2011 annual report

Annual Report

Gulf Coast Community

Services Association, Inc.

2011

E D U C A T E . E Q U I P . E M P O W E R .

3 Our Mission

4 Leadership

5 Greetings from the CEO

6 Board of Directors

7 Financial Statements

9 Literacy and Education

10 Success Story

14 Preparing our Children

16 Economic Development

17 Success Story

20 Success Story

21 Human Service Initiatives

25 Building Better Community

27 ARRA Partners

29 GCCSA Service Area

30 Thank You

Table of Contents

The Gulf Coast

Community Services

Association exists to

strengthen the

educational, social,

and economic well-

being of children and

families as they move

toward independence

and self-sufficiency.

The values we uphold

as Harris County’s

Community Action

Agency:

Safety as a Priority

Increasing

Accountability

Valuing Innovation

Communities as

Partners

Honoring Human

Diversity

GCCSA Board of Directors and Policy Council Shared Governance Meeting

3 Annual Report 2011

Our Mission

Dr. Jonita Reynolds

Chief Executive Officer

Horace Grant, MBA

Director of Operations

Sue Kriegel

Executive Assistant to the CEO, Board Liaison

Tiamoiya Lee, M. Ed.

Head Start/Early Head Start Director

Al Maldonado, III, J.D.

Compliance and Accountability Director

Debra Rogers, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Amanda Shelton, MBA

Marketing and Community Relations

Jeff Wallace, M.S.

Director of Client Services

“If Excellence is possible,

good is not enough.” 4 Annual Report 2011

Leadership


Dr. ‘J’ Reynolds Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friends and Colleagues: For more than four (4) decades, the dedicated team at Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc. (GCCSA), under the visionary leadership of its Board of Directors, has served on the front lines of the battlefield in the War on Poverty. How will we know that the war waged by President Lyndon B. Johnson is won? When there are more families enjoying the fruits of economic independence than daunted by the despair of impoverished conditions. As long as poverty persists… Houston, we have a problem! Although the mission to end poverty has been a national objective for 47 years, for GCCSA, it is personal. Amid the realities of high inflation, a contracting economy, scarcity of capital, dramatic cuts in government services, and a growing number of unemployed and under-employed, the GCCSA team remains unchanged as the catalyst for efficiency (things right) and effectiveness (right things). Excellence (doing the right things right) at GCCSA is the standard, not the goal.

In the words of the futurist Joel Barker, “Vision without action is a dream; action without vision is simply passing time; vision with action can change the world.” As evidenced in this report, GCCSA’s realization of impact is grounded in the common vision of a world in which each person has a sense of worth; accepts responsibility for self, family, community, and societal well-being; and has the capacity to be productive. We build on the principles of education and empowerment, financial literacy, health and wellness, community engagement, and economic independence. To the Board and my staff, the unwavering servant leaders, know that we could not have achieved such unprecedented results without you. Together, we have expanded our reach, empowered our clients, enhanced social and economic community development, and emboldened change for the future. Thank you for your generous gift of time, treasure and talent! Yours in service, Dr. Jonita Reynolds Chief Executive Officer

(Left to Right) Horace Grant, Operations Director; Elideth Rizutto, Former Head Start Parent; and Dr. Jonita Reynolds, CEO

Annual Report

2011

6

In order to deliver 21st Century solutions that enable our families to achieve their goals and sustainable success, or what we refer to as “Revealed Potential”, the GCCSA Board of Directors has reinforced a culture of excellence, optimized stressed resources, and fostered collaborative relationships. These initiatives have positioned GCCSA to be a strong reliable voice for the poor, effectively analyze our client's needs to provide a comprehensive family focused package of assistance, and most importantly being an adamant defender for the rights of the disadvantage and under served. Perhaps nothing exemplifies my earlier reference to 21st Century services like the collaborative partnerships that GCCSA has established to help our families realize their dreams. These partnerships with like-minded friends afford GCCSA the opportunity to implement game changing approaches to early childhood and adult education. Our friends in the daily battle to upend poverty have remained steadfast and ready to create new paths of opportunity. I want to thank my fellow Board members and our excellent staff for their undaunted daily efforts to make the best Community Action Agency in the country! Without you, none of the numerous achievements we have attained would materialize, and our family of clients would needlessly struggle under the weight of despair and desperation associated with poverty and unemployment. I pledge to continue the fervent work of a servant leader and champion for the GCCSA mission, our exceptional staff, and most importantly our families.

