TOMORROW’S PROMISE 2009 ANNUAL REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS MISSION STATEMENT Mission Statement & Agency Goals 3 Executive Director’s Letter 4 History 5 2009 Highlights & Successes 6 Capital Campaign 7 Program Information 8 After-School/Summer Youth Program Goals 9 Staff List 10 Board of Directors 12 Financial Summary 14 Donor Recognition 15 2 The Mission of Running Rebels Community Organization is to provide programs that will assist Milwaukee’s youth in developing mentally, physically and spiritually, while also promoting community unity. AGENCY GOALS • Create safe after-school and summer environments for at-risk youth • Provide structured activities fostering a positive group experience • Educate at-risk youth in life skills training, including AODA education & job seeking skills to prepare them for adulthood • Provide tutoring to improve academic performance and school attendance • Avoid negative police contact by youth and no involvement in corrections system • Provide mentoring for adult guidance and support 3 Dear Friends of Running Rebels Community Organization, HISTORY In 2009, the Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO), like many of the neighboring non-profits in Milwaukee, experienced an economically challenging year. While the needs of the youth in our community increased, funding for many of our programs decreased. With fewer resources, we were creative in ensuring that the youth that came to us for assistance were still served to the best of our ability through partnering resources such as Feeding America (previously known as Second Harvest), as well as a summer grant through HeartLove Place. Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO) is a private, non-profit youth agency established in 1980 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to provide positive options for youth ages 8-19 coming mostly from single parentage, low-income, and often volatile environments. These young people are often turned away by other inner city youth serving agencies. On the recreational and athletic programming side of our agency, RRCO responded to the needs of younger children by implementing programming for youth 6-15 years of age, which was unprecedented for our agency. In its initial year and with the dedication of the youth, volunteer staff, parents and coaches, our Major Football program finished 2nd place in the Quadrevion Henning League. Our track team was expanded to include younger children. With the assistance of a Milwaukee Youth Sports Authority grant, our basketball teams continued to travel and place nationally, with the 16 and Under Boys Team finishing 2nd place at the Wallace Prather Classic, and the 13 and Under 7th Grade Boys Team finishing 10th place in the AAU National Basketball Tournament in Memphis, TN, and 2nd place in the Wisconsin State AAU Tournament. We are grateful not only for our teams athletic achievements, but also for their commitment to serving their community while excelling academically, physically and socially, aligning with RRCO’s core beliefs. For 2009, we continued our Crime Prevention Program through a Safe & Sound Inc., grant. This program addresses aggressive behavior in youth through the implementation of Non-Violent Communication/Compassionate Listening. The purpose of this program is to give students the behavioral skills to act in constructive, non-aggressive and self-satisfying ways in school, home and in the community. They will learn solutions that promote mutual understanding, reconciliation and the rebuilding of relationships. This program will also teach youth how to modify aggressive behavior, reduce anti-social behaviors, and offer compassionate listening. I am very grateful to the foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals who donated their money and services this past year. I am especially grateful to all staff, volunteers and the Board of Directors for their perseverance and support during these trying times. Victor Barnett Victor Barnett Executive Director 4 We provide critical after-school services through our After-School/ Summer Program that have helped central city youth to make life affirming choices that may not have been possible otherwise. These programs focus on education and prevention that reinforce values by emphasizing achievement in school and service to the community. During the early years, neighborhood youth were persuaded to become responsible and accountable by teaching these and other values through team sports such as basketball. Basketball was our first after-school program that became the cornerstone for what we are today. RRCO continues to successfully reach and impact both “high at-risk” and “potential at-risk” youth through programs targeting specific needs that other agencies do not. Our qualifications are an established, proven track record over its past 29 years of serving thousands of Milwaukee’s young people while positively influencing many “high at-risk youth”. RRCO targets the city’s most at-risk youth providing organized after-school/summer programs to minority youth who face a scarcity of such programs. We have become a leader in serving at-risk youth through our ability to connect with these youth when others could not, which is our passion and strength. 