Like all nonprofit leaders in this day and time, the new norm is that we must do even more with less. We can no longer expect to return to the way it was before. That day will never come, which means if we are to survive, we must continue to be willing to learn new ways of working to accomplish our goals. To that end, I always encourage my staff to take advantage of training and self development opportunities so that NAM and ultimately the clients we serve will benefit from our new found knowledge and insights.
This summer I took a class with Margaret Wheatley, a well known author on leadership and organizational development. The class was about being Comfortable with Uncertainty and we began the class with these questions: What is the core belief around which you do your work? What if you discovered your core belief was false?
For most, fear ensues and gets in the way of doing our work in a meaningful way. So we must find a way to overcome the fear. Wheatley goes on to say that leading during chaotic times calls for building meaningful relationships and holding meaningful dialog to develop clarity around how to respond and overcome the fear that is holding us back.
In 1983, the community was faced with an economic meltdown and uncertain times similar to what we are experiencing now. People were losing their jobs, their homes and they were faced with great uncertainty. The clergy in northwest Houston began to dialog around what they were seeing and eventually decided that while they had no control over the economy, they had control over their own response to what was happening. So they set their theological differences aside and decided to pool their resources so they could help more people. That was the year they decided to found Northwest Assistance Ministries.
Since 1983, we have been and continue to be, the community's response during chaotic times. We are Neighbors Helping Neighbors meet basic human needs. So while we have no control over what goes on in Washington or in the world at large, we can find peace and comfort in knowing that together we can make a difference in each other's lives. A difference for the better.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
What’s GROI?
When asked “What thing about humanity surprises you the most?”, the Dalai Lama answered: “Man…because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present – the result being that he does not live in the present or the future. He lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
We all have a higher purpose. In every age, people have sought the meaning of life, that’s the journey for each one of us, to figure out why we are here. We often hear, what’s the bottom line, the return on investment (ROI)? I wonder about what has been invested in every individual. We all have God given skills, abilities, unique talents and opportunities to use them, so what’s God’s return on investment (GROI) in each one of us? What were we shaped for? In his Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren talks about how we were made for service, to serve God and neighbor.
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) has long been a conduit for service. After all, our mission is to strive to meet basic human needs through Neighbors helping Neighbors. NAM is not just a place, it is an army of service-minded people – approximately 85 staff members, more than 2,000 volunteers, and countless benefactors who want to be part of something greater than themselves.
Twenty-eight years ago, NAM was founded by ten congregations that put aside their theological differences to work together for the common good. That spirit of cooperation can still be seen today among the people of different backgrounds and faiths that team up to help the most vulnerable in our community. Walk through NAM’s Food Pantry, Assistance Program or visit with Meals on Wheels drivers and you will see that our volunteers not only respect each other’s differences, they celebrate them.
NAM is like a tapestry that is only as strong as its individual threads. Fortunately, our threads are the people that work so hard and are using their God given talents to serve. These threads are the hard-working staff members, the dedicated volunteers, and the generous donors who want to make a difference.
We all have gifts of time, talent, or treasure that we are meant to share. This is our blessing and our purpose in life. Do we live anxiously, or do we live in the present moment? If we take a moment to look around, we will see how blessed we are and how many opportunities exist to share our blessings. Our service to others is the legacy we leave on this earth. Start your legacy today. Share. Volunteer. Give.
The need can be overwhelming, but we are making a difference. The legacy of kindness and generosity is passed on to all who enter NAM’s doors seeking relief, searching for hope. As Mother Teresa once said; “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
Monday, April 25, 2011
Charity Navigator: Understanding the rating
Charities more than most businesses, are under increased scrutiny from donors, the IRS, funders, local and State government, the BBB and with the increased popularity of the Internet, charitable watchdogs like Charity Navigator have created their own formulas to determine whether or not you should support an organization.
While scrutiny is good and keeps organizations on their toes, sometimes the data, rules and regulations create a quagmire that even groups like Charity Navigator have trouble interpreting. When they fail to understand the rules or use a one size fits all approach to rating all organizations, sometimes they end up hurting good organizations by attributing low ratings which in turn results in lost donations for really good charities like NAM that are struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for services in a down economy.
