ashley Thornton, Director, Continuous Improvement, Baylor University Jan Wengler, Community Volunteer Patrice Wills, Licensed Professional Counselor, Patrice Wills LPC
Executive Staff
Lynda Sloan, Chief Executive Officer Luan Arnett, Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Allen, Director of Program Advancement John Goodnight, Deputy Director of Programs Marian DeLeon-Smith, Region 7 Program Director Valorie Horn, Regions 3 and 4 Program Director Financials 2018
Our auditor has issued an unqualified opinion in the audit report for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2018. In addition, our internal controls were reviewed and no concerns were noted.
Total Revenue $3,381,970
4% Foundations and Trusts
93% Government Grants 2% In-Kind Contributions
1% Other
Total Expenses $3,504,891
85% Program Expenses
15% Supporting Expenses Changing the Lives of Students
“VOICE has had a big impact on my life,” reflects Waco High senior Halee Wise. “Participating in VOICE programs helped me become the person I am today.”
Several years ago, Halee attended VOICE’s Summer Free- dom School, where students increase their love of education while exploring their cultural heritage. “Freedom School changed my outlook because I learned more about myself and my identity. I especially liked the books we read because they were about people I could relate to.”
Because of the value she found in the program, she wanted to work there when she became too old to attend. “I completed VOICE’s teen leadership program, Pathways To Success, which made me eligible to apply for a position at Freedom School. After going through a very competitive interview process, I worked there for two summers. I was so glad I could make a difference in the students’ lives by sharing the things I learned when I attended.”
VOICE Prevention Specialist R.J. Napier worked with Halee at Summer Freedom School and Pathways To Success. “She is an example of how we build ongoing relationships with students and their families. It was a great experience to see her change over the years from a quiet child to an outgoing, confident high-schooler with strong leadership skills.”
Halee credits Pathways To Success with helping her become a leader. “In addition to giving me the opportunity to work for VOICE and a $500 college scholarship, Pathways taught me skills that I have used in many areas, including while serving as senior class president, Waco Youth Council member, and HOT Fair and Rodeo Sweetheart.”
The requirements to complete Pathways to Success are very rigorous and include being tobacco, alcohol, and drug-free, maintaining a B average in school, and completing forty-six hours of volunteer work. Pathways participants must also complete CAP (College Achievement Program).
“I love CAP!” Halee declares. “My CAP advisor, Mrs. Macias, encouraged me to start plan- ning for college early and helped keep me on track. She also connected me to financial aid resources. With this help, I will be attending Prairie View A&M in the fall. I plan on majoring in science and minoring in Spanish, with the goal of attending medical school.”
“Halee has worked hard to overcome obstacles in her life, and I have no doubt she will reach her goals,” states Lisa Saxenian, Waco High Dean. “I am so thankful for VOICE programs that help students like Halee achieve their goals.”
Halee, whose family circumstances led her to living most of her life living with grandpar- ents, acknowledges accomplishing her goals is not always easy. “I work very hard, and I am glad that VOICE is here to assist me on my journey to a successful future!” Education Promoting Success in Education
Summer Breakout
Students: 129
First through fifth grade students maintain mental acuity and learn healthy behaviors in this eight-week summer program held in low-income neighborhoods, including housing authorities. Nationally recognized MindUP™ curriculum is used to teach children how the brain influences learning and behavior. The students and their families also attend special events throughout the year.
Summer Freedom School
Students: 144 Parents: 104
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade are taught the value of education while exploring their cultural heritage in this multi-week summer program held on school campuses. Participants’ parents are required to volunteer at the program and attend parent training sessions where they learn the skills needed to be an active part of their children’s lives.
