170860_NRCA_AnnualRep17-18_PROOF2

2017-18 Annual Report

The New River Community Action 2017-18 Annual Report is Dedicated to the Memory of

Lindsey West 1935-2018

Board of Directors 1979 - 1993

Montgomery County Local Advisory Board 1979 - 2017

Board of Directors Chairperson 1988 - 1993 t During her 56 years in the New River Valley, Lindsey was committed to making her community a better place, both socially and environmentally, with passion for civil rights, social justice, and the arts.

NRCA Mission

The mission of New River Community Action, Inc. is to promote and support the well-being and self-reliance of individuals, families and communities.

Organizational Values New River Community Action, Inc. strives to accomplish its mission by: • Focusing on the needs of people through interactive, participatory processes • Increasing community awareness regarding poverty issues • Advocating for the needs of participants • Striving for social justice • Providing and promoting leadership • Fostering a proactive approach • Continuously developing, evaluating and improving programs using an outcome measures approach • Respecting all people and their contributions • Recognizing individual and group achievements • Creating a caring environment that encourages openness, trust and compassion

• Valuing independence, interdependence and self-reliance • Encouraging personal integrity, effectiveness and performance • Providing equal opportunities for individuals to achieve their full potential • Encouraging innovation, creativity, risk taking and teamwork • Fostering cooperative and collaborative relationships • Maintaining organizational integrity and effectiveness • Promoting responsible stewardship of resources • Committing resources to organizational growth and development

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Message from Board of Directors Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Our nation is experiencing a growing economy, but not everyone is sharing in the rewards. Along with positive economic indicators, we are facing a greater disparity between lower and upper-income households. In the New River Valley, we see low-income families struggling with a variety of poverty conditions including hunger, poor housing conditions, and low- wage jobs. Poverty can be a chronic condition affecting several generations of the same family. More often, it is a consequence of unexpected circumstances – job loss, divorce, low wages, illness or disability – that can destroy a family’s ability to be self-sufficient. The result is our approach to fighting poverty which: • Prioritizes prevention, • Addresses the causes of poverty, • Involves the community, • Creates opportunity, • Responds to clients with flexibility and coordination with other local resources, • Focuses on empowerment to develop long-term solutions. We extend a special thank you to the many generous and caring individuals, churches, businesses and groups that partnered with NRCA during 2017- 18. Dedicated NRCA staff, volunteers, the Board of Directors and advisory groups, along with assistance from the local, state and federal governments, United Way of the New River Valley, and local charitable foundations all contributed to our successes. Your support is vital, and we thank you.

John McEnhill Chairman Board of Directors

Terry Smusz Chief Executive Officer

New River Community Action (NRCA) assisted 10,728 individuals to fight the “war on poverty” last year through a variety of innovative programs. Using core funding from the federal and state Community Services Block Grants, NRCA leveraged additional public and private dollars, as well as in-kind support. These collective resources were expanded even further through linkages with NRCA’s many community partners.

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 National Community Action Partnership

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NRCA Board of Directors 2017/2018 JOHN MCENHILL, CHAIRPERSON ALINE BRINCKMAN, VICE CHAIR

Board of Directors provided over 700 volunteer hours to the leadership of New River Community Action in 2017/18, including 130 hours of training.

ELAINE POWELL, SECRETARY/TREASURER

Mark DeBusk John Getgood Sarah Greene

Carrie Hodge Tina Lindsey Boyoung Park

Sally Quesenberry

Corbin Vierling

Gina Rhea

Tonia Winn

Lee Simpkins

NRCA Advisory Groups 2017/2018

PROGAM ADVSIORY COUNCILS

CHILDREN'S HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP ADVISORY COUNCIL Joan Behl Noelle Bissell Erin Cruise

HEAD START HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE Maggie Bassett Sylvia Bond Andrea Briceno Megan Caudill Jolee Crawford David Hudgins Wallace Huff Jess Huggins Steve Jacobs Rachel Jones Kristen Lenois Kari Meador Debbie Poff Jeremiah Proctor Sarah Robinson Rhonda Seltz Dyana Williams Vanessa Duncan Morris Fleischer Linda Jilk Bill King Rebecca Rees Brenda Roberts Cindy Turner Don Waite TO OUR HOUSE POLICY COUNCIL

HEAD START POLICY COUNCIL Meagan Caudill Mary Chamberlain Sean Chamberlain Tara Clark Mark DeBusk Nida DeBusk Keshia Heslep Kristen Lenois Kari Meador Serena Ming Clara Motheith Stephen Park Gabrielle Proctor Sarah Robinson Kristina Seagraves Rhonda Seltz April Siler Stephanie Smith Sabrina Stevers Heather Turner Randi Webb Sharite Webb

LOCAL ADVSIORY BOARDS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Mona DiGiulian Ann Hess Deena Flinchum

FLOYD COUNTY Karen Bingham Tracie Brewster William Gardner

Becky Daniels Shanika Dillard Sarah Greene Anna Harbom Ashley Hash Larry Lindsey Erica Mendoza Rhonda Seltz Tammy Taylor

Karen Frazier Larry Lindsey Susan Miller Lindsay West

John Getgood Sarah Greene Susan Icove John McEnhill Pat Shelor Jonathan Vandergrift Jack Wall

RADFORD CITY Queen Alexander

Sarah Carter Leslie Dean Tina Lindsey Kelly McCoy Lee Simpkins Ann Walker

GILES COUNTY Judy Carter Don Clark Susan Kidd Terry Mays Corbin Vierling

BLACKSBURG INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY Beth Abel

Christy Brown Sandy Hagman Roy Kirkpatrick Jon Low Dick Neves Jerald Robinson Bruce Shepherd Vern Simpson Mike Snyder Donald Williams

Glen Wade Jill Williams

The Emergency Needs Task Force of Pulaski County, Inc. Board of Directors serves as the Local Advisory Board for Pulaski County.

