2014 Annual Report

HRA Board of Directors

DR. CATHERINE BARATTA, President PAULINE B. DAVIS, Vice-President

KEVIN NODELL, Treasurer

GLADYS WILLIS, Secretary

Private Sector

DR. CATHERINE BARATTA KIM LAWTHER JACKSON KEVIN NODELL LOURDES RIVERA MARIA SIMAO

Public Sector

JEAN FORD AUDREY HONIG-GERAGOSIAN ROSEMARY KLOTZ MARY LOU SANDERS FRANCISCO SANTIAGO KENNETH SPEYER

Neighborhood Sector

ALTON BROOKS PAULINE B. DAVIS DELORES FOXWORTH MICHAEL WRICE GLADYS WILLIS

HRA Executive Management

ROCCO R. TRICARICO, Executive Director

IRENE CHLASTAWA, Executive Assistant

JAMES FROHN, Director of Finance

MARLO GREPONNE, Director of Planning and Programs

BARBARA PARSONS, Director of Community Services

ANDREA GOODISON, Human Resources Manager

ELIZABETH DONNELLAN, Director of Head Start

JANICE JOHNSON, Director of Day Care

FREDERICK SMITH, Director Health and Wellness Division

LETICIA MANGUAL, Director of Youth Services

KATHLEEN QUINN, Director of South Central One Stop

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Commitment

Fifty (50) years ago HRA opened its doors as the New Britain Office of Economic Opportunity – the upshot of President Lyndon Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Our purpose was, and remains, to help low-income people move toward self-sufficiency and to provide them with the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.

Today, 50 years later, our doors remain open because the community still needs us. More people throughout CT required community action agency services in 2013 than in 2012.The War on Poverty rages on – still too many kids go to bed hungry, still too many people don’t have the necessary skills and training to find adequate employment, still too much prejudice and discrimination that prevent all Americans from an equal opportunity.

As long as these problems persist we will remain tireless advocates for low-income families and underprivileged children. Our passionate and dedicated employees will continue to deliver their best to those in the community who need them. Continued support from our funders, partners and volunteers help us make a difference.

Last year, HRA helped over 23,300 low-income people move closer to self-sufficiency. Together with our partners we helped 10,329 people obtain access and referrals to multiple services that support them in various ways as they strive to become self-sufficient.

We invite you to read our 2014 Annual Report – “Celebrating 50 years of Community Commitment” – learn more about our roots and how we’ve helped improve the lives of our people.

Rocco R. Tricarico Dr. Catherine R. Baratta Executive Director Board President

Original Name: New Britain Office of Economic Opportunity Start Date: Fall 1964 Current Name: Adopted in 1974 when the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 expired 1st Office: 61 Main St, New Britain Current Offices: 8 New Britain locations + 3 regional locations First Funds: $2,300 to set up operations Today’s Budget: Over $15,000,000 federal, state, local and private funding

Visit: www.hranbct.org/About/Annual-Reports/ for financial detail

EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES

HEAD START Start Date: July 1, 1965 For Whom: Low-income children ages 3-4 years old and their parents Purpose: To give low-income children access to quality developmental care in preparation for kindergarten 1965: Began as an 8 week summer program to serve 240 children 2013-2014: 568 pre-school aged children were better prepared to start school after participating in our NAEYC accredited Head Start Program, recognized as a Center of Excellence.

TODDLER AND PRESCHOOL PROGRAM Start Date: Toddler program in 1965; Preschool Program in 1980 For Whom: Low-income children ages 15 months – 5 years Program Purpose: To provide quality educational and affordable childcare for working families. 2013-2014: 165 low-income families got affordable child care from our NAEYC accredited Toddler and Preschool Child Care Program so they could get or keep a job.

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING Oldest Program: Service Organization for Neighborhood Groups (SONG) Start Date: April 1966 For Whom: Unemployed adults in targeted neighborhoods Program Purpose: To provide job skills training and work experience that would lead to full-time employment. 1966-1969: SONG placed 120 individuals into employment within 3 years 2013-2014: 4,818 people went to work – with assistance from HRA’s employment and training services. Another 10,640 came to our offices for help with career and employment.

825 people are better prepared for work after achieving their GED, ABE, becoming certified with job specific skills, improving their basic skills, completing online training programs and completing actual work experience with help from HRA’s employment and training services.

YOUTH SERVICES Start Date: Neighborhood Youth Corps, early 1965 For Whom: High School dropouts Program Purpose: To provide high school dropouts with 32 hours/week of employment for up to 8 months. Fun Fact: HRA’s oldest program 2013-2014: Prepared 2,446 both in-school and out-of-school youth (ages 18-23) for higher education and employment.

