Fall 2014 Newsletter

EDUCATION.
HOUSING.
SELF-SUFFICIENCY.
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
S U M M E R - FA L L 2 0 1 4
CONGRATULATIONS TO
ACHIEVEability GRADUATES!
A record number of 19
parents in ACHIEVEability’s
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
have earned a post-secondary
degree during the fiscal year
ending June 2014.
It marked a high point in our pioneering
efforts in the homeless and poverty field, in which
housing and supportive services are combined
with an assertive educational requirement—every
parent in the program is expected to complete at
least five classes per year toward a post-secondary
degree or its equivalent.
We are proud to introduce the Class of 2014:
• LATEEFAH ADAMS – BA in Human Services
(pictured above)
• EDWINA BLACK – AA in Early Childhood Education
• CLISSITA DANIELS – AA in Business Foundation
• TIERRA DIXON – BA in Criminal Justice
• LATISHA ELY – BA in Business Administration
• KRISTIN FERNANDEZ – AA in Culture, Science
& Technology
• JOY GRIMMAGE-TWIGGS – BA in Early
Childhood Education
• TIARA JONES – BA in Public Health
• LYNETTE JORDAN – AA in Science
& Business Administration
• ERICA KING – AA in Business Management
• TRACEY MORRIS – AA in Criminal Justice
• ELIZABETH OKORE – AA in Science
• CLARISSA PRIDGEN – AA in Culture, Science
& Technology
• URSULA TAYLOR – BA in Health and Wellness
• CHRISTINA TOOMER – BA in
Elementary Education
• CHERELL WALTOWER – AA in Culture, Science
& Technology
• TIFFANY WIDEMAN – AA in Art
• JANEEN WILLIAMS – AA in Culture, Science
& Technology
• JELISA WILLIAMS – AA in Liberal Arts
TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
C O N G R AT S G R A D S ! [ C OV E R ]
M E E T J E L I S A [ C OV E R ]
B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S 2
M E S S AG E F R O M B OA R D C H A I R 2
O U T R E AC H & A DVO C ACY 2
CEO CORNER 3
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 3
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM PARENT SPOTLIGHT:
J
MEET JELISA
elisa Williams grew up in Germantown with seven siblings; a mother, who struggled
with drug and alcohol addiction; and a father, who drifted in and out of her life. It was
a childhood that Jelisa was able to overcome, seemingly. During her junior year in high
school, she was accepted to an advanced tech college program through Community College
of Philadelphia (CCP). That all changed, however, with the death of her grandmother later
that year. “She was the one and only person who was able to take care of me,” Jelisa recalled.
“She was everything—my
mom, my dad, my support.”
Despite this, Jelisa
managed to push herself to
graduate, and was accepted
to Indiana University of
Pennsylvania. Sadly, she
did not attend college—a
result of her struggle with
abandonment issues.
Instead, she focused on a
new personal relationship.
A few years and two failed
relationships later, Jelisa
found herself once again
Jelisa Williams and daughters Zaire, left and Morgan. Both will attend Barry
feeling alone, unsure, and
Elementary School this fall.
unstable. She was now 21 years old with one child and
ACHIEVEability is here to help you
another on the way. Unable to secure housing for herself,
achieve what you thought wasn’t
Jelisa eventually entered a homeless shelter program
possible, and help you have a better
where she learned about ACHIEVEability.
future for yourself and your family.
Jelisa has been a participant in our Family SelfSufficiency
Program since 2011. Earlier this year, Jelisa
JELISA WILLIAMS
graduated from CCP with an Associate in Arts degree
in Liberal Arts and is now working toward a bachelor’s degree in Business Technical
Management with DeVry University. Jelisa feels that without ACHIEVEability she would not
be this far in life. “I do not believe I would have been able to obtain my associate’s degree
without the support provided by ACHIEVEability, and especially my Self-Sufficiency coach,
Samantha Harclerode.” Samantha was quick to add, “It has been amazing to watch Jelisa
grow as a person, especially seeing her excel in college.”
“ACHIEVEability,” says Jelisa, “is a place where they help you believe you can achieve
anything you set your mind to.” For Jelisa Williams, and her two children, who will be
attending John Barry Elementary School this fall, “seeing is believing.”
C O R P O R AT E
D O N O R S P OT L I G H T 3
N E I G H B O R H O O D A DV I S O R Y 4
HELPING HANDS 4
B OA R D M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T 5
I N D I V D L D O N O R S P OT L I G H T 5
MEET BRIAN 6
F O U N DAT I O N
D O N O R S P OT L I G H T 6
B OA R D M E M B E R S P OT L I G H T 6
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 7
WAY S TO G I V E 8
CALLING ALL GOLFERS 8
UPCOMING EVENTS 8
ACHIEVEability
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
SECURING THE LEGACY
ACHIEVEability wishes to thank its Board of Directors for their
unwavering support of our mission. Thank you for your guidance
and endless support!
