Moving Forward,Together 2015 - 2016 Annual Report www.bigloraincounty.org A message from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Staff: Statistics show children with strong mentors in their life are more likely to succeed. Results include better school attendance, improved school performance, increased self-esteem and reduced substance abuse. When we hear a mother say, “I never thought my child would make it through high school. Now thanks to Big Brothers Big Sisters, my child plans to go to college,” we know we are making a difference. Staff The children Big Brothers Big Sisters serve are not bad, but often they are in Brenda Warren bad situations. Through no fault of their own they have been hurt by divorce, Interim CEO desertion, incarceration or the death of one or both parents. Most of the children live in poverty but when they have a positive adult friend and role Giovana Kallas model they can beat the odds. Program Officer This past year has been exceptional for increasing our collaboration with Marcus Madison funders, businesses, and non-profit organizations. It is a balancing act to Community Engagement Officer secure funding, screen and acquire mentors, make matches and give ongoing David Gerrone support for successful mentoring experiences. We are proud to have received Senior Case Manager a National internal Big Brothers Big Sisters error free inspection -- a first in the federation. Emily Rybarczyk Case Manager We see firsthand how this organization changes lives and is committed to bringing mentoring to more youth in need. But we cannot do it alone. We Sarah Leon need a volunteer for each child. Go to www.BigLorainCounty.org to Case Manager become a volunteer or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters. John Keaton Thank you, Administrative Assistant The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County Staff *Regularly contributing consultants: Joan Samkow and Michelle VanWormer Board of Directors A message from our Board Chair John Arch Sr. Manager, Logistics and Warehousing, Two years ago the Board held a retreat and examined the needs of Swagelok Company the community. We looked at Census data for children in poverty Luis A. Carrión (Chair) and single-parent homes and set a goal to serve 750 youth by 2020. Partner, Renner, Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP Last year we served 311 youth in one-to-one mentoring. Susan Elder (Vice Chair) Senior Director of Marketing, Jenne, Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County was founded over 20 years ago despite some national data suggesting the organization would Scott Fox not be sustainable. Against those odds, it not only survived, President, Universal Oil it thrived. Christopher Gaugler (Treasurer) Director, Tax, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Over the past year, we have closely examined operations and Kwaku Obosu-Mensah procedures. We formed additional committees chaired by Board Assistant Professor, Sociology, LCCC members and made changes to existing ones to prepare the infrastructure to serve more children. Beth Ann Pfeifer Independent Sales Director, Mary Kay Our constant challenge is to find mentors to match with the Dennis Richards children and funding to provide services and support. We are Supervisor, Accounts Payable Department, PolyOne grateful for our dedicated donors and are in the process of Brian Schilf (Secretary) establishing additional partnerships to serve more children. Vice President, Information Technology, PolyOne Michael Sherrill (Past Chair) Because of your support, we anticipate growing this organization President, Simplified Facilities Group, Inc. to change more children's lives for the better, forever. Brett Tijanich Business Banking, First Merit Luis A. Carrion, Board Chair Bryant Bitar Attorney, Renner, Otto, Bolsselle & Sklar, LLP President/Owner, Heritage Investments For more than 20 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County has operated under the belief that every child has the inherent ability to succeed and thrive in life. As Lorain County's largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, we make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers, referred Moving Forwtao asr "Bdigs,", aTnd cohildrgen, eour t"Lihttlese." r. 2016 Annual Report It starts with a Little. Our mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Partnerships We further promote government, corporate, and foundation partnerships that grow awareness and funding. Collaboration We create and share industry best practices and models that increase the number of lives changed, and children served. Technology Big Sister Alicia Burke & Little Sister Justice. We track, report, and analyze matches through our prosperity software and database. ibl i ll d d possible, we continually use data and Erevseidarechn tcoe s-tBreansgtehden M ouern setrovricien dge livery systems in close partnership with industry- leading researchers. Research has shown that the strength of the relationship between a volunteer and child