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New River Community Action Recognizes Scholarship Award Winners

Rebecca Wagner and Sergio Schnack received the 2018 New River Community Action Reverend George Ducker Memorial Scholarship Awards.

New River Community Action (NRCA) is proud to announce the 2018 Reverend George Ducker Memorial Scholarship Award winners. Rebecca Wagner of Dublin and Sergio Schnack of Elliston each received a $500 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community service. Both students were recognized at the agency’s Board of Directors meeting in Radford on May 17, 2018. Rebecca Wagner graduated from Pulaski County High School with honors and served in leadership roles in school activities. She was a member of the Pulaski High School National Honor Society and SOAR scholarship program. Rebecca’s community service activities included volunteering for her church, food drives, little league soccer teams, the Dublin library, and Pulaski Rehabilitation Center.

Rebecca will attend New River Community College in the fall, pursuing a major in Anthropology.

Sergio Schnack graduated with honors from Eastern Montgomery High School and attended the Southwest Virginia Governor’s School. At Eastern Montgomery, he participated in MACC, the Scholastic Bowl, and Forensics. Sergio has participated in church activities and volunteered two summers at Young Life camps.

Sergio will attend Virginia Tech in the fall and plans to major in mechanical engineering.

The Reverend George Ducker Memorial Scholarship Award is presented annually by New River Community Action in memory of the late Reverend George Ducker, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Radford, member of the Radford City School Board, and member of the New River Community Action Board of Directors 1986-1992.

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New River Community Action Recognizes Volunteer of the Year

New River Community Action (NRCA) presented their annual Philip Sadler Memorial NRCA Volunteer of the Year Community Service Award to Charlie Buchinsky at the agency’s Board of Directors’ meeting in Radford on May 17, 2018. NRCA recognized Charlie for his outstanding volunteer service to the NRCA Head Start Program. As an Eagle Scout service project, Charlie coordinated major repairs to the Christiansburg, Pearisburg and Narrows NRCA Head Start playgrounds. He organized volunteers and donations of materials and heavy equipment to remove and replace the climbing structures, including the installation of 32 new treated wood posts. The project was valued at $9,750 in-kind, including 250 labor hours. In addition to the NRCA Head Start playground upgrades, Charlie helped with several other Eagle Scout projects, including installing steps on the New River Trail, repairing headstones at a local cemetery, and painting the Parrott fire station. Charlie also played in several local benefit concerts as a jazz band member. New River Community Action annually presents the Philip Sadler Memorial NRCA Volunteer of the Year Community Service Award in memory of the late Philip Sadler, a Pulaski County attorney, community leader and humanitarian.

Charlie Buchinsky received the 2018 NRCA Philip Sadler Memorial NRCA Volunteer of the Year Community Service Award for his service to the Head Start Program.

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2017-2018 Financial Report 2017-2018 Financial Report 2017-2018 FInancial Report 2017-2018 Financial Report

Agency Revenues

Agency Expenses

Agency Revenues Grants

Agency Expenses Head Start Head Start

$5,325,858

$3,523,347 $734,707 $441,089 $421,992 $364,914 $97,991 $109,583 $46,033 $50,789 $19,196 $851,447 $6,661,088

Grants $5,325,858 In-Kind Donations $958,730 In-Kind Donations $958,730 Contributions $222,945

Children's Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Children's Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP) Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Housing Programs Emergency Assistance Program Virginia CARES Virginia CARES SwiftStart Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) To Our House SwiftStart Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) To Our House Emergency Assistance Program Housing Programs

Contributions Other Funding United Way Fundraising Total Revenue United Way Fundraising

$222,945 $58,619 $63,326 $15,028 $6,644,506

Other Funding

$58,619 $63,326 $15,028

Total Revenue

$6,644,506

Other Programs Administrative Total Expenses

Other Programs Administrative Total Expenses

Other Programs <1% Admin 13%

Other Programs <1% Admin 13% VITA 1% To Our House 1%

VITA 1% To Our House 1%

V CARES 1% SwiftStart 2%

VA CARES 1% SwiftStart 2%

Em rgency Assistance 5%

Emergency Assistance 5%

Head Start 53%

He d Start 53%

Housing 6%

Housing 6%

CSBG 7%

CSBG 7%

CHIP 11%

CHIP 11%

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Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs provided stable housing to 86 households. NRCA’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs assisted 86 households either at-risk of homelessness or literally homeless. The funding helped those families with rent and utility deposits, rent arrears, housing application fees, moving costs, and temporary rental and utility support to help households obtain or maintain stable and safe housing. Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing programs include Housing Counseling to help clients develop a road map to permanent housing. Certified Housing Counselors assisted 81 households. NRCA provided Housing Counseling to 81 households during 2017-2018. Housing Counseling included rental rights and responsibilities, homelessness assistance, post-purchase guidance, foreclosure prevention, and financial literacy. Renter Education prepared 67 households for stable housing. NRCA uses the curriculum developed by the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) for Renter Education workshops. Topics include credit, housing search, application process, understanding lease agreements, security deposits, rights and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord, maintenance and repairs, and terminating a lease including the eviction process. The curriculum also includes a discussion on fair housing and utility energy savings tips. NRCA Housing Counselors offer Renter Education to the public and to NRCA Emergency Assistance Program utility clients. Additionally, counselors focus on NRCA To Our House thermal shelter clients, encouraging the homeless to attend morning sessions after staying at the overnight host church to assist them with permanent housing placement.

