Anna Waters Head Start

Community Services Block Grant

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Senior Service

Weatherization Assistance Program

2017Annual Report

1989-2010

Mission StatementThe purpose of the Decatur Macon County Opportunities Corporation is to help low income and senior citizens enhance their dignity and quality of life by providing skills, knowledge, and the power of work through community-based coordinated services.

Board of DirectorsAndrew R. Weatherford

PresidentAntonio Brown Vice PresidentBrittany Dent

SecretaryDorothy McFadden-Parker

TreasurerCarol Jontry

Assistant TreasurerMichael Diggs

Catherine Davis

Marty Watkins

Richelle Irons

Abbey Bradford

Georgette Page

Deborah Craft

Carmin Ross

Brandy Brown

From the Executive DirectorDear Friends,I jumped into my role as Executive Director of DMCOC in January 2018. My first months here have been both exciting and challenging! I am grateful to all our dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters who have provided encouragement and shown patience through this time of transition.

DMCOC accomplished great things this year! We served over 7,000 unduplicated individuals with services including job training, utility assistance, nutritious meals, weatherization, case management, and early childhood education. Our Anna Waters Head Start program sent over 200 children to kindergarten equipped with the skills needed to succeed! Our Senior Services program helped 770 seniors continue to live independently in their homes.

We are looking ahead to the next year with eagerness and excitement! We continue to search for ways we can improve and provide the highest quality of service to our community. In everything we do, our goal is to empower individuals and families to move towards self-sufficiency.

If you feel motivated to help us help our community, please contact me! There are many opportunities for collaboration, volunteerism, and support. Together we can make a difference.

With sincere gratitude,

Tara MurrayExecutive Director

From the Board PresidentTransition has been at the forefront of DMCOC this past year. DMCOC has been transitioning from personnel changes. We have welcomed a number of new staff members to the agency and continue to provide the exceptional services that we always have.

DMCOC continues to provide various services to a diverse population from the youngest to the oldest. Given our changing society, we find ourselves with a greater need in our community at a time of reduced funding from governmental sources. The Board appreciates the dedication of our staff, and their willingness to be flexible and all their hard work that it takes to provide quality services.

Furthermore, we are constantly looking to work with our community partners to achieve our shared community goals. We appreciate all the support we have received from various agencies, companies, faith communities, governmental entities, and our many volunteers who have assisted us in fulfilling our mission.

We look forward to continued growth and strive to provide a positive presence in the community.

Sincerely,

Andrew WeatherfordBoard President

1989-2016

Decatur Macon County Opportunities Corporation has provided programs and services to the low-income and elderly populations of Decatur and Macon County since its inception in 1964 as a community based organization to address the “war on poverty”. DMCOC was formed as a combined effort of interested political officials, social service agencies, the Decatur City Council, the Macon County Board, low-income individuals and community residents un-der the jurisdiction of the Economic Opportunity Act, which was signed into law on August 20, 1964.

Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Community Service Block Grant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$309,674 Low-Income Home Energy Asst. Program . . . . . . . .$2,107,663.00 Low-Income Weatherization Asst. Program . . . . . . . . . .$255,371East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging Senior Nutrition Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$333,715US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Child Care Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $247,470US Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) Head Start. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,566,024.00Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Rent Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,000.00IL Dept. of Human Services Emergency/Transitional Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48,608.00Local Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,424.00Payment by Clients for Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$287,521In-Kind Goods and Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$259,541 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,456,011

Fiscal Year Revenue Expenses 2013 $7,729,861 $7,835,656 2014 $7,595,342 $7,738,818 2015 $7,454,621 $7,447,249 2016 $5,196,201 $5,576,703 2017 $6,788,221 $6,531,194

Audit Results: Our most recent financial audit for FY 2017 had no internal control or compliance findings. There were no questioned costs or other issues for that audit period.

It should be noted that the amounts above are taken from our annual audit reports prepared by Sikich CPA and per their reports DMCOC does not have any outstanding audit issues, with any funding sources and is in compliance with GAAP, 2 CFR, 200 of 45 CFR 75.