FOUNDATIONS FOR FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE (FFI) Newest HRA Program: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Start Date: 2004 For Whom: Low-income families Program Purpose: To increase the number of families claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2005: 38 volunteers prepared returns for 482 taxpayers 2013-2014: 116 volunteers prepared 4,563 tax returns throughout central CT. The VITA Youth Program is the only one of its kind in CT.

ENERGY & HOUSING SERVICES Oldest Program: Lead Free Program Start Date: 1974 For Whom: Low-income New Britain families Program Purpose: Provided free lead poisoning testing & education about the dangers of lead poisoning 1975: Tested about 200 children and 160 homes for lead 2013-2014: Over 7,600 people stayed warmer with a combination of funds through our Division of Energy and Housing.

Over 4,600 people learned to save, invest and decrease their debt with HRA’s Foundations in Financial Independence (FFI) services. This includes 4,563 tax filers who received over $4.8 million in federal tax refunds.

COMMUNITY SERVICES Oldest Program: Project Reach Start Date: April 1973 For whom: Low-income elderly residents Program Purpose: To connect isolated elderly residents to health, financial assistance, housing, transportation, counseling and other social services 1973: Helped 122 seniors within 5 months 2013-2014: Over 1,100 seniors, adults and children were healthier because they received medical, dental, nutritional and/or case management support services.

14,216 people did not go hungry because they received food from the food pantry and congregate meals at our Division of Health and Wellness.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES Oldest Program: Someplace Special Start Date: 1995 For Whom: Low-income individuals and their families Program Purpose: Drop-in center for those experiencing the isolation and stigma of living with HIV/AIDS 2005-2006: Renamed “Wellness Resource Center” Division of Health & Wellness established 2013-2014: The Division of Health & Wellness serves 45% of New Britain’s HIV/AIDS population with both prevention and care services

The mission of the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA) is to improve the quality of life by helping people achieve economic and social potential; responding to the causes and conditions of poverty; and building stronger individuals, families and communities in the greater New Britain area.

Head Start Program Annual Report

2013-2014

HRA Head Start Parent, Family and Community Engagement:

Head Start’s parent and family engagement builds relationships that support family well-being, support bonds between parents and their children, and promote learning for parents, children and families. HRA engages parents with a rich variety of educational opportunities and cultural/social activities. One of HRA’s Head Start goals is to help parents positively impact their child’s school readiness. HRA collaborates with multiple community partners to provide education that fosters stronger families and a healthy community. Programs include parenting, child development, nutrition, health, mental health, budgeting, community advocacy, meeting the needs of children with developmental disabilities and literacy.

Parents participate in joint decision-making by serving on the HRA Board of Directors, the Head Start Policy Council, and the Health Advisory Committee. They also provide input at the Parent Committee meetings. Families also participate and provide input at Parent Committee meetings, Family conferences, Parent engagement activities which include: Fatherhood initiative, Circle of security, Health & Nutrition Workshops, Community Gardens, Raising Readers, Pre-K Olympics and Taste of HRA Multicultural Day.

HRA Head Start Federal Review and Audit Results: The Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has recognized HRA’s Head Start as a program of excellence for the past ten years. It is in total compliance with no findings as of the most recent review in 2014. All of HRA’s Early Childhood Education programs have achieved National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation for meeting standards of best practice for service delivery. HRA administers federal, state and local funding according to sound financial practices. Visit www.hranbct.org to review our 2013 Audit.

Fed State School Other Other

HS HS Readiness USDA Fees Programs Revenue In-Kind

Expenditures Prior Year FY13 Total

Salaries 2,172,320 2,358,499 1,416,834 239,307 633,794 4,668 63,896 -

Benefits 1,122,882 855,287 565,602 9,474 252,855 1,863 25,493 -

Travel and Transportation 269,802 181,936 181,936 - -

Equipment - - -

Supplies 51,715 29,376 21,619 1,369 6,371 17 - -

Contractural 462,486 426,091 45,278 8,487 37,022 335,304 -

Other Expenses 686,285 763,226 305,997 146,862 79,558 1,923 - - 228,886

Total 4,765,490 4,614,415 2,537,266 405,499 1,009,600 343,775 89,389 - - 228,886

Funding Source

HRA Head Start Transition Activities Head Start staff implemented a variety of kindergarten transition activities both within the program and in conjunction with local schools. Activities were designed to prepare children, their parents and school staff for the children’s entry into Kindergarten and included: • Spring transition meetings between teachers and parents • Teachers provided transition activities using children’s books and discussion around the “Kindergarten Here I Come” video. • Developmental Summaries, provided to elementary school staff • Kindergarten informational meeting held to provide parents with kindergarten resources and registration tip sheet. • Distribution of kindergarten registration packets to all the parents of eligible kindergarten age children • On site collection and review of completed registration by BOE staff. • Brochures provided to parents • Orientation visits at elementary schools for incoming children and their parents.

