Upload
vokien
View
216
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
Annual Report 2014‐2015
Annual Report 2014 – 2015 It is a joy to be celebrating the completion of our first official year as the Friends of the Waltham School, Inc. But the story starts in 2003 when, thanks to several community organizations led by the vision and nurture of the Waltham Partnership for Youth, the Waltham Family School (WFS) was founded with a federal Even Start Family Literacy grant. The goal of the WFS is to provide educational opportunities for Waltham families that prepare children for success in school, empower parents to be partners with schools in the education of their children, and strengthen the parents' skills necessary for parenting, workforce, and community life.
Since then the WFS has been rated one of the most successful
family literacy programs in the state as measured by attendance,
retention, and gains in adult English language learning and in
children’s vocabulary development and reading readiness. Yet
there came a time of great uncertainty when in 2011 Congress
unexpectedly defunded the Even Start program. Thankfully, as
part of a collaboration, the superintendent of the Waltham
Public Schools, the Waltham School Committee, the Mayor and
WFS agreed in 2012 to include a line item in the Waltham Public
School budget to partially cover WFS’s expenses. This became
the beginning of the Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
(FWFS) who developed a sustainability plan to fill the remaining
finances needed to fully fund WFS’s operating budget.
The Friends of the Waltham Family School’s mission is:
To raise financial support
To raise awareness of the WFS in the community, and
To recruit volunteers.
Here are some key moments in our new organization:
In January of 2014, FWFS hired Anne Dugan of AMD
EventWorks, LLC as Development Coordinator to work with
the board to bring ideas and events to life.
In June of 2014, thanks to the great support from Boston
College Legal Assistance Bureau, the FWFS received official
non‐profit 501(c)(3) status.
In January of 2015 the role of WFS fiscal sponsor was passed
from the Waltham Partnership for Youth to FWFS.
My favorite activities were when we read and talked about healthy living because it is important for my family and me; because healthy eating prevents diseases. My proudest moment was when I was accepted in WFS because it is very difficult to be selected. Thank you WFS for helping me. Rotzana
My goal for the future is I want to learn how to write and read better. I need to speak English at work, at school, at the doctor and with friends. My daughter learn to write her name and the ABCs. My goal for my daughter is I want her to learn more and go to college. Estela
Over the past fifteen months, we have made great strides in addressing our core mission. The following are
some highlights from our first full year:
Engaged over 50 community members through the
Coffee and Conversation Series as a way of initiating and
strengthening connections by inviting donors,
community leaders, Brandeis and Bentley supporters,
and corporate sponsors to talk with current WFS students
and see the school in action.
Grew our online network and support base and increased
financial support through well‐planned appeals,
increased corporate sponsorships, and grants.
Hosted a successful annual fundraiser Fiesta! for WFS at
a new location, Solea Restaurant in March 2015.
Increased sponsorships and tickets sales resulting in
raising over $15K.
Encouraged WFS alumni support through alumni
participating in the “Books in Bloom” event at Waltham
Public Library in May and the annual Family Fair held in
June. Parent and alumni fundraising events in support of
WFS raised over $5,000.
In the year ahead we are looking forward to the addition of
the new Advisory Council through whom we hope to expand
our ability to continue to raise awareness and increase
financial support. We will be working with a coordinated
annual calendar that will provide a rhythm to our appeals,
major events, and outreach activities. We will seek to
continue to grow our media presence, and we will be
encouraging alumni in their continued efforts to support the
school.
I give thanks for the FWFS Board for their great efforts in the past year, in particular to David King for his
diligent work overseeing the finances. I offer my thanks to the Waltham Partnership for Youth and their
Executive Directors Marina Bartley and Beth Toolan for their strong support in the creation of the FWFS and
to the leaders of the Waltham Public Schools for their steadfast support of WFS. Lastly, on behalf of the board,
we give thanks for the many advocates, donors, and volunteers, the true Friends of the Waltham Family School,
who are making a great difference in the lives of children and families in the Waltham community.