NEW LIFE
Program Opens to Participants January 2019 Mothers and families who are expecting a baby or have a child age 0-3 develop skills they need to ensure the successful growth and development of their children. NEW LIFE advisors meet with parents in individual and group settings during the year-long program. Participants are required to complete the evidence-based The Incredible Years® curriculum and the Shaken Baby Syndrome Course. Education Promoting Success in Education
CAP (College Achievement Program)
Students Enrolled: 609
CAP is a free program in Navarro and McLennan counties that encourages students to continue their education after high school. CAP advisors meet individually with high school students and their parents to help them access resources that aid in planning for, applying to, and paying for college. They also conduct informational presentations at schools and community sites.
Seniors that complete the required tasks are entered into a $2,500 college scholarship drawing; two scholarships are given in each county. Navarro County students who complete the program are also qualified to receive an application to the J. Tom Eady Scholarship and the Clifford Foundation Scholarships.
Haley Hayes is a Blooming Grove High graduate with Sabastian Minniear is a graduate of Blooming Grove plans to attend Hill College–Cleburne Campus. High who attends Texas Tech.
“ I am so thrilled that I was selected to receive the scholarship. It is “ It was great participating in CAP. The main things I liked about it going to make a big difference in my future! Having been in the were that the program encourages you to get started early and foster care system, I wasn’t sure how to get ready for college so then helps keep you on track. Because of that, I was able to begin I was really glad that CAP helped me make plans for the future. taking steps early to fulfill my goal of going to Tech and becoming I enjoyed being a part of the program because Ms. Aldama was an electrical engineer. A lot of my classmates also participated in very understanding of my situation and helped me a lot.” CAP and really liked the help they got.” Education Promoting Success in Education
Anna-Maria Coronado is a graduate of University Aaron Esparza-Luevanos is a graduate of University High School and attends McLennan Community High School and attends McLennan Community College. College.
“ I knew for a long time that I wanted to be a nurse, but wasn’t “ CAP really made a difference in my life because it helped me sure about the best steps to take. There is a lot to involved realize what I had to do to make my future what I want it when it comes to going to college, like how to pay, taking to be. I have always had big dreams, but wasn’t sure what I the ACT or SAT, where to go. Being part of a program that would need to do to make them come true. My circumstances provided guidance and help when I encountered difficulties are not like other students and so I was very glad that my in all of those areas gave me the confidence that I could be CAP advisor, Ms. Macias, helped me get things figured out. the first in my family to complete college!” I am so excited about it!”
Required Tasks
Meet with CAP advisor. Submit most recent official high school and, if applicable, college transcripts. Submit official copy of ACT or SAT results. Submit up-to-date resume. Complete the three Kuder Navigator Career Assessments.
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Apply to MAC College Money Program (McLennan county only). Health and Wellness Nurturing Health and Wellness in Mind and Body
Special Events
Tobacco Free Kids Day
Tobacco Free Kids Day, held annually in March, highlights the importance of living tobacco free. VOICE prevention specialists visit schools and educate students about the harmful effects of tobacco. Schools are provided with banners, pencils, and bracelets to remind students of the value of being tobacco free.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week, held annually the last week of October, is a national campaign to make students and communities aware of the benefits of living drug free. VOICE prevention specialists conduct presentations for students and provide banners, red ribbons, pencils, and bracelets to the schools. Health and Wellness Nurturing Health and Wellness in Mind and Body
Curriculum-Based Support Groups
Students: 859 Children and youth meet in confidential, small group settings where they learn essential life skills to help them cope with difficult family situations, resist negative peer pressure, respect others, set and achieve goals, make healthy choices, and refuse tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Participants are identified as living in at-risk situations and are recommended to attend the program by school administrators, counselors, and teachers.
Educational Presentations and Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug Free Events
Number of Presentations: 1,773
Individuals of all ages learn the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs on their lives, their families, and the community during educational presentations at schools and community sites. Most of the presentations are done in schools, including those conducted as part of the Red Ribbon and Tobacco Free campaigns. We also partner with community organizations to offer events where families can enjoy a fun time in a tobacco, alcohol, and drug free environment.