(Left to Right) Kevin Owens, Board Chair; Dr. Jonita Reynolds, GCCSA CEO; and John Robinson, HAUL Director of Education

Attorney Billy Briscoe Vice Chair

Public Sector Representative, Annise Parker, City of Houston Mayor

Tracy Whitehead

Treasurer Under-Served Sector Representative

Reverend Lee Skinner Secretary Under-Served Sector Representative

Marcos Alvarez

Under-Served Sector Representative

Irma Anderson- Living

Under-Served Sector Representative

Robert Gallegos

Public Sector Representative State Representative Carol Alvarado

Pam Guthrie

Public Sector Representative Johnnie Isbell, City of Pasadena Mayor

Cedric Johnson

Public Sector Representative Commissioner El Franco Lee

Carolyn Scantlebury

Private Sector Representative NAACP

William-Paul Thomas

Public Sector Representative Ed Gonzales, Mayor Pro-Tem City of Houston

Kevin Owens Private Sector Representative,

Shell Oil Company

Board Chair

Agency-wide Revenue

Grant Revenue $21,260,427

In-kind contributions 5,104,564

Other Revenues 116,533

Total unrestricted revenues and support $ 26,481,524

Agency-wide Expenditures Program

Expenses

General &

Administrative Expenses

Total

Expenses

Salaries and Wages $9,335,959 $2,441,191 $11,777,150

Fringe Benefits 2,599,985 615,441 3,215,426

Travel 34,616 362 34,978

Parent Services 86,941 13 86,954

Food Expenses 850,753 3,980 854,733

Children's Services 99,249 0 99,249

Supplies & Equipment 1,066,722 644 1,067,366

Equipment Leases 363,736 43,397 407,133

Contract Services 62,046 84,277 146,323

Administrative Expenses 2,370,639 352,677 2,723,316

Utilities 203,958 46,554 250,512

Training & T/A 239,782 50,517 290,299

In-Kind Expenses 5,104,563 0 5,104,563

Expenditures $22,418,949 $3,639,053 $26,058,002

Audited Financial Statements

Reporting Period 10/01/10 – 09/30/11

Financial Statements

Salaries and Wages Fringe Benefits

Travel Parent Services

Food Expenses Children's Services

Supplies & Equipment Equipment Leases

Contract Services Administrative Expenses

Utilities Training & T/A

In-Kind Expenses

Agency-wide

Expenditures


Head Start/Early Head Start Revenue

Grant Revenue

17,088,346.84

In-Kind Revenue 5,104,563.13

Total Revenue 22,192,909.97

Head Start/Early Head Start Expenditures

Budget Actual

Salaries and Wages

10,319,418.00

9,855,615.28

Fringe Benefits

3,061,817.00

2,687,602.91

Travel

54,000.00

30,440.11

Parent Services

45,500.00

68,200.00

Food Expenses

35,500.00

52,636.00

Children's Services

130,750.00

99,249.01

Supplies & Equipment

416,000.00

387,920.00

Equipment Leases

181,160.00

195,416.95

Contract Services

217,500.00

128,863.36

Administrative Expenses

1,965,745.00

1,573,030.56

Utilities

273,000.00

231,874.12

Training & T/A

167,149.00

167,149.00

In-Kind Expenses

4,272,086.71

5,104,563.13

Total Expenditures

21,139,625.71

20,582,560.43


Funding Sources

2010-2011 Audit Results: The agency audit was completed by McConnell and Jones, LLP. “In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gulf Coast Community Services Association as of September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

Head Start/ Early Head Start

Programs $16,734,571

Assets for Independence Demonstration

Program $10,304.64

Community Service Block

Grant $2,957,577

Community Services Block Grant - ARRA

$176,351

Child and Adult Care Food Program $909,389 Adult Education

and Family Literacy

$114,938

National Foreclosure and

Mitigation Services $19,374

Literacy and

Education

In 2011, we invested over $20 million

dollars in literacy and education programs

for the Harris County Community.

