Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. ANNUAL REPORT

Celebrating 45 Years of Service

2010 People

Helping

People

MISSION & BELIEFS

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As I reflect upon 2010 at Tri-Valley my mind displays highs/ lows and a continuation of positive energy, motion and direction.

Several of our Head Start programs had federal reviews this past year. The Office of Head Start reviewed the Migrant Head Start and Early Head Start programs (Oct 2010) and the Region V Early Head Start had a review (March 2011). Both reviews were extremely positive. With the depth and intensity of these reviews it is amazing that Tri-Valley is so able to receive verifica-tion of nearly 1,800 individual program accountability variables during these monitoring efforts. I am proud to say that Tri-Valley is one of the superior organizations across the country offering these programs. Much of the success of these programs is due to the diligence and skills of our Head Start Director, Laurie Coleman, her management and leadership team, and local Center Directors. Most importantly, it is because of the passion, care and professionalism of the entire Head Start program staff, daily working with our children and families, who make the programs successful.

Another high was the creation of a Development Committee in 2009 for the purpose of assessing the value of, need for and means to the enhancement of our unrestricted financial position. Members of the Development Committee have worked hard to come up with strategies for financial longevity for Tri-Valley Opportunity Council. And, in 2010, I am excited to see tangible progress towards having a system that will give staff and the public community opportunity to financially support our mission efforts in our communities.

The Weatherization Program has been under close scrutiny since the autumn of 2009. Unfortunately, continued reviews by state and federal officials have yielded little positive progress. Corrective actions were made by Tri-Valley staff. Federal fund-ing for the program was discontinued. Still, through this entire seventeen month process, Tri-Valley staff has been honest and candid while providing full disclosure and communication to the Board of Directors, the Office of Energy Security, and to the public. Weatherization remains a great unmet need in our service area and Tri-Valley will continue to seek ways to assist peo-ple and families find the means to reduce their energy consumption and costs going forward

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council continues to grow and thrive in anxious times. Despite our best intentions errors have been made with negative consequences. Still, the Board of Directors, management and staff will press forward looking to diligently provide quality programming and services that will help improve the quality of life for people and our communities. We will competitively continue to seek opportunities for grant funding in a challenging economic climate. Despite the bumps in the road you can expect the same tenacity from Tri-Valley to provide quality and compassionate services.

As with any organization or business, adaptability in the face of change is an essential part of survival. We at Tri-Valley must review, assess, evaluate and evolve to be more efficient and effective in a changing environment. Tough decisions have been made as we cut programs that are not cost effective. We know these decisions impact people’s lives and take these decisions seriously. At the same time, we know that frugal fiscal stewardship and effective management is imperative in an ever-changing world.

I want to thank the members of the Board of Directors for all their volunteer time and energy. Also, I want to thank the thou-sand of clients who work with us each year. To the hundreds of staff who go above and beyond the call of duty – thank you so very much. And, to the communities we serve and the funding sources we work with - thank you for being a part of our mission to help improve the quality of life for people and our communities.

Paul J. Erdal

LETTER FROM BOARD CHAIR ~ PAUL ERDAL

Our Mission is to provide opportunities to improve the quality of life for people and communities.

We Believe . . . ~ All people have value and potential;

~ In treating all people with dignity and respect;

~ Diversity enriches the quality of life;

~ All people have the right to be informed of choices, opportunities, and responsibilities;

~ Effective communication and teamwork are essential for success;

~ Partnerships are essential in delivering quality services; and,

~ There are opportunities in change.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

Chairman Vice Chair Treasurer Secretary Paul Erdal Leroy Vonasek William Montague Linda Neuerburg Norman County Marshall County Polk County Polk County

Members

Jan Anderson Don Diedrich Arthur Drenckhahn Kent Eken Marshall County Polk County Marshall County Norman County

John Gerszewski Linda Grinde Marvin Gunderson Lee Ann Hall Polk County Polk County Norman County Norman County

Jamie Hennen Dave Jameson Dr. Jodi Boerger-Wilder Norman County Marshall County Polk County

In many ways Tri-Valley could label 2010 the year of “Good, Bad, and Ugly.” It started out with notification that we had received two substantial grant applications for Early Head Start both in our Migrant and Seasonal Head Start program as well as our Region V Head Start program. The Head Start program did a magnificent job of developing the grants and when notified by the federal government were able to get services up and running within weeks. Many other grantees in the nation took the better part of a year to get operational. So for Tri-Valley, this was Good.

