2011 Annual Report

2011 Annual Report
A Message from our Board Chair...
What makes the Kalamazoo area a
Even with all the financial challenges
wonderful place to live, work, and
and changes in reimbursements, MRC
play? Why do people stay here when
continues to provide a high level of
they could move anywhere in the
quality programs for consumers and
world?
families utilizing the services of MRC.
This could only occur with the
Dale Shugars, Board Chair
2011 Board of Directors
Christopher Terkos
Vice-Chair
Anne Summerfield
Treasurer
Michael Holmes
Secretary
Wendy Ballast
Dave Buskirk
Marilyn Lenox-Bosma
I believe the answer lies in how we
leadership of our Board and the
treat and care for each other. What
teamwork of our staff. And that’s
better way to demonstrate this than
where I feel the strength of this
through the services MRC provides
organization lies— we rely on the hard
and carries out through its daily
work and dedication of people
operations? The mission and emphasis
committed to providing meaningful
of our existence and daily services
employment, community integration,
supports our love for one another.
case management, and other services
to the individuals we serve. The Board
During these challenging economic
times all businesses, nonprofits, and
JoAnn Gerrish
people are hit hard, and MRC is no
J.D. Kalleward
exception. The organization has
Ross Kester
continued to seek out answers to
Jim McGowan
Judy Moore
Dan Scheid
Tom Stanek
Kip Young
problems and looks forward to a future
that includes financial stability. We feel
very blessed to have had the support
of our local community, legislators,
funding sources, and area businesses
in helping us meet the trials of this
tough economy.
and staff of MRC exemplify the very
best in how people should treat one
another, and I am humbled to be
counted among this group of service
providers.
It has been my honor to serve MRC
Industries as the Board Chair this past
year; and I am confident that the
people of this organization will
continue to make a lasting impact on
the Kalamazoo community through
their service.
About MRC...
Over seventy years ago, the McKercher Rehabilitation
Center was founded by parents of children challenged
with disabilities. Incorporated in 1969, we changed
our name to MRC Industries in order to provide a
more professional business profile. Today, MRC
Industries works to encourage and support individuals
living with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential
through employment, skill building, and active
community involvement.
MRC Industries serves individuals with:
Developmental or learning disabilities such as
mental retardation, Down’s syndrome,
autism, and cerebral palsy
Traumatic brain injuries
Emotional impairments
Mental illness
Physical disabilities in conjunction with
developmental disabilities or mental illness
MRC serves approximately 700 people each year with
a simple philosophy that every person is unique,
valued, and entitled to be treated with respect and
dignity. This philosophical framework results in
programs and services focused on an individual’s
needs, desires, strengths and abilities. Identifying
those characteristics guides us in our work to help
people become more independent—at home, at work,
and in our community.
We have four primary programs that serve the greater
Kalamazoo community:
The McKercher program provides employment
opportunities, skill building, and other services
to individuals living with a developmental
disability or traumatic brain injury.
Our Mission: To provide support and encouragement to
individuals living with a disability to achieve
their fullest potential through employment,
skill building, and active community involvement.
Our Vision: To be the provider of choice for individuals
and employers through continuous improvement,
innovation, and leadership.
Our Values: At MRC Industries, we exemplify these
values in our interactions with everyone:
Accountability
Commitment
Compassion
Diversity
Integrity
Professionalism
Respect
The Pathways clubhouse program provides
employment opportunities, skill building, and
other services to individuals living with a
diagnosis of severe and persistent mental
illness.
The Bridgeways program provides case
management and support services for
individuals who experience symptoms of
mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
Connections is a program for young adults, ages
14-26, who are experiencing difficulties with
mental illness or emotional issues.
www.mrcindustries.org
2010-2011 Financial Statement
Our fiscal year runs from October 1, 2010, through September 30, 2011.