Sincerely,
Thomas Maehl
President, Board of Directors
The Coffee & Conversation series offer parents and guests a chance to interact and learn about WFS’ work.
The Fiesta! For WFS invited guests to support WFS’s work in March, 2015. The annual fundraiser was held for the first time at Solea Restaurant.
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
Board of Directors Tom Maehl, President
David King, Treasurer
Bonnie Newman, Clerk
Members‐at‐large
Marina Paige Bartley
Mary Beth Kirsch
Elaine Wong
Dr. Drew Echelson, Waltham Public Schools *
Britta McNemar, Waltham Family School *
Beth Toolan, Waltham Partnership for Youth, Inc. *
* Ex Officio
FWFS Contractors Patricia Deveaux, Koundakjian & Company, P.C.
Anne Dugan, AMD EventWorks, LLC.
Advisory Council Larry Bailis, Brandeis University
Elizabeth Brach, Educational Consultant
Debra Brush, Family Access of Newton
Gabriela Canepa, Breaking Barriers
Anne Marie Carr‐Reardon, WPS, retired
John Cloninger, Running Brook Day Camp, retired
Kaytie Dowcett, School Committee
John Frassica, School Committee
Keith Gilbert, Park Lodge Hotel Group
Rachel Kramer Theodorou, Brandeis University
Kelly Linehan, Waltham Public Library
Kristen Lucken, Brandeis University
Jeannette MacInnes, Bentley University
Bob Marcou, Marcou Jewelers
Marie McKenzie, WPS, retired
Marci McPhee, Brandeis University
Mithra Merryman, Greater Boston Legal Services
Amy Schaffer, Community volunteer
Delia Soza, WFS Alumna
Mary Sprogell, Whittemore Elementary School
Tom Stanley, Massachusetts State Representative &
Waltham City Council
Nadene Stein, Waltham Public Schools
Kate Tranquada, Lincoln Public Library
Pat Vasquezi, WPS, retired
Khine Win, WFS Alumna
Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, City of Waltham*
* Ex Officio
Waltham Family School Staff Britta McNemar, Program Coordinator
Susana Saldaña Sanchez, Assistant Program Coordinator
Kathleen Atwood, Interactive Literacy Teacher
Teresa Guzman, WFS Preschool Assistant
Diane Haley, ESOL Teacher
Mary Beth Kirsch, Spanish Literacy Coordinator
Meg Maehl, WFS Preschool Lead Teacher
Jennifer Stephens, WFS Preschool Teacher
Maria E. Vaquerano, Administrative Assistant
Susan Viskin, ESOL Teacher
Mrudula Gadgil, Intern, Brandeis University WFS is very important for me and my child because
it is my opportunity for a better life. Marta
Statement of Financial Position 2014 ‐ 2015
ASSETS:Unreserved Bank Account $65,668
Reserved for Development $35,022
Reserved Jones Fund $1,332
Technology Grant $3,600
TOTAL ASSETS $105,622
LIABILITIES:$0
NET ASSETS: $105,622
Statement of Activites 2014 ‐ 2015
INCOMEGeneral Donations $27,484
Donations restricted for Development $30,000
Family Fair Income $1,653
Fiesta Income $20,447
Grants * $27,500
Parent Fundraising $3,785
Partnership for Youth Transfer $76,421
TOTAL INCOME $187,290
EXPENSESDevelopment Expenses $20,478
Event Expenses $4,967
Educational Programs $7,968
Administrative expenses & general $2,019
Waltham Public Schools Supplement $49,858
TOTAL EXPENSES $85,268
NET INCREASE IN ASSETS $102,021
* Grants Received 2014‐2015:
Alice Willard Dorr
Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston
City of Waltham Community Development Block Grant
Foundation For MetroWest
Jones Partnership Fund First Parish in Waltham
2014 ‐ 2015 Financial Statements
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
2
0
0
3
WFS founded with Federal William F. Goodling
Even Start Family Literacy grant with 5
community partners and Waltham Partnership
for Youth, Inc. (WPY) as fiscal sponsor. WFS one
of 22 Even Start Programs in MA.