Education is a life-long investment, and

our dedication to increasing the literacy

rate through educational programs for our

children, families, and individuals is

evident in our various classes, workshops,

and initiatives designed to address the

literacy deficit Houston’s communities are

facing.


Success Story Ms. Carolyn Hill, GED Graduate

In 2004, while working at a homeless shelter washing clothes for the homeless

and cleaning the grounds and building I knew that there had to be more for

me in life. I wanted to do more. I wanted to be more effective in society and in

my personal life. The only way that I would be able to do that would be to

return to school to complete what I had not done years earlier. I resigned my

position at the shelter and started my journey. Twenty-four years earlier, at

the age of 17, I walked away from high school thinking that I did not need to

finish school. Well, life happened and many troubles occurred along the way.

Alcohol and drug addiction and a lot more would take place in my life. Finally,

I started to look for a school to attend to study for my GED. While looking, I

found Gulf Coast Community Services Association and the rest is history.

I was able to get an appointment with GCCSA and told them what I wanted to

do, how I wanted finally finish high school. The staff enrolled me in the classes

and the process started. At the time of enrollment, I was only on a fifth grade

level. I worked hard and eventually moved up in my grade level. I studied over

seven years and tested over twenty times before getting that long awaited

GED. In July 2011, I would test for the last time. That same month I received

my GED. My goal is to continue on to college some day to become a counselor

to help others that may struggle with some of the same problems that I once

faced in my life.

GCCSA’s Community Learning Program consists of the following classes and workshops:

English as A Second Language

Spanish as a Second Language

Adult Basic Education Class

General Education Diploma

Money Management Workshop

Workforce Development Workshop

Entrepreneurship Workshop

Nutrition Workshop

Secondary Education Workshop

Homeownership Workshop

Homebuyer Education Seminar

Computer Literacy Class

Named a 2011 Leader in Literacy by the Coalition for Literacy and Houston READ Commission. 11 Annual Report

2011

Adult Literacy & Education

The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-

operation & Development) defines literacy:

Literacy is more than just reading, writing, and

numeracy. It's not about being literate or

illiterate anymore, but having adequate skills

for today's demands.

“Thank You” from Dr. David Joost, Houston Community College Director Adult Education Programs


Elideth Rizutto

Mr. Gallardo always told me, “It is never too late to learn. If you only knew how many things I

would like to teach all of you, but there is not enough time, I am running out of time.” On the

other hand, Ms. Gallardo has always encouraged me and given me advice and with her kind

words: "Mam’, don't be scared, you can do it! What happens when we start walking and we

fall? And when we no longer fall, we run; that's the way life is--you can handle this and more."

I had the opportunity to learn of

GCCSA through Head Start; I never

imagined how much it would

change my life and that of my

family's.

My twins entered GCCSA’s South Houston Head Start

center, where this beautiful adventure begins.

I was the President of Parents and selected by them to

represent South Houston on the Policy Council. This is

where I started developing as a warmer human being. I

loved seeing the smiles of all their employees and the

warm welcome that they always gave me.

Through this path, Ms. Aissa asked me to study and to get

my GED. Then one of my twins had a brain paralysis. I was

embarrassed to tell why it was taking me more time that I

thought to get my GED. Until I knew whether or not my

son was going to be mentally challenged, a heavy weight I

carried on my shoulders, as a Mother.

When I was ready, I went to GCCSA corporate office to

enroll in the GED and ESL classes with instructors, Mr. and

Mrs. Gallardo. My life has changed, forever!


Early Childhood Education

Funded Enrollment

1,864

84

Percent of Eligible Children

Served

100%

100%

Average Monthly Enrollment

100%

100%

Data Key: Head Start Early Head Start

Monitoring Review:

Gulf Coast Community Service Association’s Head Start program underwent its last triennial review in 2010. The program was determined to be in full compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards, laws, regulations,

and policy Requirements.

Total Children & Families Served

2,071

103

25 Dads participated in Monthly Fatherhood Activities where dads are encouraged to become positive role models for their families and the community.