BOARD MEMBERS
Tim Thornton Board Chairman
Retired Principal from Vanguard
Donna Higgins Board Vice Chair
President, The Higgins Group, Inc.
Joel S. Lawson III Board Treasurer, Private Investor
Mark S. Cohen Secretary of the Corporation
Partner, Askot, Weiner & Cohen, LLP
Kellye Walker Development Chair
CAO, General Counsel & Secretary,
American Water Works Service Company, Inc.
Robin DeRogatis
Vice President, Human Resources, Triumph Group, Inc.
Rich Furino
Regional Manager, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
Denise Green
Neighborhood Advisory Committee, ACHIEVEability
Arnold Johnson
Senior Vice President/Consumer Market Manager,
Bank of America
Michele Lawrence
Area President, Senior Vice President,
Wells Fargo Bank/Philadelphia Community Bank
Brian McElwee
President, Valley Forge Investment Corporation
Danyl S. Patterson
Attorney at Law, The Patterson Law Firm
Anthony Schweiger
Managing Principal & CEO, The Tomorrow Group, LLC
Bruce Shook
President & CEO, Intact Vascular
Tish Squillaro
CEO, CANDOR
William J. Stickney
Partner, Grant Thornton, LLP
Robert Strouse
President, Wind River Holdings, LP
Mary B. Walker
Manager, Talent Management & Acquisition, PECO
Jelisa Williams
Participant, ACHIEVEability
Sheryl Williams
Chief Empowerment Officer, SheWill Lead
2
MESSAGE FROM
BOARD CHAIR
TIM THORNTON:
To our donors,
supporters and friends:
L O O K I N G F O R WA R D
FIRST LET ME SAY T O A G R E AT Y E A R
THANK YOU!
Your financial gifts, your gifts of time and
talent, and your support are simply priceless. Our important cause continues to do
amazing work. Our children in school and participants’ college graduation rates are
significantly better than the surrounding Haddington/Cobbs Creek neighborhoods.
Additionally, for this coming year, our Family Self-Sufficiency team will be
focusing on developing skills (networking,
What makes ACHIEVEability different is that not
career coaching, resume writing, etc.) that
making progress is not an option. You must go
better lead to gainful employment. To me,
to school, keep your kids in school, get a job, and
the most amazing thing about our cause
pay your rent. And if you do, we will be there
is the sense of accomplishment and pride
to support you the entire way—we will be your
for the families that complete the program.
extended family.
Our families come from difficult situations;
however, the families that “graduate” from the
TIM THORNTON
program persevere; they go to school, enroll
their kids in school, work full time, and pay a subsidized rent.
I would like to close with a round of applause for Susan Patton and her team. They
have demonstrated amazing management savvy, delivering us through one of our more
challenging years. I look forward to a great year ahead.
Tim Thornton joined the ACHIEVEability Board of Directors in 2007 and was appointed board chair in 2013. He is a
retired principal from Vanguard. Tim, his wife and three daughters reside in Spring City, Pa. He is an Ursinus College graduate.
OUTREACH
AND ADVOCACY:
ACHIEVEability’s Community Services
Office (CSO) has been selected to serve as a
Financial Empowerment Center by Clarifi, the
Philadelphia-based nonprofit community
OUR COMMUNITY
resource dedicated to providing local residents
SERVICES OFFICE
lifelong financial literacy.
“Helping low-income residents become financially stable has been an ongoing challenge,” said
Patricia Hasson, president and executive director of Clarifi. “Financial Empowerment Centers will
offer the tools and guidance to achieve this stability in the neighborhoods that need it most.”
Through the program, professional financial counselors will provide clients with one-on-one
counseling and guidance on issues such as managing and paying down debts, opening safe and
affordable bank accounts, building healthy credit, and creating budgets that facilitate savings.
For the fifth consecutive year, the CSO provided free tax preparation services, which saved area
residents more than $102,000 in tax preparation
fees. This year, 392 residents used the free services,
which led to $272,326 in Earned Income Tax Credits
and $670,212 in federal income tax refunds. Taxes
were prepared by IRS certified volunteers. The CSO
promotes self-advocacy by educating community
residents about resources that are available. It also
provides access to a free computer lab and connects
residents to program initiatives such as utility
L-r, Community Services Director Kimberly Snowden,
community residents Kurt Brown and Angel Palmer, and
assistance, SNAP, LiHeap, and Medicaid.