You may have read a few months back when the Houston Chronicle reported that Charity Navigator had rated NAM as a 4 Star Charity based on efficiency and its capacity to raise enough funds to cover program expenses. Inevitably we knew that once Charity Navigator,(a charity watchdog) rec'd our 2008-2009 Form 990 (tax return), our 4 star rating would drop to a 2 star rating and a cursory check over the weekend confirmed we are once again officially a 2 star charity. The reason behind this drastic dip in ratings is due to a little known accounting rule entitled FASB116, here's a synopsis:
One key component of FASB116 is the requirement that all unconditional promises to give (pledges)be recognized in the year the notification of the pledge is received even though the charity does not receive all the cash in year one. This can cause significant fluctuations in the change in net assets of an NFP. For example, if you receive a $1,000,000 award to be paid over the next 5 years you would have to record the entire $1,000,000 in Year 1. This would likely cause a large increase in net assets in Year 1, however; as the funds are spent in Years 2-5 you would likely show a decrease in net assets. These fluctuations can make it difficult to properly budget and are often confusing to the readers of your financial statements and Form 990.
Every three years, NAM has been fortunate to receive a three year pledge of $1.2 million from one source. The first year of the pledge, when we must recognize all the revenue up front even though we only receive 1/3 of the grant, Charity Navigator rates us a 4 star charity, the second year - we typically are rated a 3 star and finally in the third year we drop to a 2 star charity. The reason behind this is because Charity Navigator bases it's rating on efficiency and capacity. So while we are an extremely efficient charity they ding us on lack of capacity in years 2 and 3 of mult-year grants because the tax return shows we spent a whole lot more than what we brought in because the proceeds rec'd in years 2 and 3 must be recorded as expenses, mainly due to FASB 116.
Much to my dismay, I also discovered that under the "Accountability" tab NAM was dinged for:
1) staff and board are not listed on the website. They have always been listed.
2) No audited financial statements. Audited financials are in the Annual Report which is always posted under Facts and Figures.
3) 990 is not on the website. There is a clear link to view our 990 on Guidestar as well that has always been there and we tell people that copies are provided upon request. .
4) They stated our financials are not audited by an independent accountant even though our tax return was prepared and signed by our independent accountant and the 990 indicates an independent auditor performed a single audit.
5) Organization does not have an Audit Committee review the annual audit.
We followed the instructions for the 2008 Form 990, page 39 under Section XI which state that if you are filing a consolidated tax return (we file NAM and NAM Endowment together) answer "No" to the questions that asks if your financials were compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant. Then if you answer "No" to that question, you have to answer "No" to the subsequent question which asks if you have an Audit Committee that reviews the audit performed by an independent accountant. The 2010 Form 990 has been changed to accomodate consolidated returns.
While we have written to Charity Navigator in the past and once again, I have shared my not so happy thoughts with them, I highly encourage each one of you, as NAM aupporters to create a free account on Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, search for Northwest Assistance Ministries and post a review regarding your thoughts and experiences with NAM. This will help others who would otherwise decide NOT to support us because of Charity Navigator's unfair rating standards.
Thanks in advance for your support and for your advocacy around this issue,
Carole
While scrutiny is good and keeps organizations on their toes, sometimes the data, rules and regulations create a quagmire that even groups like Charity Navigator have trouble interpreting. When they fail to understand the rules or use a one size fits all approach to rating all organizations, sometimes they end up hurting good organizations by attributing low ratings which in turn results in lost donations for really good charities like NAM that are struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for services in a down economy.
You may have read a few months back when the Houston Chronicle reported that Charity Navigator had rated NAM as a 4 Star Charity based on efficiency and its capacity to raise enough funds to cover program expenses. Inevitably we knew that once Charity Navigator,(a charity watchdog) rec'd our 2008-2009 Form 990 (tax return), our 4 star rating would drop to a 2 star rating and a cursory check over the weekend confirmed we are once again officially a 2 star charity. The reason behind this drastic dip in ratings is due to a little known accounting rule entitled FASB116, here's a synopsis:
One key component of FASB116 is the requirement that all unconditional promises to give (pledges)be recognized in the year the notification of the pledge is received even though the charity does not receive all the cash in year one. This can cause significant fluctuations in the change in net assets of an NFP. For example, if you receive a $1,000,000 award to be paid over the next 5 years you would have to record the entire $1,000,000 in Year 1. This would likely cause a large increase in net assets in Year 1, however; as the funds are spent in Years 2-5 you would likely show a decrease in net assets. These fluctuations can make it difficult to properly budget and are often confusing to the readers of your financial statements and Form 990.
Every three years, NAM has been fortunate to receive a three year pledge of $1.2 million from one source. The first year of the pledge, when we must recognize all the revenue up front even though we only receive 1/3 of the grant, Charity Navigator rates us a 4 star charity, the second year - we typically are rated a 3 star and finally in the third year we drop to a 2 star charity. The reason behind this is because Charity Navigator bases it's rating on efficiency and capacity. So while we are an extremely efficient charity they ding us on lack of capacity in years 2 and 3 of mult-year grants because the tax return shows we spent a whole lot more than what we brought in because the proceeds rec'd in years 2 and 3 must be recorded as expenses, mainly due to FASB 116.