With progression in five key areas and average growth above 30%, evaluations assessed at enrollment and again at the school year’s end

show that our children are making great strides and are entering kindergarten ready to learn.

GCCSA has a proven track record of providing high-quality academic preparation to ensure that every child’s “head start” leads them to success in Kindergarten and beyond.

42.06 40.25

38.86 40.37

69.11

75.01 76.14 75.19 76.47

90.48

Language Development

Literacy Mathematics Science Social and Emotional

Development

Fall 2011

Spring 2012


Preparing Children for the Future

93% of infants & toddlers* received Medical Exams

73% of Children received Dental Exams

94% of infants & toddlers* received Dental Exams

81% of Children received Medical Exams

Meeting children’s needs for health care – including dental care – is central to learning readiness. We are dedicated to ensuring that all GCCSA Head Start and Early Head Start children are meeting their developmental milestones! We assist families in identifying community resources where they can access health services and learn the importance of setting a strong physical, as well as educational foundation for their child.

The goal in our Early Childhood

Program is “to increase school readiness”

while “fostering healthy development.”

Beyond the Classroom 15 Annual Report

2011

Econom

ic

D

evelopm

ent

Real change happens when a single

investment affects someone’s life in a

profound way, even leading to the

acquisition of an asset and placing an

individual in the economic

mainstream. Job creation, economic

output and an increase in taxable basis

in the community… it is through

economic development programs, like

ours that individuals change not only

their own lives but also the lives

around them.


“Saving MY Home” By: Mia, Proud Homeowner

“In 2009, I lost my job and received unemployment but that soon ran out

and we fell behind on our mortgage. That is when I contacted GCCSA for

help. GCCSA took my application and gave my husband and me an

appointment. The appointment and services eventually led to us getting

help on a repayment plan by way of the agency’s Foreclosure Prevention

Program.

GCCSA not only helped with my mortgage, it also provided me with classes

that assisted with budgeting. GCCSA’s programs provide various resources

that assist individuals with getting their life back on track and securing a

healthier financial lifestyle. I am thankful to GCCSA because it helped

us during challenging times; showing us how to get back on track,

as well as how to maintain our finances.

Being able to keep our home meant a lot to us and it has allowed us to

focus on long-term activities that will provide security in our future. In May

of 2011, I received my Associate Degree from Houston Community College.

My husband and I are currently employed, and I have started my own

business. Most of our kids are now grown and have moved out, but it will

always be a great comfort to know that their childhood home is still there.

Thank You.”


New Home-owner By: Ben, Proud Homeowner

“I entered into the Individual Development Account (IDA) Program in

2008 with the goal of home ownership, a lifelong dream and now a

present-day reality. After starting the program and learning the

multiple requirements to home ownership, I knew there were some

credit discrepancies that would need to be addressed. GCCSA

helped me through the complex navigation process of

cleaning up my credit and aligned me with additional city-

wide programs to assist in moving toward home ownership. I

was able to save $1,000 of my own dollars, which GCCSA then

matched 2:1 toward my down payment. At the age of 49, I, Benjamin

Johnson, became a proud home-owner.”

$ 102,798 Aggregate Dollar

Amount in Savings

125 Individuals received tax preparation

and filing assistance

42% of IDA participants are saving in pursuit of Home Ownership.

70,510

Individuals served in

Harris County in 2011

Economic Advancement

19

Over 1,200

445

our Tax Assistance Program facilitated over

2 million in tax dollars.

Individuals enrolled in our Homebuyer Education Assistance Program

were assisted in helping to prevent the loss of their homes.

384 and an additional

participated in the Job Readiness Program obtaining skills and competencies required for employment.

unemployed individuals obtained a job and

789

Creating CEOs

“The machine that I bought through the IDA

program is a very important machine; one of the most

important ones because it is the tortilla press. It is a

big machine. More tortillas come out per day, so it is

a big help. This tortilla machine produces

approximately 40,000 tortillas a day. It is a big step

forward for us because the other machine that we

started off with was a lot smaller. Our tortillas are

sold in some stores: Food Town, HEB and Mi Tienda.