Community Services Associate Yolanda Mack.
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
CORPORATE DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
W E L L S FA R G O
The Wells Fargo’s “living
Vice President and Senior
WELLS FARGO CORPORATE
logo,” a horse-drawn
Program Officer, Wells
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
stagecoach from the
Fargo Regional Foundation;
WELLS FARGO IS PROUD TO SUPPORT
ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO STRENGTHEN
American West, has been
Aldustus Jordan, Vice
OUR COMMUNITIES. THROUGH THE EFFORTS
a symbol of service and
President & Community
OF OUR ENTHUSIASTIC TEAM MEMBERreliability in this country
Affairs Manager, Wells
VOLUNTEERS AND OUR CONTRIBUTIONS,
since skilled drivers guided
Fargo, Social Responsibility
WE SHARE OUR SUCCESS WITHIN OUR
horse-drawn coaches over
Group;
and Michele
COMMUNITIES BY GIVING BACK TO NONPROFITS
2,500 miles of territory west
Lawrence, Wells Fargo area
AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THAT
ADDRESS VITAL COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ISSUES.
of the Missouri River to
president, SVP.
provide financial services
“Michele Lawrence has
to American pioneers.
been an ACHIEVEability board member
Today 265,000 Wells Fargo team members
since 2011,” Patton noted, “and
bring to life words contained in the company’s
has been an invaluable advocate
Corporate Responsibility statement (see insert):
for various funding and
There is no better evidence of this commitment sponsorship opportunities.“
than the extraordinary support, now in its 11th
“We always knew our volunteers Michele Lawrence
year, provided to ACHIEVEability by the local Wells were special. Recently, that was demonstrated when
Fargo team.
Wells Fargo’s Michele Lawrence, was one of five women
“There have been so many Wells Fargo and
honored at KYW Newsradio’s 5th annual Women’s
Wells Fargo Regional Foundation team members
Achievement Awards program, which recognizes
who have stepped up for us in the past decade,”
women, “…who really achieved in their career, but also
says Susan Patton, ACHIEVEability CEO. “The
in the community.” Congratulations, Michele!
support provided since 2004,” she noted, “is
exemplified today by employees like Kim Allen,
CEO CORNER:
TRANSFORMING ON EVERY LEVEL
This newsletter is proof that
ACHIEVEability attracts engaged volunteers,
board members, donors, staff, community
and elected leaders, and, most of all,
participants devoted to achieving stunning
transitions for families in need.
Among the countless outcomes to
celebrate: 19 participant graduations; a new
database that will help us identify program
improvements; inspiring new grant awards,
including one discussed on page six that will
support much-needed behavioral health
services; and our selection as a Financial
Empowerment Center, which will enable
ACHIEVEability to provide local residents
the tools and guidance to become more
financially stable in a community at the
epicenter of need.
Ahead of us are
great milestones.
We are planning the
new election cycle
for the community
office. Thanks
to a partnership
with academic
Susan Patton
and corporate
volunteers, our participants will have
access to a new curriculum of life skills
for personal development, parenting,
finance, employment and education. We
have new faces on staff, a new focus on
workforce readiness, and evolving new
external partnerships that will strengthen
our mission. Through it all, your passionate
support keeps our batteries charged. Thank
you for your belief in our big mission and
our “small, but mighty” agency!
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY
PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR
HIGHLIGHTS:
JULY 2013 – JUNE 2014
We are proud to share some highlights of the
great work our coaches, maintenance team
and support staff provided to our families in
the last fiscal year through the Family SelfSufficiency Program (FSSP).
• 163 families were served, including 319 children.
• 19 parents completed college-level
degrees—seven bachelor’s and 12
associate degrees.
• 65% of parents earned at least six college credits.
• Degree earners who exited experienced
an average wage increase of $15,618.20,
resulting in a 107% increase in average
annual wages since entering our program.
• Of participants currently enrolled,
63% have increased their income since
entering our program, with the average
increase in annual income being
$4,275.67.
• 17 percent of our parents received
counseling services to work through
depression, anxiety and past trauma.
• Two families purchased their own homes.
ACHIEVEability developed its landmark
Family Self-Sufficiency continuum as a tool
to measure a family’s progress toward selfsufficiency and track its accountability.
The continuum contains objective,
measurable criteria for finance, education,
parenting and personal development.
Movement upward along the continuum,
from level one through level five, represents
success and accomplishments that will bring
the family from depending on supportive
services to self-reliance.