Project Towards No Drug Abuse
Students: 438
High school students whose behavior has demonstrated they are at high-risk for substance abuse meet in small groups on their school campuses. The program teaches self-control, effective communication, appropriate decision-making strategies, and how to live alcohol and drug free. Participants are recommended by school administrators, counselors, and teachers. Health and Wellness Nurturing Health and Wellness in Mind and Body
VASA Community Coalition
The goal of the VASA community coalition is to create a drug and alcohol free culture for youth and young adults in McLennan County. Funded by a five-year grant from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in 2013, the organization researches and environmentally addresses the use and abuse of alcohol (underage and binge drinking), marijuana, and prescription drugs.
The coalition is comprised of individuals representing a variety of sectors who are concerned about substance abuse in McLennan County. The group meets monthly to review data regarding the use of alcohol and drugs by young adults and to create strategies that address the issues faced by the community.
Business Healthcare Brad Berger SCM Promos Elizabeth Byrd Heart of Texas MHMR Dave Maddison Dubl-R Hamburgers Garland White Waco Winner’s Circle Kim Giles By Design Georgie Price Klaras Center for Families MHMR Community Jessica Jimenez Klaras Center for Families MHMR Darlene Terry Community Volunteer Kelli McAdams Klaras Center for Families MHMR Samantha Dove Methodist Children’s Home Ravonne McCray Baylor Scott & White Medical Center– Hillcrest Education Telawna Kirbie Klaras Center for Families MHMR Alyssa Petty Baylor Wellness Department Betsy Burnett Mart High School Law Enforcement/Civic Candice Marecle Waco ISD Candi Moreno Bellmead Police Department Chris Gibson Baylor’s Beauchamp Addiction Keith Guillory Waco Fire Department Recovery Center Lydia Alvarado Bellmead Police Department Courtney Hammond Valley Mills High School Scott Curry Baylor University Police Department Lilly Ettinger Baylor’s Beauchamp Addiction Sofie Martinez Waco Police Department Recovery Center Media Lisa Saxenian Waco High School Cindy Schaffer IHeartMedia Paul Gonzales McLennan Community College Hector Sabido Prophecy Media Pauli Ramos Waco ISD Rene Duffy Lamar Advertising Robin Newman Waco ISD Treatment/Recovery Sarah Sanchez Prevention Resource Center Region 7 Mary Casanova Cenikor Tasha Whittaker Baylor Scott & White Medical Center– Stacie Woodall Cenikor Hillcrest Faith-Based Marshall Lopez Mighty Wind Worship Center Sam Doyle Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church Government Debbie Tahiri TxDOT Jolie Person TxDOT Kattina Bryant U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Taylor Bee TxDOT Health and Wellness Nurturing Health and Wellness in Mind and Body
Spring Training
Students: 52 Youth Volunteers: 26
While on spring break from school, students in kindergarten through fifth gradewho reside in low-income neighborhoods, including housing authorities, learn healthy behaviors that emphasize physical fitness and wise nutritional choices. The renowned CATCH™ (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum is used with the goals of preventing childhood obesity and encouraging children, their families, and the community to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Strengthening Families Program
Children and Youth: 291 Adults: 258
Children and their parents significantly improve communication skills and relationships in this fourteen-session program. The participants are from all socio-economic backgrounds, some of whom are referred by school and juvenile justice admin- istrators. Other attendees are families who must complete the program for the children to attend Summer Freedom School. The program has been proven to increase good behavior and decrease problems such as truancy, delinquency, and substance abuse.
Too Good For Drugs
Students: 8,984
First through twelfth grade students learn the basic skills needed to avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drug addiction. The ten-session program, conducted at schools and community sites, focuses on how to resist peer pressure, set goals, make sound decisions, manage emotions, and communicate effectively in order to live a nonviolent, drug free life. Leadership Development Developing Skills in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Pathways to Success
Students: 27 Volunteer Hours: 1,488 High school students in McLennan and Navarro counties gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective leaders, volunteers, and employees in this year-long program. Each teen that fulfills the required tasks receives a $500 college scholarship and is eligible to be hired at VOICE summer programs.