Still, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds that we received from the Minnesota Department of Commerce were frozen in 2010 pending a review of our documentation and expedition of the program services. This review continues and there is little to report other

than the funding source has not made a determination about the status of this endeavor. In an effort to see ser-vices continue, Tri-Valley approached the Minnesota Department of Commerce in April and asked to have the fund-ing earmarked for Tri-Valley shifted to the West Central Community Action Agency (headquartered in Elbow Lake, MN) in order for them to continue providing services to the clients in our service area. After three months of work-ing with the funding source we were able to get the funds transferred to West Central and they have been working since then to provide weatherizing services in our area. However, the final determination of the review has yet to be made and Tri-Valley remains in limbo as to the ultimate disposition of our Weatherization Program. For Tri-Valley this has been very Bad.

Finally, the election of November 2010 changed the political landscape in Minnesota and throughout the country. In Minnesota we elected a Democrat for Governor (Mark Dayton) while passing the control of the House and the Senate to Republicans for the first time in about forty years. And, the nation swept Republicans into the House of Representatives in a major Congressional turn-over. Still, the Senate was able to retain a majority of Democrats their majority shrunk to a bare minimum. The net result of these elections has put the state and the nation into deeper gridlock. Minnesota is working to erase a $5 billion deficit and is not poised to resolve the structural finan-cial imbalance this session. The legislature is bent on cutting budgets and the Governor is proposing income tax increases for the top 5% of earners. In Washington, DC there has been six Continuing Resolutions of the 2011 budget and there continues to be political posturing at every step of the process. Thus, those who need our ser-vices and those who provide those services remain rudderless in a sea of uncertainty. Anxieties are up and direc-tion is lacking. The future is fuzzy for everyone involved. And, in this environment Tri-Valley sees the present situa-tion as Ugly.

Consequently, the question is asked, “What does Tri-Valley do going forward in a time of Good, Bad and Ugly?” For me, in times of uncertainty and when there is no compass to guide us, we must return to our Beliefs and our Mis-sion. We must remember why we exist, who we serve and how do we responsibly provide services in a fiscally re-sponsible manner. It is clear that we cannot count on resource growth to move us forward. Instead, we must find ways to efficiently and effectively deliver high quality services with fewer resources. This is a reality we cannot deny and must embrace. In the months to come we will be striving to find administrative and operational efficiencies that will allow us to meet the needs of those we serve, eliminate those services we can no longer fully underwrite and seek to retain our assets in the face of uncertainty. We can do this. We can do this well. And, we can succeed in living our Beliefs and meeting our Mission.

LETTER FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ~ DENNY DEMERS

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PROGRAMS & SERVICES

CommunityServicesPrograms CommunityAssistancePrograms‐Helpsquali iedlowtomoderateincomefamilieswithrentas‐

sistance,securitydeposits,foreclosureprevention,mortgageandbudgetcounseling,homebuyertraining,housingcounseling,and inancialassistanceforutilities,foodandclothing.Energyassis‐tance,crisisandfurnacerepairsarealsoavailabletoquali iedhouseholds.

ChildCareResource&Referral‐Assiststheearlychildhoodcommunityinexpandingandimprov‐ingthequalityandavailabilityofchildcare.Parentslookingforchildcarecanreceivealistofli‐censedproviderstailoredtomeettheirspeci iccriteria.