Poverty StatementThe population of Macon County has continued to decline since 1970. The 2010 Census shows the Macon County population at 110,768 and the 2000 Census shows the population as 114,706 which is a reduction in population of 3,938 or 3.4% over the last 10 year period. The persons living below poverty in Macon County according to the 2010 Census is 15.7% and is considerably higher that the State poverty rate of 12.6%. Of those 22.3% had children under 18, 26% had children under 5, 3.8% were married couples, 43.6% were single parent households. Macon County’s unemployment rate for May 2014 was 9.1% which is significantly higher than the State unemployment rate of 7.2%.

1964-1989

For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on the family’s budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists low-income families in paying their home energy bills for winter energy services. Each family is helped once during the program year,

receiving a one-time payment. Applicants must prove they are low income and responsible for their home heating costs, or if the applicant is a renter and has no utility bills, then the amount of the applicant’s rent must exceed 30% of the household’s income.

Clients who are customers of Ameren Illinois may choose the new Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP). Under PIPP, clients pay a percentage of their income, receive a monthly benefit toward their utility bill, and receive a reduction in overdue payments for every on-time payment they make by the bill due date. The PIPP Program was not funded in the State Budget for 2015. Assistance may be available if your household is disconnected from an energy source needed for heating and/or a delivered-fuel supplier has refused to deliver to you. However, assistance for reconnection will only be provided to households that have made a good faith effort to maintain their energy services or can pay a portion of the amount owed for reconnection. 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Assistance and Reconnection 2595 2628 2,379 3,954 3,672 PIPP 395 478 617 682 819 Emergency Furnace 9 9 9 22 17 Summer Cooling 0 0 493 502 597 Special Energy Services 75 75 100 50 50

The lifestyle and health changes that often accompany the natural course of aging can have a profound effect on seniors’ ability to maintain proper nutrition. A senior with better eating habits will feel better overall and live longer and stronger.

With this being said, DMCOC Senior Nutrition program provides hot nutritious noon time meals Monday thru Friday at 8 sites within the city and 4 sites in the county. In addition to the meals there are a variety of other activities both recreational and

educational offered. Voluntary contributions are requested for the cost of each meal served. We do accept LINK cards (SNAP benefits).

In addition to senior nutrition it is important for our seniors to maintain their independence for healthy and active aging. Providing a means for seniors to get around and encouraging physical activity is a great way to build our seniors level of independence and confidence.

If you or your loved one is 60 years or older and no longer able to drive, there are personal transportation options through DMCOC Senior Transportation Program. This program is used to take seniors from their home to any one of our senior meal sites as well as to area grocery stores, medical appointments and personal appointments.

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013Meals Served 48,165 63,931 51,807 56,673 58,002Participants 616 1518 1,365 1,212 1,102

Meals Delivered 13313 26,951 22,513 19,488 22,810Participants 154 282 269 256 236

Number of Trips 0 2,978 2,880 2,782 2,994Participants 0 188 90 85 83

Volunteer Hours 4486 4,748 4,223 3,937 4,669Volunteers 55 56 54 57 59

SENIOR SERVICES

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

DMCOC provides a variety of Community and Social Services to meet the needs of area low-income families and assists them in attaining the skills, knowledge and motivation necessary to achieve self- sufficiency.

Funds were set aside through the ‘War on Poverty’ to establish Community Action Agencies with initial startup funds through the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). These funds were block granted and became the Community Services Block Grant through the federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act in 1981. DMCOC continues to provide ongoing services through this grant, which are determined by an annual assessment of community needs.

Today, the Community Services Block Grant provides for information/referral services; counseling and advocacy; basic computer and job search skills; on-the-job training; training in high job demand areas; employment support assistance, scholarships, case management, and transitional housing.

DMCOC provides emergency shelter through the Emergency and Transitional Housing Program through DHS and Rent Assistance through FEMA. Both services are only available when DMCOC has funding provided by DHS and/or FEMA.

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013Transportation to Work 66 72 36 203 154Job Training/High Demand Fields 9 11 5 5 3Computer Classes 44 58 68 49 75Scholarships 10 6 6 9 4Housing Assistance 55 116 207 161 193Emergency Shelter 51 8 92 184 204Debt Counseling/Budgeting 40 97 119 0 0Referred to and from other sources 353 307 268 307 663Case Management 52 35 30 48 28Rent Assistance 0 25 45 22 40Transitional Housing 7 10 9 12 39Licensing/Certification 2 0 0 0 0Employment Supplies 23 0 0 0 0Job Skills 28 0 0 0 0

COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT

The Weatherization Program has been a large contributor to Macon County in the past years. We are able to work year round (excluding holidays & vacations) to help our community live safer, more efficient lives. We have a training facility that keeps us up to speed with current technology & equipment that will better help us serve our clients. We maintain a Field Standards Manual that we provide to all our contractors in order to retain proper standards for completing weatherization to homes with guidelines on how to complete the work properly and efficiently.

