The Power of...

Seton Center, Inc.

Annual Report

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The Power of One!

Photos by John Caulfield.

www.setonkc.org 1

About Seton Center

Our Mission

Seton Center is a Catholic-sponsored human service agency that helps people break cycles of poverty. Seton Center provides health, social, and educational programs to address current community needs, and tools to help support people in transforming their lives.

Our History

Founded in 1969 by the Daughters of Charity (an order of Catholic Sisters) and the Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City, Seton Center is dedicated to serving neighbors in need in Kansas City’s urban core, without religious requirements or restrictions.

Who We Serve

Seton Center recognizes, appreciates, values, and utilizes the unique talents and contributions of all individuals regardless of age, race, ethnicity, culture, disability, educational level or background, employee status, family status, gender, language, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

> 70% are African American

> 20% are Hispanic/Latino

> 10% are Caucasian

> One third are children under the age of 18

> 92% of those we serve live at or below the poverty level

Seton Center embraces the different attributes and perspectives of our clients, staff, and outside stakeholders to best serve our diverse neighborhood and all those who turn to us for assistance.

Seton Center’s service area encompasses the poorest zip codes in the Kansas City area: 64127, 64128, and portions of 64109, 64129, and 64130.

Dental patients come from a 10-county area in Missouri and Kansas. Costs for dental services are assessed on a sliding scale, based on income and number of dependents.

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LeadershipSeton Center’s Board of Trustees

and Community Support Board are working boards comprised of business and community representatives who are deeply committed to the mission of the organization. Board members

are actively engaged in the life, sustainability, and growth of Seton Center through volunteer, financial,

and professional support.

Board of TrusteesSister Bonnie Hoffman, DC, Chairperson

Sister Loretto Marie Colwell, SCLRobert Frazier

Thomas GreverMarlon Hammons

Phillip HansonRandall Herr

Valerie HornerDr. Michael McCunniff

Michael O’FlahertyPatrick (P.J.) Reardon

Sister Carol Schumer, DCRobert (Butch) Wagner

Community Support BoardPatrick CoppingerVirginia CoppingerBennie Daugherty

Catherine DaughertyKay Dolson*James Fern

Katherine Gierster*Thomas Grever

Eloise KippTom KIpp

Jonathan KlemAlbe McGurkJerry Meiners

Anemarie MuraJohn Mura

Steve PierceRobert (Bob) Reiter

Joan WardRita Zahner

*deceased

2 Seton Center 2013 Annual Report

Chairperson’s

Report

Seton Center

one kind word

The power of...

by Sister Bonnie Hoffman, DC

Seton Center had many things to celebrate in 2013.After several years of planning, fundraising, and seven months of construction, Seton Center staff and volunteers moved back into the expanded and renovated building in June. The staff was extraordinary in its dedication to maintain all services in temporary locations during construction.

An open house in September provided an opportunity for volunteers, donors, friends, and neighbors to gather in the new space to celebrate all those who contributed physical, financial, volunteer, or prayer support to the Campaign of Hope project. We are grateful to the many foundations, companies, and individuals whose investments made this project successful. We celebrate our new space.

Seton Center is housed in the former Holy Name School, where services flourished, and use of the space was adapted according to need. The building had aged; the renovated, updated, and expanded building is more efficient and has capacity for a greater variety of services. This $5 million building project is a visible commitment to the community to which Seton has belonged for 45 years. Partnering with the Washington Wheatley Neighborhood Association, Seton Center continues to be a resource in a community that needs hope, support, and services to become a vibrant, safe, and family-focused living space in Kansas City’s urban core.

Seton Center’s leadership – the Board of Trustees and Community Support Board – remain committed to guiding the organization with wisdom, good stewardship, faithfulness, and creativity.

Through your support, the quality and outreach that the community has come to know and expect from Seton Dental Services will continue and grow, with state-of-the-art equipment and space. More individuals and families will have access to much-needed food. Expansion of the food pantry increased our capacity to purchase food in greater bulk when available, further keeping costs down. We celebrate that fewer neighbors went hungry.

The thrift store space and sorting areas have tripled in size, allowing us to accept more in-kind donations and provide more clothing to those in need. We celebrate that we are now able to help clothe many more people.

More volunteers are needed to assist in the food pantry and staff the thrift store. We celebrate a broader volunteer force, fully engaged in the life and mission of Seton Center.

We are blessed to be called to this mission and thank you for partnering with us. We celebrate YOU!

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by Sister Loretto Marie Colwell, SCL

I often marvel at the wonderful grace-filled moments that unfold at Seton Center each day.

We are so blessed to be able to help make life easier for our neighbors – whether through a bag of food, assistance with rent, utilities, or clothing, or through dental care to relieve pain and restore smiles. We are grateful to our generous donors who make it possible for us to provide these critical services. We are the conduit for your kindness.

As I walk through the halls, I see staff and volunteers serving our neighbors in need. I catch glimpses of special moments – laughter, handshakes, shared prayers, and hugs – peppered among all the helping that takes place as they interact with one another. I witness the power that one person can have in the life of another.

