Thu, 12/28/2017
Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic
133 Arbor
Hot Springs
AR
71901
same
5013181153 x103
62-1671396
Part II
Getting Ahead
The ultimate goal of the program is to empower under-resourced individuals to change their personal future story and to assist in community change to encourage a sustainable community.
• Enables participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experience of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty − banking, housing, jobs, transportation − providing critical information the community can use to take action to end poverty.
• Guides investigators through an assessment of their own resources and how to build those resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency.
• Puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community.
• Enables participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experience of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty − banking, housing, jobs, transportation − providing critical information the community can use to take action to end poverty.
• Guides investigators through an assessment of their own resources and how to build those resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency.
• Puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in their own lives and in the life of their community.
$10,000
$5,707.94
Financial Stability
Maximizing community resources to reduce poverty.
Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic (CCMC) is a non-profit Christian Ministry that strives to improve the quality of life of the needy in the Hot Springs area. It does so by providing general medical care and medications to the uninsured, dental and vision services to the underinsured and by serving as an advocate for the needy. CCMC will collaborate with other organizations and their clients to provide seamless coordination of care of community services. As an act of Christian kindness, CCMC strives to improve physical, spiritual and social well-being while encouraging responsible lifestyles.
The ultimate goal of the program is to empower under-resourced individuals to change their personal future story and to assist in community change to encourage a sustainable community.
• Enables participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experience of poverty as well as
explore issues in the community that impact poverty − banking, housing, jobs, transportation −
providing critical information the community can use to take action to end poverty.
• Guides investigators through an assessment of their own resources and how to build those
resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency.
• Puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in
their own lives and in the life of their community
For the last four decades discourse on poverty has been dominated by proponents of two areas of research: those who hold that the true cause of poverty is the behaviors of individuals and those who hold that the true
cause of poverty is political/economic structures. The first argues that if people in poverty would simply be punctual, sober, and motivated, poverty would be reduced if not eliminated. For them, the answer is individual
initiative. Voter opinion tends to mirror the research. Forty percent of voters say that poverty is largely due to the lack of effort on the part of the individual (Bostrom, 2005). At the other end of the continuum, the argument is that globalization, as it is currently practiced, results in the loss of manufacturing jobs, forcing communities to attract business by offering the labor of their people at the lowest wages, thus creating a situation where a person can work full time and still be in poverty. In a virtual dead heat with the countering theory, 39 percent of voters think that poverty is largely due to circumstances beyond the individual’s control. Unfortunately, both of these two sides tend to make either/or assertions as if to say, It’s either this or that—as if “this” is true and “that” is not. Either/or assertions have not served us well; it must be recognized that causes of poverty are a both/and reality. Poverty is caused by both the behaviors of the individual and political/economic structures—and everything in between. The Getting Ahead Program facilitates this process of identifying cause and effect, acknowledging the expertise provided by the individuals living in poverty to assist in providing solutions.
• Enables participants, called “investigators,” to examine their own experience of poverty as well as
explore issues in the community that impact poverty − banking, housing, jobs, transportation −
providing critical information the community can use to take action to end poverty.
• Guides investigators through an assessment of their own resources and how to build those
resources as part of their move to self-sufficiency.
• Puts the concepts, tools, and relationships in the hands of people in poverty to make a difference in
their own lives and in the life of their community
For the last four decades discourse on poverty has been dominated by proponents of two areas of research: those who hold that the true cause of poverty is the behaviors of individuals and those who hold that the true
cause of poverty is political/economic structures. The first argues that if people in poverty would simply be punctual, sober, and motivated, poverty would be reduced if not eliminated. For them, the answer is individual
initiative. Voter opinion tends to mirror the research. Forty percent of voters say that poverty is largely due to the lack of effort on the part of the individual (Bostrom, 2005). At the other end of the continuum, the argument is that globalization, as it is currently practiced, results in the loss of manufacturing jobs, forcing communities to attract business by offering the labor of their people at the lowest wages, thus creating a situation where a person can work full time and still be in poverty. In a virtual dead heat with the countering theory, 39 percent of voters think that poverty is largely due to circumstances beyond the individual’s control. Unfortunately, both of these two sides tend to make either/or assertions as if to say, It’s either this or that—as if “this” is true and “that” is not. Either/or assertions have not served us well; it must be recognized that causes of poverty are a both/and reality. Poverty is caused by both the behaviors of the individual and political/economic structures—and everything in between. The Getting Ahead Program facilitates this process of identifying cause and effect, acknowledging the expertise provided by the individuals living in poverty to assist in providing solutions.