At monthly meetings, students hear from guest speakers and participate in discussions about a variety of topics, including servant leadership, effective communication, and financial wellness. They also discover the impact they can make in their community through volunteering at nonprofit organizations, including VOICE.
The value of good employment skills is also emphasized and students completing the program are eligible to work as Servant Leaders at VOICE Summer Freedom School. Those seeking a position go through a rigorous hiring process that includes a detailed application, an essay, and an in-depth interview. They may apply each summer until they complete college.
McLennan County Students (back row, left to right) Ahnaya Cousin, Justice McBee, Hayden Murrey (front row, left to right) Bryanna Torres, Carolina Perez, Ivette Padron, Lakyla Robinson, Joel Galan, David Juarez, Kaleigh Oates, and Liliana Beytia Leadership Development Developing Skills in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Navarro County Students (back row, left to right) Juan Herrera, Jose Sanchez, Brittany Kuykendall, Daniel Rodriguez, Brandon Rodriguez, Littzy Zavala (front row, left to right) Jasmine Cigarroa, Miriam Alonso, Gabriela DeLaRosa, Ivory Thomas, Victoria Goodroe, Melissa Rodriguez (not pictured) Joshua Monroy, Richard Hernandez, Jairo Rodriguez
Required Tasks
Be tobacco, alcohol, and drug free.
Maintain a minimum B average in school.
Attend monthly leadership training sessions.
Volunteer for forty-six hours (thirty in the community and sixteen in VOICE programs).
Enroll in CAP (College Achievement Program). Community Partners
Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children Live Well Waco Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Malakoff Housing Authority Baylor University Mary Peterson Child Care Center Bellmead Police Department McLennan Community College Belton Christian Youth Center Methodist Children’s Home Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Mighty Wind Worship Center Boys & Girls Club of Navarro County Mosaic Family Services Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Ft. Worth Navarro College Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse Navarro College TRIO Calvary Baptist Church Navarro County Adult Probation Care Net Pregnancy Center Navarro County Head Start Cedar Creek Library Navarro County Juvenile Probation Cenikor Prophecy Media City of Waco Prosper Waco Clements Boys & Girls Club - Bigham Unit Recovery Resource Council Clements Boys & Girls Club - Woody Hall Unit Region 12 Education Center Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas Taylor’s Memorial TMM Corsicana Housing Authority Temple Nueva Vida Corsicana Municipal Court Texans Standing Tall Corsicana YMCA Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Darrell Waller, Navarro County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Texas AHEC East, Waco Region District Court of Navarro County Texas Department of Transportation Prevention Resource Center Region 7 Upward Bound Fernando Villarreal, McLennan County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 Veterans Affairs Grace Community Church Greta Jordan, Navarro County Justice of the Peace, Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church Precinct 1 Heart of Texas Region MHMR Center Victim Assistance Navarro County Henderson County HELP Center Waco Center for Youth Henderson County Juvenile Probation Waco Community Development Corporation Hillcrest Baylor Scott & White - The RED Program Waco Fire Department Hope Center Corsicana Waco Housing Authority House of Refuge Waco Police Department IMPACT Navarro College Woody Hall Boys & Girls Club Klaras Center for Families MHMR Workforce Solutions KXXV Channel 25 Lifeline Family Services School Partners