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CHILDREN’S HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NRV (CHIP) CHIP of NRV provided 151 families (259 children) with services including access to health care, case management, and parent education.

The NRCA Children’s Health Improvement Partnership of the New River Valley (CHIP of NRV) partners with families to create a nurturing home environment and promote the health and well- being of children in our community. CHIP provides services to families with children age birth to six. The program model includes accessing medical and dental homes, promoting successful parenting through use of the nationally recognized evidence-based Parents as Teachers curriculum, and ensuring parents understand and follow physician recommendations. CHIP staff members also help families set and attain health and self-sufficiency goals, assist with transportation, conduct

developmental screenings, and help families access other community-based services to meet their multifaceted needs. All services emphasize prevention, early intervention, school readiness and

family empowerment. Addressing child and parent challenges simultaneously strengthens families and places them on firmer ground. This gives children a more solid footing from the start, significantly improving their chances of charting a better course. CHIP supports children and families through a two- generation approach...changing lives two generations at a time. CHIP links families with medical and dental homes where children receive consistent and comprehensive care in familiar settings. Enrolled families receive regular home visits from CHIP Nurses who provide health education, medical case management, dental varnishes, and early screenings for developmental delays. The CHIP Nurse supports the child’s physician ensuring access to preventative health care and other necessary medical services. A vital component of the CHIP program is the Parents as Teachers (PAT) parent education curriculum. All CHIP Family Educators are nationally-certified trainers. PAT drives home the message that parents are their children’s first and best teachers.

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Program Highlight: CHIP Promotes Early Literacy

By supporting families early in a child’s life, children are set up for better success in school and a brighter future.

Think a baby is too young to reap the rewards of reading? Think again. Children’s vocabulary skills are linked to their economic backgrounds. Research shows that by 18 months, children in different socio-economic groups display dramatic differences in their vocabularies. By 2 years, the disparity in vocabulary development has grown significantly. By age 3, children in poverty

hear an average of 3 million less words than those of higher incomes. This automatically puts children in poverty behind in language and reading skills, well before they start school. Ninety percent of brain development happens by age 5. The most successful intervention starts at birth. CHIP works diligently to help close the word gap for children in the NRV. Through hospital outreach, CHIP provides a board book and early literacy information to every screened family and continues to provide a book to each family at every home visit. During 2017-2018, CHIP of NRV gave away over 3,000 books!

Parents play the most critical role in the development of a child’s early language and literacy skills. Positive early development can give children a window to the world, helping to ensure that each child can seize his or her potential for future success. CHIP educates parents to support their child’s development through family activities that promote a language and a literacy-rich home environment. Program data from 2016-2017 indicates that 96% of CHIP parents enrolled for more than one year increased their parental values and behaviors that support their child’s development. By supporting families early in a child’s life, children are set up for better success in school and a brighter future.

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EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS NRCA assisted 7,828 unduplicated individuals in 3,483 families alleviating their hunger and financial crises. NRCA’s Emergency Assistance Programs serve low-income families who are experiencing financial crises. Temporary assistance may include vouchers for utility payments, rent, medications, clothing, or gasoline for transportation to a job or medical appointment. With offices located in each of the five jurisdictions in the New River Valley, NRCA staff help clients access the American Electric Power Neighbor-to-Neighbor and Atmos Energy utility programs. Staff and volunteers also operate six food pantries available for clients’ emergencies. Information and referrals help program participants obtain needed support from both inside and outside the NRCA network. During 2017-18, emergency food was distributed to 4440 individuals in 1964 families. NRCA provided temporary financial assistance through vendor vouchers and utility assistance programs to 5468 individuals in 2258 families.

The NRCA Emergency Assistance Programs are supported primarily through local contributions. The United Way of New River Valley, foundations, faith- based organizations, civic groups, businesses, and individuals provide funds to operate the programs in each locality. Duplication of services is avoided through collaboration with partner agencies and churches.

The League of Riders Motorcycle Club Virginia sponsored a Food Drive for the Radford/Fairlawn Food Pantry. The Club raised over $200 in food donations and $90 in cash donations.

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BLACKSBURG INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY The Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry is a joint ministry of over twenty-five Blacksburg churches of various denominations, with local individuals and organizations providing additional support. Operated by over 200 dedicated volunteers, the Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry offers food once a month to low-income residents or transients experiencing financial crises in the Blacksburg and McCoy areas. During the program year 2017- 18, volunteers served 199 unduplicated families consisting of 416 unduplicated individuals.

FLOYD COUNTY BACKPACK PROGRAM During the 2017-18 school year, NRCA’s Floyd County BackPack Program provided 317 lower- income students in 167 families with supplemental food on the weekends. Program volunteers purchased, packed and distributed child-friendly food weekly during the school year through Floyd County schools and the NRCA Head Start program. Funding for the program was provided by private donors, the New River Valley Health Foundation, and the Empty Bowls fundraising event.

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HEAD START PROGRAM Head Start provided 373 children and their families with comprehensive development services, benefiting the entire family unit.

Head Start provides eligible pre-school children with the tools necessary for creating and maintaining a lifelong learning foundation for school and success in life. Head Start promotes school readiness by offering children and families supportive education in language and literacy skills, science and math, cognition and general knowledge, physical development and health, and social and emotional development. Head Start emphasizes the role of the parent as their child’s first and most important teacher. Program staff members build relationships with parents while engaging them to be advocates for their children and family. Comprehensive services to enrolled families also include social, health, nutrition, and support in goal development and implementation. Services are designed to be responsive to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.