Arkansas has been one of the poorest states for several years. Although the Nation saw an improvement in overall poverty statistics, which reduced from 11.6% of households in poverty to 10.4% as of the US Census 2015 report, Arkansas only reduced 0.2%. This means about 550,000 Arkansans still live in poverty, and we are still the nation’s 4th poorest state with a 19.1% poverty statistic. Garland County’s poverty measurement was approximately 20% of households, and when households with children age 5-17 are measured the number is closer to 30%.
The Getting Ahead program is one part of a larger community initiative. The larger initiative is built on the constructs described in Dr. Ruby Payne's work, A Framework for Understanding Poverty which was later refined in a book by the name of Bridges Out of Poverty. Getting Ahead brings individuals together that are living in poverty which can also be labeled as a life of instability as a result of the challenges in poverty. The participants in Getting Ahead analyze their own personal lives, solve their own problems and to use the information to transform their world. This transformation takes places at a personal level as well as addressing community issues.
The 2016 US Census report shows that the National median household income is $57K, according to the same source, Arkansas median household income is $44K and Garland County is $42K. With household incomes that rank 45th nationally, Arkansas reports 38% of the population are enrolled in Medicaid, which is offered to households with income no more 138% of Federal Poverty Level ($34K for HH of four). There also seems to be a correlation between household income and higher education attainment, Arkansas reports 32.5% of young adults ages 25-34 who have an associates degree or higher in 2016, national ranking is 50th among all states. There are two statistical issues that determine an individual's ability to transition out of poverty: continued education and early onset of childbirth. Arkansas reports to be ranked 50th in higher ed attainment and 51st in teen birth rates
$300 buys curriculum for a full class of Getting Ahead participants
$600 sponsors a Getting Ahead participant for a 16 week, complete session
$600 sponsors a Getting Ahead participant for a 16 week, complete session
Staffing (two facilitators per semester) for four Getting Ahead co-horts-$7,680
Curriculum (four 16 participant co-horts) $1,280
Office/classroom supplies $1,040
Curriculum (four 16 participant co-horts) $1,280
Office/classroom supplies $1,040
This funding allows CCMC to plan for classes without having to worry with volunteer staffing, allowing for a continuity of facilitators with each co-hort.
The program model is built to continue to grow by developing new facilitators from graduates of previous classes in addition to looking to graduates as referral sources and mentors for new participants. We currently have three graduates co-facilitating new classes.
The Getting Ahead programs are part of a larger poverty initiative, Bridges Out of Poverty. Bridges takes the Getting Ahead participant knowledge of the community to the stakeholders in the community.Employers, community organizations, social service agencies, and individuals all have a stake in a sustainable community. This process brings everyone to the table to be part of the solution. It has been documented that these efforts help to lower overall poverty, increase employment and focus on education improvements.
There is not a structured match for the United Way funding but the program is funded in partnership with several other agencies' assistance. The partner agencies providing in-kind or financial assistance to deliver the Getting Ahead program are: The Garland County Detention Center, First Baptist Church and the First United Methodist Church.
All of the listed partners provide the venue for classes without cost to CCMC, FBC and FUMC provide a meal prior to each class. FUMC also provides a stipend to each participant as they attend classes. GCDC will provide the curriculum for classes held at their site (GA-While Getting Out).