Our goal is to weatherize all of the low-income homes that we possibly can so that all of Macon County can have homes that are safe, energy efficient with lower energy costs to them.

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013Houses Completed 29 36 58 39 97

THE WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM

Anna Waters Head Start is a comprehensive child development program that provides services to the entire family (which includes health/nutrition, education, social services, and transportation. The program is sponsored by Decatur-Macon County Opportunities Corporation and it is in its 52nd year of service to children and their families in the Decatur-Macon County area (Very Unique).

Head Start prepare children for Kindergarten. The program delivers high quality services that foster healthy development in children from low-income families and children with disabilities as well.

Parents are the primary educators of their children. The Head Start Program provide opportunities for parents to get involved in becoming a member of the Policy Council, join the Health/Nutrition Service Advisory Committee, Attend Parent Training Conferences, Family Literacy Nights, Volunteer in their child’s classroom, Parent/Child Take Home Activities, and encourage other parents to participate in the program.

The overall goal of Head Start is to provide our students with the necessary tools to succeed in life. Head Start I the very first step of their upward climb.

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013Funded Enrollment 378 378 378 378 378

Actual Enrollment 446 444 433 427 419

3 Year Olds 208 194 20 192 184

4 Year Olds 238 250 233 235 235

Students Transported 346 336 340 340 339

Children with Disabilities 57 45 38 48 52

Parent Volunteers 674 649 624 538 650

Total Volunteers 824 749 720 821 806

ANNA WATERS HEAD START

Anna Waters(1908-1974)

Mrs. Waters was an active leader in the community and a person in the black community could look upon with pride. She made many contributions in helping people. Among her accomplishments, she started sewing classes and set up reading and writing classes for the elderly. The Frontiers International bestowed their highest award upon her. The Educational Scholarship Committee was formed in her honor.

1992-2003New Horizon

ANNA WATERS HEAD START Setting Minds in MotionEarly childhood is a critical time for cognitive, social, and behavioral development. The experiences a child has prior to entering kindergarten affect how the brain develops and lay the foundation for success in school and life. After observing the level of each child the teacher can observe what does the child know? What are they able to do? Teacher then use this information to create instructional and individualized experience for each child. Our program has purchased more math manipulatives and instruction to including: counting boxes, counting games, peg boards, balance scales, measuring tape, large dice, and unifix cubes. These materials continue to help raise our children’s math understanding by enhancing the learning skills of number recognition, quantities, and learning simple patterns and how to measure length and weight. Materials for language/literacy included both non-fiction and fiction books, puppets, flannel board stories, story sequence cards, letters and writing materials. This fall all the teaching staff completed a study of how to incorporate Project Approach in our curriculum. This concept is where the children decide on a topic that interest them and they investigate a real-world study such as how train work, study where dinosaur bones are found, and the life cycle of bugs. We now have three Hatch pads for every classroom. While children independently play Hatch’s StartSmart learning games, that documentation is automatically created, labeled, and sent to Teaching Strategies Gold assessment.

Indicators of Success

Parent Engagement � Parent Committee Meetings � Policy Council – offer opportunities to gain skills � Health Advisory Committee � Special Men’s Week � Special Women’s Week � Family Literacy Night � Open House – (help plan/work)

Classroom Volunteers – this opportunity often lead parents to continue their education.