3
ACHIEVEability
HELPING HANDS:
PASSION AND
COMMITMENT:
OUR INDISPENSABLE
VO LU N T E E RS
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
A DV I S O RY CO M M I T T E E
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee
(NAC) is an elected group of ACHIEVEabilityarea residents who volunteer their time to
provide leadership and direction for our
Community Services Office. The 15 members,
who serve two-year terms, participate in
community meetings, town hall meetings,
and other activities.
The elected advisors, in addition to those
pictured below, are: Angela Allen, Geraldine
Brown, Bishop Christine Coleman-Crosby,
Michella Crosby, Denise Johnson-Quick,
L-r, Community Services
Associate Yolanda Mack,
Denise Green, Brenda Clark,
Kellita Buchanan, James Wright,
Ruth Bazemore and Community
Services Director
Kimberly Snowden.
Anthony Lee, Donna Ligon, Wanda Logan and
Qiana Walker. Denise Green, NAC co-chair
along with James Wright, was recognized
as the ACHIEVEability Individual Volunteer
of the Year for 2013-2014, and received
the award at the Volunteer Recognition
Reception on June 9.
Denise was responsible for
planning and coordinating
all aspects of the town hall
Denise Green
meetings. She has conducted outreach to
various entities on ACHIEVEability’s behalf as
well as volunteered on other subcommittee
groups—always lending a helping hand
during our targeted outreach activities with
community residents. Denise has also been
serving on the ACHIEVEability Board of
Directors as NAC representative.
Interested in serving on the Neighborhood
Advisory Committee? Elections for new
committee members will be held in October. For
more information, contact the ACHIEVEability
Community Services Office at 215-748-8838 or
community.community@achieveability.org
4
Volunteers—individuals, groups and a newly
established award winner—were honored at
our annual Volunteer Recognition Reception,
held at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House.
A special thanks to ACHIEVEability Board Member
and Del Frisco Regional Manager, Rich Furino, for
hosting the event.
Recognized for their efforts during the year:
PECO as the Volunteer Group of the Year—PECO is now in its fifth year of supporting
ACHIEVEability, from sponsoring our various fundraisers, to offering volunteer services and, more
recently, helping to provide leadership on our board. PECO has served as Food for Thought
Auction Technology Sponsor the past three years, and, since April 2013, has volunteered to
support Housing Makeover projects on multiple occasions, helping us prepare homes for three
families. Special thanks to Mary Walker, PECO manager of Talent Management & Acquisition, who
volunteers as a member of our Board of Directors. We would also like to thank PECO Corporate
Contributions Manager Tiffany Tavarez, for stepping up and leading an effort to enlist volunteers
and obtain in-kind donations.
Denise Green as Individual
Volunteer of the Year—Denise’s
award is spotlighted in “Passion and
Commitment” on this page.
Josh Young (center), first
Josh Young as the first recipient of
recipient of the Joey
the Joey Novielli Award—Joey Novielli Novielli Award, is flanked
by members of the Novielli
was a passionate and enthusiastic
family, l-r, Joey’s siblings,
individual, who, in a short period of
Mario Novielli and Monica
time, demonstrated his commitment Novielli, and parents, Karen
and Joseph Novielli.
to our mission by serving as
committee co-chair of the Young Friends of ACHIEVEability
PECO employees at one of the Housing Makeover
and volunteering as a Food for Thought committee
projects they supported during the past year. Front
member. To honor his memory, ACHIEVEability and the
row, l-r, Susan Ferry, Bryan Miller, Craig Sidebottom,
Peg Caparo and Bob Crognale. Back row, l-r, Frank
Novielli family created an annual award that recognizes
Gabrieli, Bill Sticker, Susan Kennedy, Bob Smith,
a young professional for his/her passion and exceptional
Len Sanelli, Pete Zenszer, Bob Zappolo and Bob
commitment to the ACHIEVEability mission. Josh Young,
Marland. In front is Emanuel Mosely, ACHIEVEability
maintenance technician. Not pictured are
the first recipient of the Award, worked closely with Joey
Bernadette Boyle and John Starcheski. Novielli on the Young Friends and Food for Thought
committees, in addition to volunteering during Vanguard Day of Caring and MLK Day of Service
projects, and led his own group volunteer project. This and his other activities
here clearly demonstrate Josh’s passion and commitment to our mission.
30% more volunteers in a year makes a major impact—During the
past fiscal year, 638 volunteers, one-third more than the prior year, provided
7,486 volunteer hours. It is estimated that the value of volunteer time in
Pennsylvania is $21.94/hour, which means that ACHIEVEability volunteers
provided more than $164,000 in service value! Thank you.