Much to my dismay, I also discovered that under the "Accountability" tab NAM was dinged for:
1) staff and board are not listed on the website. They have always been listed.
2) No audited financial statements. Audited financials are in the Annual Report which is always posted under Facts and Figures.
3) 990 is not on the website. There is a clear link to view our 990 on Guidestar as well that has always been there and we tell people that copies are provided upon request. .
4) They stated our financials are not audited by an independent accountant even though our tax return was prepared and signed by our independent accountant and the 990 indicates an independent auditor performed a single audit.
5) Organization does not have an Audit Committee review the annual audit.
We followed the instructions for the 2008 Form 990, page 39 under Section XI which state that if you are filing a consolidated tax return (we file NAM and NAM Endowment together) answer "No" to the questions that asks if your financials were compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant. Then if you answer "No" to that question, you have to answer "No" to the subsequent question which asks if you have an Audit Committee that reviews the audit performed by an independent accountant. The 2010 Form 990 has been changed to accomodate consolidated returns.
While we have written to Charity Navigator in the past and once again, I have shared my not so happy thoughts with them, I highly encourage each one of you, as NAM aupporters to create a free account on Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, search for Northwest Assistance Ministries and post a review regarding your thoughts and experiences with NAM. This will help others who would otherwise decide NOT to support us because of Charity Navigator's unfair rating standards.
Thanks in advance for your support and for your advocacy around this issue,
Carole
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Getting Focused in 2011
Getting Focused in 2011
“What are you willing to give up, to go up?” John C. Maxwell, Thinking for a Change
We all have dozens of important components of our lives that pull us in many directions. We often have brilliant ideas both personally and professionally we would like to bring to fruition. But the question is how to make it all happen? The disappointing answer is probably that you cannot make it all happen, but you CAN impact the most important components and do it with excellence and joy. The first step is to recognize that you cannot do it ALL excellently. You may be able to do a lot quite well. Getting Focused begins with setting our priorities. What is truly important to my spirit, my family, my work, and me? What are my strengths that I enjoy honing and from which I reap and sew the most benefit? Do I want to excel? What am I willing to let go of? Ask yourself this question: Am I dedicated to removing the distractions both physical and mental to clear the path so I can clarify and concentrate on my true priorities and excel exponentially?
After much thought and prayer, I leave it in God's hands and intently listen while striving to be the best I can be each day. The good thing is that if we fail today, we get to start over the next day:) Be patient and have faith is what I tell myself each day. It will all come about in God's time, not mine.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Resolutions
The other day during the course of conversation, someone asked me what I did for a living. When I told them I worked for Northwest Assistance Ministries, they let me know how often they shop at the Resale shop and how they always donate their gently used goods because they know the money raised helps their neighbors. When I thanked the individual, they then asked why they had never run into me at the shop. I explained that my office is on Kuykendahl in the main NAM facility. The response that came back is one that I have many times over the years, "You have a building on Kuykendahl?"
So along with the majority of folks who resolve to change their ways with the start of a new year, I am publicly pledging to turn over a new leaf and become a more frequent blogger. I also need to ask for your help to let people know all that goes on in our main facility, which is located just south of 1960 at 15555 Kuykendahl. In fact, tell them to come and tour, no appointment necessary, the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. They'll be amazed at the myriad of programs and services that served more than 190,000 individuals last fiscal year.
NAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
for
FY 09/30/10
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) touched the lives of more than 130,000 individuals during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Many NAM clients receive more than one service and participate in more than one program. NAM truly is a “one stop shop” for services. One of the most effective and cost-efficient charities in the community, NAM is a good steward of the resources it receives. Approximately $0.90 of every dollar donated in the 2008-2009 fiscal year went to direct services.
The Assistance Program served 53,752 people with emergency assistance for basic needs, including: shelter, clothing, transportation, prescription medicines, and referrals. The Back to School Project provided 2,940 children with school supplies and clothing, enabling the students to return to school ready to learn. The 2008 Holiday Project provided 1,163 families with holiday dinners and groceries as well as toys and gifts for 3,351 children and teens.
The Children’s Clinic offers primary health care for children from infancy to age 18 and completed office visits, referrals, appointment calls, and case management for 8,200 children. The Clinic’s annual Shot Blitz provided 2,847 immunizations to 821 children. Through collaborative efforts more than 400 children were connected to health insurance benefits.
The Family Violence Center provided crisis intervention, support groups, adult and children’s counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and education to 2,102 people. In addition, 12,687 students participated in 447 educational presentations through The Youth Education Program.