FamilyPartnerProject‐ProvidesaFamilyMentortoparentsandcaregiversofchildren,ages0‐21withsocial,emotionalandbehavioralconcernsaspartoftheOurChildrenSucceedInitiative.

HeartlandExpress(PublicTransportation)‐Providespublictransportationinhandicappedac‐cessiblebuses.Curbtocurbserviceisavailable.

RuralTransportationCollaborative‐Coordinatesvolunteerdriverstotransportindividualsformedicalappointments,educationorworkactivities,childvisitations,orotherpersonalmatters.

HousingPrograms MNUrbanandRuralHomesteadingProgram(MURL)

‐Allowslow‐income,at‐riskfamiliestopurchaseahomewithnodownpaymentandnointerest.Monthlypay‐mentsarebasedonaffordabilityandareadjustedasin‐comeincreases.

Weatherization‐Providesassistancetoeligiblehouse‐holdswhoareleastabletoaffordhighutilitycosts.En‐ergyauditsarecompletedtodeterminewhatcanbedonetothehometoreduceheatingandcoolingcostsandconserveenergy.

SeniorPrograms FosterGrandparentProgram‐Recruitsindividuals,age55andovertoworkinschools,childcarecenters,HeadStartcenters,grouphomesandothernon‐pro itfacilitiestosupportchildrenwithspecialneeds. SeniorCompanionProgram‐Recruitsindividuals,age55andover,tohelpothersliveindependentlybyassistingwithgroceryshoppingandotherdailytasks. ValleyHousekeepingProgram‐Offerslighthouse‐keepingandlaundryservices,aswellasshoppingandothererrands,forelderlyindividuals,age60andover,andforin‐dividualswithdisabilities.

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PROGRAMS & SERVICES

HeadStart,Child&FamilyPrograms HeadStart‐Providescomprehensive,family‐orientedchilddevelopmentservicesdesignedtomeet

thediverseneedsoflow‐incomechildrenandtheirfamilies.Servicesprovidedincludeearlychild‐hoodeducation,medicalanddentalexaminations,immunizations,visionandhearingscreenings,speechanddevelopmentalscreenings,disabilitiesservices,referralsandparenteducation.

‐ RegionV(FullYear)HeadStart‐Providesservicestochildrenages3tocompulsoryschoolage inWestPolk,WestMarshallandNormanCounties. ‐ RegionVEarlyHeadStart‐Providesservicestopregnantwomen,infantsandtoddlersinWest Polk,WestMarshall,NormanandSteelCounties. ‐ RegionXIIMigrantandSeasonalHeadStart‐Providesservicestochildrenages6weeksto compulsoryschoolagethroughoutthestatesofMinnesotaandnorthernNorthDakota. ‐ MigrantandSeasonalEarlyHeadStart‐Providesservicestopregnantwomen,infantsand toddlersinthecommunitiesofElysian,GlencoeandMonticelloinMinnesota. Title1HealthServices‐ Providedover800physicalsanddentalexamstoTitle1childrenandpro‐

vidednutritiousmealsforbreakfastandlunch. Title1Identi ication&Recruitment‐____________________________________________

Minnesota Head Start Heroes

TheMinnesotaHeadStartAssociationrecentlyawardedindividualsintheHeadStartcommunitywhowereabletotransformtheirlives.Theseindividualsovercametremendouschallengesandachievedpersonalandfamilysuccess.Tri‐Valleyishonoredtohavetwoindividualschosenfortheseawards.

Inthecategoryof“HeadStartparentswhohavebecomeearlychildhoodprofession-als”,MaryJohnsonwashonored.Marysays,“...HeadStartandtheTri‐ValleyOpportunityCouncilhelpedmeachievemilestonesthatIcouldnotfathomdoingonmyown.TheyshowedmethatIhavepotentialandcapabilitiesbeyondmyownexpectations.Iwouldhavenevertraveleddownthisroadwithoutthemoraland inancialsupportthatIre‐ceivedfromtheHeadStartfamily.IamproudtosaythatIbelieveintheHeadStartPro‐gramwithallmyheart,andIamhonoredtobeabletohelpotherHeadStartfamiliesachievetheirdreams.”