Support and Revenue
3,384,262
132,561
41,557
189,196
432,174
1,585
4,181,335
Community Mental Health Services
Greater Kalamazoo United Way
Service Fees– other
Contributions
Net Contract Revenue
Miscellaneous
Total Revenue
Expenses
Salaries & Benefits
Consumer Wages & Benefits
Agency Expenses
Depreciation
Total Operating Expenses
3,058,598
254,988
1,066,634
161,942
4,542,162
Operating Excess (Deficit)
Loss on Sale of Bank Street
TOTAL
(360,827)
(430,001)
(790,828)
Program Outcomes
McKercher:
Consumers Served: 225
Organizational Employment: 150
Community Supports: 172
Community Employment: 46
artWorks: 53
Satisfaction: 90%
Pathways Clubhouse:
Total Members Served: 173
Clubhouse only: 75
Employment only: 20
Clubhouse and Employment: 78
Satisfaction: Clubhouse– 98%, Employment– 94%
BridgeWays Case Management:
Connections:
Members Served: 64
Satisfaction: 98%
Consumers Served: 296
Satisfaction: 99%
MRC artWorks—
a Working Gallery on the Mall
In September 2011, MRC Industries celebrated the grand
the Mall gives our artists so much more exposure, and we were
opening of their new artists’ retail space—MRC artWorks—on
able to grow the retail portion of this program.”
the Kalamazoo Mall. The store, located at 300 Kalamazoo Mall,
in the former Advantage Academy, is a unique space that
MRC artWorks offers not only affordable original art pieces, but
features a retail section, a gallery, and a working studio for
also prints, t-shirts, coasters, furniture, calendars, and a variety
about 50 artists. “This is something new to Kalamazoo,” says
of hand-crafted items.
MRC president Chris Zeigler. “We’ve modeled it after working
galleries that can be found in artist communities like Saugatuck.
So far the move has proven to be a huge success. “Our last three
The public can come in and shop, but also have the opportunity
Art Hops have brought in more sales than we anticipated,” says
to see the artists at work, talk with them, and learn more about
Dawn Bowen, manager of the artWorks program. “Our artists
how the art is created.”
have developed a great following here in Kalamazoo, and more
and more people are finding out about us every day.”
The artWorks program is an extension of MRC’s McKercher
program, although recently artists from some of MRC’s other
The artWorks gallery and studio is open to the
programs have started attending. Artists at MRC artWorks use
public. Their hours are 10am-5pm, Monday- Friday and
the sale of their work as a means to earn a paycheck. Along with
10am-3 pm on Saturdays.
being open Monday- Saturday, MRC artWorks participates in monthly Art Hops
and other local art shows.
MRC artWorks is not entirely a new
concept to MRC. Formerly known as the
Artists’ Co-op, it was located for the past
six years in the Park Trades Building and
developed a huge following among local
art enthusiasts.
“We knew that we were ready to take the
next step,” Zeigler says. “A storefront on
A crowd of well-wishers turned out for the Grand Opening in September.
www.mrcindustries.org
MRC to start their own business. It is a lot of work, but there
are so many rewards,” she says.
Start-up costs for the micro-enterprise were provided with
assistance from Michigan Rehabilitation Services and a couple
of other private grants.
The program proved to be so successful that MRC began
working with Rakiyta Coleman to start Rakiyta’s Treats and
Sweets— a candy and snack machine vending business. Like
Tim, Rakiyta received assistance in writing a business plan,
Vending Businesses Fulfill
Dreams
It’s a fact that in times of recession, there is a greater
increase in the start-up of small businesses. But it is not the
economy that is driving the start of Tim Stafford’s new business;
it’s the opportunity to work independently for the first time. In
the fall of 2010, Tim started Stafford’s Sparkling Beverages, a
vending machine business whose initial location was at MRC’s
McKercher program location on 26th St. It was the first
microenterprise that McKercher had assisted in creating.
Tim has been receiving services from MRC for just a couple of
years, mostly working in-house on assembly and packaging
projects and doing volunteering at the Habitat ReStore. He is
also one of the most popular artists at artWorks. But when
MRC moved into their new facility in May of 2010, they wanted
to open up the opportunity for one of the people receiving
services to take over the vending. Tim seemed to be a great fit
for the responsibility.
Lindsey Wilson, MRC’s Employment Training Specialist, worked
with Tim to write a business plan, apply for a dba, and prepare
for this new venture. “I think Tim inspires other individuals at
applying for a dba, and securing start-up funding.