There were over a score of volunteer groups that supported ACHIEVEability during the last fiscal year,
including—Accenture, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Bank of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Neighborhood
Advisory Committee of ACHIEVEability, De Lage Landen, EY, Grant Thornton, Hamilton Lane, The Higgins
Family, Jones Lang LaSalle, LEADERSHIP Philadelphia, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Merck, Morgan Lewis,
PECO, Penn Medicine, Towers Watson, University of Pennsylvania Civic House, Urban Outfitters, Vanguard,
World Changers, and Young Friends of ACHIEVEability.
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
ACHIEVEability’s Susan
Patton (center), with PECO’s
Mary Walker (left) and
Tiffany Tavarez.
BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
K E L LY E WA L K E R
Kellye Walker joined the ACHIEVEability
Board of Directors in 2011 and serves
as a member of the board’s executive
committee and chair of the ACHIEVEability
Development Committee. She has been a
great advocate and an outstanding solicitor
for the agency, helping to secure significant
revenue via event sponsorships.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am married to my best friend and we
have three wonderful and very active
children (all in their teens) who keep
us busy. I am senior vice president and
general counsel at American Water with
the privilege of leading a 50-member legal
team across the country. American Water
is the largest investor-owned water and
waste water utility operator in the country.
Each day we treat and deliver more than
one billion gallons of water, providing safe
and reliable drinking water to more than 16
million Americans.
How did you first get involved with ACHIEVEability?
I have the privilege to work for a
company for which community service
is part of its corporate DNA. We believe
that part of providing service to these
customers includes being active in and
serving their broader communities. I was
approached by the former chair of the board
of ACHIEVEability, whom I knew very well.
Once I heard about the organization and its
mission, I was hooked.
What’s your personal philosophy on
what should be done about poverty
and homelessness?
I firmly believe that no one of us is greater
than the least of us. Therefore, I believe that
for our fellow citizens who find themselves
homeless or in a state of poverty, we all have
a responsibility to share what we have. My
commitment to ACHIEVEability is based on
the fact that its mission is steeped in the
tenants of self-reliance and self-sufficiency.
INDIVIDUAL DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
GARY JONAS JR.
Gary Jonas and How Properties have been
How did you first get involved with
an ACHIEVEability donor since 2010. He has
ACHIEVEability?
purchased sponsorships for both annual
A friend who worked for ACHIEVEability
fundraising events—Coaches’ Cup Golf Outing asked if I would give advice on some of its real
and Food for Thought—over the past four
estate development projects. When I saw the
years. This year he went above and beyond by unique things being done, I knew we had to
purchasing 25 general tickets and nine Young give whatever support we could.
Friends of ACHIEVEability tickets to Food
What’s your personal philosophy on
for Thought.
what should be done about poverty
Tell us a little about yourself.
and homelessness?
I am 43 years old. I have been married
I think as a society it is our duty to help
for 15 years to my wife, Sejal. We have two
those who truly have a need and want help.
young daughters, Maya (9) and Pyric (7). I am
one of four owners of How Properties, which
develops real estate in the city—taking vacant
land and old warehouses and converting
them to multi-family housing. We currently
own and manage over 500 units.
Gary Jonas with invited guests and members of the How
Properties Group at Food for Thought 2014.
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
Kellye Walker and two of her children, Mathew and Erica, at
ACHIEVEability’s Food for Thought.
To me there is no greater power for an
individual than the inner power that is
ignited by these things.
What impresses you most about
ACHIEVEability, and what do you wish
others knew about the agency?
The agency is built around a concept
that I adhere to in all walks of my life—as
a parent, as an executive, as a friend, as
a community leader: Give a man a fish
and he will eat for a day; teach a man to
fish and he will eat for a lifetime. I wish
that others understood and appreciated
that ACHIEVEability is built around this
philosophy, coupled with providing the
opportunity to realize the American dream
of homeownership. What a powerful
combination for our program participants!
What would you tell someone who is
thinking about donating or volunteering
at ACHIEVEability?
Support for ACHIEVEability is time and
money more than well spent.
Why are you supporting ACHIEVEability,
rather than other groups?
The organization has a clearly defined
goal. You help the people who want to help
themselves. I believe that simply giving things
to people does not work. They have to work
for it and want it. People are generally willing
to do this if someone takes the time to show
them how. While many organizations talk
about doing this ACHIEVEability actually does it!
What is your favorite memory from your
experiences with ACHIEVEability?