Inthecategoryof“HeadStartgraduatewhohasachievedexceptionalpersonalsuc-cess”,CindyBoudreauxwashonored.Shesays,“...IbelieveinHeadStart’smissionandpurpose.HeadStartgavemymothertheskillsandrespecttoempowerherchildrentosucceedinlife.IamhonoredtobepartoftheHeadStartfamilyandgivebacktothecom‐munity.”

Orpha Hedrich

OrphahasbeenwiththeValleyHousekeepingProgramsinceJune25,1980.ShehasprovidedmanyhoursofqualityhousekeepingservicestoindividualsinNormanCountyinNorthwestMinnesota.Withoutthein‐homeservicesprovidedbyOrphathroughtheValleyHousekeepingProgram,manyindividualswouldnotbeabletoremainindependentintheirownhomes.Tri‐ValleyOpportunityCouncilisfortunatetohavesuchadedicatedemployeeasOrpha.

JoAnne Halliday

JoAnnehasbeenahomemakerwiththeValleyHousekeepingProgramsinceNovember3,1983.JoAnnehasbeenlikefamilytothemanyclientsshehasprovidedhomemakingservicetoovertheyears.JoAnneshowsmuchpatience,kindnessandcompassiontotheindividualsthatsheprovidesservicefor.JoAnneisalwayswillingtohelpoutwhenaneedarises.Tri‐ValleyOpportunityCouncilandtheValleyHousekeepingProgramarefortunatetohaveJoAnneHallidayprovidingservicestoclientsinCrookston.Wearetrulythankfultoherforhermanyyearsofemployment.

Judy Mostrom

Judypassedawayin2010.SheprovidedhomemakingservicestoindividualsinandaroundtheThiefRiverFallsareasinceApril1,1985.Theseservicesenabledclientstostayintheirhomeforalongerperiodoftime,preventingprematurenursinghomeplacement.Tri‐ValleyOpportunityCouncilisfortunatetohaveworkedwithJudyandwillforeverrememberherdedicationtothoseweserve.

25 YEAR SERVICE AWARDS

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2010 ~ A YEAR IN REVIEW

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. strives to meet six national goals. Here’s a look at our accomplishments in 2010... Goal 1: Low-income people become more self-sufficient.

Helped 100 individuals who were unemployed obtain a job.

Helped 61 individuals obtain an increase in employment income and/or benefits.

In order to acquire or maintain employment:

- Assisted1,066 families obtain care for their children;

- Assisted 388 individuals in obtaining access to reliable transportation.

- Helped 104 individuals obtain health care services for themselves or a family member.

- Helped 179 individuals and/or families obtain safe and affordable housing.

- Assisted 73 individuals and/or families obtain food assistance.

Assisted 56 families to receive individualized services for children with disabilities.

Helped 711 families enroll in MinnesotaCare or other health insurance program.

Helped 325 households participate in a tax preparation program with 164 households qualifying for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit.

Assisted 42 households acquiring good or restored credit.

Goal 2: The Conditions in Which Low-Income People Live are Improved.

Created or saved 27 jobs from reduction or elimination.

Preserved or improved 66 safe and affordable housing units through Weatherization or rehabilitation.

Created or maintained 412 safe and affordable child care or child devel-opment placement opportunities for low-income families.

Preserved accessible new or increased educational and training place-ment opportunities for low-income persons.

Mobilized 1,744 community members to participate in community revitali-

Goal 3: Low-Income People Own a Stake in Their Community.

Provided opportunities for low-income individuals to volunteer 71,000 hours in agency and community ac-tivities.

Assisted 40 low-income individuals to participate in formal community organizations, government, boards or councils that provide input to decision-making and policy-setting.

Conducted Homebuyers Workshops in which 38 individuals successfully participated.

Helped increase the knowledge of 337 individuals about Minnesota Voter Registration and participation.