Through the Fifty Plus program, 1,993 seniors participated 7,201 times in activities designed to enhance socialization, physical fitness, and mental capacities. In addition, through Senior Wheels and NAM transport, volunteers provided 883 rides to seniors.
The Food Pantry provided groceries for well-balanced meals to 36,456 people.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network provided 5,368 shelter nights to 254 adults and children transitioning from homelessness. Staff provided 986 hours of case management and ensured the provision of parenting, life skills classes and counseling for substance abuse, mental health, and family issues.
Meals on Wheels provided 137,430 nutritious meals to an average of 550 homebound seniors and disabled adults each weekday and 90 individuals on Saturdays.
Through the Rotary Learning Center, 33,526 hours of instruction were provided to 473 students in Adult Basic Education and GED, English as a Second Language, English Literacy, Civics, Computer Training, and Career Development & Training.
The Shelter and Energy Assistance Program distributed over $850,000 in assistance to 7,566 people. Funded by government grants, this program is geared to prevent homelessness and to help homeless families become self-sufficient. In addition, 888 elderly or disabled adults received more than a million dollars to help to pay their energy bills thanks to a partnership with Sheltering Arms Senior Services.
So along with the majority of folks who resolve to change their ways with the start of a new year, I am publicly pledging to turn over a new leaf and become a more frequent blogger. I also need to ask for your help to let people know all that goes on in our main facility, which is located just south of 1960 at 15555 Kuykendahl. In fact, tell them to come and tour, no appointment necessary, the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. They'll be amazed at the myriad of programs and services that served more than 190,000 individuals last fiscal year.
NAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
for
FY 09/30/10
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) touched the lives of more than 130,000 individuals during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Many NAM clients receive more than one service and participate in more than one program. NAM truly is a “one stop shop” for services. One of the most effective and cost-efficient charities in the community, NAM is a good steward of the resources it receives. Approximately $0.90 of every dollar donated in the 2008-2009 fiscal year went to direct services.
The Assistance Program served 53,752 people with emergency assistance for basic needs, including: shelter, clothing, transportation, prescription medicines, and referrals. The Back to School Project provided 2,940 children with school supplies and clothing, enabling the students to return to school ready to learn. The 2008 Holiday Project provided 1,163 families with holiday dinners and groceries as well as toys and gifts for 3,351 children and teens.
The Children’s Clinic offers primary health care for children from infancy to age 18 and completed office visits, referrals, appointment calls, and case management for 8,200 children. The Clinic’s annual Shot Blitz provided 2,847 immunizations to 821 children. Through collaborative efforts more than 400 children were connected to health insurance benefits.
The Family Violence Center provided crisis intervention, support groups, adult and children’s counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and education to 2,102 people. In addition, 12,687 students participated in 447 educational presentations through The Youth Education Program.
Through the Fifty Plus program, 1,993 seniors participated 7,201 times in activities designed to enhance socialization, physical fitness, and mental capacities. In addition, through Senior Wheels and NAM transport, volunteers provided 883 rides to seniors.
The Food Pantry provided groceries for well-balanced meals to 36,456 people.
The Interfaith Hospitality Network provided 5,368 shelter nights to 254 adults and children transitioning from homelessness. Staff provided 986 hours of case management and ensured the provision of parenting, life skills classes and counseling for substance abuse, mental health, and family issues.
Meals on Wheels provided 137,430 nutritious meals to an average of 550 homebound seniors and disabled adults each weekday and 90 individuals on Saturdays.
Through the Rotary Learning Center, 33,526 hours of instruction were provided to 473 students in Adult Basic Education and GED, English as a Second Language, English Literacy, Civics, Computer Training, and Career Development & Training.
The Shelter and Energy Assistance Program distributed over $850,000 in assistance to 7,566 people. Funded by government grants, this program is geared to prevent homelessness and to help homeless families become self-sufficient. In addition, 888 elderly or disabled adults received more than a million dollars to help to pay their energy bills thanks to a partnership with Sheltering Arms Senior Services.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Prayer of Thanks
With just a day and a half before we shut down to celebrate the things we are grateful for with dear family and friends, we have already shared more than 700 Thanksgiving meals with families who are struggling this holiday season to make ends meet. Today and tomorrow we will serve another 100 or so families which is a miracle in itself as just a few weeks ago, there was just one frozen turkey in the NAM freezer but the community heard the call and rose to the occasion.
So it is only fitting and just that we at NAM give thanks to all those generous volunteers, donors and hard working NAM staff that have chosen to participate in the time honored NAM tradition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. I offer the following prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to serve here at NAM. We ask your blessing on all those who share their time, talents and treasures to make our work possible. We ask you to let their light shine so that others may see their example. For they truly know, it is in the giving that we receive.