I am reminded of one tall, lanky man with long arms who came to the thrift store in the winter seeking a warm coat. Repeatedly, he looked for a coat but found nothing that fit quite right. We assured him that we’d look for a coat as new donations were received. One day, we came across a coat that looked just right and set it aside, awaiting his next visit. When he came in, he tried it on – and it was just the right length for his arms. He thanked us and left. Many weeks later a staff member shared that the man had been in that day and mentioned that we had found him a coat. He was grateful to have the nice, warm, coat. But, he was deeply moved by the fact that we simply remembered that he needed a coat and made the effort to find one for him. “They remembered,” the man told the staff member. “I can’t believe they remembered.”

That experience helps me remember daily the power we each have to touch someone’s life in a positive way. The power of one is profound. One kind act can brighten a day and restore hope. One coat offers so much more than warmth. One genuine smile gives affirmation. One donation keeps the lights or heat on for another month. One hour of volunteer service helps us keep staff costs down and allows us to help even more individuals. One bag of food feeds both body and soul. One set of dentures changes a life, restoring confidence.

I am pleased to share this annual report which celebrates how the power of one, with the grace of God, supports the mission of Seton Center and sustains this organization for the benefit of our neighbors in need.

Executive Director’s

Report

Seton Center

one prayerone act of faith

The power of...

4 Seton Center 2013 Annual Report

> The demand for assistance from the food pantry was greater than ever. During the summer months when children were not in school to receive meals, neighbors with children were allowed to visit the pantry twice each month. Seton Center provided food and personal hygiene items to individuals and families 19,013 times in 2013.

> Campaign of Hope, a $5 million capital campaign effort to fund the expansion and renovation of Seton Center, was successfully concluded. Honorary Chairman William Dunn, Sr., and Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Tom and Virginia Coppinger, Jim and Mary Fern, John and Sandy Jungk, and Richard and the late Jo Ann Teahan were instrumental in guiding this 18-month effort.

2013: YEAR IN REVIEW

Highlights

> The annual Swingin’ at the Stack, a benefit for Seton Center provided by Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, raised over $16,000 for Seton Center.

> Rent and utility assistance enabled 365 families to maintain utility service or stay in their homes.

> Seton Center volunteers were honored at an Appreciation Brunch held in April at St. Monica’s Catholic Church Community Center.

> An increase in grants and monthly contributions from foundations, faith communities, and individuals helped sustain operations.

> Seton Center staff and volunteers moved back into the renovated and expanded space in June and welcomed neighbors and dental patients for services.

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FY13 Financial Overview

> Thanks to a generous grant from the Catherin V. Merrill Foundation, three seminarians provided support to Seton Center neighbors during the summer months, assisting in the food pantry, thrift store, and with a variety of other tasks.

> An open house to welcome donors, neighbors, volunteers, and other friends was held in September, allowing all to view the newly-renovated and expanded space at Seton Center.

one warm coatThe power of...

one pair of shoes

Income Fees 14.6%

Foundations 64.3%

Corporations 4.0%

Individuals 15.3%

Other 1.8%

*Fundraising costs were higher in FY13 due to capital campaign expenses.

Expenses Dental Services 36.7%

Social Services 24.5%

Management and 23.1% General Operations

Fundraising* 12.3%

High School 3.4%

> Dental Services provided 5,726 patient visits in 2013.

> The Christmas Sharing Program served over 1,200 individuals in 2013 with food, clothing, blankets, coats, toys, and gift items.

> The older adults continued to meet twice each week for socialization activities. The Senior Companions served nearly 80 older adults in 2013.

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6 Seton Center 2013 Annual Report

Social Services

Food PantrySeton Center provides food for over 850 families each month. Last year, staff and volunteers distributed food and personal hygiene supplies from the food pantry 19,013 times at a value of $548,853. Seton Center purchases food weekly at the lowest cost possible to supplement contributions of non-perishable foods, including a large monthly food drive conducted by parishioners of St. Thomas More Parish. Each eligible individual or family receives a 14-day supply of food once each month. Families with children may receive food twice each month during the summer when school is not in session

SERVICES

and the school-lunch program is not available. Pantry provisions typically include beans, rice, cereal, pasta, meat, tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix and syrup, cooking oil, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, soup, crackers, dessert, peanut butter, bread, salt, flour, sugar, powdered milk, and laundry soap. Fresh fruits and vegetables are shared when they are available. Each family also receives a hygiene kit – toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and soap. Volunteers help bag food, restock pantry shelves, and unload food deliveries each day.

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Thrift StoreThe thrift store is stocked and staffed by the Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City. Each Monday, volunteers sort through donated items and restock the thrift store racks and shelves. Ladies of Charity and some spouses volunteer to work in the store, which is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday each week. Individuals may receive a voucher good for four free items of clothing for each eligible family member. Many turn to the thrift store for special clothing for a new job, clothes for growing children, or warm coats and gloves in the winter months. Customers from throughout the neighborhood also visit regularly for bargains. Costs range between 25 cents and $1 for most items.

