ANNUAL REPORT Since 1975, Interfaith Older Adult Programs responds to the diversity of aging and current social challenges by providing innovative programs, rewarding opportunities, caregiver resources and the often much needed extra helping hand. Interfaith’s volunteers and professionals help those we serve stay safe, connected, independent and engaged in their community. NO ONE CAN DO IT ALONE “ Thanks so much for your diligence in your care for Al. You made it so he could stay home for 3 years that he wouldn’t have had.” — Al’s daughter “Although my aunt had a difficult life, Ann (Interfaith volunteer) brought a sense of joy to it.” — A nephew
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ANNUAL REPORT
Since 1975, Interfaith Older Adult Programs responds to the diversity of aging and current social challenges by providing innovative programs, rewarding
opportunities, caregiver resources and the often much needed extra helping hand. Interfaith’s volunteers and professionals help those we serve stay safe,
connected, independent and engaged in their community.
N O O N E C A N D O I T A L O N E
“Thanks so much for your diligence in your care for Al. You made it so he could stay home for 3 years that he wouldn’t have had.”
— Al’s daughter
“Although my aunt had a difficult life, Ann (Interfaith volunteer) brought
a sense of joy to it.” — A nephew
2011 was a year of changes at Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc. Everyone at Interfaith expresses their gratitude to Carol Eschner, who served as Executive Director for 24 years and retired in November. Carol grew and strengthened the agency into the largest nonprofit organization caring for older adults in Milwaukee County. After completing a national search, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to serve as the new Executive Director. With over a decade of experience with Interfaith, I know firsthand the incredible value Interfaith provides to our community.
As the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization in Milwaukee County serving older adults, Interfaith experienced a solid level of success in 2011. While Federal, State and Local Government contract funding tightened, Interfaith was able to maintain required funding through grants from private foundations and through the generosity of individuals. Net Assets increased by $106,198. We are very grateful for the loyal support of all our donors and congregations who contribute financially as well as through a variety of in-kind contributions. You truly exemplify our belief that no one can do it alone.
Just as important as our financial foundation is the Interfaith family of almost 300 employees and over 2,485 volunteers - the people who serve our older adult neighbors every day in so many ways. Last year, our volunteers provided 260,831 hours of dedication and care to their neighbors in need. But there is always so much more to be done. According to the 2010 Census, there are 153,566 adults 60 years of age and older in Milwaukee County; 39,008 living alone. In addition, the Census showed Milwaukee as the 4th poorest city in the nation among cities with populations greater than 250,000. And we know that the huge ‘baby boomer’ population is only just entering their retirement years.
What this means for Interfaith Older Adult Programs is the need for continued growth, extended capacity and more innovative program solutions. Every older adult and caregiver in Milwaukee County must feel confident that when they call for help, we will be there for them on their aging journey —making life easier, safer, more fulfilling, and connected to our caring community.
Lisa Bittman Thomas W. Towers, Executive Director 2011 Board President
EXPENSES Program Services 89%
Management & Supportive Services 11%
2011 Financial Report
Statement of Activities Year Ended December 31, 2011
Net Assets, Beginning of Year .................... $1,489,210Revenue ................................................................8,273,764Expenses ..............................................................8,167,566Change In Net Assets ......................................... 106,198
Total Net Assets ....................................... $1,595,408
President Thomas W. TowersVice President Steve SwigartTreasurer Terrence K. RiceSecretary Jane SandstromExecutive Director Lisa Bittman
2011 Board of DirectorsDirectors
Christopher AbbottPaul BinaLinda Jackson CocroftRev. Martin Childs, Jr.Robert H. Duffy
Jo Ann DurrettMarge GaethGina Green-HarrisEdward T. HidaDavid KarstTim KlareMaureen Slattery
REVENUE
FundraisingEvents &
Donations 4%
Client Fees for Service 2%
Federal, State & Local Government
Contracts 63%
Congregational Support 5%
United Way 5%
FoundationGrants &
Contracts 21%
Experience, commitment and vision makeInterfaithOlderAdultPrograms,Inc. a leader in providing older adult and caregiving servicesthroughoutMilwaukeeCounty.
Interfaith provides free services with experienced staff, friendly volunteers and community support that help older adults remain safe, independent and engaged in their community.
Our combined efforts aim to make each day better for our older neighbors.
In 2011, Interfaith connected over 2,000 volunteers providing 260,000 hours of service that include:
• 26,700ridestovitalappointments
• 31,500informationreferrals
• 13,100friendlytelephonevisits
• 39,000telephonereassurancecalls
• 400volunteerconnectionstohelpwithoutdoorchores
• 350volunteerconnectionstowinterizehomes
Last year we helped thousands of older adults with solutions designed to meet the individual needs of each person. Our friend Violet expresses her gratitude for her connection with Interfaith’s neighborhood outreach staff and volunteers:
“I don’t have any relatives living here, they’re all gone and I really need the help. I don’t think anyone that drives can imagine how much it means to people that can’t get around. I appreciate every ride. I have a lot of doctors: dermatologist, foot doctor, regular doctor, heart doctor. One of your drivers, “Kathy”, she’s the kindest person and a very good driver, she’s so friendly. She talks with me which I need, because you sit alone a lot in these places. I wouldn’t be able to get along without her. I’ve had some very wonderful volunteers. Sometimes it made me cry they were so nice to me. When you’re 88, you feel lonely, you know, with your parents and family and everyone gone. Things are not always easy. I go to bed at night and thank God for all the volunteers. If Interfaith were ever taken away, I’d be lost completely.”