We ask you to give patience and strength to those who are struggling and we thank you for a generous, loving community that knows the importance of NAM that has been a beacon of hope to thousands throughout the years.
We are a nation that is still struggling to recover from this latest economic downturn which has created hardships and despair for so many. Even though we are hurting, we are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just. We know that in serving others, we are serving You. We also know that despite the hard times, we have much to be grateful for in our country.
Help us to remember what it means to be Americans, a people endowed with abundant blessings. Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.
Lord, accept our praise and thanks for your steadfast love. Lord, may you bless the meals we share this Thanksgiving in the name of the Father whose love sustains us and of the Holy Spirit, whose guidance maintains us, we ask a blessing on this meal.
Amen.
So it is only fitting and just that we at NAM give thanks to all those generous volunteers, donors and hard working NAM staff that have chosen to participate in the time honored NAM tradition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. I offer the following prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the opportunity to serve here at NAM. We ask your blessing on all those who share their time, talents and treasures to make our work possible. We ask you to let their light shine so that others may see their example. For they truly know, it is in the giving that we receive.
We ask you to give patience and strength to those who are struggling and we thank you for a generous, loving community that knows the importance of NAM that has been a beacon of hope to thousands throughout the years.
We are a nation that is still struggling to recover from this latest economic downturn which has created hardships and despair for so many. Even though we are hurting, we are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just. We know that in serving others, we are serving You. We also know that despite the hard times, we have much to be grateful for in our country.
Help us to remember what it means to be Americans, a people endowed with abundant blessings. Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.
Lord, accept our praise and thanks for your steadfast love. Lord, may you bless the meals we share this Thanksgiving in the name of the Father whose love sustains us and of the Holy Spirit, whose guidance maintains us, we ask a blessing on this meal.
Amen.
Friday, June 25, 2010
What is Ministry?
What do you think of when you hear the word "ministry"? Over the years, I have observed ministry to be a demonstration of faith in action. Ministry is an unconditional giving of your time, talents, and treasures without expecting anything, not even a thank you. You do it out of love..not for anything else. It's when you do things for others because you can, because its the right thing to do, even when no one else is watching.
These unconditional, random acts of kindness collectively create hope and encouragement that replace feelings of desperation, loneliness and despair. How do I know this? I, along with the staff and volunteers at NAM, have seen the relief on an anxious parent's face once they know they can get much needed medical attention for their sick baby even if they have no insurance. My volunteers have shared the joy they feel when they deliver a hot meal to a lonely senior who otherwise would have no visitors. I listened to a ten year old boy, whose family became homeless when both his parents lost their jobs, tell us how his mother doesn't cry anymore because of the safety net provided to them through the Interfaith Hospitality Network at NAM.
Ministry brings out the best in people. It makes us realize that we are part of something greater than ourselves and over time, we feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Ministry is what we are all called to do, give unconditionally of ourselves to make the world a better place. If you have been wanting to make a positive change in your life, I personally invite you to attend our next volunteer orientation. Orientations are held the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The group meets in the second floor conference room at NAM's main building at 15555 Kuykendahl in North Houston.
Orientation reservations are not required, but are appreciated. Please call the NAM Volunteer Coordinator at 281-885-4609 if you are planning to attend an orientation or need additional information. You may also call 281-885-4565 to hear a recorded message.
These unconditional, random acts of kindness collectively create hope and encouragement that replace feelings of desperation, loneliness and despair. How do I know this? I, along with the staff and volunteers at NAM, have seen the relief on an anxious parent's face once they know they can get much needed medical attention for their sick baby even if they have no insurance. My volunteers have shared the joy they feel when they deliver a hot meal to a lonely senior who otherwise would have no visitors. I listened to a ten year old boy, whose family became homeless when both his parents lost their jobs, tell us how his mother doesn't cry anymore because of the safety net provided to them through the Interfaith Hospitality Network at NAM.
Ministry brings out the best in people. It makes us realize that we are part of something greater than ourselves and over time, we feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Ministry is what we are all called to do, give unconditionally of ourselves to make the world a better place. If you have been wanting to make a positive change in your life, I personally invite you to attend our next volunteer orientation. Orientations are held the first Wednesday and the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. The group meets in the second floor conference room at NAM's main building at 15555 Kuykendahl in North Houston.
Orientation reservations are not required, but are appreciated. Please call the NAM Volunteer Coordinator at 281-885-4609 if you are planning to attend an orientation or need additional information. You may also call 281-885-4565 to hear a recorded message.
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