2014-2015 FWFS Annual Report

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. My favorite activities were when we read and (FWFS) who developed a sustainability plan to fill the remaining talked about healthy living because it is important finances needed to fully fund WFS’s operating budget. 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 The Friends of the Waltham Family School’s mission is: be selected. Thank you WFS for helping me. Rotzana 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. 
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 In January of 2015 the role of WFS fiscal sponsor was passed from the Waltham Partnership for Youth to FWFS. 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. The Coffee & Conversation series offer parents and guests a chance to interact and learn about WFS’ work. 
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. 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. 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 Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc. Board of Directors Advisory Council 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. * 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 FWFS Contractors Patricia Deveaux, Koundakjian & Company, P.C. Anne Dugan, AMD EventWorks, LLC. * 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 Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc.
2014 ‐ 2015 Financial Statements
Statement of Financial Position
2014 ‐ 2015
ASSETS:
Unreserved Bank Account
Reserved for Development
Reserved Jones Fund
Technology Grant
TOTAL ASSETS
$65,668
$35,022
$1,332
$3,600
$105,622
LIABILITIES:
$0
NET ASSETS:
$105,622
Statement of Activites
2014 ‐ 2015
INCOME
General Donations
Donations restricted for Development
Family Fair Income
Fiesta Income
Grants *
Parent Fundraising
Partnership for Youth Transfer
TOTAL INCOME
$27,484
$30,000
$1,653
$20,447
$27,500
$3,785
$76,421
$187,290
Development Expenses
Event Expenses
Educational Programs
Administrative expenses & general
Waltham Public Schools Supplement
TOTAL EXPENSES
$20,478
$4,967
$7,968
$2,019
$49,858
$85,268
EXPENSES
NET INCREASE IN ASSETS
* 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
$102,021
Waltham Family School Timeline
2003 ‐ 2015
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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.
Federal grant reduced. Work to create sustainability plan started. 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. WFS infant‐toddler program eliminated. WFS one of 7 programs to continue in MA. 2
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Federal Even Start program unexpectedly defunded.
Sustainability plan set into action as a collaboration with WFS, community advisors, WPS, School Committee and the Mayor.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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January 1: First term of new Advisory Council to begin.
March 10: Fiesta! For WFS at Solea Restaurant. 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 
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7:30 – 7:40 PM Election of FWFS Board Officers and Directors Vote to create Advisory Council Election of Advisory Council members Financial Report David King, Treasurer, Friends of the Waltham Family Schools, Inc. 
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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 I like practicing conversations with my classmates. I love WFS. My son likes school and playing with everybody. Veronica CONTACT
Friends of the Waltham Family School, Inc. 510 Moody Street Waltham, MA 02453 781‐314‐5696 friendsoftheWFS@gmail.com 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 WFS helps me to feel confident and not be afraid when I go out in the community. Norma CONNECT
walthamfamilyschool.org WalthamFamilySchool @Wal_Fam_School