Project Sanctuary

Executive Director’s Report for May 6, 2008 Board Meeting

 

Funding Updates:

1. United Way Community Impact Grant was not funded at the “2nd tier” decision point. (We passed the 1st.)  Christine has requested application feedback information from them that could inform us on the chances for future proposals.  This information will be shared with the new ED.

2. The TR Eriksen Foundation application was submitted before the March 15, 2008 deadline.   The focus of this $42,652 (2-year) proposal is to supplement our prevention education services to serve schools in the Ukiah Valley for younger kids and smaller schools.  No word received on this one yet.

4. OES and DHS Funding: The second and third of the three OES funding applications were sent on time.  These reapplications are for $10,323 less than last year’s.  State legislators are fighting to reject the Governor’s proposal to cut services for battered women’s shelter services (DHS) by 10%.  Due to this battle and the State’s overall budget woes, this year’s State budget is likely to be approved late this year.  This is likely to result in a delay of OES and DHS funds release, impacting agency cash flow during the summer months, and requiring the use of our Line of Credit. 

5. Next Year’s budget: Price Waterman staff is working with staff on the overall agency budget for next FY.  A draft will be ready in time for the Board Finance Committee budget workshop in late May.

6. Child Protective Services often mandates that their clients attend our groups and one-to-one counseling.  We have begun discussions with them about contracting for these PS services beginning July 2008.  (This contract would be in addition to the existing contract with Welfare Employment Services.)

7. $5,000 was awarded from the City of Fort Bragg (from Asset Forfeiture Funds) for Community Prevention Education and delivered by Director Puthuff.

 

Audit:

The audits required by OES for FYs ending 2006 and 2007 have been officially accepted by OES. 

 

Facilities:

● Transition House: No new information on this except to say a huge thanks to Paul for recent garden maintenance! 

The shelter was re-roofed this month.  Mendocino Roofing has been patching it for us for some time.  This was funded partially (1/2) with a grant award from the Ukiah Natural Foods that was received in 2006/07 FY.  The other half will come from current year donations.

The Ukiah office heating unit has been replaced by the landlord. The request for compensation for there being no heat (in the form of reduced or refunded rent) is still pending with Seltzer Property Management.

 

 

 

Activities/Program Updates:

● The Harley-Davidson Chili Cook-off “People’s Choice Award” was won by Project Sanctuary.  Many thanks to volunteers Judy Morgan, Dina and Ori Polkinghorne and David Hance for helping out.  This event also benefited PS and $905 was raised.  This first (annual) event was great community outreach as well as being a promising new fund-raiser during Sexual Assault Awareness month. 

Walk-a-Mile in her shoes was held on Saturday, April 26 in Ukiah.  This was a most successful WAM.  More than $4,000 was raised and there were the most participants ever.  Team participation, Tremendo drummers’ fabulous beat, Justin Brigg’s professional and high-spirited announcing, and the walker’s impromptu dance that followed were perfect.  Ukiah Daily Journal front page coverage was really great too.  This could grow.

● Inland volunteer graduation and a celebration of volunteer anniversaries was Monday, 4/28 from 5:30 – 6:30 at the Ukiah office.  It was Janet Larson’s first class of graduates and a lovely celebration.  Thanks to Janet for her good work and to the staff, their families, and board members who attended and helped.

● Coast volunteer graduation and celebration is Friday, May 2, 2008 at the Presbyterian Church from 5 - 7.  Board and staff members are invited.  Jennifer is pleased to welcome this new, wonderful group.

The Personnel Committee and staff representatives spent many evening hours this month commuting and reviewing ED applications and interviewing candidates.  Final selection interviews were Tuesday, April 29.  Many thanks go to the staff representatives and board members for doing this challenging work.