Community partners included:
Waltham Public School (WPS), Waltham
Partnership for Youth, Inc. (WPY), Breaking
Barriers, Parent Child Home Program, The
Power Program.
First 19 families participated.
2
0
0
7
Federal grant reduced. Work to create
sustainability plan started.
WFS one of 7 programs to continue in MA.
WFS infant‐toddler program eliminated.
2
0
1
1
Federal Even Start program unexpectedly
defunded.
Sustainability plan set into action as a
collaboration with WFS, community advisors,
WPS, School Committee and the Mayor.
2
0
1
2
WPS funded 20% of WFS' operational budget.
The remaining finances were raised by
volunteers and the WPY.
WFS received remaining Even Start funds from
DESE.
2
0
1
3
Community & advisors worked to form Friends
of the WFS (FWFS), a nonprofit focused on
building community awareness and fundraising.
With help of Boston College Legal Services
501(c)3 application submitted to IRS.
WFS celebrated its 10th birthday at the Fiesta!
For WFS at Hobbs Brook.
2
0
1
4
FWFS received non‐profit status.
Hosted Coffee & Conversation series to connect
the community with WFS.
First Alumni fundraisers held.
School Committee approved fund increase.
FWFS fundraising efforts allowed adding a third
English parent class to include a total of 40+
families.
2
0
1
5
January 1, 2015: WPY transferred fiscal
responsibility to FWFS.
March: Raised over $15K at Fiesta! For WFS at
Solea Restaurant.
October 27, 2015: First Annual FWFS Meeting.
Election of Board of Directors and FWFS
Advisory Council.
2
0
1
6
January 1: First term of new Advisory Council to
begin.March 10: Fiesta! For WFS at Solea Restaurant.
Waltham Family School Timeline
2003 ‐ 2015
Annual Meeting Agenda
October 27, 2015
7:00 – 7:15 PM Light refreshments
7:15 – 7:20 PM Welcome
Tom Maehl, President, Friends of the Waltham Family Schools, Inc.
7:20 – 7:30 PM Annual Report
Tom Maehl, FWFS
Election of FWFS Board Officers and Directors
Vote to create Advisory Council
Election of Advisory Council members
7:30 – 7:40 PM Financial Report
David King, Treasurer, Friends of the Waltham Family Schools, Inc.
Vote to accept the CPA reviewed 2014‐2015 Financial Statements
Vote to accept the FY16 budget
7:40 – 7:45 PM Waltham Family School Update
Britta McNemar, Program Coordinator, Waltham Family School
Teresa Guzman, WFS alumna
7:45 – 7:55 PM Presentation
Dr. Drew Echelson, Superintendent, Waltham Public Schools
7:55 – 8:10 PM Q&A
with Dr. Echelson
8:10 – 8:25 PM Open Forum
8:25 – 8:30 PM Thank you
Tom Maehl, FWFS
I can help my daughters with their homework and I
can communicate better anywhere I go. Delmi
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
WFS Calendar of Events
Back to School Appeal Campaign
September 2015
FWFS First Annual Meeting
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Giving Tuesday Email Campaign
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Fiesta! For Waltham Family School
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Coffee & Conversation
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Mother's Day Appeal Campaign
April 2016
WFS Showcase
Thursday, June 2, 2016
WFS Alumni Family Fair
Saturday, June 11, 2016
WFS Graduation
Friday, July 29, 2016
CONTACT
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc. 510 Moody Street Waltham, MA 02453
781‐314‐5696
CONNECT
walthamfamilyschool.org
WalthamFamilySchool
@Wal_Fam_School
I like practicing conversations with my classmates.
I love WFS. My son likes school and playing with
everybody. Veronica
WFS helps me to feel confident and not be afraid
when I go out in the community. Norma