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Program Highlights: In June 2017, New River Community Action Head Start received supplemental funding from the Office of Head Start under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 for longer service duration to forty percent of children enrolled in center-based classrooms. Children in seven of NRCA Head Start’s nineteen classrooms received duration services equivalent to a full school day and full school year. Duration classrooms located at Narrows Head Start, Pearisburg Head Start, Christiansburg Head Start, McHarg Elementary School, Pulaski Head Start, and New River Community College Early Learning Center Head Start benefited working families and families continuing their education or participating in job training. During the 2017-2018 Program Year, New River Community Action Pulaski Head Start moved to a new location. The beautiful new facility, located at 1520 Bobwhite Boulevard, serves seventy-six children in four classrooms. To enhance learning, two of the four classrooms open directly onto an outdoor learning area and playground. JWB Construction of Dublin, Virginia worked closely with NRCA Head Start staff to create a high-quality early childhood environment that promotes early learning and positive outcomes for children. Also, slots for NRCA Head Start children and families in the Floyd County Public School braided Virginia Preschool Initiative/Head Start classroom moved from Floyd Elementary to Check Elementary at Copper Hill . Moving the braided classroom to Copper Hill afforded children at the northern end of Floyd county an opportunity to attend a quality preschool. An innovation, VPI/Head Start children at Check Elementary received a Literacy Backpack filled with books, toys, and games to promote literacy and school readiness.

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D uring its eighth season of operation, 951 volunteers from 50 faith-based organizations, businesses and community groups provided 983 bed-nights of winter shelter and 2,949 meals for 42 homeless men. While sheltered at To Our House , 14 guests obtained a source of income, and 17 guests moved into permanent housing.

Homelessness looks very different in the New River Valley than in urban areas. The homeless in rural areas might live in their cars, in the woods or caves. Individuals in our area who find themselves without housing include ex-offenders, the disabled, those working at low-paying jobs, and those experiencing long-term unemployment. Long waiting lists for limited subsidized housing exacerbate the problem. NRCA’s To Our House (TOH) program works in partnership with the local faith community to shelter homeless single men during the winter months. Churches offer their fellowship halls for one or two weeks as night shelters. Host and support church volunteers transport the homeless men (guests), cook and serve meals, offer fellowship, and sleep at the shelter as church liaisons. To Our House stipend volunteers are on site to support the guests and volunteers. New River Community Action offers a variety of support services to the guests, including NRCA Virginia CARES for ex-offenders. NRCA also links the To Our House guests with the NRCA Homeless and Housing Programs to obtain stable housing.

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Program Highlight: Blacksburg Baptist Church (BBC) has participated with TOH in some capacity since season one, most recently as a support church. During the 2017-2018 season, the church provided the evening meal (visiting TOH in advance to ask the men what kind of food they would like), provided supplies for breakfast and lunch, and packed guests’ lunches. Additionally, BBC decided several years ago they wanted their church to make a deeper connection with the men. Volunteers have attempted to learn all the guests’ names, to have conversations and engage in game or card playing, and to find out the tangible needs of the guests. BBC volunteers have helped men obtain furniture, clothing, household items, phone cards, and fast food gift cards. On occasion, volunteers have provided transportation to necessary mental health and medical appointments, visiting one guest during a hospital stay. BBC volunteers have invited guests to attend church services and, over the years, two have become regular attendees at BBC and numerous others have visited. Volunteers delivered leftover food from their TOH nights to men they met in former seasons and organized several cookouts for the guests after the TOH season ended. After participating weeks, the BBC key volunteer has maintained contact with program staff to inquire about the men and volunteers have followed up to address guests’ additional needs. BBC makes a conscious effort to be welcoming, to develop relationships, and to maintain contact with the men to provide continuing support. A former TOH guest shared, “Blacksburg Baptist Church provided encouragement through my addiction issues and while I was getting back on my feet. I am now in permanent housing but continue to find support in the relationships I made through the church and am appreciative of all they do.”

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NRCA’s Virginia CARES program provided 65 pre-releases and 163 newly released ex-offenders with assistance and support to promote successful transition from prison or jail to the community. A sub-contractor of Virginia CARES , Inc., NRCA’s Virginia CARES program is a community-based effort to assist individuals coming out of jail or prison. Services include emergency aid (food, clothing, shelter, and transportation), job readiness instruction, employment search, life-skills education and support groups. Through linkages with community resources, Virginia CARES provides opportunities for ex- offenders to become self-reliant, law-abiding and taxpaying members of society. The program reduces recidivism by helping formerly-incarcerated individuals obtain the skills and support they need to reintegrate into their home communities.

Quote from client: “ A lot of guys, myself included, have difficult times after being released from prison. I felt overwhelmed and didn ’ t know where to start. Virginia CARES staff worked with me to achieve my goals. I am thankful for the staff ’ s willingness to support me during this difficult time in my life. ” L. Smith

Program Highlight: NRCA’s Virginia CARES program received the 2017-2018 Site of the Year Achievement Award, presented annually by Virginia CARES, Inc. to the top performing program Virginia. The award recognizes the site for outstanding service, dedication, loyalty and commitment to their participants.

44 Virginia CARES support groups served 127 participants

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Participant Spotlight: NRCA Virginia CARES participant Billy Norris, Jr. received the 2017-2018 Cindy Martin Award, presented by Virginia CARES, Inc. each year to a client that demonstrates outstanding participation utilizing program resources, excellent community service and strives to become self-sufficient. Prior to Billy’s release from Montgomery County jail, Linda Jilk, GED instructor at the jail, contacted NRCA Virginia CARES staff members informing them that Billy was scheduled to be released, would be homeless and might benefit from case management services. Linda had worked with Billy through the jail’s GED program and had been impressed with his work ethic and attitude throughout the instruction. Following two years incarceration, Billy chose not to return to his home town in West Virginia because he felt this would lead to failure. Billy has struggled with alcoholism and knew he needed to change his environment.