We collaborate with The Garland County Detention Center to provide this program at their facility to interested inmates. The Getting Ahead, While Getting Out program has been on the available list of programming since the Detention Center opened in its new facility. CCMC provides the facilitators and the GCDC provides the participants, venue, curriculum and graduation ceremony. We have a similar collaborative relationship with First Baptist and First United Methodist Churches. Both organizations provide the venue and meals prior to class for a 16 member, 16 week class. First United Methodist has additionally provided their own facilitators (trained and certified by CCMC) as well as providing curriculum and covering all classroom costs (including stipends for participants).
Potential Participants are referred from the following collaborating agencies: The Hope Movement, Recovery Point Ministries, Shalom, Samaritan Men's Ministries, The Garage Church, Potter's Clay, First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church
Potential Participants are referred from the following collaborating agencies: The Hope Movement, Recovery Point Ministries, Shalom, Samaritan Men's Ministries, The Garage Church, Potter's Clay, First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church
The unique part of the Getting Ahead process is working with individuals that are currently living at some level of poverty. As they go through their self-discovery process, they also identify issues in our own community that create hurdles to gaining self-sufficiency. As issues are identified, CCMC establishes and/or develops relationships with other organizations to help solve these issues.
Part III
DEFINITION: Resources the program used to achieve program outcome objectives.
Example: Staffing, Volunteers, Building, Equipment
Paid Staff-Program Director, Staying Ahead Mentor Coordinator, Two Facilitators
Volunteers-Mentors for graduates, Co-facilitators, Two facilitators
Venue for classes-We collaborate with three organizations to provide venues at no cost to CCMC for all classes
Food-Meals are provided prior to each (traditional) GA class, the two organizations that provide venues cover this cost
Curriculum and class supplies are purchased by CCMC for two of the traditional classes, the other two traditional classes and the GCDC classes are covered by GCDC.
Example: Staffing, Volunteers, Building, Equipment
Paid Staff-Program Director, Staying Ahead Mentor Coordinator, Two Facilitators
Volunteers-Mentors for graduates, Co-facilitators, Two facilitators
Venue for classes-We collaborate with three organizations to provide venues at no cost to CCMC for all classes
Food-Meals are provided prior to each (traditional) GA class, the two organizations that provide venues cover this cost
Curriculum and class supplies are purchased by CCMC for two of the traditional classes, the other two traditional classes and the GCDC classes are covered by GCDC.
DEFINITION: Attainable & measurable statement of intended effects of program on knowledge, skills, attitudes, behavior, or conditions of clients.
12-16 participants begin each class with an anticipated 60% completion rate. We plan to have 12 classes in 2018, with a total number of graduates estimated to be 125. We used an average in the Traditional classes of 14 participants and in the While Getting Out classes of 13 participants (based on our historical experience)
The Bridges and Getting Ahead methodology is founded on the paradigm that everyone is a problem solver and a potential innovator. This is built into the DNA of Bridges and Getting Ahead.
In GA, investigators create their own future stories and join people in middle class and wealth to build resources and overcome institutional and community barriers. The GA graduates take great pride in taking charge of their lives, and ultimately the community will have a positive impact on poverty.
12-16 participants begin each class with an anticipated 60% completion rate. We plan to have 12 classes in 2018, with a total number of graduates estimated to be 125. We used an average in the Traditional classes of 14 participants and in the While Getting Out classes of 13 participants (based on our historical experience)
The Bridges and Getting Ahead methodology is founded on the paradigm that everyone is a problem solver and a potential innovator. This is built into the DNA of Bridges and Getting Ahead.
In GA, investigators create their own future stories and join people in middle class and wealth to build resources and overcome institutional and community barriers. The GA graduates take great pride in taking charge of their lives, and ultimately the community will have a positive impact on poverty.
Primary program activities include:
• Weekly participation in a classroom environment utilizing a 16-week curriculum guided by an experienced facilitator
and a co-facilitator.
• The participants are called investigators due to the fact that they will be investigating their lives and the world that
they live in.
• Investigators are required to attend and participate in all classes, with no more than 2 excused absences during the
16-week semester.
