Telling the whole story. Annual Report 2012 From the Executive Director In 2012, we celebrated a milestone anniversary at Voices for Children in Nebraska– 25 years of being the voice for Nebraska’s most vulnerable children. Over the years, Voices for Children has secured many, many policy victories for children and this past year is no exception. On page 8, you’ll see some of our key wins for kids during the 2012 Legislative Session. One of the reasons we have been so incredibly successful this year is our stepped-up efforts to collaborate, partner, and engage with advocates, professionals, and decision makers across the state. We have continued to let our Kids Count in Nebraska Report guide our decisions around necessary policy changes. We have worked tirelessly to find new and innovative ways to engage Nebraskans in awareness and action to make our state better for all children. Through our almost daily blog posts, use of social media, issue briefs, infographics, motion graphics, and visualizations we have brought the stories of children to life better than ever before! At Voices for Children, we are passionate about fairness for all Nebraska kids. We have been and always will be the outspoken, independent voice for children and are committed to “telling the whole story” of Nebraska’s kids loud and clear when it comes to the challenges they face. Awareness, action, and change do not happen by accident or in isolation. On behalf of the staff and board of directors, I want to thank each of you who have, in your own way, helped us tell the whole story of children in our state and in our communities. Together, I am sure we can continue to change the world for the better for all of our children. Sincerely, Carolyn D. Rooker, MSW Executive Director 2 About Voices for Children Our Mission: Voices for Children in Nebraska educates and motivates Nebraskans to take action to better the lives of Nebraska’s vulnerable children in the areas of Health, Education, Safety and Economic Stability. Policy victories for kids don’t happen by accident. For 25 years, Voices for Children in Nebraska has been standing up for the best interests of Nebraska’s kids and working with lawmakers to craft the best solutions for the problems children face. With kids at the center of our work, we follow three basic principles: When a policy is good… …We will support it When a policy is harmful… …We will fight it When a policy is missing… …We will create it 3 Research All of Voices for Children’s advocacy for kids lies on a strong foundation of data and research. For 19 years, the cornerstone of this research has been the annual Kids Count in Nebraska Report. We use the commentary and data throughout the year to inform the public and lawmakers about the important issues that impact kids. The 2011 edition was released in January 2012. The Kids Count in Nebraska Report Commentary focused on early childhood – the critical years of development from birth through age 8. The Commentary highlighted how young children fare in terms of health, education, safety, and economic stability and featured policy solutions that improve outcomes for young children. The Kids Count in Nebraska 2011 Report was generously funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation with additional support provided by: Dr. Thomas & Jane Tonniges and 4 When we see a need for additional information that isn’t contained in the Kids Count in Nebraska Report, we produce a special Issue Brief. In 2012, we produced an Issue Brief on Children’s Behavioral Health, building upon the data and research contained in the Kids Count 2010 Commentary. We released the Issue Brief on July 18 at Boys Town with a panel discussion on racial and ethnic disparities in behavioral healthcare. Kids Count in Nebraska by the Numbers 97 state-level indicators of child well-being 76 pages 65 tables & figures In May 2012, the Annie E. Casey Foundation (the primary sponsor of Kids Count in Nebraska) released a new report on kinship care, Stepping Up for Kids: What Government and Communities Should Do to Support Kinship Families. Voices for Children helped highlight the release of the report and Nebraska-specific data at a panel discussion with local stakeholders. 32 county indicators 5 impact & policy boxes 5 Awareness Conferences, Panels, and Guest Speakers Conferences and panel conversations help elevate the level of conversation on key issues related to child well-being. Panels, like those on kinship care and behavioral health featured on page 5, were held around a particular report or issue brief. On occasion, Voices for Children brings in national experts to share data and research with community leaders and lawmakers. In 2012, we brought in Dr. Bryan Williams of Emory University to inform the debate around prenatal care with data from his research on the connection between pre-term and low birthweight births and educational outcomes. Dr. Williams’ presentations helped make the case for the eventual restoration of prenatal care coverage. Dr. Williams presents his research at a Town Hall event cosponsored by Voices for Children and Building Bright Futures. In December 2012, we hosted a Juvenile Justice Summit, bringing national and local experts together to educate and inform advocates and stakeholders and begin a larger conversation about the issues facing youth. The Summit helped pave the way for juvenile justice reform discussions in early 2013. Voices for Children’s Sarah Forrest (left) leads a panel discusion at the Juvenile Justice Summit with speakers from across the country and local Nebraska experts. 6 Infographics As a data-driven organization, we rely on infographics and data visualizations to help us better understand an issue or to give the data context. Awareness by the Numbers 122% growth in Twitter followers Website & Social Media Our website and blog serve as a central repository of data, information, and analysis on the issues affecting Nebraska’s children. Moving policy forward for kids requires a conversation about the issues and challenges they are facing. The growth in our social media presence is just one way we know that our work is having an impact on those conversations. In 2012 our Facebook fans grew by 65% and Twitter followers grew by 122%. 140 attendees at panel conversations 233 attendees at Juvenile Justice Summit Want to be a part of the conversation? Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ voicesforchildreninnebraska Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/voicesNE 7 Advocacy The 2012 Legislative Session was known as the “Session of Children.” Voices for Children testified on a record number of bills and more child related bills made it through the legislative process than in any year in recent history. Here are a few highlights of the legislative session: Health The most significant victory for kids in 2012 was the restoration of prenatal care for all low-income babies. Thanks to the passage of LB 599, Nebraska will return to its longstanding policy of ensuring that all babies have access to this essential care under Medicaid. One unfortunate loss for kids this session was the defeat of LB 1020. This bill was initially passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the governor. LB 1020 would have provided grant funding for the start-up costs associated with school-based health centers. $ Economic Well-Being Another important policy change in 2012 was the passage of LB 825, which restores in-person access to public benefit programs. Many Nebraskans were struggling to access public benefit programs through the new online and phone service system. LB 825 will ensure that struggling children and families who need assistance can have in-person access to these services if they need it. Child Welfare Legislators took promising first steps towards comprehensive reform of Nebraska’s child welfare and juvenile justice systems in 2012. Bills that came out of the LR 37 interim study laid a foundation for stakeholder involvement, strategic planning and evaluation, and greater system stability. Most importantly, clear caseload standards and the funding to make them a reality will improve the quality of care we offer to children and families. 8 Juvenile Justice The Legislature made important strides towards keeping youth involved in the jjuvenile justice system in their homes and communities, transferring over $8 million for a pilot project run by the Office of Probation Administration in Douglas County, Scottsbluff, and North Platte (the 4th, 11th, and 12th Judicial Districts). Legislators also rejected a harmful proposal that would have moved the Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Centers to the Department of Corrections. 1040 ----------------------------------------- Tax & budget In 2012, the Legislature passed a small income tax cut for Nebraska families. Although Voices for Children supports reducing the tax burden on low- and middle-income families, we opposed this bill because it will result in a significant increase in the state budget shortfall. Budget shortfalls have historically resulted in cuts to services for children and families, and we believe that it is irresponsible to shortchange children’s health and education for a tax cut that provides a very minimal amount to most Nebraska families. Advocacy by the Numbers 467 bills introduced 171 bills impacting kids 31 positions taken on bills 3 interim studies introduced 9 Spotlight Gala Voices for Children celebrated our 25th anniversary at the 2012 Spotlight Gala at the Embassy Suites-La Vista on September 15. More than 500 event attendees helped raise over $150,000 to support our research and advocacy. Mayor Jim Suttle and Former State Senator Deb Suttle served as honorary chairs. They were recognized for their longstanding community involvement, especially Mrs. Suttle’s nearly ten years of service on the board of directors of Voices for Children in Nebraska. Awards presented during the “Spotlight Gala” included: Champion for Children Award to State Senator Kathy Campbell, Individual Award to Tim Barry, Business Award to KETV Channel 7, Nonprofit Award to RESPECT, Youth Award to Project Everlast and Lifetime Achievement Award to Betty Cernech. Brandi Petersen of KETV Channel 7 served as event emcee and Scott Moore led the live auction as auctioneer. The “Spotlight Gala” committee members were led by Mary Hunziker, Patti Koraleski, Emily Tonniges, Tessa Gifford, and Wendy Koontz. More than 30 other community volunteers helped plan and organize the event, serving on subcommittees including awards, facilities, public relations, and silent and live auction. Special thanks to Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Just Good Meat, Quality Beers of Omaha and Upstream Brewery for their donations. Photos by Nikki Moseman Photography The event’s Presenting Sponsor was Lozier. Diamond sponsors of the event included KETV Channel 7, Alegent Creighton Health and Barnhart Press. Platinum sponsors included Building Bright Futures, Husch Blackwell Sanders, Omaha Steaks, The Nebraska Medical Center and Dr. Tom and Jane Tonniges and family. Honorary Chairs, Mayor Jim and Deb Suttle 10 Event & Auction Chairs Patti Koraleski, Wendy Koontz, Tessa Gifford, Emily Tonniges, and Mary Hunziker By the numbers As an independent voice for kids, Voices for Children in Nebraska wouldn’t exist without the financial contributions of foundations, individuals, and corporate supporters. A complete list of those donors is available online at www.voicesforchildren.com/annualreport. Income Contributions - 7.5% Carryover* ........................... Grant Awards ....................... Special Events ..................... Contributions ........................ Community Giving ................ $ 140,000 $ 223,7500 $ 117,706 $ 30,269 $ 4,244 $ 515,969 Community Giving 1.1% Special Events 31.3% Grant Awards - 59.5% *In December 2011, Voices for Children received $140,000 in grants for work to be completed in 2012. Grants are recorded when notification of the grant is received, which does not always match when the expenses are incurred. Expenses Other/Administrative - 11.8% Awareness ......................... Research ............................ Other/Administrative ........ Fundraising ........................ Advocacy ............................ (Direct lobbying) $ 196,814 $ 185,236 $ 58,488 $ 43,126 $ 10,703 $ 494,367 Fundraising - 8.7% Advocacy - 2.1% Awareness/Public Education - 39.8% Research - 37.5% 11 7521 Main Street, Suite 103 Ralston, NE 68127 (402) 597-3100 phone (402) 597-2705 fax [email protected] http://voicesforchildren.com Telling the whole story. Our Mission: Voices for Children in Nebraska educates and motivates Nebraskans to take action to better the lives of Nebraska’s vulnerable children in the areas of Health, Education, Safety and Economic Stability. Board of Directors (as of December 31, 2012) David Hecker, JD President Jocelyn Joyce Vice President Delores “DJ” Clarke Secretary Steve Drucker, CPA Treasurer Keith Allen, PhD Anne Yu Buettner, MA Judy Greenwald, MSW David A. Hecker, JD Tim Hron, MA, LIMHP Kristen Lembke, CPA Lloyd Meyer Steve Mitchell Eric Nelson, MSE Staff (as of December 31, 2012) Carolyn D. Rooker, MSW Executive Director Connie Hacker Accounts Manager Rachel Boyer Special Projects Coordinator Aubrey Mancuso, MSW Policy Coordinator Health & Economic Well-being Melissa Breazile Research Coordinator Sarah Forrest Policy Coordinator Child Welfare & Juvenile Justice Courtnay VanDeVelde Policy Associate Jill Westfall Communications & Operations Coordinator