Agape Christian Academy Grand Saline Middle Mildred Elementary Athens High Hamilton Elementary Mildred High Bell’s Hill Elementary Hamilton High Mildred Middle Blooming Grove Elementary Hamilton Middle Navarro Elementary Blooming Grove High Hanna Springs Elementary Navarro Alternative Education Blooming Grove Middle Hewitt Elementary Navarro Disciplinary Alternative Blum ISD Hico Elementary New Summerfield Elementary Bowie Elementary Hico High O.P. Norman Junior High Brazos High Hico Middle Providence Heights Brook Avenue Elementary Indian Springs Middle R.Q. Sims Intermediate Carroll Elementary Iredell Elementary Rains High Cedar Ridge Elementary Iredell High Rapoport Academy Public School Central Athens Elementary Iredell Middle Raymond Mayes Middle School Cesar Chavez Middle James L. Collins Catholic School Rice Elementary Chilton Elementary Kemp Intermediate Rice High Chilton High Kerens Elementary Rice Intermediate Chilton Middle Kerens High Rice Middle Collins Intermediate Kerens Middle Rosebud Elementary Corsicana High Kline Whitis Elementary Sam Houston Elementary Corsicana Middle Lakeview Elementary South Waco Elementary Dawson Elementary Lampasas High School Spring Valley Elementary Dawson High Lampasas Middle School Taylor Creek Elementary Dawson Middle LaVega Elementary Teague Elementary Drane Learning Center LaVega High Teague High Early Headstart LaVega Intermediate Teague Intermediate Eustace High Mabank High Tennyson Middle Eustace Intermediate Malakoff Elementary Tool Elementary Eustace Middle Marlin Elementary Troy Elementary School Eustace Primary Marlin High Troy High School Fairfield Elementary Marlin Middle Two Dimension Prepatory Fairfield High Mart Elementary University High Fairfield Intermediate Mart High Valley Mills High Fannin Elementary Mart Middle Waco High Frost Elementary Martin Walker Elementary West Avenue Elementary Frost High Mays Elementary School Wills Point Middle Frost Middle Mexia High Wortham Elementary G.W. Carver Middle Milano Elementary Wortham High Grand Saline High Milano High Grand Saline Intermediate Milano Middle Supporters
Allen Glass Company Bryan and Kim Klimt Annie Lee Robbins Charitable Foundation Law Office of D. Brent Lemon Axiom Advertising Laura Lind Marsha Banks Kristal Lowry Bessie I Hoffstetter Trust Derrel and Debbie Luce Jane Biltz Martin Industrial Storage Bird Kultgen Ford Ed and Vicky Mazanec Sally Bledsoe Nancy Moore Carolyn Brophy National United Bank, Hewitt Browder General Insurance Agency Navarro Community Foundation Clifford Brown One Wooded Acres Plaza, LLC Billie Brownfield Orkin Pest Control By Design Pearl Thornell Charitable Foundation Camille Johnson Group Perry Dean and Alice Graham Charitable Foundation Clifton Foundation Perry Office Plus Community Bank and Trust Waco DJ Peterson Cooper Foundation Nancy Pfanner Corsicana ISD Dan and Cathy Pleitz Genny Davis Janet Porter Document Solutions Rena Fleming Foundation DonateWell Nikki Rhea Dubl-R Old Fashioned Hamburgers Michaela Ritter Jim and Michelle Dunnam Lisa Saxenian Edward Jones, Stephen Blackard SCM Promos Eleanor Thornell Charitable Foundation Bob Anne Senter Fun Jump Party Rentals Lynda Sloan Sue Gleason Paula Stewart Ann Harder Kay Turney Denise Harper, The Harper Team United Way of Navarro County Heart of Texas Network Consultants United Way of the Greater Fort Hood Area Davina Hicks Waco Housing Authority Martha Hicks Waco ISD J.N. and Macie Edens Foundation Jan Wengler Lisa Jaynes Debbie Wilson Dana Jones Winton Engineering Collette Karr Trudy Woodson Robert Kingman We appreciate your support! Please visit voiceinc.org to make a donation. 107 West 5th Avenue Corsicana, Texas 75110 903.872.0180
1105 Wooded Acres Drive, Suite 110 Waco, Texas 76710 254.741.9222
4003 West Stan Schlueter Loop, Suite 3 Killeen, Texas 76549 254.833.6270 voiceinc.org | [email protected] | facebook.com/voiceinc