2015 Financial Report and Annual Review

Educating for Life

Training for Employment

Helping Seniors Age

in Place

Total Expenses $1,308,098

2015 Financial Report For year ending December 31, 2015

(unaudited)

• Total Net Assets $2,026,765• Change in Net Assets ($95,834)

• Net Unrealized Gain (Loss)on Investments ($49,182)

Program Fees $466,887 37%

Investment $41,715 3%

Donated Services $35,117 3%

Miscellaneous $4,983 <1%

Special Events $107,528 8%

Grants $375,800 30%

Contributions $229,416 18%

Released from restriction $212,058

Program $1,065,529 81%

Fundraising $124,420 10%

General & Management $118,149 9%

Total Revenue $1,261,446

Dear Friends

Each year seems to have a unique energy, a special grace and a generosity of spirit that enhances our mission. 2015 was no exception.

We implemented the comprehensive five-year strategic plan MNM’s staff and board collaborated to create in 2014. This tool guided our decisions and actions as we re-affirmed our core belief that education and employment create the best pathway out of poverty and that seniors deserve to be cared for and experience their full dignity throughout their sunset years. This was expressed through our three-fold activities of Educating for Life, Training for Employment, and Helping Seniors Age in Place.

In 2015, our programs enabled 1,610 unduplicated individuals to receive the Touch of Mercy through 16,430 instances of service. Our data demonstrates the positive impact of our programs: 90% of our training program graduates attained employment, and 74% retained it for at least 12 months; 98% of our seniors remained living independently with a sense of well-being as a result of our home care and senior services; over 600 individuals accessed food and other basic needs, connected to community resources or managed their finances through our supportive services and representative payee program.

We expanded our workforce development efforts with the addition of the Bridges Computer and Job Training program and participation in the Walnut Hills Job Bank and Mayor Cranley’s Hand Up Initiative. A new partnership with Creative Aging and Cincinnati Area Senior Services enabled us to introduce monthly social activities for seniors who suffer from isolation and loneliness. Equally important, we engaged in several community collaborations, such as the Ohio Adult Diploma Program and the United Way’s STEP program, that have the potential to create systemic change in how we address the persistent problem of poverty in our city.

The stories and photos in this report capture well the multi-generational nature of our continuum of services and the real difference MNM is making in our community. We are truly blessed by and grateful for each and every person who chooses to walk with us in Mercy. That includes you!

Desales Corner • 1602 Madison RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45206

513.751.2500www.mercyneighborhoodministries.org

Printing:

This Annual Review is produced by volunteer and donated services

Inspired by the vision of the Sisters of Mercy, we promote the empowerment

of individuals with a special focus on disadvantaged women and seniors

through proven programs that educate, foster self-sufficiency and support

enhanced quality of life.

Our Mission

Sue Kathman Executive Director

Jane H. SheaBoard Chairperson

“I love seeing people grow at every age,” says Sr. Mary Stanton, MNM Executive Coordinator. “There’s something really special about seeing people latch on to what’s next when they’re 60.”

She’s talking about Mercy Neighborhood Ministries’ new Bridges Computer and Job Training program, which she supervises. MNM took over operation of the program from Mercy Health - St. John in September 2015.

Since then, 30 men and women have graduated with newly minted computer and professional development skills. Almost all of them have found jobs that pay them a fair hourly wage.

For six weeks, students spend 14 hours a week learning about things like how to write a resume or ace an interview. And they learn computer basics, from sending an email to using Microsoft Word or Excel. Optional lab hours let students seek extra practice or help.

“I can’t think of anywhere else where they’ll get as much care and personalized support as they will in this class,”

Sr. Mary said. But there’s more to it than that. Participants also gain self-esteem and the chance to bond with people at a similar stage in life.

“It’s uplifting; it’s encouraging; it’s loving and supporting,” Sr. Mary said.

Bridges serves a group of people that MNM hadn’t reached in the past. While the agency had programs for adults on the younger and older ends of the spectrum, there wasn’t one geared toward those in the 45-60 age group. That’s significant because those years can be a time of transition. And change can be difficult.

Program instructor Mike Rawls, a past graduate of Bridges, gets that. And he knows what the class can mean to people, the doors it can open.

In the beginning, Bridges program participants come for lots of reasons. Tenacity keeps them coming back.

“In the end Bridges changes people’s lives,” Sr. Mary said.

Alice Did It.Alice Ledford was in the first MNM Bridges class. “Being out of work for many years,” she said, “I thought that it would be impossible for me to be employed at this stage of my life.”

But in the class, she learned that she could feel comfortable speaking in a room filled with people she didn’t know. “I also learned that I need to be more engaging with others, to open up and let the walls come down,” she said.

Alice graduated in December 2015 and is now employed as an Administrative Assistant at the Urban Minority Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Outreach Program of Cincinnati.

“I feel more independent because of the classes I took with the BCJT,” she said.

“I’m so thankful the program opened up a whole new world for me and changed my old way of thinking. It gave me the insight to see who I am, and the tools and information to see other possibilities.”