5 ACOMPLISHMENTS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN • In 2009, RRCO had continued success with the Violence-Free Zone Program (VFZ). The Milwaukee Violence-Free Zone Program is a collaboration with the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE), The Latino Community Center and Milwaukee Public Schools. The goal of VFZ is to reduce violent incidents, reduce suspensions, reduce truancy, increase attendance (school and class), and increase grade point averages, empower the youth to increase self-esteem, gain life skills and engage them in positive social activities. Running Rebels Community Organization (RRCO) has occupied a 95+ year old building since 1999 and purchased it in 2005 fulfilling the vision of a permanent home for our agency. A Capital Campaign Committee was created in 2005 which identified the needs and developed a strategic plan. The fundraising campaign commenced on April 27, 2006. Since we are mostly funded by government sources, our campaign goal is to raise funds throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area from monetary donations from private foundations, corporations, and individuals to achieve the $3,690,000 overall goal. Some of the benefits of this capital campaign will be to the 1300+ youth that we will serve annually, the local community we serve and our employees having updated facilities to do their work. • Baylor University compiled a study of the Milwaukee Violence-Free Zone which contained yearly comparisons of the 2008/2009 school year to previous years 2006/2007. The data showed significant reductions in Violent Incidents, Non-violent incidents and suspension rates. • New youth programs included Pee Wee Football Program, Helen Bader Foundation Summer Enrichment Basketball Program, Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board Learn & Earn Summer Enrichment Program, and State of Wisconsin Milwaukee Safe Streets Initiative Job Training Program. OUR CAPITAL PLAN CONSISTS OF: • Phase I completed design/build plans, installed new roof, windows and sills; and installed new outdoor basketball court with new fence and gate in 2008 • Tasha Allen, a 2009 graduate of Milwaukee North High and VFZ Program participant, overcame an unstable family situation and special needs to win five WIAA individual state championships, (three in 2009). She holds four state records and has run the best time in state prep history in the 100, 200 and 400 meter sprints. Tasha was named as the Journal Sentinel’s Preps Girl Athlete of the Year for 2008-2009 (“Righting Her Will”, Art Kabelowsky, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, June 28, 2009). RRCO organized a fund raising breakfast in her honor to generate monies to attend the US Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championship in Eugene, OR. Though she did not win any events, Tasha’s fourth place finish in the 100 meters qualified for the US young women’s 400 meter relay team for the Pan American Games July 31-Aug. 2 in Trinidad and Tobago (“Allen Earns Spot on Relay Team”, Art Kabelowsky, JS Online, June 29, 2009). At the Pan American Junior Championships, Tasha finished second in the young women’s 200m dash and was part of the 4x100m relay championship team (www.usatf.org/events/panamericanjuniorchampionships/). She is attending Butler Community College in Kansas and will also run track. • Phase II (fundraising in progress) will upgrade/replace primary mechanical systems including electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and HVAC systems; also replace elevator • Milwaukee Area Work Investment Board honored RRCO for their work in the Earn and Learn Summer Program. • Victor Barnett receives the inaugural Super Supporter award from the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative. • Milwaukee Area Work Investment Board honored RRCO for their work in the Earn and Learn Summer Program. • The 16 and under boys basketball team finished in 2nd place in the Wallace Prather Classic. • The 13 and under 7th Grade boys basketball team finished in 10th place in the AAU National Basketball Tourney in Memphis, TN. • The 13 and under boys basketball team finished in 2nd place in the Wisconsin State AAU tourney. • RRCO 6th grade youth boys basketball team finished in 2nd place in the Wisconsin Regional World Series of Basketball. We continue to progress