Billy Norris, Jr. at his current work site, Bill’s Used Auto Parts. Billy is holding the Virginia Cares, Inc. Cindy Martin Award certificate and is joined by NRCA Virginia CARES staff Nikki Powell and Krista Davy.

Once released, Billy entered the NRCA To Our House men’s winter homeless shelter. Virginia CARES staff members first met Billy in winter 2018 and were immediately impressed with his willingness to open up and share some of the obstacles he faced. He was anxious and nervous about starting over in a relatively new place. He had no family support locally and was afraid of what the future might hold for him. Billy began working with Nikki Powell, NRCA Virginia CARES Employment Specialist, and quickly completed the interview skills and resume building workshops. Nikki then worked with Billy to search for jobs where he could use his mechanical skills. Fortunately, Nikki had already built a strong relationship with Bill’s Used Auto Parts and was able to obtain an interview for Billy. He was hired soon after. Billy stayed at To Our House through the winter of 2018 but was in danger of being displaced again once the shelter’s season ended. Thankfully the New River Valley Reentry Council, in collaboration with NRCA Virginia CARES, had received grant funding from Blacksburg Presbyterian Church to assist homeless ex-offenders with housing needs. Virginia CARES staff utilized the funds to temporarily house Billy in a local hotel until permanent housing was secured. In five short months, Billy has built a strong foundation for his continued success. Currently Billy works over sixty hours per week at Bill’s Used Auto Parts, lives in stable housing, and has maintained his sobriety. He has built a life for himself without fear of incarceration. With continued motivation and a positive attitude, we expect Billy to do great things in the future!

59 participants maintained employment for 90 days or more

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VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) Volunteers served 862 families, saving filers $172,400 in tax preparation fees.

The New River Community Action Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax return preparation to low-moderate income individuals. From January to May 2018, community volunteers assisted 862 taxpayers, contributing over 2,000 hours. An additional 89 families in our service area received free income tax return preparation by taking advantage of the VITA -sponsored myfreetaxes website. VITA helped our clients receive $902,312 in federal and Virginia tax refunds, including $296,183 in federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) dollars. The EITC is the nation’s largest federal anti-poverty program, serving working families who are most at-risk during hard economic times. The average adjusted gross income for households served by VITA was $17,536. NRCA’s free services saved low-moderate income taxpayers $172,400 in tax return preparation fees, based on an average fee of $200 per tax-filer. In 2018, local Commissioners of Revenue offices in Radford City, Pulaski County, and Montgomery County joined in the VITA effort. VITA program gained five new sites: Pulaski County Public Library, Pulaski County Senior Center, Newbern Community Christian Church and the Commissioners of the Revenue for both Radford City and Pulaski County. Over 250 returns came from these new sites.

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Career Mentors helped one hundred twenty-eight participants begin the journey to a brighter future! SWIFTStart is funded by a grant awarded to the Roanoke and New River Valleys by the Department of Labor. New River Community Action and Total Action for Progress (TAP) have partnered to target a large service area, positively impacting a sizeable population. Using career pathway development with short-term and credential-focused training, SWIFTStar t helps participants qualify for employment in the specific workforce fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, and Information Technology. SWIFTStart is currently serving Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski Counties, and Radford City. One full-time and one part-time Career Mentors cover all five jurisdictions. SWIFTStart collaborates with programs within New River Community Action, as well as other programs in our service area. NRCA Head Start and TAP Early Head Start parents receive priority in the referral process. Other SWIFTStart referral sources include the NRCA Children’s Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP), Department of Social Services, Women’s Resource Center, Workforce Development, Goodwill, Good Care, Health Department, and local churches. Referral sources are continually increasing due to efforts made by Career Mentors to collaborate and network with other local programs. The effective partnerships utilize one another’s expertise to decrease participants’ barriers without overlapping services. Partnering with Head Start has benefited clients greatly. The continuum of care that helps individuals reach maximum self-sufficiency can be seen in Mr. Rick Johns. This gentleman first came to NRCA through Head Start, where staff referred him to Responsible Rides. The next referral was to SWIFTStart. This type of collaboration helps solidify permanent change through bringing together a variety of services.

Due to Mr. Johns’ determination to provide for his family, he has overcome many obstacles since being medically discharged from the military in 2010. In a recent conversation, Mr. Johns stated, “All that matters to me is being able to take care of my wife and sons.” He went on to say, “Because of SWIFTStart, my dream of becoming a certified welder is coming true, and someday my goal is to open my own welding business.” It is easy to see Mr. Johns knew what he wanted, and what he needed to be self- sufficient. He simply needed the resources and someone such as a Career Mentor to provide encouragement.

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2017-2018 Funding Sources NRCA expresses appreciation to individuals, institutions, and organizations for their financial support!!

