Printable Version
Nonprofits
Nonprofits- Grants Create a 'Safety Net' To Help Groups Work More Effectively
| In the past year, Horizon funded several positions for local nonprofits to help them provide more effective services. |
When she accepted a part-time job as case manager at Grassroots' Cold Weather Shelter, Christina Rice had no idea how hectic the next 20 weeks would be. But as her first year on the job drew to a close, she was so touched by her experiences she wrote a letter thanking The Horizon Foundation for funding her position and promised to return next year.
"Having spent hundreds of hours meeting with the clients of the shelter," she said, "I can honestly tell you that through your investment their lives were changed."
Creating A Safety Net For Nonprofits
In the past year, we funded several "safety net" positions for local nonprofits to help them provide more effective services. In addition to Grassroots' Cold Weather Shelter Case Manager, we funded FIRN's (Foreign-born Information and Referral Network) Volunteer Coordinator and made it possible for the Domestic Violence Center to hire a Client Services Coordinator.
The Client Services Coordinator screens clinical clients to determine which services are most applicable, collects and keeps statistics on Domestic Violence Center services, assists with shelter intakes and writes quarterly grant reports.
Before the coordinator was hired, Executive Director Jodi Finkelstein says, "Our statistics were incongruous, and our reports not as comprehensive."
"This position has truly improved the infrastructure of the Domestic Violence Center, and we are extremely grateful to Horizon for its support," Finkelstein says.
FIRN Volunteers Flourish
Some retirees dream of endless golf games or fabulous vacations. But when long-time Columbia resident Don Downing retired from his position as a planner for the Maryland National Park and Planning Commission, his dream was to give something back to the community by starting a new career in the nonprofit sector.
Since he joined FIRN as Volunteer Coordinator, he's seen that dream come true in many ways. And in the past year, he's been able to take credit for several "firsts."
With help from volunteers at Bridgeway Community Church, Downing started English tutoring sessions at the church for 15 people from 12 different countries.
Downing also started another tutoring program, this one in 10 county schools. About 50 kids participated in the first After School English Enrichment Program.
But his proudest accomplishment might be the ever-growing number of volunteers at FIRN. When he started work in 2003, the organization had about 50 active volunteers. Today, there are more than 150 names in FIRN's database, and about 110 people have had assignments during the last year.
"Don's such an energetic and talented person," says FIRN Director Roy Appletree. "We're very lucky to have him."
Coming In From The Cold
Last winter, 13 different religious congregations hosted Howard County's Cold Weather shelter. But while the location and volunteers changed from week to week, Case Manager Christina Rice was always there. Four or five nights a week, she greeted guests as they arrived and offered them assistance.
During the time the shelter was open, she provided in-depth assessment and support services to 39 adults. But even guests who declined individualized case management benefited from brief counseling intervention, on-the-spot conflict resolution and problem-solving assistance, says Grassroots Executive Director Andrea Ingram. "Most guests interacted with her as they got to know her. She became a sought-after resource."
Among the services Rice provided were help with developing résumés and coordinating transportation to and from jobs. She also facilitated referrals to social services and access to healthcare, counseling and financial assistance. She helped guests obtain birth certificates and other documentation. And she helped some families reunite after conflicts that resulted in homelessness. By the time the shelter closed, everyone had a place to go because Rice had been working with people on their housing/shelter plans for weeks prior to the ending date of the shelter.
But her work didn't stop there. It was Rice who helped resolve group conflicts and clarify behavioral expectations. And she was the one who helped the guests who had difficulty with the stressful living arrangements. When additional staff presence was needed, she spent the night.
In all, the Cold Weather Shelter served 83 people. In addition to the 13 host congregations, four others provided volunteers or such services as meals. Nearly 1,800 volunteers helped during the winter.