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Goal 4: Partnerships Among Supporters and Providers of Services to Low-Income People are

Established or maintained relationships with the following partners:

- 30 Nonprofits - 44 Faith-Based Groups

- 49 Local Government Entities - 2 State Governments

- 8 Federal Government Agencies - 1,822 For-Profit Businesses or Corporations

- 7 Consortiums or Collaborations - 6 Housing Consortiums or Collaborations

- 90 School Districts - 7 Institutions of Post Secondary Education

- 2 Financial/Banking Institutions - 8 Health Service Institutions

- 12 State-Wide Associations

Goal 5: Increase Our Agency Capacity to Achieve Results.

Provided 5,857 hours of training to 901 staff.

Provided 90 hours of training to 15 Board Members.

2010 ~ A YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED

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2010 ~ A YEAR IN REVIEW CONTINUED

Goal 6: Low-Income People, Especially Vulnerable Populations, Achieve Their Potential by Strengthening Family and Other Support Systems.

FOR SENIORS:

Provided programs and activities to 778 seniors to maintain their independent living.

Provided programs and activities to 1,493 individuals with disabilities to maintain their independent living.

Provided emergency payments to vendors for fuel and energy bills for 35 seniors.

Provided emergency rent or mortgage assistance to 237 seniors.

Provided emergency home repair to 163 senior households.

Provided referrals for emergency food assistance to 229 seniors.

Provided referrals for temporary shelter to 23 seniors.

Provided referrals for emergency medical care to 73 seniors.

Provided referrals for protection from violence to 71 seniors.

Provided referrals for legal assistance to 53 seniors.

Assisted 42 seniors in averting foreclosure and maintaining their home.

FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN:

Assisted 1,250 infants & children obtain age appropriate immunizations, medical and dental care.

Improved the health and physical development of 1,252 infants and children as a result of providing ade-quate nutrition.

Provided preschool activities to develop school readiness to 595 children.

Ensured that 293 children from low-income families are ready for school having developed pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills as measured by assessment.

Ensured that 1,066 parents and other adults learned and exhibited improved parenting skills.

FOR THOSE UNABLE TO WORK:

Helped 330 obtained care for their child or other dependent.

Helped 1,349 obtain access to reliable transportation.

Assisted 1,154 obtain health care services for themselves or family member.

Assisted 57 obtain safe and affordable housing.

Helped 1,796 obtain food assistance.

Helped 1,013 obtain non-emergency LIHEAP energy assistance.

Assisted 64 obtain non-emergency WX energy assistance.

Assisted 133 obtain other non-emergency energy assistance.

FOR LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND/OR FAMILIES:

Provided 75,359 rides.

Provided 12,708 information and referral calls.

Provided 40 units of clothing.

Provided 10 food boxes.

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UNAUDITED STATEMENT OF REVENUES, EXPENSES, AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Year ending December 31, 2010

REVENUES

Grant Revenue $15,008,808

Program Contributions $2,609,724

Interest Income $6,101

In-Kind Contributions $943,760

Other Income $354,900

TOTAL REVENUE $18,923,293

EXPENSES

Child Education $12,085,171

Family and Community Services $889,865

Energy Assistance and Weatherization $562,451

Senior Services $1,358,139

Transportation $1,747,962

Housing and Housing Rehabilitation $281,378

Homeless/Shelter Programs $224,735

Food Programs $581,104

Corporate Activities $179,619

TOTAL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES $17,910,424

Management and General Expenses $866,936

Fundraising $38,590

TOTAL EXPENSES $18,815,950

CHANGES IN NET ASSETS $107,343

Net Assets December 31, 2010 $6,365,491

Organization

“An Equal Opportunity Employer”

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. 102 N. Broadway PO Box 607 Crookston, MN 56716 Phone: 218-281-5832 Toll Free: 1-800-584-7020 Website: www.tvoc.org

Note: Tri-Valley has services in 84 counties in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Service Area