Project Sanctuary Executive Director’s Report for April 3, 2007

Funding Application/Outcomes:

No new applications have been submitted this month but March begins the time for reapplications for all three OES and all three DHS grants. These provide much of the foundation for our 07/08 agency budget preparation.

Program/ Administrative Activities:

• The transition program redevelopment is still in the information-gathering stage. A proposal outlining options to assist shelter residents (and other PS clients) in the establishment of safe, stable housing is in the works.

• A newsletter was sent in late March focusing on April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) activities and announcing the new household establishment donations program.

• Administrative staff are working to build a consistent format and an implementation and update system for administrative and program operations policies and procedures.

Facilities:

• Transitional Housing Updates – Currently one single woman (upstairs) is occupying the house. (One upstairs woman moved on to a job that provides housing and the downstairs family was asked to leave for rules non-compliance.) The shed is not yet demolished. The city will issue a demolition permit only after their historical review committee gives their okay because the structure was built before 1950.
• The Ukiah office relocation to 564 South Dora will occupy much staff time between now and the move in date August 13. We are researching moving options and working to discard and/or organize accumulated stuff.

Staffing Updates:

• New Fort Bragg hire, Cecilia Ornelas, resigned at the beginning of March during her introductory period.
• Mary Tindall, long-term Volunteer Coordinator and Transition Coordinator

accepted a promotion at Mendocino Co.Youth Project. Her last day is 4/6/07.

• Fort Bragg’s other Spanish-speaking staff member, Meliza Wetzler, is returning from maternity leave part-time beginning the first week of April.

Dates/Activities/Volunteer Opportunities to Note:

• During the month of April, PS staff and volunteers will make presentations and distribute “Why Denim?” buttons throughout the county. Please suggest clubs or businesses that would like to have us come.

• A multi-agency, collaborative prevention information fair at the Fort Bragg Town Hall is planned Thursday, April 26. PS will participate.
• Denim Day is Wednesday, April 25, 2007 – Please wear your “Why Denim?” button and wear your jeans with a purpose!
• Project Sanctuary will have an information table at the Ukiah Natural Foods Community Event on Saturday, April 7, 2007. Christine, Kathy Asher and Linda Davidson will staff.
• The Ukiah Cinco de Mayo celebration is May 5, 2007 at the Sunhouse Park in Ukiah. Spanish-speaking volunteers are needed to be at the table for a shift any time between Noon and 6:00. Please call Maria Aguilar or Debbie Ramirez if you can help.