“I like this job because I make money and get to keep my own
schedule,” she says.
Both Rakiyta and Tim work with job coaches each week to do
banking, purchase products, and maintain their machines.
“I am looking forward to doing a good job,” Tim said when he
started, “and growing my business. This is my dream come
true.”
Little did Tim know how quickly his business would grow. In the
summer of 2011, Tim placed two more machines—one at Nulty
Insurance and the other at the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
Rakiyta also expanded into the Greater Kalamazoo United Way.
The reality of being a small business owner is
better than Tim or Rakiyta ever even dreamed.
Finding Hope and
Independence
Ricky Bell has a lot going on in his life right now. But, thanks to
the support of his case managers at BridgeWays, they are all
really great things. Ricky recently got married and he and his
wife are expecting their first child in a few months. And while
he is nervous about having a new baby, he is excited to be able
to have this second chance at a new life.
“I’m going to be a good father,” he says. “I am stronger and
more confident and happier now than I have ever been. I’ve
got a lot of love to give.”
Ricky attributes his newfound happiness to being hooked up
with case management services at BridgeWays. Before coming
there about three years ago, he had difficulty communicating
and did not function well independently.
“I could barely talk. I thought that that was how I was, I didn’t
fit in because I couldn’t communicate with other people.”
His case managers were able to work with him to get the medication he needed, which in turn helped in his ability to
speak. Having that skill restored gave him confidence.
“They believed in me and they gave me hope. They made me feel like I could do things. No one ever did that before.”
Now Ricky has a new outlook on life. Along with a new family, he is a member in the programs at Pathways Clubhouse
where he helps with rosters, sometimes cooks, and participates in recreational activities. He is also employed through
Pathways— by MRC. He has the responsibility of doing internal mail runs for the organization— an important job in the
daily operations of the agency.
“I like this job because I feel like I am trusted,” he says. “ I’m doing things that I didn’t think I could. I am stronger and more
independent than I ever thought I’d be.”
www.mrcindustries.org
The Importance of Belonging
You wouldn’t know it now, but just a few months ago Lamar Jones would have had trouble having a conversation with you. His shyness
and inability to interact with people was overwhelming for him. But just six months after starting at MRC Connections, he not only is
well-spoken and confident, but he is writing poetry and participating in group activities.
“The groups are my favorite thing to do,” he beams.
Lamar and his mother, Brenda Dyre, credit the staff at MRC Connections for changing his life. “They are so positive,” she says.
“ I watched him struggle for so long and being here helped him so much. He has something to look forward to now.”
Not only is Lamar participating in activities at Connections, he does janitorial work for Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services through Pathways Universal & Universal.
For the first time in his life, Lamar is able to feel like he is part of a group. “I didn’t get a lot of this in high school. I couldn’t be myself,
but here I can. I belong.”
A Real Success Story
Matt Williams first came to MRC Pathways Clubhouse in 1996. He was ready to
make some changes in his life and was looking for a place that could support him
and give him opportunities.
“I liked the work-ordered day, doing the work, and being productive. It was really
nice to be around people who are like you, and who I really liked.”
He worked in the educational unit and clerical unit and participated in recreational
events. Eventually, the people at Pathways helped him get started at KVCC where
he took classes for about five years. “I like biology, so I took a lot of general
science classes.”
Before joining Pathways, Matt had never worked. With the help of staff there, he
was connected with the Montessori Schools and was placed there to do janitorial
work as well as attend to the grounds. It was work that he enjoyed, and did really well. Eventually, Tina Robbins—Associate Director
at Pathways— suggested to the folks at Montessori that they hire Matt on themselves and he could end his services at Pathways.
“Tina was really good,” he reflects, “She believed in me and knew that I could be independent.”
When asked what he likes about his job, Matt says, “I like taking care of the gardens. I think it has something to do with my love of
science.”