• Classes are 2.5 hours each, meeting once a week for 16 weeks
• Modules studied include: The Theory of Change, The Rich/Poor Gap and how it works, Hidden Rules of Economic
Class, Eleven Resources, Stages of Change, Self-assessment Regarding Resources, Building Resources, Community Assessment, Your Plan for getting from Poverty to Prosperity, Creating Mental Models for your Personal Path out of Poverty & for Community Prosperity, & Where to go to Develop Personal and Community Resources.
• Upon completion of the course, each graduate is partnered with a mentor with communication at least weekly for the first 6 months with a monthly group-wide gathering
• Weekly participation in a classroom environment utilizing a 16-week curriculum guided by an experienced facilitator
and a co-facilitator.
• The participants are called investigators due to the fact that they will be investigating their lives and the world that
they live in.
• Investigators are required to attend and participate in all classes, with no more than 2 excused absences during the
16-week semester.
• Classes are 2.5 hours each, meeting once a week for 16 weeks
• Modules studied include: The Theory of Change, The Rich/Poor Gap and how it works, Hidden Rules of Economic
Class, Eleven Resources, Stages of Change, Self-assessment Regarding Resources, Building Resources, Community Assessment, Your Plan for getting from Poverty to Prosperity, Creating Mental Models for your Personal Path out of Poverty & for Community Prosperity, & Where to go to Develop Personal and Community Resources.
• Upon completion of the course, each graduate is partnered with a mentor with communication at least weekly for the first 6 months with a monthly group-wide gathering
2017
4 Classes GA-Traditonal Graduates-33 Dropped-12 % Completion-73%
6 Classes While Getting Out Graduates-39 Dropped-34 % Complete-53%
10 Classes-TOTAL Graduates-72 Dropped-46 % Completion61%
4 Classes GA-Traditonal Graduates-33 Dropped-12 % Completion-73%
6 Classes While Getting Out Graduates-39 Dropped-34 % Complete-53%
10 Classes-TOTAL Graduates-72 Dropped-46 % Completion61%
The outcomes that will be reported are:
a) We have identified a short-term goal that is measured with successful completion of the course with no more than 2 absences. We projected 60% graduation rate
b) We have three 90-day goals (90 days after graduation):
• 25% will establish a bank account
• 10% will have a measurable increase in income
• 25% will be living in stable housing
c) We identified two longer term goals that included:
• Several graduates will co-facilitate one of the next Getting Ahead classes
• One graduate will represent the poverty class on the Bridge to Hope Steering Committee and on any newly developed task forces to effect community change i.e.; transportation
a) We have identified a short-term goal that is measured with successful completion of the course with no more than 2 absences. We projected 60% graduation rate
b) We have three 90-day goals (90 days after graduation):
• 25% will establish a bank account
• 10% will have a measurable increase in income
• 25% will be living in stable housing
c) We identified two longer term goals that included:
• Several graduates will co-facilitate one of the next Getting Ahead classes
• One graduate will represent the poverty class on the Bridge to Hope Steering Committee and on any newly developed task forces to effect community change i.e.; transportation
Upon completing the Getting Ahead course, the participant will report developments in their new life story to their mentor and once a month at the alumni/mentor group meetings. Additionally, each graduate is required to continue a relationship with the CCMC Case Manager for progress management for a duration of 18 months. Every six months the graduate is asked to complete a 20 page self-assessment of current resource status, which is then transferred to Charity Tracker (internet based data management/tracking system).
Jodie
Jodie Hammonds was living at a women’s shelter in Hot Springs, AR when she enrolled in Getting Ahead. She had no home, transportation, or job. Jodie began Getting Ahead in January 2017. She applied herself and graduated in May 2017 as class President. Upon graduation Jodie got a job at the Spring Hotel. She was given the opportunity to rent a house because of connections to the Getting Ahead class. Jodie followed the principals taught in the class. She stayed on budget and saved enough money to pay cash for a used truck. She was recognized for her dependability at work and moved up to a position of authority. This position was short lived because the hotel changed ownership and all management staff was replaced. Jodie wasted no time searching out another job. Through our partnership with Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, Jodie got a job right away. Through her own hard-work and by exhibiting principals taught in the class, Jodie once again was quickly promoted. She is now floor manager over concessions at Oaklawn. She recently reported that she now has a 401K plan, something she didn’t even know existed before the Getting Ahead class.