Being at the Von Louhr II rededication and
ribbon-cutting ceremony. As a real estate
developer, it’s great to see a building like that
brought back to its original glory. Its dual use as
a catalyst for the neighborhood as well as a place
where people in the ACHIEVEability program
could be proud to live in was real exciting.
What would you tell someone who is
thinking about supporting ACHIEVEability?
Do it now. You will not find a better place to
donate your money!
5
MEET BRIAN:
EV E N T S M A N AG E R A N D
V O L U N T E E R C O O R D I N AT O R
Creative! Eclectic! Enthusiastic! Passionate
about people, food, music, and the outdoors!
Those are just a few of the things to love
about Brian Hoskins, who celebrated his 11th
anniversary at ACHIEVEability this year.
The epitome of the “wearing many hats”
experience at growing nonprofits, Brian has
left his mark in just about all our departments,
including
finance and
administration,
fundraising, and
public relations.
Brian initiated
and facilitated
youth activities
—from guided
tours of the
Brian Hoskins
Philadelphia Museum of Art to teen retreats on
the Jersey Shore to college tours in Virginia and
Maryland. On the side, this avid photographer
took pictures of homes for our affordablehousing funding applications.
With the Self-Sufficiency Department, Brian
pioneered our ecological awareness activities in
partnership with the Riverbend Environmental
Center, introduced our urban youth to camping
in the woods and whitewater rafting, and
organized family trips from Colonial Williamsburg
in Virginia to Niagara Falls in Canada. As a SelfSufficiency coach, he helped parents pursue their
college degrees, develop life skills, and succeed.
Brian joined the development department
in 2011, and is now events manager and
volunteer coordinator. Here, he is just as happy
inviting Philadelphia’s top chefs to delight our
donors at our Food for Thought event as he is in
organizing volunteer groups to prepare homes
for new families seeking their fresh start in life.
He continues to convey his passion about our
mission by supporting our fundraising efforts
and coordinating our marketing and
public relations.
6
BOARD MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT:
Bill Stickney and wife, Theresa
Bill Stickney joined the ACHIEVEability Board of
Directors in 2007, and serves on the board’s
Development Committee. In addition to his
BILL STICKNEY
personal financial contributions to ACHIEVEability
families, he has secured numerous contributions via event sponsorships, as well as other donated
resources through his employment at Grant Thornton. He has consistently provided sound
leadership as co-chair of ACHIEVEability’s annual Coaches’ Cup Golf Outing fundraiser.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have an amazing wife, Theresa, and we have been blessed with four awesome kids, ages 9-16,
three boys and a girl. I have been working in public accounting for over 20 years and I am a tax partner
in the Philadelphia office of Grant Thornton, LLP, specializing in providing corporate tax services to
middle market companies. I am also a lifelong New York Mets baseball fan and an avid runner.
What’s your personal philosophy on what should be done about poverty and homelessness?
I am a huge believer in the power of education to transform people’s lives. While poverty and
homelessness are big, multi-faceted issues with no single, easy solution, I think that education is
an important part of the answer because it empowers individuals.
Tell us a little about your company and how it allows you to support ACHIEVEability?
Grant Thornton is one of the largest public accounting firms in the world. Part of our mission
is about “making a difference” to our clients, our colleagues, and our communities. The firm
takes seriously “making a difference in our communities.” In addition to providing financial
support to numerous charities, Grant Thornton also encourages its employees to give time and
get involved, designating several days throughout the year as community service days where
people are able to participate in charitable projects.
What’s it like to be on the ACHIEVEability Board of Directors, and why are you supporting
ACHIEVEability, rather than other groups working on these issues?
Being on the board has been a fantastic experience. There is no end to the passion and
enthusiasm displayed by the board and staff for making a difference in the lives of our
participants. I have chosen to support ACHIEVEability because of a personal connection to the
educational focus of the program, and because it is making a positive impact in a community
located very close to where I live.
What would you tell someone thinking about donating or volunteering at ACHIEVEability?
I would say that if you are looking to invest your time or money in an organization that is
truly making a difference in our community on a daily basis, ACHIEVEability is the place.
FOUNDATION DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
VA N A M E R I N G E N
ACHIEVEability has received a two-year grant from van Ameringen Foundation, Inc., which funds
prevention, education, and direct care in the mental-health field. Its emphasis is on those individuals
and populations having an impoverished background and few opportunities, for whom appropriate
intervention would produce positive change.