Also, Seller's Brothers, some taquerias, restaurants

and small butcher shops.

I am very grateful to Gulf Coast Community

Services Association for the help they gave us because

we have been able to prosper. Thank you very much.”

Sandra Elizundo, Owner of Mesquite Tortilla Factory located in South Houston, TX.


Service

Initiative

s

We’re committed to improving the health, wellness and

vibrancy of the Houston-metropolitan areas’ community

where our employees, neighbors and clients live and

work. So every year, we dedicate a portion of our funds to

combat food insecurity, loss of shelter, and other

immediate hardship conditions. Along with our agency-

funded programs, several programs are funded generously

through community partners who have aligned their

corporate missions with our social mission for a shared

vision to eradicate poverty and eliminate poverty-related

conditions.

Human


Meeting Needs

At our core we are community action agency

and that means we are not only committed but

proudly duty-bound to work to alleviate the

poverty-related conditions that are a reality to

many Harris County residents.

That is why we developed programs that not

only fulfill a basic need of water, shelter, and

operating utilities but also teach individuals and

families how to use the resources and services

available to them; equipping them with the

tools to live better lives. Our emergency

services are coupled with workshops that

provide individuals with financial literacy,

employability basics, as well as health

education and wellness instruction.

ELECTRICITY. WATER. SHELTER.

Over $700,000 was allocated to help relieve the fear of losing

Our Food Pantry


Committed to healthier, more vibrant communities

Our food pantry has expanded to include fresh fruits and

vegetables and increased its selection of non-perishable

food items.

Hunger: (noun) a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by

lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat.

1 in 4

Families in Houston report having trouble buying groceries, according to the latest Houston Area Study.

Bandini Award Recipient for excellence in operations and exemplary service in fighting hunger!


Human Services

Choosing between a meal versus utilities, filling prescriptions or finding transportation is a daily decision that some Houstonians face. Our agency is here to help: Furniture Shop Program

Families obtain Furniture

Vouchers for the Houston

Furniture Bank to assist with

furniture necessities.

Progressive Movement Program

Transportation that would

otherwise be unachievable is

made available – helping

seniors and disabled persons

meet doctor’s appointments,

make grocery runs and remain

self-sufficient.

“After 10 months without running water,

76-year old Annie Williams turned on the faucet

and felt water running through her hands.

Records showed that her home’s pipes carried

76,000 gallons in January 2011 and 57,000

gallons in February 2011, resulting in a $1,500

bill.

After the plumbing inspection, a

negotiated charge of roughly $1,000 was paid by

the Gulf Coast Community Services Association –

a community action agency.

“I was just so happy,” exclaimed the 72-

year-old Williams. “I want to thank the people

who did help me and those who wanted to help

me.”

Excerpts from Original Publication:

George, Cindy. “After 10 months with dry taps, water

back on at woman's home.” The Houston Advocate.

better community

building

focused on making Harris County a better community. In 2009, that vision

expanded to include the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which

was signed into law by President Obama in which GCCSA received $7.2 million.

It was our primary mission to affect as many households and wage earners as

possible, disperse and report on funds received and ensure a successful

stimulus project for the people served in Harris County, Texas.

We wanted to ensure our low-income clients, as well as the general public,

realized how the funds impacted their surrounding communities. This mission

helped lay the foundation for the creation and sustainability of economic

growth and employment opportunities for the Houston community.

After announcing the potential opportunity to local colleges and universities,

social service agencies, faith-based organizations, small businesses and public

and private sectors and receiving applications, GCCSA partnered with over 70

entities, representing various areas and constituencies of Harris County.

“Having had the opportunity to partner with GCCSA, and implementing our

training and scholarship program, our students have a visible sense of pride

with purpose” said Stephanie Boutte, Director at Houston Training and

Education Center (HTEC).

Since 1965, GCCSA’s efforts have


-

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act: A coordinated, community response

GCCSA created partnerships around five principle service areas:

(1) Education

Created the opportunity for individuals to acquire skills to make them more viable and competitive in their profession, i.e. – computer technology, green job construction, health care assistance, as well as scholarships to educational institutions.