Community InvolvementWorking Agreements

� Macon-Piatt Special Education � Baby Talk Pre-K � Northeast Community Fund � Boys and Girls Club � Catholic Charities � The Department of Children and Family Services � Department of Human Services � Decatur Housing Authority � Decatur Park District � Dove Inc. � Decatur Refuge � Easter Seals � Growing Strong � Homeward Bound � Lutheran Child and Family Services � Macon Resource � Mt. Zion Great Start Pre-K � Mt. Zion School Dis. #3 � District #61

1974-2003Effie Oliver

2016-2017 Child OutcomesSchool Readiness Goals – Overall Program ReportMeet/Exceed in All DomainsFall Target – 60% Winter-70%Spring-85%

Fall Winter SpringMeet/Exceed Meet/Exceed Meet/Exceed

Physical Development 79% 81% 96.5%

Social/Emotional Development 69% 76% 90%

Approaches to Learning 60% 75% 90%

Language & Literacy 83% 85% 92%

Cognitive & Knowledge Development 77% 79.5% 89%

Teaching Strategies Gold – Overall Program ReportMeet/Exceed in All DomainsFall Target- 60%Winter- 70%Spring- 85%

Fall Winter SpringMeet/Exceed Meet/Exceed Meet/Exceed

Social/Emotional Development 73% 86% 90%

Physical/Gross Motor 73% 89% 96%

Physical/Fine Motor 81% 93% 97%

Language 72% 83% 91%

Cognitive 70% 88% 92%

Literacy 72% 88% 93%

Mathematics 45% 70% 86%

2016– 2017 Teaching Strategies Gold ReportThe Teaching Strategies Gold Report helps to understand what the children already know, their strengths, needs, and interests. Teaching Strategies Gold covers all objectives in the Social/Emotional, Physical Development (fine and gross motor), Language & Literacy, Cognition & General Knowledge, and Math domains. The Widely Held Expectations Report indicates the actual number of children who exceed, meet, or falls below the target in each domain.

Month Actual Enrollment Funded Enrollment Average Monthly Enrollment

August 378 378 100%

September 371 378 98%

October 378 378 100%

November 371 378 98%

December 372 378 98%

January 376 378 99%

February 378 378 100%

March 376 378 99%

April 363 378 96%

Policy CouncilBrandy Brown

ChairpersonBrittany Dent

Vice-ChairpersonTiffany Schnell

SecretaryCatherine Davis

Evyonne Hawkins

Rachel Kalala

Ebony McIntosh

Tammie Robinson

Michael Young

ANNA WATERS HEAD START

Enrollment Information 2016-2017

1964-CurrentFoster Grandparents

Program SupportI am writing this letter to applaud the Decatur Illinois Anna Waters Head Start Program. Anna Waters Head Start took a young child at the age of 4, who would not talk or quit crying when she was dropped off; blossomed her into a young individual, who now has to be asked to quiet down. The teachers encouraged and helped her to get over her crying, allowing her to move at her own pace. Head Start was a positive experience for both of us, and it helped to prepare her for Kindergarten.

Former Head Start Parent/Board Member

I am writing to express my involvement and continued support of the Anna Waters Head Start Program. I have been blessed to be able to provide educational materials, to be able to work with the caring staff and to be able to provide necessary dental care for students. I have been associated with the Head Start Program since 1995, and my father was before that.

Dr. Brent Jerger

The Crossing Health Care has collaborated with Anna Waters Head Start for many years to ensure the health and safety of the children they serve by providing required immunizations and health screenings. We appreciate a learning environment that work to educate parents and caregivers on keeping children healthy.

Crossing Health Care

Nearly 400 high risk children served by Anna Waters Head Start are being prepared for success in school by being ready to enter Kindergarten at the appropriate age. The Head Start Staff has contributed significantly to the Decatur Area Education Coalition’s goal of having all Macon County children ready for Kindergarten. Their willingness to participate in professional development and utilize a common assessment tool for Kindergarten-readiness attests to their interest in providing the best possible learning opportunities for their students.

The Community Foundationof Decatur/Macon County

Meet/Exceed Below Meet/Exceed Below Meet/Exceed Below

Social/Emotional 135 63 169 34 182 20

Physical – Gross Motor 152 46 185 18 194 8

Physical – Fine Motor 147 51 183 20 193 9

Language 150 49 172 31 179 16

Cognition & General Knowledge

146 52 172 31 184 18

Literacy 149 44 183 20 182 20

Math 83 116 134 69 163 39

4 Year Olds

3 Year Olds

Fall Winter Spring

Meet/Exceed Below Meet/Exceed Below Meet/Exceed Below

Social/Emotional 135 63 169 34 182 20

Physical – Gross Motor 152 46 185 18 194 8

Physical – Fine Motor 147 51 183 20 193 9

Language 150 49 172 31 179 16

Cognition & GeneralKnowledge

146 52 172 31 184 18

Literacy 149 44 183 20 182 20

Math 83 116 134 69 163 39

Fall Winter Spring

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013Donations Collected 16,285 $9,533 $6,693 $9,445 $5,195