During the course of Getting Ahead, Jodie completed her GED. She has also recently finished her first class at National Park College. She has displayed her desire to give back to her community by recruiting several new people to the latest Getting Ahead classes. She co-facilitated her first Getting Ahead class just months after graduating. She was a great asset to the class as she used herself as an example when discussing finances and smart goals. Jodie recently told of a time when her truck broke down as she tried to leave her college class. She said at first she started to become overwhelmed and allow the tyranny of the moment to take over. She said she stopped and thought about what she had been taught. She calmed down and then realized that no matter what, she would be alright. For the first time in her life she had an emergency fund for times such as these. She said it brought great peace of mind.
Jodie Hammonds has said many times that Getting Ahead absolutely changed her life! She has been an inspiration to many other Getting Ahead participants because of the progress she has made within six months of graduation.
Jodie Hammonds was living at a women’s shelter in Hot Springs, AR when she enrolled in Getting Ahead. She had no home, transportation, or job. Jodie began Getting Ahead in January 2017. She applied herself and graduated in May 2017 as class President. Upon graduation Jodie got a job at the Spring Hotel. She was given the opportunity to rent a house because of connections to the Getting Ahead class. Jodie followed the principals taught in the class. She stayed on budget and saved enough money to pay cash for a used truck. She was recognized for her dependability at work and moved up to a position of authority. This position was short lived because the hotel changed ownership and all management staff was replaced. Jodie wasted no time searching out another job. Through our partnership with Oaklawn Racing and Gaming, Jodie got a job right away. Through her own hard-work and by exhibiting principals taught in the class, Jodie once again was quickly promoted. She is now floor manager over concessions at Oaklawn. She recently reported that she now has a 401K plan, something she didn’t even know existed before the Getting Ahead class.
During the course of Getting Ahead, Jodie completed her GED. She has also recently finished her first class at National Park College. She has displayed her desire to give back to her community by recruiting several new people to the latest Getting Ahead classes. She co-facilitated her first Getting Ahead class just months after graduating. She was a great asset to the class as she used herself as an example when discussing finances and smart goals. Jodie recently told of a time when her truck broke down as she tried to leave her college class. She said at first she started to become overwhelmed and allow the tyranny of the moment to take over. She said she stopped and thought about what she had been taught. She calmed down and then realized that no matter what, she would be alright. For the first time in her life she had an emergency fund for times such as these. She said it brought great peace of mind.
Jodie Hammonds has said many times that Getting Ahead absolutely changed her life! She has been an inspiration to many other Getting Ahead participants because of the progress she has made within six months of graduation.
Part IV
It should be noted that while the unit cost to deliver this program is the same for each class, some of our partner agencies share proportionately more than others. We are thankful for any assistance and feel confident that we can continue to establish community partners that are willing to share in the cost to deliver these programs.
The CCMC Board acts as an oversight administrative board offering guidance through two sub-committees: An executive committee that assists in Board member recommendations, staffing and executive director review and compensation. The finance committee is responsible for the administration of the managed investment account and establishment and management of the organization's annual budget.
The CCMC board meets once each calendar quarter with the Executive and Finance committees meeting as needed. For the calendar year of 2017, the general board met 4 times, in addition to the general board meetings, the Executive Committee met twice, the Finance Committee met once.
- Were you able to pay all regular operational expenses within 60 days of the due date?
- Have you been able to maintain your 501 (c) 3 Tax Exempt Status?
Lynn Blankenship
Part V
Part VI
2018 Chocolate Festival held at the Embassy Suites 400 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 2/4/18 1:00-3:00...Lots of Chocolate and Silent Auction items. $15 General Admission prior to the event, $20 day of the event, VIP tickets $50
2018 Golf Classic held on Columbus Day 10/8/18 at Hot Springs Country Club
Part VII
We have administrative duty requirements which require typical office supplies:copy paper,coffee, highlighter pens,post-it notes