The award has special meaning to us, beyond the resources it provides to carry out our mission locally—
special because it reflects a substantial increase over the previous funding provided by the van Ameringen
Foundation. It followed a visit to our offices and community by the Foundation’s president and treasurer,
Kenneth A. Kind, and its executive director, Eleanor Sypher. They saw firsthand—and learned from our
program staff and members of a participating family—the full impact that increased funding could
provide for use for behavioral health services and CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy)-themed staff training.
“There is nothing more confirming,” said Susan Patton, ACHIEVEability CEO, “than having a funder,
especially a respected one like van Ameringen Foundation, renew funding. It is testimony to our mission,
and recognizes that almost half of our participants experience depression.”
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 2015
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
FOOD FOR THOUGHT 2014
WAS A ‘GREAT SUCCESS’:
$2 70,0 0 0 R A I S E D TO B R E A K
T H E G E N E R AT I O N A L C Y C L E O F P O V E R T Y
Food for Thought 2014, with Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank, was a great success, thanks to the
tremendous support of our sponsors, guests, committee members, donors, featured chefs and
restaurants, board members, staff, and volunteers who came to this event hosted by Urban Outfitters,
March 22, at The Navy Yard. The event raised nearly $270,000 in gross revenue for the families and the
West Philadelphia community served by ACHIEVEability.
Chefs/Restaurants & Vendors
Joey Baldino / Zeppoli
Phoebe Esmon / Emmanuelle
Nathan Johnson / Garces Trading Company
Steve Linneman / Shop 543
Jeremy Nolen / Brauhaus Schmitz
Fred Ortega & Chip Roman / Tradestone Confections
Keith Rudolf / Terrain Garden Cafe
Lance Silverman / Sabrina’s Cafe
David Simms / Eatible Delights Catering
Brad Spence / Pizzeria Vetri
Justin Swain / REX 1516
David Walti / Harvest Seasonal Grill
Karen Weinstein / Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
Peter Woolsey & Kenneth Bush / Bistrot La Minette
Shake Shack
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House
featured restaurant in the VIP Lounge
La Colombe Torrefaction
served unique farm-direct specialty coffees
Little Baby’s Ice Cream
delighted us with unique favored ice creams
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
provided handcrafted and award-winning vodkas
Weyerbacher Brewing Company
featured beer vendor serving a selection of craft beers
Yards Brewing Company
featured beer vendor serving a selection of craft beers
All food was sustainably served
on VerTerra Dinnerware.
Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank’s Community Development
Banking Vice President Kaf Lindsay (second from right ), with bank
employees and guests at Food for Thought 2014. At far right,
Jamila Harris-Morrison, ACHIEVEability’s FSSP director.
Sponsors Presenting Sponsor
PNC Bank
Diamond Sponsor
Urban Outfitters
More than 500 guests were tantalized by
Auction Technology Sponsor
flavors such as those of pizza al taglio (with
PECO
asparagus, mint and ricotta), crispy pork belly
Platinum Sponsors
(with pickled burdock and apple), ahi tuna
Jes
& Mary Ann Lawson
bruschetta (with avocado, grapefruit and microLittler
cilantro sesame lime crème), artisan chocolates
and ice cream, and the best crab cakes in town—as
Gold Sponsors
they learned more about ACHIEVEability programs,
Higgins Group, Inc
families, and our impact in the community.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Proceeds from the event will support our work
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
in breaking the generational cycle of poverty, such
Silver Sponsors
as for the families of our 19 most recent college
CANDOR
Consulting
graduates, who were recognized at this year’s event.
Cullen & Dykman, LLP
Food for Thought is a premier Philadelphia
Omni Hotel at Independence Park
event, attracting many individuals and
Robert & Norma Strouse
companies committed to helping support
Kellye Walker & Werten Bellamy
stronger families and communities in the
Wells Fargo
Philadelphia area. ACHIEVEability is truly grateful
Sheryl Williams
to have the support of our committed event
Bronze Sponsors
Friends Sponsors
sponsors and attendees.
Dilworth Paxson, LLP
Community College of
In attendance was PNC Community
EY
Philadelphia
Development Banking Vice President Kafi
Tom Flippen & Candace
KP Interface, Inc
Lindsay, who said that their organization is a
Steele-Flippen
Tom & Nancy Patton
proud supporter of Food for Thought 2014.
Grant Thornton
The Sarian Group at
Johnson Kendall
HighTower
“Together, we can empower families to achieve
Superior
Benefit Plans, LLC
&
Johnson
self-sufficiency.” Other guests at this year’s event
Pepper
Hamilton,
LLP
W.