Training for Employment

When you come to a crevice, don’t just stand there – build a bridge.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2015John AtkinsonJames CowanKristi EckertDavid Flaspohler, PhDRonald HitzlerJohn IschSuzanne Kathman, Ex-officioDebbie Koo, TreasurerMary Painter-RomanelloAlex Sampson

Tom SchickRosemary SchlachterJane Hils Shea, Esq., ChairpersonJana Soete, SecretaryGert StefankoBernie Suer Rebecca SykesMargaret Szempruch, Vice ChairSheri VogelSr. Sharon Wiedmar, RSM

Printing: Western & Southern Financial GroupDesign & Photography: Dennis Orner

Writers: Shauna Steigerwald, Tom Schick, Paul Zook

W

Judy Harrison has become a trusted friend to Willie. Her visits include assisting Willie with paying his bills and managing his money, and a weekly trip to the grocery that enables Willie to choose his own food selections and relish an outing beyond his apartment walls.

Meshon Curry, MNM’s home care aide assigned to Willie, enjoys his engaging personality. She supports his independence by preparing his meals and assuring his apartment is clean and his laundry is ready for him each week.

Helping Seniors Age in Place

Making the Connection

GGlaucoma had robbed Willie Salter of his sight, his independence and his self-reliance. Fortunately, a loving companion willingly stepped in to meet his needs, medical, financial, nutritional, personal. When cancer claimed his companion’s life, Willie was left sightless, alone and helpless to care for himself. Unread bills went unpaid, scheduled medications went untaken, food gone, trash uncollected, basic house cleanliness unattended. It was not long before Willie’s situation became desperate, and prospects of the dreaded move to a nursing home more immediate. Caring people stepped in and offered a helping hand.

The manager of Willie’s apartment building contacted Mercy Neighborhood Ministries. Informed of Willie’s crisis, Senior and Supportive Services Program Coordinator Judy Harrison visited him. “We assessed his needs,” said Judy, “and determined that staff and the volunteers at MNM could help connect Willie with resources that would open up a whole new world of opportunities for him.”

Through Judy’s expertise, MNM connected Willie with other social service agencies, such as Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Cincinnati Area Senior Services, and the Council on Aging. Soon Willie’s overdue

bills were paid, secure accounts established, and home care aides were assigned six days a week, to cook, clean and provide the companionship Willie so needed.

“Once Willie’s immediate situation stabilized,” said Judy, “we were ready to address longer-range but equally important concerns.”

Willie had always been a social person, open, and – very importantly – a man who loved to dance. Judy has encouraged him to expand his social circle, and he has responded wonderfully. He now attends monthly social events at MNM that are part of a successful collaboration with Creative Aging to provide arts programs that decrease isolation and improve the quality of life of older adults.

Willie is no longer the athlete of his youth, but under Judy’s watchful eye the fun-loving, outgoing Willie has re-emerged to everyone’s delight. He remains a vigorous and joyful dancer (even winning a recent dance contest organized by people in his building). His smooth moves, his hearty laugh and animated stories show everyone that WILLIE IS BACK!

Gratefully Willie accepted the hand offered him to help reclaim the spirited, independent man he had been before his troubles.

Willie “makes the connection” with staff and program participants at one of MNM’s monthly social events that help decrease his isolation.

Mother, Caregiver, Student

Mercy Neighborhood Ministries’ Home Care serves elderly people living with very limited resources, improving their lives and sustaining their independence. At the same time we benefit our aides who give that care, providing them employment and a foundation for improving their own lives, as well as the lives of their children.

Home care aide Shanina Jackson found her first contact with MNM in the former 13-week Building Foundations for Life program in 2012. Shanina says she benefited from the life skills taught in BFL and has stayed in touch with Debra Love, her BFL mentor.

“I’ve worked since I was 17,” says Shanina. She first worked at a pizza restaurant, then for nine years in a retail store, then becoming a home care aide, before joining MNM shortly after BFL. She currently cares for three regular clients, and often fills in for others.

“I’ve always had a passion to work with people, helping them,” she says. Building self-esteem, assuring a sense of self-worth and achieving self-sufficiency are all important values in her life, for herself, for her clients, and for her children.

Education is a big goal for her and her children. Shanina is currently at Chatfield College, studying for a degree in human services and social work. “Someday I’d like to work with teenagers and young ladies,” she says, “helping them deal

with tough times in their lives.” She’s already doing that with her own children.

Her oldest daughter, 23, has graduated and is working as a graphic designer. Another daughter, 19, is also studying at Chatfield; two daughters, 17 and 15, are students at Purcell Marian High School; daughter, 7, and son, 5, are at St. Francis de Sales grade school; and her youngest, 2, is in a Head Start program.

A typical day starts before 6:30 a.m.; breakfast and getting her children off to school. By 9 or 9:30, Shanina is at work or in class. Getting home in late afternoon, she often gets dinner underway without taking off her coat. Then homework: her children’s and her own. Keeping all these lives moving forward can be hectic. “The great challenge is keeping sanity,” she says. “I have to focus, have to keep my eye on outcomes. And that’s worth all the effort.”

With her schedule, Shanina appreciates the encouragement she gets at MNM. “Everyone is so understanding and willing to work with me and my schedule,” she says.

Day by day with a lot of work and on a tight schedule, Shanina Jackson is extending the Touch of Mercy, making life better for her clients, herself and her family.

My grandmother raised me alone, without my mother. I want my children to grow-up with their mother and I want my

children’s children to know their parents.(For that very reason), someday I’d like to work with teenagers

and young ladies. – Shanina Jackson.

Educating for Life

Shanina’s day is all about juggling her many responsibilities - caring for her client, helping her son with his homework, preparing meals for her family, ensuring that her daughters walk to school safely, and pursuing her own education. Her roles are many and her days are long. With dedication and persistence Shanina remains on a steady path and focused on her goals.

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I want to be a role m

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Hom

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ide Training Program - funded by your support and passion.