Duncan, James Michael & Ann Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship Eanes, Allyn & Jasper Edgewood United Methodist Church Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine Edwards, Robert Eggleston United Methodist Church Eggleston, Michael Elder, Jane & & Andrew Emergency Food and Shelter Program Erie Indemnity Everett, III James Tommy Everett, Jr., James Fairlawn Baptist Church

Camden, Sue & Daniel Campbell, Doreen Carilion Clinic Carroll, Mary & Seyler, Richard Carson, Clay & Jean Carter & Kay Craigie Family Foundation Carter, Rosina Casey, Michael & Kathleen Castaneda, Marina Celanese Foundation Check Ruritan Club CHIP of Virginia Christ Episcopal Church Christiansburg Presbyterian Church Church World Service, Inc. Cobb, James Colliver, Ethan & Lauren Coluni, Virginia Colwell, Norma & Dan Community Christian Church Community Development Block Grant Community Foundation of the New River Valley Community Services Block Grant Conder, Lynnette & Stephen Consumer Connection Services Cooke, Michael Corl, Benjamin & Burger, Julia Corporation for National & Community Service

AARP, Radford Chapter Abundant Dawn Community Church Ackermann, Joyce & Eric Amelia’s Pizzeria & Restaurant APCO Employee Benevolent Assoc. Aronson, Michael & Jane Baker, John Balakrishnan, Revathi Bank of America Barber, Don & Corey Bauers-Wall Family Foundation Beech, Barrie Michelle Begun, Gabriel Blacksburg Christian Church Blacksburg First Church of God Blacksburg Friends Meeting Blacksburg Jewish Community Center Blacksburg Master Chorale Blacksburg Presbyterian Church Blacksburg United Methodist Women Blum, Joseph Boljonis, Alice Bostian, Frieda & Charles Bowen, Lori & Samuel Bowker, Larsen & Jeanette Boyd, Michael Boyd, Michael & Torgersen, Karen Boyle, Richard & Maryann Bray, Darla Breese, Catherine & Ward, Bryan Brickhouse, Paul & Debra Bright Funds Foundation Brinberg, David & Marta Brinckman & Brinckman, P.C. Brisco, Michael Brosius, Karin Brown Insurance Brown, John & Mary Brown, Jr., J. Howe & Margaret Buikema, Arthur Bunce, George & Jo C.E. Richardson Benevolent Foundation Caldwell, Curtis & Catherine Caldwell, William

Fairlawn Presbyterian Church Featherston Foundation Inc Fidelity Charitable First Bank & Trust Company

First Baptist Church First Church of God Fisher, Terica & Tommy Fisher, Tommy & Terica Fleming, Beverly Floyd Baptist Church Floyd County

Floyd County Angels Ministries, Inc. Floyd County Ministerial Association Floyd Lodge No. 2300 Floyd, William & Kay, Leslie Ford, Jr., Jerry

Fortier, Joseph & Michelle Foster, Sherry & Rodger Fox, Kimberly French, Janet & Paul Friends of Ed Lawhorn Fry, Susan Gabriele, Matthew Gardner, Thomas & Laura Garst, Winfred & Patricia Gay, Keith & Suzanne

Cowan Perry P.C. Cowan, Sammy

Cox Charitable Trust Cox Charitable Trust Cox, Clara Cricenti, Robert & Rabitah Cronk, Nathan Daniels, Robert Davenport & Company LLC DeHart, Barbara Derenthal, Jerome & Judith Deyerle, Dolly & Gilbert, Luann Diffell, Catherine & Jerome Dolinger, Lula Dowdy, Michelle DuBose, Susan & Dennis

German Club Alumni Foundation GFWC Floyd County Woman’s Club Giles County Giles County Public Schools VPI funds Giles Early Education Project Giles, Patricia & Michael Gillmore, Alexis Givens, David & Sam Goette, Ann & Claus, Richard Goodwill Church of God in Christ Goss, Rosemary

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Patterson, Margaret Pauley, Catherine Peak, Janet Pearisburg Christ Fellowship Perdue, Jr., Clyde Perini, Laura Pike, Jennifer & Dale Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church Plaut, Raymond & Linda Pollyea, Margaret Poole, Kathryn & Marc Presbyterian Church of Floyd Presbyterian Church of Radford Presbytery of the Peaks Price, William Promoting Safe and Stable Families Funds Pulaski County

Lacy, Caitlin LaFlamme, John & Dorothy Layman, John & Jane Lendway, Shirley & Stephen Lewis, Mary Lifetouch National School Studios Livesay, Laura Lovelace, Christel Lowery, Sharon Luke, Richard & Cynthia Luther Memorial Lutheran Church

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Griffin, Neal Grogan, Edward Groover, Velva & Gordon Grove United Methodist Church

Grove, Kevin Hager, Karen Hall, Melissa Young

Hallermann, Eric & Ester Hammel, Jane & Jeffrey Hansen, Laura Hansen, Toni Harris Chapel United Methodist Church Harris, Eddie Hart, Jeremy Harvey’s Chevrolet Cadillac Buick Chevy Truck Hasselman, Margaret Hausman, Bernice Healthcare Information Management Inc. Heaton, Betty Hendricks, William & Mary

Lynch, Marta Lynch, Samuel Malavolti, Tommi & Noah Martin, James Martin, Terry Maslaney, Michael Mason, Sherril & Robert Masters, Rick Mathes, Janne & Stanley

Pulaski County United Way Pulliam, Andrea & Emerson Radford City

Radford Electric Department Employees Radford Fairlawn Ministerial Association Radford University Governor’s School Radford Wesleyan Church

McCrea, Susan McGohey, Tom McNabb, Anne Mega, Devan Merola, Joseph & Du Breuil, Catherine Meservey, Jack & Sue Michelson, Darlene Mignone, Fred & Nancy Modlin, Marjorie Montgomery County Montgomery County Lord’s Acre Moog Components Group Morrison, Kendall Mt. Tabor Ruritan Club Murphy, Shirley Narrows Junior Woman’s Club National Bank Neill, James & Barbara New River Valley Health Foundation Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church Next Door Bake Shop Northside Presbyterian Church Nunn, Angela & Keith Nye, Judy O’Brien, Charles & Elizabeth