is critical to more positive outcomes for the child. In recognition of this, Big Brothers Big Sisters utilizes a research-based tool to measure the Strength of Relationship for each of our matches. Additionally, Big Brothers Big Sisters developed a Youth Outcome Survey in partnership with leading researchers to measure progress in educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors and socio-emotional competency. Programs Every year, Big Brothers Big Sisters reaches over 300 youth through several unique mentoring programs. We operate in neighborhoods all across Lorain County -- urban and rural, big and little. Our mentors work with children in the community, in their schools, and many places in between. Community-Based Mentoring Program Through the Community-Based Mentoring Program, Bigs and Littles are paired based on geographic proximity and shared interests and are provided professional support through Big Brother's Big Sister's Match Support team. Community-Based matches are encouraged to spend time doing low-cost or free activities that help promote the kind of trusted relationship that helps a young person build self- confidence, think about their future, and, of course, have fun! Big For A Day Big for a Day is exactly what it sounds like! It is a fun opportunity for the staff of an organization to get involved mentoring children waiting to be matched. Organizations can sponsor the day or choose a scheduled event. School-Based Mentoring Our School-Based Mentoring Program brings Bigs to elementary schools to provide support and encouragement to children who have been identified by their teachers and counselors as children who can benefit from a caring mentor. Littles meet their Bigs over a lunch period or after school and engage in a variety of activities. When Bigs show up at their Littles’ schools for their weekly time together, they spend quality time together, talking, doing homework, reading, shooting hoops or playing on the playground. The funds we raise fuel the dreams of children. Because of your support, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County has the funding to implement life changing mentoring programs with strict adherence to evidence-based models and best practices. 2015 Financial Overview Summary Statement of Financial Position Statement of Activities Expenses Assets Public Support and Revenue Cash and Cash Equivalents $111.8 Government Funding $148.0 Operating Accounts Receivable $43.0 United Way $27.0 9.6% Property & Equipment $20.0 Foundation Support $119.4 Other Assets $0.2 Investment Inc/Misc. $1.0 Total Assets $175.0 Resource Development $81.0 Program Liabilities Expenses 88.9% Current Liabilities $18.6 Management and General $36.0 Fund Balance $156.4 Fundraising $5.8 Total Liabilities $175.0 Program Implementation $332.9 Fundraising 1.5% * The 2015 financial overview is a summary of the June 30, 2015, audit which represents the financial statements of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County. Big Brother of the Year Bill Scott & Little Brother Alex IT ADDS UP 95% of youth in our programs report improvements in educational success. I’ve learned to set boundaries and guidelines and we get along just fine.” When Bill and Alex get together they talk about not Big Brother Bill and Little Brother Alex have been using drugs, being around the right people, manners and matched in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program for learning to respect others. a little over three years. “Alex has been such a blessing in my life. I can’t imagine not being his One time they talked for two hours at Wendy’s restaurant when Big Brother. It’s been great because it’s almost like Bill explained everything you want to know about football. Alex being a kid again. There are lots of things I would does not have a strong male role model in his life. Bill has been never have experienced, like going to a variety of able to provide support, friendship, and guidance. Alex’s movies, Monster Truck competitions and learning homework has improved and so has his attitude. about Star Wars. My wife and I never had children. Bill commented, “Of course we have had our share of ups and "Bill was concerned before they met because Alex downs. But now there are many more smiles and happy times. I was a child with challenges. He commented, “The am amazed to see him starting to mature. When we first met, I first activity we did together was bowling. After could not imagine Alex going to college. Now that is one of his twenty minutes I knew he was the child I wanted to goals and I am here to make sure it happens.” Alex told Bill that mentor. I have to admit, this positive experience has he wants to be friends for life. Bill told Alex that he wouldn’t changed my perspective on stereotypes of children want it any other way. with disabilities. Alex is a great kid. Big Sister of the Year Cheryl Hribar & Little Sister Molly At the age of eleven, Molly has faced challenges that most of us will Littles matched with Bigs are: never deal with in our entire life.