(2) Community Reinvestment

Adding to the quality of neighborhoods and communities to increase property

value and spur commerce through volunteerism, clean-ups and home

restoration and construction projects. Home renovations, home safety and

security projects and youth conservation programs were also adequate

programs under this service area.

(3) Job Placement

Efforts that provided a direct consumer link to employment opportunities.

Events like community job fairs, job readiness courses, employment-focused

case management, and on-the-job-training programs were acceptable programs

under this area.

(4) Business Development

Efforts to support entrepreneurship and commerce in the community; including,

initiatives relating to the creation of business plans, financing and business

workshops, and IDA (Individual Development Account) programs.

(5) Employment Support

Programs supporting consumers that were seeking employment, including

recently employed consumers. This effort also included childcare, clothing, rent

and utility assistance.

Before After

After receiving ARRA funds from GCCSA, we were inspired to continue giving scholarships to parents who wish to pursue a quality early childhood education and/or quality care for their children but can't afford it. The name of our nonprofit is To Raise A Child, Inc. Revona Gatlin-Davis & Devona G. Martin

Monarch Early Childhood Academy and To Raise a Child, Inc. Founders

National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) The Imagine Project Over 70 5th and 6th graders took part in cultivating a field of organic greens and vegetables in Houston’s Fifth Ward District.

CDC Association of Greater Houston

Green Jobs Development Training for

CDCs Seminars focused on informing,

motivating, and moving organizations

to the idea “being green from the

inside – out.”

Texas Business Alliance Youth Entrepreneurship Academy conducted entrepreneurship training to 15 Houston-area high school teens. Within the 7-month program, the students were exposed to real-world applications of business ownership, and today, 13 participants are proud business owners.

Community Artists Collective Vocational Sewing Program multi-location, weekly courses propelled over 60 low-income individuals to become highly-skilled seamstresses with project-based work activities and one-on-one instructions and tutorials.

Better Community (continued)


Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Center

Workforce Development and Life Skills Program

held training classes and workshops focused on Adult

Literacy which included computer classes, life skills,

counseling, as well as professional development.

VN TeamWork, Inc. ESL Training Program Computer Literacy Program reached over 300 low-income individuals, providing monthly classes on Internet & Email, Microsoft Office, applications to Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish populations in Harris County.

Children’s Defense Fund

Beat the Odds Scholarship Fund awarded thirteen

scholarships to students toward

their final semester of college or

vocational/technical training program.

DARE Boys to Men Program introduced teenage males to positive influences and instilled goal-oriented life lessons through its mentorship program aimed at guiding young men to brighter futures.

Southeast Houston Community Development Corporation

East Side University Village Community Learning Center – GED & ESL created

opportunities to enroll in GED and ESL courses at no-cost, opening doors for

teenagers, seniors and parents to make dreams of continued education a reality.

Serving Harris County

29 Annual Report 2011 With 20 Head Start locations, one

Early Head Start site and a center

for community education and

resources, our impact reaches

throughout Harris County.

Thank You,

Community Partners

On behalf of GCCSA’s stakeholders (children,

employees, board, policy council, funding

sources, legislators, clients, parents, and

volunteers), we are indebted to you, partners, for

your unwavering support of our purpose and

promise to eradicate poverty and build economic

independence for all of Harris County. Without

the support of banking partners, independent

school districts, local businesses, community

organizations, financiers, faith-based

communities, and institutions of higher learning

alike, the Gulf Coast Community Services

Association, Inc., could not have left an indelible

mark on the lives of millions over the past four

(4) decades. Thanks to your financial

contributions, in-kind donations, and

volunteerism, together, we are building a better

community, and for that, we are eternally

grateful!

Thank You to

Houston Area

Urban League

(HAUL)! HAUL’s

donation of Little

Tyke computers to

our Head Start

Program has

provided our young

learners the

opportunity to

experience their

first introduction to

technology!

9320 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77054 713-393-4700 www.gccsa.org

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and

makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community,

and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves

and each other.

The Promise of Community Action

Gulf Coast Community

Services Association, Inc.

Educate . Equip . Empower.

2011 annual report

Documents

community engagement

gccsa team

building better community

director of client services

success story

government services

gccsa service area

effectiveness right