Rent and Utility AssistanceSeton Center assists approximately 20 households with rent or utility payments for disconnections or past due accounts each month. Individuals receiving assistance must provide proof of residence, a copy of the delinquent bill, and additional documentation. Payments are made directly to landlords or utility companies. Many of those seeking assistance were behind on more than one utility or rent payment; others lived without gas or electricity because they were unable to pay the fees and services were disconnected. Rent and utility assistance enabled 365 neighbors to maintain utility service or stay in their homes in 2013. Neighbors may seek assistance with rent or utilities one time in a 12-month period.

Medication and Eyeglass AssistanceNeighbors needing prescription medications or eyeglasses request financial assistance from Seton Center. Staff members work with pharmacies or optical shops, when funding is available, to help secure these items for eligible neighbors.

one food cartThe power of...

one bag of food

8 Seton Center 2013 Annual Report

Legal Services

Pro bono legal services are provided by appointment one Saturday each month. Local attorney Bob Cotter and his wife, Laura, founded a Legal Services Program at Seton Center in 2003 and continue to volunteer. Neighbors receive assistance with a broad range of issues ranging from child support to wills.

Dental Services

A broad range of dental services including screenings, fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, and full and partial dentures are provided for both children and adults. Dental Services patients come from throughout the 10-county Kansas City metropolitan area. Last year, $270,859 in free and discounted dental services was provided to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Seton Center serves many patients, including those with mental illness, severe physical disabilities, and prisoners.

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Future Programs

Seton Center remains committed to assisting at-risk youth in the neighborhood and is currently identifying new ways in which it can best impact young people. Programs and lectures for specific health issues are also being explored.

Older Adult Services

Senior BuddiesOlder adults gather twice each week for socialization including bingo, exercise, health screenings, outings, and shopping in the thrift store. Individuals are transported by van to Seton Center where they share lunch with friends, enjoy conversation, and maintain connections with others, including Seton Center staff and volunteers.

Senior CompanionsA collaborative effort between Seton Center and Westport Cooperative Services, Inc. matches caregivers with older adults in need in the neighborhood. Older adults needing assistance with light housekeeping, shopping, or getting to physician appointments benefit from the Senior Companions Program.

one good deedone helping hand

The power of...

YOU Have the Power to Participate

Seton Center is powered by

dedicated and compassionate

volunteers and donors who

support staff with daily

operations. We invite you

to partner with us to serve

neighbors in need.

VOLUNTEERS

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one volunteerThe power of...

one donation

Volunteers of all ages are actively engaged in:

> Sorting food and packing bags in the pantry

> Stuffing envelopes for mailings

> Assisting with Back-to-School distribution

> Planning and staging special events

> Conducting food pantry interviews

> Preparing toy bags, food boxes, gifts, blanket, and clothing distributions for the Christmas Sharing Program

> Assisting with other special projects throughout the year.

12 Seton Center 2013 Annual Report

We understand that

we are the conduit

for your kindness

and generosity and

are able to assist

neighbors in need

only through

your support.

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In 2013, Seton Center received volunteer support equivalent to $130,962.

Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City

The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City, co-founders of Seton Center, provide significant volunteer, financial, and prayer support to this organization. Ladies of Charity manage the thrift store, providing a valuable service for our neighbors. Each Monday, approximately 15 volunteers arrive to sort and stock bags of clothing and other small household items that have been donated throughout the week. The thrift store is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Ladies of Charity assist neighbors in picking out correct sizes, fold and hang clothing, and accept vouchers and cash for purchases. Some Ladies of Charity also work in the food pantry, coordinate special events, handle pantry interviews, and assist with the Christmas Sharing Program.

Volunteer

We need YOU! Consider donating time in the food pantry, assisting with a special event, stuffing envelopes for a mailing, or assisting with special projects.

Call 816-581-4758 to learn more about current volunteer opportunities.

Donate> Gifts of cash (currency, personal check,

money order, bank draft, or credit card) are an immediate way to provide direct financial assistance to Seton Center.

> Gifts of stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares that have appreciated in value can help donors reduce capital gains and create an immediate income tax deduction based on current market value.

> Planned gifts may be structured through bequests, charitable annuities, and charitable remainder trusts. Naming Seton Center in a will or trust is one way to ensure that this good work continues in the future.

> In-kind donations including food, clothing, and supplies enable staff to serve those in need.

Tell Others About Us> Spread the word! Mention Seton Center

to your friends, family members, church members, business associates, and others, and encourage their involvement and support.

Pray for Us> Seton Center relies on the prayers and

good wishes of many to sustain this work. Please remember Seton Center and all those who turn to us for assistance in your prayers each day.

The Power of YOU!

Seton Center, Inc. 2816 East 23rd Street

Kansas City, MO 64127

816-231-3955

www.setonkc.org