HRA Head Start Transitioning children to Kindergarten Activities to prepare children for kindergarten are implemented at the start of each program year. HRA Head Start designs its program services to ensure a comprehensive focus on the importance of children’s health, mental, and oral health, nutrition and wellness, social/emotional development, language acquisition and cognitive development. Parents and families play a pivotal role in serving as their child’s primary teacher and lifelong advocate to reinforce and encourage their child’s development and learning both in Head Start and in future years.

HRA Head Start Health, Dental, Nutrition and Mental Health Services HRA’s Head Start program works collaboratively with the medical and dental community to ensure that our families are completing their children yearly Well Child Visits and Dental Exams. Our nutritionist also works very closely with our community partners to ensure that children who have food allergies and restrictions are being followed. Our Nutrition Consultant prepares nutritious and healthy monthly menus. We serve breakfast, lunch and snack. Our menu follows CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines. Parents receive a copy each month. Staff works with the families to make sure that 100% of children enrolled establish a medical and dental home, receive their physical exam, dental exam and any necessary follow-up in a timely matter. We have a very strong collaboration with Tunxis Allied Dental Program. They are here in the spring and they visit all classrooms and present Oral Health Education to our children. We also work closely with UCONN Speech and Language and Audiology Department to complete hearing screenings for 100% of children enrolled within 45 days as required. HRA Head Start is committed to promoting our children’s social and emotional well-being. We contract with Wheeler Clinic to support our Staff, families and children in this pursuit.

For 2013-2014, HRA Head Start remained fully enrolled and maintained 100% average monthly enrollment of 332 children out of 318 families served.

80%

71%

66% 64%

87%

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HRA Head Start Overall Developmental Outcomes All Sites

Fall

Winter

Spring

The program analyzes the developmental outcomes of individual children and the program as a whole to determine if all children are making progress towards school readiness and to make improvements and changes in curriculum planning if indicated. This year's results showed substantial gains in all areas of development with 20% growth or more in four of the developmental areas. Children are on track with being ready for kindergarten. Teachers will share each child's progress with parents at their parent conference in June and receive home activities to reinforce their child’s skill development over the summer months.

Head Start Program Annual Report 2013-2014 To learn more visit http://www.hranbct.org/Early_Childhood_Services/Head-Start/

HRA Head Start Individualization Individualized services were developed for each child according to their strengths, needs and abilities and based on developmental/behavioral screening, child assessments and parental input. Children’s developmental progress is tracked throughout the year and shared with parents at home visits and parent conferences. Assessment data is used to guide instruction and improve individualization, direct professional development efforts and implement program improvements.

HRA Head Start Child Outcomes Progress

For the program year beginning September 16, 2013, child assessments were completed in November, February and May. The program analyzes developmental outcomes for individual children and the program as a whole to determine if all children are making progress towards school readiness goals and to make program improvements. The graph above displays the percentage of children who met or exceeded the widely held expectations for their age at each checkpoint.

About our Awards... The Alton Brooks Community Service Award Is presented to an individual who’s work has been a catalyst for change and has made an impact issues of concern to the community.

The Community Partnership Award Is presented to an organization/partner with visionary leadership which collaborates with HRA to provide services to the community.

The Volunteerism Award Is presented to an individual or group who’s volunteer efforts have impacted programs, provided leadership and show commitment to community.

The Making a Difference in Our Community Award Is presented to HRA Board members who have retired from the Board after many contributions to the agency and the community.

In appreciation of your contribution and support To the Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. Alton Brooks Community Service Award Presented On Behalf of the Board of Directors to Emma Pierce Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort even the difficult may become easy. - Bill Blackman Community Partnership Award Presented On Behalf of the Board of Directors to Wheeler Clinic An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. - Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteerism Award Presented On Behalf of the Board of Directors to Bessie Boyd The secret to happiness is not in doing what one likes to do, but in liking what one has to do. - Anonymous Making a Difference in Our Community Award Presented On Behalf of the Board of Directors to Pauline B. Davis HRA Board Member 2005 – 2014 Each time someone stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope. - Robert F. Kennedy

Kathleen Quinn South Central – CT Works Regional Director 25 Years of Service- 1988 - 2014

Carmen DeJesus Community Services Energy Certifier 35 Years of Service- 1979 - 2014 Barbara Parsons Community Services Director of Community Services 35 Years of Service- 1979 - 2014 Rose Bracero Community Services Community Service Manager 35 Years of Service- 1977 - 2013

Prudence Crandall

1995 - 2014

1977 - 2012

1977 - 2013

Thank you for joining us celebrating 50 years of

community commitment

To learn more visit www.hranbct.org