Cosmetic
Surgery
included Pennsylvania State Treasurer and former
Susan
Patton
ACHIEVEability board member Rob McCord,
Reed Smith
Philadelphia Managing Director and Deputy
Syncro Technology
Mayor Richard Negrin, Philadelphia First Deputy
Corp
City Controller Bill Rubin and Pennsylvania State
Representative Ronald Waters. In addition, newly
crowned Miss Philadelphia Diamond Edmonds was
in attendance for her first major public appearance.
In addition to savoring the amazing food, guests of
Food for Thought were entertained by bidding on
an assortment of unique auction items, enjoying the
live music provided by EBE, and participating in fun
games, including the Wine and Beer Toss game and
the popular Facebooth Photo.
The Garces Group was represented by, l-r, Andrew Sabin,
JG Domestic; Nathan Johnson, Garces Trading Company;
and Ben Dela Pena, Volver.
ACHIEVEability Newsletter
SUMMER - FALL 2014
E D U C A T I O N . H O U S I N G . S E L F - S U F F I C I E N C Y.
7
SPECIAL THANKS TO OHCD
FOR THEIR FINANCIAL
SUPPORT OF THIS
NEWSLETTER. UPCOMING EVENTS
ACHIEVEability
ACHIEVEability-West Philly Golf Classic - October 4, 2014
Join us for the ACHIEVEability – West Philly Golf Classic-Saturday, October 4, at Cobbs
Creek Golf Club, 7400 Lansdowne Avenue – a day of fun and friendship on the fairway in
support of families in our program and residents of the West Philadelphia community.
Thanksgiving Dinner Drive - October 2014 & November 2014
Help ACHIEVEability parents and West Philadelphia residents by providing complete
Thanksgiving dinners, including the turkey and all the fixin’s.
Giving Tuesday - December 2, 2014
Please consider participating in our second annual Giving Tuesday celebration by
supporting our organization during the week of December 1.
Holiday Gift Drive - November 2014 & December 2014
Help our families have the best holiday season possible! You can offer your support
by fulfilling the wishes of a child by buying gifts from his or her wish list.
Tax Preparation - January 2015 to April 2015
Please consider volunteering your time to help the ACHIEVEability Community
Services Office provide free tax preparation services. Training will be provided.
Food for Thought - Saturday, April 18, 2015
Join us for our signature event, Food for Thought—featuring top chefs and
restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia area. An event you do not want to miss!
WAYS TO GIVE
Your gifts allow us to maintain vital support for
our families and our local community. Any size
donation is appreciated and will have an immediate
impact on the quality and the outcome of our
services. There are many ways to give:
• Make a donation online at www.achieveability.
org or give through the United Way of Greater
Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey by
selecting ACHIEVEability donor choice
number #3756.
• Become a sponsor for 2015 Food For Thought.
• Host a house party fundraiser.
• Consider having friends donate in lieu of gifts
for your next birthday or milestone event.
• Give a memorial or honorary gift.
• Have your company match your gift.
• Get into the spirit with a donation during
#GivingTuesdayPHL on December 2, 2014.
• Provide services as a volunteer.
• Help to coordinate or support a donation drive.
Need more information about events or programs in
this issue? Looking for details on donations or volunteer
opportunities? Answers are as easy as a click: www.
achieveability.org; and email: development@achieveability.
org; or a phone call: 215-748-8809.
35 N. 60th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SOUTHEASTERN, PA
PERMIT NO. 50
CALLING ALL GOLFERS!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING
OUR MISSION!
No, we’re not guaranteeing you a hole in one,
but the ACHIEVEability–West Philly Golf Classic—
Saturday, October 4, at Cobbs Creek Golf Club—is
an event you won’t
want to miss. We
know that a day of
golf is a great day, but
on October 4, it will
be even greater as
your participation
means much-needed
financial support for families in our program and
residents of the West Philadelphia Community.
Included is a golf tournament and lunch,
silent auction, on-course games, and an awards
presentation. This year’s event features special rates
for area residents and promises to be a festive day
for golfers of all abilities. All proceeds go directly
toward our robust programming designed to help
low-income, single-parent, or formerly homeless
families break the generational cycle of poverty.
Don’t miss out on this special ACHIEVEability
outing; arrange a foursome or play as a single
golfer, and sign up now to join us
on October 4.
The ACHIEVEability Board of Directors, staff and
our families say thank you to all of the foundations,
corporations, government agencies, and individual
donors for supporting our mission through your
gifts of money, time, and energy.
Your donations have helped our families
maintain stable housing, pursue higher education,
and continue their progress towards self-sufficiency.
Your contributions are also helping us build
essential outreach initiatives for the underserved
members of our local community.
None of the work we do would be possible
without your support!