in achieving our goal of renovating our existing facility. The economic downturn however, has made fundraising more challenging. Also due to the cost of Phase I and other capital expenses, we had only $117,000 left to apply toward the Phase II goal of $929,516. However, we were fortunate to receive word of a $300,000 grant from the Elizabeth Brinn Foundation before year’s end. We continue our efforts to raise funds for this important phase of work. 6 • Phase III will complete floor-by-floor renovations • Phase IV will construct a basketball/fitness center addition. THERE ARE TWO MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE CAPITAL PLAN: • Renovate existing building • Construct new building addition PROGRAM INFORMATION OTHER PROGRAMS Our After-School/Summer Program consists of: EDUCATION PROGRAM This program emphasizes improving academics. • Mentoring- one to one guidance, role modeling, and oversight by an adult staff person; one of our longest running programs • Academic achievement- tutoring, literacy and academic assistance • Course Curriculum - computer training, life skills, cultural awareness, AODA education, home economics, financial literacy, social and relationship classes • Community Involvement- service, projects, and cultural awareness PREVENTATIVE PROGRAM This program provides structured positive activities as alternatives to crime, delinquency, substance abuse and teen pregnancy. • The Violence Free Program (VFZ), in conjunction with Milwaukee Public Schools, The Center for Neighborhood Enterprise and Latino Community Center was expanded from a pilot program in 2006 to 6 high schools in 2007. RRCO provides on-site intervention services at Washington, Vincent, North Division and Custer High Schools to reduce violence and classroom disruptors. • We also administer these programs: Milwaukee City Aftercare; State of Wisconsin Aftercare, and Safe & Sound, Inc. These Programs reinforce values such as accountability, integrity and recognition while emphasizing achievement in school and service to the community. • Entrepreneurship - employment training, job-seeking skills, vocational opportunities, career options, small business opportunities • Recreation - indoor/outdoor games, team sports including a nationally recognized basketball program • Music/Performing Arts- music, dance, vocals, instrument lessons, art, sketching, painting, sculpturing • Gang Prevention- anger management, ethics, jobs, social skills, music INTENSIVE MONITORING PROGRAM This program is a merger of the two programs listed below that treats youth assigned by the Milwaukee County Children’s Court. • Firearms Program (FA) is a special program, beyond a probation officer, that gives daily supervision to youth having a non-violent gun offense through the Milwaukee County Children’s Court Center. • Serious Chronic Offenders Program (SCOP) provides strict supervision, support and guidance, life skills training, AODA education and positive alternative activities funded by the Milwaukee County Office of Justice. AFTER-SCHOOL/SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM GOALS • Successful completion of the current school year • Satisfactory school and classroom attendance • Satisfactory GPA and test scores especially in math and reading • No incidence or suspensions and/or classroom disruption • No negative police contacts or involvement in the correctional system • Development of cultural pride and self-esteem • Development of a feeling of community and helping others • Development of relationships with positive, caring adult role models 8 9 INTENSIVE MONITORING Amos Ashford, Maurice Brown, Gerald Donley, Ed Easley, Victor Edwards, S. Capollo Free, Marlon Grice, Katina Jackson, Michael Jackson, Vernita Jones (Rock County), Michael Lindsey (Rock County), Richard Love, Jarrett Luckett, Dummanick Patterson, Damon Shoates (Lead), Richard Sparks, Antonio Thomas, Darin Ware, Eric Weaver, Timothy Wood MENTORS Glenn Coleman (Assistant Program Director), Liddie Collins, Darsha Currin, Christopher Daskam, Caura Fitten, Chaz Gary, Michael Gray, Ikia Hardiman, Michael Hopkins, Cynthia Johnson, M. Floyd Jones, Brandy Lawrence, Donald Moss, Sedric Murphy, Clifton Phelps, Melissa Rasmussen, Dennis Spears, John Sumlin, Jr., Vincent Toney, Ledi Walusayi, Marshall Williams AFTER CARE Lizzie Addison, John Rakowski VIOLENCE FREE ZONE Sheila Chapman, Ewell Clinton, Antuane Coleman, Jenny Marie Farris (Lead), Kevin Gaines, Lamar Gordon (Lead), Raven Henderson, Tai Hooper, Larry House, Maypahou Ly, Jewelletta McLemore, Demetrius Moore, Edward Rand, Charles Robinson, Jr. (Lead), Aaron Smith, James Sokolowski (Lead), Chantell Spears, Shawna Thomas, Walter Trigg, Jr., Billy Williams, Lloyd Willson, Maronnia Willson, Lena Zinuticz STAFF Victor Barnett - Founder and Executive Director Dawn Barnett - Associate Director Robert Wollner - Deputy Director, Intensive Monitoring Program Amanda O’Day - Deputy Director / Mentoring/Youth Services Director Mojishola Mason - Violence Free Zone Program Manager Branden Joseph - Violence Free Zone Supervisor (Custer H.S.) Stanley Shelton - Violence-Free Zone Supervisor (Vincent H.S.) Shelby Parrish - Violence-Free Zone Supervisor (North Division H.S.) 10 SUPPORT STAFF Andre Burnett, Valentino Gray, Edward Kurhajetz, Jacqueline Spence, Exie Tatum III Africa Banks - Violence-Free Zone Supervisor (Washington H.S.) Traci Amos - IMP Team Supervisor Craig Greene - IMP Team Supervisor Natasha Coe - Office & Public Affairs Director Michael Peeples - Executive Assistant Cozette McLemore - Event Coordinator & Administrative Assistant Rolunda Dixon - Comptroller Robert Matuszak - Development 11 BOARD OFFICERS Ingrid Jagers, Chair - United Healthcare Mia Lott-Rogers, Vice-Chair - IndependenceFirst Delbert Williams, Treasurer - Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative Karen Avery, Secretary - IndependenceFirst BOARD MEMBERS Heather Aldrich- Serve Marketing Cecilia Smith-Robertson- Cecelia Smith-Robertson Consulting LLC STAFF Victor Barnett - Founder & Executive Director ADVISORY COMMITTEE Faithe Colas - Salvation Army Larry Hisle, Sr. - Milwaukee Brewers Baseball, (Ret.) Martha Love - Martha Love & Associates PHILOSOPHY RRCO’s Philosophy is to nurture the development of youths’ human potential and reduce violence, drug usage, and gang activity by • keeping young people involved in wholesome, fun activities including money earning potential • tapping into–or sparking–each youth’s deeper motivations, hopes, and dreams, and helping the youth to achieve them • emphasizing successful academic achievement essential for responsible adult functioning and citizenship • employing supportive, caring adults who inspire trust and model the values, skills, and mores that we want at-risk youth to develop. Wallace White - W2Excel, LLC 12 13 FINANCIAL SUMMARY REVENUES 2009 DONOR RECOGNITION (For Grants/Gifts received from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009) REVENUES 20092008 Milwaukee County State of Wisconsin City of Milwaukee Rock County Grants Donations Workforce Development Board Center for Entrepreneurship(Violence Free Zone) Safe & Sound, Inc. Other $1,834,210 94,499 49,837 87,008 234,631 25,773 $1,806,044 53,790 55,639 8,444 516,127 0 1,094,808 20,000 148,599 941,845 32,086 146,906 Total Revenue $3,589,365 $3,560,881 Running Rebels Community Organization is truly grateful for receiving contributions and Grants/ Gifts donated to our agency. Your donations assist us in implementing our mission statement to atrisk youth. FOUNDATIONS Grant/Gifts of $50,000 to $99,999 The Lynde & Harry Bradley Foundation Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust EXPENSES Grant/Gifts of $1000 to $49,999 Helen Bader Foundation Krause Family Foundation David & Julia Uihlein Charitable Fdn. Wisconsin Energy Foundation Joseph & Vera Zilber Family Fdn. Inc. CORPORATIONS/ORGANIZATIONS/INDIVIDUALS EXPENSES Total Net Assets Beginning of Year Change in Net Assets $3,622,310 635,182 (32,945) $3,375,523 449,824 185,358 Net Assets End of Year $602,237 $635,182 14 Grants/Gifts of $1,000,000 or more Milwaukee County Department of Human Services - Aftercare Program Fire Arms (FA) Program Severe Chronic Offenders (SCOP) Program Grants/Gifts of $500,000 to $999,999 Center for Neighborhood Enterprise - MPS Violence Free Zone Program Grant/Gifts of $100,000 to $499,000 Forest County Potawatomi- Miracle on Canal Street Milwaukee County -1st Time Juvenile Offenders Program - Wraparound/Safenow Program Grants/Gifts of $10,000 to $99,999 City of Milwaukee- Community Development Block Grant - School Safety Program State of Wisconsin- Office of Justice Assistance - Department of Corrections Milwaukee Renaissance Academy Safe & Sound, Inc. United Way of Greater Milwaukee Healthy Girls Program Grants/Gifts of $5,000 to $9999 Milwaukee Youth Sports Authority Rock County Firearms Program Grants/Gifts of $1000 to $4999 Anonymous Victor Barnett Gruber Law Offices William Jollie Universoul Circus Robert Woodson Grants/Gifts of $500 to $999 Karen Avery Seder Family Foundation Benjamin Wesson & Brittany Fondrie 15 Gifts of $100 to$499 Albany Park Neighborhood Council Caroline Cline-Crewe Lewis & Patricia Chamoy Family Donor Advised Fund Justin Ponder Urban Praise Ministries Gifts of $99 or less Stephen Adams Edward Doemland Jeff Edwards Rachel Eide Robert Gorman Richard Greene Joan Pendergast Sarah Willis GIFTS-IN-KIND Maurice Edwards Denise Garczynski Gathering On the Green Patti Groh Brian Hardrath Klements Sausage Company Dennis & Kim Larkin Mayor Tom Barrett Milwaukee Admirals Hockey Club Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club 16 Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Tarnett Morris PepsiCo Terrence Ray Repairers of the Breach Safe & Sound, Inc. St. Mary’s Parish, Elm Grove Rolunda Tatum Joe Tillman Uptown Auto Body Melinda Verduin Walnut Way Conservation Corps Dennis Wilson Robert Wollner ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET PATRONS, CONTRIBUTORS, SUPPORTERS Chuck Adam MSW, Life Coach Ansay and Associates Bernard Alberg Victor and Dawn Barnett Louis & Janet Burrell Michael Butzin Byneset Consulting, LLC- Gold Sponsor Campaign Against Violence Capital Grille Consulting On Wireless Nathan Cooper Susan Day Lindsay Draper Express Yourself Milwaukee Family House Inc. Bernadette Graves Maryanne Harry Health Center Medical Supply Essie Hill Import Design Indevox Studios Independence First Inc. - Gold Sponsor JCP Management Group Anwar Jenkins Sharon Jordan Kingdom Financial Services Inc. Tim & Julie Klug Edward Kurhajetz Latimore Family Angela Leeper Kathy Malone- Juvenile Justice Strategies LLC M&I Bank- Angel Sponsor Jennifer Morrison NAI MLG Management- Gold Sponsor Clifton Phelps- Scholarship Sponsor Pizza Shuttle RC Insurance Services Rebel Life Entertainment Ritz Holman CPAs- Angel Sponsor Running Rebels Catering Cecelia Smith-Robertson LLC Spa Cards Swick Technologies Mrs. Walker Ken & Robbie Ward Wisconsin Energies- Silver Sponsor Marshall Williams- Gold Sponsor Youth Entrepreneur Program 17 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Please notify us in writing of any corrections at: Running Rebels Community Organization Development Office 1300A W. Fond du Lac Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53205 GIFTS-IN-KIND: FOUNDATIONS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Gifts of $1,000 to $10,000 Ralph Evinrude Foundation Gardner Foundation Bert & Patricia Steigleder Trust Chester Oszkandy, MLG Troy Reese, T. L. Reese Corporation Doug Reiske, Marshall & Ilsley Bank Steve Smith, Stephen Perry Smith Architects Margene Zimmer, MLG CORPORATIONS/ Cecelia Smith-Robertson, Cecelia Smith-Robertson Consulting LLC ORGANIZATIONS/ Gabriele VanderVeen- Prochnow, Couri Financial Services INDIVIDUALS Mike Zimmer, MLG Victor Barnett, RRCO Gifts of $500 to $999 Dawn Barnett, RRCO Natasha Coe Robert Matuszak, RRCO Edward Kurhajetz We acknowledge and give special thanks to our Board Gifts of $100 to $499 of Directors for their continued support and dedication Chuck Adam Michael Peeples to our Capital Campaign: Amos Ashford Stanley Shelton Frederick Caulder Damon Shoates BOARD MEMBERS Glenn Coleman Dennis Spears Gerald Donley, Jr. Robert Wollner Tasha Jenkins, President Karen Avery, Secretary Edward Easley, Jr. Ingrid Jagers Mia Lott-Rogers Robert Matuszak Michael Mayo Sr. Cecilia Smith-Robertson Donald Moss Amanda O’Day 18 Or email at [email protected] WAYS OF GIVING Running Rebels Community Organization accepts monies and gifts-in-kind to further its mission to inner city at-risk youth. Your support is essential so we can continue to provide the high quality of services our youth need during these challenging times. UNRESTRICTED GIFTS These are gifts that are given with no particular purpose and are especially encouraged. This gives the flexibility to take advantage of special opportunities and to meet emergency needs. DESIGNATED GIFTS Donors may designate a specific program for use. These can be used for scholarships or specific program needs. We can help you meet your specific goal. OTHER GIFTS AND PLEDGES CASH Cash is the simplest, easiest, and most popular way of giving. Please make checks payable to: Running Rebels Community Organization • 1300A W. Fond du Lac Ave. • Milwaukee, WI. 53205 PLEDGES Donors may make pledge commitments payable over several years. REAL ESTATE AND OTHER PERSONAL PROPERTY Gifts of real estate, equipment, art, jewelry and other personal property may be made. Such gifts will be determined at fair market value by a qualified, independent third-party appraiser, subject to IRS rules and regulations. PLANNED GIFTS Planned or deferred gifts allow donors to make a significant gift that will benefit our agency in the future, typically at the donor’s or beneficiary’s death. We welcome the opportunity to work with donors and their legal and financial advisers to establish planned gifts. BEQUESTS Bequest provisions in a donor’s will are always welcomed by our agency. For more information on these options or other gift plans, please call the Associate Director-Administration for more information at 414-264-8222. You may also visit our web site at: www.runningrebels.org. 19 1300A W. Fond du Lac Ave. Milwaukee, WI. 53205 Tel: (414) 264-8222 Fax: (414) 264-8233 Email: [email protected] www.runningrebels.org To sign up for the eRebel News email list, go to www.runningrebels.org and add your email to the “Join Our Mailing List” box.