CENTRAL COMMUNITY HOUSE

2006 ANNUAL REPORT

The mission of Central Community House is to empower people to reach their full potential, to be self-supporting and to live cooperatively with all others.

Central Community House adheres to the philosophy of “building a creative partnership among people of all races and economic levels for the purpose of creating a society of equal justice and opportunity for all . . . to serve as a catalytic agent in the neighborhood to utilize and develop the dynamic interplay and assets of all people to improve family and neighborhood life.” CCH puts this philosophy into action on a daily basis through the provision of programs/activities that are the foundation of a healthy community. Active involvement in neighborhood issues related to youth, employment, safety, racism, poverty, health, and education have been the tenets of CCH’s work for 70 years.

Central Community House’s (CCH) programs/services are not provided in a categorical or departmentalized manner. Our programs are designed to identify and build upon the strengths/capacities of our community and its residents through natural helping networks and collaborations in partnership with the staff of our agency. Our primary goal is to successfully provide opportunities that accomplish program outcomes resulting in healthy children, strong families, and a supportive community.

With the dedication of our new facility in October, 2005 the next chapter in Central Community House’s history began with the expansion and enhancement of CCH’s programs and services. From the addition of infant and toddler care in our wonderful new child care center to the increase of our senior program to over 70 members, CCH’s family has grown and become even stronger during the past year.

		F I N A N C I A L S
	FY July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006

REVENUE

United Way $650,306

Government 572,676

Donations 73,480

Fees 57,577

Miscellaneous 33,672

TOTAL $1,387,711

EXPENSES

Child Care Center $ 502,206

Youth & Family Services 338,316

Neighborhood Support & Development 313,959

Management/General & Fundraising 190,856

TOTAL $1,345,337

NEIGHBORHOOD SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT

Programs and services that enhance the well-being of the community by providing the opportunities, resources and connections that build economic, social, cultural and physical/environmental capacity

Within the Neighborhood Support & Development Department are several programs which combined to serve 2,539 individuals/families last year.

· Community Health Connections – working with individuals and families to improve their health status by assisting them in enrolling in public health coverage programs, linking them with needed community resources and providing opportunities for health education and screenings

· Community Outreach Services – partnering with community residents, groups and associations to strengthen and build the capacity of the community. CCH hosts/sponsors one-time and annual events and programs that address identified issues of the community

· Creative Families and CPO Care Management – County contracts that provide TANF eligible families with services to assist them in identifying and setting goals to address life challenges and barriers to self-reliance /sufficiency

· Family-to-Family - collaborative program with FCCS that seeks to build community and support services around families to maintain or reunify children with their families and keep them in their own community

· Housing and Material Assistance – services include: emergency food pantry, limited access to financial assistance programs, Holiday Care Program, Information & Referral services

· Senior Outreach Services – outreach and supportive services to ensure that seniors in our community are connected with needed services, programs and resources

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

Family-centered programming structured to meet the educational, social and cultural needs of the youth and families in our community

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – youth development activities for ages 6-12 years; providing daily homework assistance, group discussions, creative arts & crafts, recreation & sports activities, educational field trips and nutritious meals served daily.

TEEN PROGRAM – services for youth ages 13-18 years include schoolwork assistance, group discussions, workshops on healthy lifestyles, educational field trips, social and recreational activities. A partnership with the CAPACITY program (CAPA youth arts project) provided performing and visual art experiences for teens in our community and throughout the city.

SUMMER CHALLENGE – offers daily recreational & educational activities for children ages 7-11 years as well as evening programming for teens.

CCH’s Parent Advisory Council and frequent Family Nights, along with our family supportive services, foster the strong involvement of parents in the lives of their children and neighborhoods leading to healthy, stable families and community.

The Youth & Family Department served 264 youth/families last year.

CHILD CARE & DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Pre-school and school age program focusing on the cognitive, physical, and social/emotional skills necessary for successful learning experiences in elementary school. Providing holistic services to help support parents in obtaining training/education, maintaining employment and family stability

Ages 6 weeks – 12 years

CCH’s NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited child care center provided quality care and services for 99 children/families during the past year. Among the children, were 10 who graduated from our Kindergarten Readiness class and moved on to first grade.

Our center is one with highly qualified, quality teachers, several of whom have been with CCH for over 15 years. Two of our teachers have been nurturing CCH’s children for more than 30 years each.

While there is much that we can say about Central Community House, we feel the following letter from one of our child care center’s parents reflects perfectly the mission and work of all of our programs and services:

I have three sons that attend CCH; one in the school-age, preschool and toddler program. The name says it all ‘Community’! These children are raised in a village atmosphere. You know all the kids names and vice versa. The kids don’t have a hard time transitioning from one room to another because they know all the teachers and kids. It is difficult (frustrating) working with children day in and day out but this staff is always in good cheer. They have friendships amongst each other and believe in teamwork!!!

When we began, the center was going through many transitions: new Assistant and Head Director, new staff and new building. I was definitely impressed with the gorgeous facility. With childcare centers having such a high turnover rate, I am pleased to say the CCH sets high standards for their staff and they are very selective in deciding who will become part of the ‘family’, which has resulted in very minimum staff changes. My children know all the teachers by name and greet them with hugs or a cheerful ‘hello’. And remarkably, some teachers have been here for over 20 years! I have a great relationship with many of the teachers. They are concerned about my welfare just as much as they are about my children.

Recently, one of my sons began to behave negatively, which progressed into a dangerous situation ultimately resulting in his removal from the center. I commend the staff for all the effort put forward. Everyone from his class teachers, to other teachers, to the Director tried to redirect and brain storm to figure out what he was going through and most important, what we could do to help him through this. We discussed every option from alternative discipline methods to helping me through the stress. I received many hugs, prayers and back pats. Some staff even shed tears! I was offered advice, praised for my tiresome efforts, and given different resources. I couldn’t ask for more support of one staff. My son does not attend CCH any longer, but he is always with me when I pick up my other two sons and everyone still talks to him with a genuine smile and hug!

I believe they deserve all funding that is available to them so they can continue to grow and prosper. This in turn, means that all the children will also grow and prosper while in their care. Additionally, as a parent, I will feel secure that my children will benefit from a loving, educational and nurturing environment.