A Message from the CEO
There’s an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. I would contend that the same is true for running a
successful non-profit. Over the past year, MRC has turned to our community to help us in fulfilling our
mission, and we’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from
individuals, funding sources, legislators, and businesses. Our Board of Directors continues to guide us in
achieving our vision and providing encouragement as we achieve our goals. We have received help from
several legislators in advocating for MRC with government agencies. Moreover, we have been able to provide
the highest quality services through our four programs with the diligent work of an exceptional staff, and we
continue to offer the best value for business partners looking for staffing solutions through the efforts of the
individuals we serve. Together, we have all worked hard to make this a successful year for MRC.
As I look to the future, I am excited about the collaborations ahead that will provide us with the ability to
grow our programs and services and strengthen our position in the community. MRC is moving toward a
bright future, but only with the help of the village of supporters and workers that believes in our mission.
Chris Zeigler
MRC CEO
www.mrcindustries.org
Thank You to these donors
financially with monetary
In memory of Chuck & Janet Fletcher
Anonymous
In memory of Tom Reynolds
Biggs Gilmore Communications
Paul Decker
Deborah Roush
Ellen Swengel
Janey Brian
Jean Jung
Melanie Oakes
Susan Marshall
Yvette Ward
Sentrilock
In honor of MRC artWorks
Jennifer Bower
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Doerfler
In honor of Mary Ann Fleck
Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Fleck
Alpha Promotional Products
Matthew S. Alves
Elizabeth Augustins
Nancy J. Ausema
Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bailey
Paul Ballard
Berends, Hendricks, Stuit Insurance Agency
Albion P. Beverage III
Airpower America
Alpha Promotional Products
Ameriprise Financial Services
Applied Industrial Technology
Bible of Truth
Bobby Hopewell
Briarwood Valley Dentistry
Burdick St. Professional Offices
Child Care Resources
Christian Business Roundtable
City of Kalamazoo Historic District
Commission
Clean Water for the World
Community Advocates
Community Healing Centers
Community Living Options
Consumer Credit Union
Crescendo Academy of Music
CSM Group
Danford Creek Condominiums
Ed Bigelow
Peter Blickle
Bronson Healthcare Group
Bronson Orthopedics & Sports Medicine:
HealthCare Midwest + K Valley
Orthopedics
Dorothy Brooks
Eileen W. Buckley
Byce and Associates
William J. Carter
Lauretta Chung
Joanne Collins
Ruth Collins
Tom Comes
Nancy Cook
CSM Group
Mr. and Mrs. David Culver
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Cunningham
D&W Fresh Market
Dorothy U Dalton Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Peter Dams
Katherine Dyer
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edmonds
Charles Emerson
Barbara and D. David Eshuis
Fast Photo Pro
Vera Fielding
Kurtis Fraaza
Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Galbreath
David Gardiner
Dave Buskirk
Diekema Hamann Architecture + Engineering
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Disability Network
Dr. Richard Oppenlander, DDS
Ed Hoover
Fair Housing Center of SW Michigan
Farm N Garden
Flowserve Corp
Fontana Chamber Arts
Food Resource Bank
Gilmore International Keyboard Festival
Girls on the Run
Green Bay Packaging
Gryphon Place
Hackett Catholic Central High School
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
Home Builders Association of Greater
Kalamazoo
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
Juliana Garner
Sharon Gass
Gazelle Sports
Shari Glaser
Tyler Gilland
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation
Jaimy Gordon
Gordon Water
Dr. John D. Grace
Rochelle Habeck and H. Allan Hunt
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Hageman
Darlene Haley
Mildred Hedrick
Neal T. Hemenway
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Herrick
Sarah Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hoard
Stephen B. Hofmeister
Home Builders Association of Greater
Kalamazoo
Kaitlyn A. Hoogterp
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Hopkins
ImageStream
Mr. and Mrs. S.D. Jay Jarrett
Mr. and Mrs. James Jasiak
Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts
Kalamazoo Public Schools
Kalamazoo Women of Today
J.D. Kalleward
Housing Resources, Inc.