2017 Individual Donors & Business DonorsBarb Archer Air KingCarolyn Ridenour Andreas FoundationMr. & Mrs. Doug Miller Emanon Club Karla Jordan Heritage Behavioral Health CenterLucy Smith SikichMichael LipowskyNathan WhitemanRobert ArcherBecky AlexanderShannon DobsonMr. & Mrs. Danny Weatherford

The Board of Directors, Policy Council, Executive Director, and Staff would like to thank everyone that has donated either time or money to the continued success of DMCOC.

Platinum Level Individual Donors (over $1,000) & Business Donors (over $10,000)Adam Wicklund Andreas FoundationAnna Turner The Community Foundation of Decatur Macon County Mick & Sally AndreasRobert Archer

Gold Level Individual Donors ($500–$999) & Business Donors ($5,000-$9,999)Mr. & Mrs. Doug Miller The Young Philanthropists Eric DeVoreLucy SmithMark WicklundMichael LipowskyBuzz Nelson

Silver Level Individual Donors ($250-$499) & Business Donors ($2,500-$4,999)Janet Day Heritage Behavioral Health CenterJeanelle Norman StriglosKarla JordanShannon SliferVicki Bean

Bronze Level Individual Donors ($100-$249) & Business Donors ($1,000-$2,499)Chris Escobedo ADMDavid Billingsley Air KingDeborah McGee First Presbyterian ChurchDorothy McFadden-Parker First United Methodist ChurchGeorge Vest Junior Welfare AssociationMr. & Mrs. Hal Wynne Macon County SheriffMr. & Mrs. Harold Simcox Raymond James Associates, IncJoe Sapp SikichJuan AcostaMarcus BrownMr. & Mrs. Michael O’DonnellPatrick McDaniel

Community OutreachDMCOC is always looking for people to join our community of volunteers to help support the future leaders as well as our senior citizens. Join us at one of our Head Start facilities to help foster school readiness by reading, playing games, or other educational activities with our students. Help the “greatest generation’ by listening, engaging, and being a companion by joining us either at one of the Senior Nutrition sites or delivering meals. Please contact the office for more details.

Your Contributions Are Appreciated!

Vision StatementWe envision a community where everyone works together to empower all people to reach self-sufficiency, eliminate poverty, and help senior citizens live independently with dignity and respect.

2010-Current

Yes, I would like to support the good works of DMCOC in our community! Enclosed please find my gift of:

___ $10 ___ $15 ___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ $250 $____________

___ Please contact me about making recurring donations

___ Please contact me about leaving my legacy to DMCOC

___ Please contact me about making donations to a specific program

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: ________________________

Credit Card Number: __________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _______________________________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________

“Thanks so much for the furnace. My home is nice and warm. Everything was done in one day! The installers were very efficient and did a great job and even cleaned up afterwards. Thanks.” ~ Christine W.

“Thanks so much for all of your help. My house is now warm and cozy and I couldn’t of done it without you. Thanks.” ~ Lonnie J.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to receive the scholarship again this year. I can’t tell you how much it is appreciated.” ~ Rachel B.

“Thank you so much for the energy assistance. What a blessing.” ~ Jody D.

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is

an act of JUSTICE.~ Nelson Mandela

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward,

safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do

the same for you.~ Princess Diana

The test of our progress is not whether we add

more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide

enough for those who have too little.

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

The time has comefor us to civilize

ourselves by the total, direct and immediate

abolition of poverty.~ Martin Luther King

I alone cannot changethe world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to

create many ripples.~ Mother Teresa

Decatur Macon CountyOpportunities Corporation1122 E. Marietta StreetDecatur, Illinois 62521

We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Thank you for all you have done for me. They say life is full of surprises, but this has been a shock. If it’s true, life gives back what you put into it, I have a feeling great things are coming your way. I cannot thank you enough for all your love and support and you don’t even know me (really). It makes me think there may be hope for mankind after all. ~ Terry L. Jones

PresortedStandard

U.S. PostagePAID

Trump Direct

dmcoc.orgVisit us on the web

Find us on Facebook