Hermes, Samuel Higgins, Cameron Highfield, Lisa & Jeffrey Hill, Craig & Kim Hill, Joseph & Audrey Hill, Lynn Hill, Marquita Hill, Scott & Lynn Hirsch, Richard Housing and Urban Development Hutt, Derry Inge, Patches Johnson Jacobs, Irene

Raflo, Alan Rains, Larry Rains, Virginia Rakes, James & Janet Ratcliffe, Evelyn Ray, Christopher & Kathleen Redwine, Tom Rheault, Connie Rich Creek Lions Club

Riggan, David & Glenna Rio, Richard & Marion River City Quilt Guild Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church Roberts, David Robertson, Michael Robertson, Spicer Robinson, Christopher & Mary Rotary Club of Blacksburg Foundation

Jacobs, Steven Jensen, Andrew Jeske, L M Jewish Communal Fund Kasarda, Mary Kasey, Randy Kidwell, Michael & Lisa King, Gail & William Klein, Bradley & Rita Kline, Jim

Ruggerio, Cheryl Runaround Sports Sable, Daniel Sarver, Ronald

Knarr, John & Donna Knights of Columbus Kollmorgen Kornhauser, Alan & Epstein, Rhea Kranowski, Nathan & Muriel Krivsky, Elizabeth Krull, Richard & Olivia Krumhaus, Paul

O’Donnell John O’Donnell, Jay Olson, Thomas & Martha Orbital ATK, Inc. Overstreet, Marshall Ozer, Jan Patterson, Emma

Sburlati, Lisa Scanlon, Ann Scheckler, Stephen & Rebecca Schmidt, Richard & B. June Schor, Lucy Scott, Rachel

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Williams, Katherine Williams, Kimberly Williams, Lura Williams, Robbie & Lynn Wilson, Kathleen Wimmer, Steve Winston-Salem Foundation Womack, Cynthia & Joseph Woods, William Young, Carolyn Zallen, Richard & Doris Zeiger, Matthew Zion Oak Grove Pavilion In Honor/Memory of: Aiken, William Colwell, Christian Featherston, Sophia Gay, Allen Hart, Matt Myers, Rhoda Roberts, Matt & Courtney family West, Lindsay Zier Family

United Way of New River Valley United Way of Roanoke Valley United We Stand Ministries Unity Christian Church

Scott, Ray & Maxine Sedgwick, Donna Sharp, Nathan Shaut, Paul & Cathryn Shelor, Dwight & Patricia Sherry Memorial Christian Church Shumsky, Neil & Marcia Simpson, Barbara Simpson, Maritza Sisters Foundation Skripak, Valerie & Stephen Slusher, Lee Slusher, Roger & Leslie Smith, Linda Flora Smith, Linda M. Smusz, Terry & Ted Snyder & Associates General Contractor St. Jude Catholic Church St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church

Unity Christian Church, Disciples of Christ Virginia Community Action Partnership Virginia Department of Criminal Justice System Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development Virginia Department of Social Services Virginia Housing Development Authority Virginia Premier Virginia Tech Services--University Bookstore Virginia United Methodist Conference Vista Ministries VPT, Inc. Walker, Kathie Wall, John

Walsh, Robert Wanshel, Marc Wertman, Jay White, Kathy

St. Michael Lutheran Church Sterrett, Cynthia & William Stonewall Home & Garden Club Straub, Barbara Ann Streithof, Jacqueline Strickland, James & Charlene Suntrust Foundation TD Ameritrade Clearing Team Hospitality LLC Terry, Alan Thompson, Wayne & Carolyn Thomson, Sydney Thorn, Matthew & Caitlin Toney, Roberta Tota, Nagaveena Town of Blacksburg Town of Christiansburg Town of Floyd Town of Pulaski Trillium Garden Club Tuchler, Edwin & Elizabeth Tuck, Christophe & Susan Tuck, Mark & Nancy Turner, Matthew & April

Whittier, Edna Grace Wild Country Studios Williams Meat Processing

We ask forgiveness from anyone we might have inadvertently

left off our list. Please contact 633-5133, ext. 415 with any corrections. Please note the above list does not include donations to the Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program or Pulaski County Emergency Needs Task Force, NRCA’s emergency assistance program partners. List does not include in-kind material or volunteer donations. Many local citizen groups & businesses contribute time, professional services & thousands of items to NRCA annually. Without their support, NRCA would not be able to assist the low-income residents of the New River Valley. All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support!

Tyson, John & Linda Union Bank & Trust Unitarian Universalist Congregation United States Department of Agriculture United States Department of Health & Human Services United States Department of Labor United States Department of the Treasury/IRS United Steel Workers Local #1022

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2017-2018 COMMUNITY PARTNERS NRCA expresses appreciation to all our community partners

Community Health Center of New River Valley Community Housing Partners Cornerstone Narrows Cross Pointe Conference Center Department of Rehabilitation Services Dr. Amacher, DDS Dr. Berry, Blacksburg Pediatrics