Hycorr Machine
Imperial Beverage
In-Form Architecture PLC
Intentional Yoga
InterAct of Michigan
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers
International Minute Press
JC Penney
JD Byrider
John Schlukebir State Farm Insurance
John Schuemann
Kal-Blue
Kalamazoo Christian School
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and
Substance Abuse Services
Kalamazoo County Adult Drug Treatment
Court
Kalamazoo Federal Building (GSA)
Kalamazoo Junior Symphony
who su
or in-k
donors
netary
who supported MRC
or in-kind gifts
Kalleward Group
Kazoo Inc.
Linda Kelly
Keystone Community Bank
Timothy A. Kieffer and Nicholas B. Graham
Sandy King
Ron Kitchens
John and Kim Klein
LeeAnn Knapp
Knights of Columbus - Council 6980
Ms. Frankie Lang
Marilyn Lenox-Bosma
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Lewis
Sally Lindsay
Robyn Logelin
C L Mahoney Plumbing and Heating Co.
Seth and Maria Malin
Larry Mallak
Cindi and Steve MacDonald
Kathy Matthews
Kathleen McCreery
Kristin McKinney
Michigan Commerce Bank
Bob Miller
Jeffrey Moore
Judy Moore
Petra Morey
Karen Moss
Violet Murphy
NAMI of Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo People's Food Co-op
Kalamazoo Public Library
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Loretta Kelley
Lending Hands
Lighthouse Insurance
Looking Glass Childcare
David Lundquest
Luzon-Argonne VFW Post 827
Mall City Container
Ministry With Community
Montessori Schools
MSU/KCMS
National Nail Corporation
Neighborhood Cleaners
New Year's Fest
North Presbyterian Church
Oshtemo Charter Township
Oshtemo Methodist Church
Kathryn T. Nash
Melody Nedrud and Jim Stordahl
Thomas E. Nehil and Gail L. Walter
Matthew Newman
Ross Northam
Northside Business Association
Rosalie and Joe Novara
Panera Bread
Donald and Ann Parfet Family Foundation
Edward J. Pawlak
Stacey Pennock
Performance Communications
Perrigo
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Perry
Pfizer
PJ's Frame-Up
Craig A. Platt
PNC Bank
Portage Family Fitness
Peter S. Pryson
Mr. and Mrs. James H. Rikkers
Ritsema Associates
Rose Street Advisors
James and Vickie Schaper
Dan Scheid
Mr. and Dr. Lawrence Schlack
Bonnie Sexton
Patti Shapton
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Shook
Dale Shugars
Pete Slager State Farm Insurance
Pretty Lake Vacation Camp
The Printmill, Inc.
Rehabilitation Works
Residential Opportunities Inc.
Rickman House Food Service
River Run Press
Robert Griffith
Rose Street Advisors
RV Pigtails
Seasons Harvest, Inc.
Shalom Incorporated
Signature Gallery
Southwest Michigan First
SPCA of Southwest Michigan
Special Lite Inc.
Spine Physical Therapy
Strategic Media Of West Michigan
Structure Tec Corporation
Stryker
David Singer
Richard and Norma Slagell
Paul Slager
Amy Snow
Thomas Stanek
Steensma Lawn & Power Equipment
Kendra Stetser Rowe
Ronda E. Stryker and William D. Johnston
Foundation
Christopher Terkos
Two Men and a Truck
Dawn and Randy VanderPloeg
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Vlietstra
Victorian Bakery
Theodore Wait
William J. Walker
Alice E. Wall
Weitzenhoffer Seminole Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Richard Westerman
Pam Wiessner
Windward Employee Solutions
WLLA TV 64
Theodore J. Woodard
Susan Wright
WVFM 106.5 FM
Christy Wynant
Richard Wyrwa
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Chris Zeigler
Zeigler Auto Group
Tom & Linda Zwiep
Stuart Avenue Inn
Stulberg International String
Superior Colour Graphics
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure SW
Michigan Affiliate
Tuinier Bros. Greenhouse
Two Men and a Truck
United Container Company
USA Michigan Volleyball
W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment
Research
Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers
West Michigan Appraisal
West Michigan Cancer Center
Wild Birds Unlimited
Workforce Strategies, Inc.
Wurth Service Supply
YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Zeigler Auto Group
www.mrcindustries.org
www.mrcindustries.org