Caregivers are ValuablePartnerstoOurMission.Interfaith values our relationship with caregivers by providing free support to assist them in their tough, yet rewarding, job. We provide information, resources and respite that help caregivers deal with current situations and prepare for possible future needs. Informed caregivers can make better choices for themselves and older adults they care about.
Interfaith’s programs and service opportunities have an impressive measurable impact in response to the diverse needs of older adults. Providing nutritious meals, attractive activity centers and exciting volunteer opportunities allows older adults a multitude of choices to stay healthy — mind, body and soul.
In 2011, Interfaith provided:
• 77,000nutritiousmealsatourninediningsites;allowingolderadults to make new friends, learn about community resources and take part in fun activities while enjoying a good meal.
• 7,600membersatourfiveseniorcentersanexcitingandsafeplace to engage in social, educational, fitness and recreational opportunities.
• 29,800hoursofserviceinschools,clinics,andHeadStartsites. These hours build valuable relationships between children and adults through mentoring, tutoring and consistent love.
• 497volunteersage55orbetteravarietyofmeaningfulopportunities that match their interests and abilities. Signature projects focus on specific needs dealing with education, older adults and veterans.
The MPS-Tutor project, placed 157 older adult volunteers in 28 elementary Milwaukee Public Schools, providing 4,639 hours of service. Our volunteer tutors are committed to provide direct support to struggling readers through caring relationships, giving of their time and skills, and being an encouraging presence in the lives of children.
Interfaith’s social opportunities are a great benefit to the community while providing meaningful experiences for older adults.
ShirleyAnn Graff, a Tutor at Fairview Elementary School says,
“[My tutoring] was really satisfying, I believed in it, but I felt kind of isolated because I was the only one doing it. When I heard about the Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program, I felt I wanted to get connected with other tutors. It’s nice to be a part of something a little larger than oneself.”
“It makes me feel like I am contributing something of myself to these children and the kids give back to me too in such great ways. This is one of the best things you can do for yourself.”
Maggie Melvin, a Master Tutor at Fratney Elementary, came to Interfaith with years of teaching experience at the middle school level in central Wisconsin. Toward the end of her career, she became the school librarian at Fratney Elementary but felt a calling to continue tutoring and teaching kids in the younger grades upon retirement. Prior to joining the Interfaith-MPS Tutor Program Maggie was tutoring on her own. She says,
Interfaith offers programs that match mature adults seeking to use their experience and wisdom with opportunities in the workplaceandcommunity.Specializedservicesareavailableto assist mature workers find employment.
In 2011, Interfaith provided:
• 550jobseekerswithleadsandsupportincluding: resume writing, interviewing, job search and job referrals.
An innovative new program was introduced in 2011 that offers a stipend to continuing professionals age 55+ willing to work with non-profit and public institutions that need their expertise in order to expand their capacities and meet their missions.
PuttingExperienceandWisdomtoWork
Interfaith’s case management unit and personal care staff are skilled and reliable, and most importantly, love to work with people.
• 415olderadultsreceivednon-medicalservices.Over150 Interfaith workers assist older adults every day with personal care, household chores, and companionship.
• 640olderadultswereprovidedwithcasemanagementasmembers of the Family Care program.
Audreywasapermanentresidentinanursinghome.Herdaughterwasconcernedabouthermother’scare;sheseemed confused, needed help with all of her personal needs, and was in a wheelchair. The daughter moved to Milwaukee and eventually transferred her mother to a community-based retirement facility. With the guiding assistance of an Interfaith Family Care employee, Audrey is flourishing — with the help of therapy, she is using a walker, taking responsibility for her personal care, and is involved in every activity offered at the facility. She says she “loves being able to live there” — with dignity, a sense of independence, and new energy.
Providing Top Quality Personal and Planned Care Services
Interfaith’s impact on the greater Milwaukee community is beyond compare and due in part to the dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and valuable partners that support the mission of “linking older adults with a caring community.”
• Cashdonations help support Interfaith’s numerous programs, many of which provide free services through dedicated volunteers from your community. Donate online at www.interfaithmilw.org or call 414.220.8676 to request a donation envelope.
• Volunteersmakethedifference!There are numerous volunteer opportunities available for all adult age groups. Volunteers are uniquely matched to personal interests and talents. Also, every opportunity allows for flexible commitments. Check out the many positions available online: www.interfaithmilw.org Download a volunteer application or call 414.291.7500 to request a volunteer packet.
According to the 2010 census, over the last ten years, there has been a 27,323,632 increase in adults in the U. S. who are 65+. The Midwest had the second largest number of people 65 years and over (9,022,334 — almost a 10% increase over 10 years) and 85 years and over (1,320,640 — almost a 25% increase over 10 years).
The Wisconsin Bureau of Aging “anticipates continued growth in the population of at-risk frail elders and an increased need for older adult services such as healthcare, adult day care, long-term care, in-home care, social services, and case management.” And the AARP Foundation is focusing on what they consider the most critical issues for “Americans 50+ — housing, hunger, income and isolation”.
In its 2011 State Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard, AARP also ranked Wisconsin 5th out of all 50 states in the assistance we provide to older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. Interfaith is encouraged by this ranking, but we know we will have to do better. For almost 40 years, Interfaith has been providing an umbrella of programs and services to older adults in Milwaukee County. We are stretching our resources as far as we can. If we are to meet the growing needs of our older adults, we will need your generous financial and personal support so that together, we can all meet the crucial needs of every older neighbor in our community.
Annie E. Casey Foundation | CatholicCommunity Foundation | CommunityCare, Inc. | Congregational Support |
Corporation For National And Community Service | FayeMcBeathFoundation | GreaterMilwaukeeFoundation |
Helen Bader Foundation | Individual Donors | Legal Action of Wisconsin | Milwaukee Area Workforce Funding