Giles County Sheriff’s Office Giles Early Education Project Giles Family Practice Glade Church Goodwill Industries Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Grace Episcopal Church Grace Life Baptist Church Grace Ministries Grove United Methodist Church Harvest Baptist Church Havens Chapel United Methodist Church Heritage Church Highland Park Community Church Holy Spirit Catholic Church Inn at Virginia Tech Iris Brammer Library It’s All About Jesus Knights of Columbus Latter Day Saints Laurel Branch Church of the Brethren Lewis Gale Hospital, Montgomery Lewis Gale, Pembroke Life in Balance Lions Clubs Luther Memorial Lutheran Church Mar-Bal Incorporated McDonald’s Mill United Methodist Church McHarg Elementary, Radford Memorial Christian Church Montgomery County Dept. of Social Services Montgomery County Jail Montgomery County Public Schools Montgomery Floyd Regional Library Mountain View United Methodist Church Mt. Elbert United Methodist Church Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church Mt. Union Community Church Narrows Cornerstone Church Narrows Fire Department Narrows Junior Woman’s Club Narrows Public Library Narrows United Methodist Church National Community Action Foundation National Community Action Partnership National Low-Income Housing Coalition New Dublin Presbyterian Church New Life Christian Fellowship

Dublin Church of God Dust Covenant Church Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship Early Impact Virginia

Alleghany Church of Christ American Legion Auxiliary American Red Cross Asbury United Methodist Church Auburn United Methodist Beaver Creek Baptist Church Belmont Christian Church Bethel United Methodist Church and Church Women Big Stoney Hikers Ministry Bill’s Used Auto Parts Blacksburg Baptist Church Blacksburg Christian Church Blacksburg Christian Fellowship Blacksburg Church Women United

Edgewood United Methodist Church Eggleston United Methodist Church Emergency Needs Task Force of Pulaski County Fairlawn Presbyterian Church Faith Christian Church of Christ Faith Temple IPHC Family Preservation Services Farris Mines Christian Church Fast Track Health Care Education Fellowship Baptist Church Fieldstone United Methodist Church First Baptist Church First Baptist Church, Roanoke First Christian Church First Christian Church, Narrows First Christian Church, Pearisburg First Church of God First Missionary Baptist First NRV Federal Credit Union First Pentecostal Holiness Church First Presbyterian Church, Narrows First Presbyterian Church, Pulaski First United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church, Rich Creek Floyd Baptist Church Floyd County Dept. of Social Services Floyd County Ministerial Association

Blacksburg First Church of God Blacksburg First Wesleyan Church Blacksburg Friends Blacksburg Ministerial Association Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and Women of the Church Blacksburg United Methodist Church Bland Correctional Calvary Christian Church Calvary United Methodist Church and Women Career Support Systems Carilion New River Valley Medical Center Castlerock Baptist Church Catholic Church of All Saints Cedar Springs Union Church Central United Methodist Church Check Elementary School Christ Episcopal Christian Church Disciples of Christ, District 2 Christian Church of the Brethren Christiansburg Mennonite Fellowship Christiansburg Presbyterian Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Pembroke Community Christian Church

Floyd County Public Schools Floyd County Willing Helpers Floyd United Methodist Church Floyd-Willis Lutheran Parish Food Lion Giles County

Giles County Christian Services Mission Giles County Commissioner of Revenue Giles County Dept. of Social Services Giles County Lions Club Giles County Public Schools

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New Life Family Church New River Community Church New River Community College

Providence Presbyterian Church Pulaski County Commissioner of Revenue Pulaski County Dept. of Social Services Pulaski County Library Pulaski County Public Schools Pulaski Ministerial Pulaski Moose Lodge 2087 Pulaski Senior Center Quilting Party of Blacksburg Radford City Commissioner of Revenue Radford City Dept. of Social Services Radford City Public Schools Radford Clothing Bank Radford University Radford Worship Center Radford/Fairlawn Ministerial Association Randolph Park Red Oak Grove Rich Creek Breakfast Lions Club Rich Creek First United Methodist Church Rich Creek Public Library Roanoke Valley Presbyterian Church Rowe Furniture Salvation Army Sharon Lowery Sherry Memorial Christian Church Shiloh Lutheran Church Shoney’s Slaughter’s Supermarket St Paul United Methodist Church and Men St. Jude Catholic Church St. Mary’s Catholic Church St. Michael’s Lutheran church St. Peter’s Anglican Catholic Church St. Thomas Episcopal Church Topeka Brethren Church Total Action for Progress Tri-Community Revival Zion Hill Baptist Church

Unitarian Universalist Congregation United Way of New River Valley United We Stand Ministries Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children Virginia Association of Housing Counselors Virginia Community Action Partnership Virginia Employment Commission Virginia Head Start Association Virginia Housing Alliance Virginia Preschool Initiative Virginia Tech Extension Virginia Tech Residential Honors College Warm Hearth

New River Family Shelter New River Health District New River Valley Community Services New River Valley Early Intervention Council New River Valley Health District New River Valley Housing Partnership New River Valley Pediatrics New River Valley Project Linus New River Valley Reentry Council New River Valley Regional Jail New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board Newbern United Methodist Church Newport-Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church Northside Presbyterian Church Oak View Christian Church Our Savior Lutheran Church Park United Methodist Church Pathways Pearisburg Christ Episcopal Church Pearisburg Christ Fellowship Pearisburg First United Methodist Church Pearisburg Lions Club Pearisburg Presbyterian Church Pearisburg Public Library Pearisburg United Methodist Church Pembroke Assembly of God Church Pembroke Christian Church Pembroke First United Methodist Church Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren Presbyterian Church of Floyd Presbyterian Church of Floyd Presbyterian Church of Radford Presbyterian Women of Christiansburg Probation & Parole District 28 Project Hope

Wesleyan Community Church Western Virginia Regional Jail Wild Goose Church, Indian Valley Women of Presbyterian Church Women’s Resource Center Workforce Unlimited Wytheville Community College

We ask forgiveness from any partner we might have

inadvertently left off our list. Please contact 540-633-5133 ext. 415 with any corrections.

Trinity Baptist Church Trinity Lutheran Church

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