Mt. Level Commuity Haven

Transcription

1 Mt. Level Commuity Haven Community Outreach Partners Delivering Goods Seeking Neighborhood Well Being + Annual Report 2016

2 A Haven For Our Community The sentiment that permeates the Mount Level Family is depicted no better than by the picture that comes into view when one turns the corner at Denfield Street and Hebron Road. It is the angel, which can be seen in the stained window, spreading wings over our neighborhood. Historically, the community in which the church is located is known as Millgrove. However, in recent years, several other contiguous housing developments have been built, thereby enlarging our community. This is a welcome sign of growth and an opportunity for our conviction is that we sit on this corner for nothing but occupying space. It takes no more than casual observation to notice that there is little in our midst than housing. At the end of Hebron Road there is a school, but there is nothing else for the development of our youth. There are no facilities for recreation, nothing for nurture and uplift, no parks, no meeting places, and nothing to bless the elderly, nothing to bond people to the community. The question to be asked is, whose responsibility is it, or who should feel the burden? Our Non-profit and Community Haven provide a tangible means by which to communicate that we are good neighbors who are not satisfied to simply sit on the corner and occupy space. If we want to see a community that flourishes, an investment, and a sacrifice must be made. Most of our members are products of communities where the church was a place where all could find hospitality. The issue was not so much whether one had formal membership, but whether there was to be found support in times of need, someone to speak on behalf of the people, and advance human concerns. Accordingly, we extend a hearty welcome to all who will join us. But that is not the precondition for the disposition that motivates us. Rather, we desire to give what was given to us and to live for more than selfish ends. Our attitude is that we cherish our neighbors as those whom God has sent into this section of Durham. Dr. William C. Turner Pastor, Mt. Level Missionary Baptist Church 2

3 The Mount Level Community Haven ( the MLCH or the Haven ) was created in 2013 by the Pastor and other leaders of the Mount Level Missionary Baptist Church (MLMBC). Our mission is to support and expand efforts to improve the health, wellness, educational attainment and spiritual growth opportunities for youth, adults, and families of Durham County. Although the MLMBC has contributed essential initial support, the Haven is federally chartered as a non-profit (501(c)3 organization. This organizational structure enables the Haven to garner resources and undertake projects aligned with its mission. As such, the Haven is important to MLMBC s Vision 150 capacity for greater service to those in need. In its varied community outreach projects, the MLCH often works with the MLMBC and/or other partners to deliver important goods and services for the well-being of our neighbors in northern Durham and beyond. Thus, the MLCH is pleased to present this first Annual Report, which summarizes the Haven s work in MLCH helped provide nutritious food for our neighbors here in Durham through the Community Garden as well as through links between the Two Fish - Five Loaves Food Pantry and the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. The Haven provided training for Oxford Manor families to prevent alcohol abuse, and MLCH helped MLMBC provide clean water for our neighbors in Flint, Michigan. The Haven continues to develop other programs and activities to positively impact the communities we serve. This Annual Report also shares a few of the organizational development activities in 2016 that we believe will allow the Haven to continually improve its effectiveness. Through the hard work and steadfast commitment of the outstanding volunteers who comprise the MLCH Board of Directors as well as many others from MLMBC and the wider local communities, many youth, adults and families were served in 2016, and the Haven aspires to greater service in We hope that this Annual Report will be informative and inspirational, and we refer you to our website mlch.org for more details. Finally, we invite you to contact the Mt Level Community Haven (mtlevelcommunityhaven@gmail.com or ) to join in ideas and actions for greater service to humanity. Sincerely, Lucy J. Reuben, PhD Chair, MLCH Board of Directors 3

4 2016 Board of Directors David Anderson Rosa Anderson Johnny Bethea Plummer Dilahunt Ruebe Holmes Robert Jones Camilia McGirt Angela Miles Lawrence Morrison Kamala Prince Lucy Reuben Dewey Williams 4

5 : The Board of Directors of the Mt Level Community Haven is comprised of volunteers who meet monthly as Board members. In addition, all Board members are assigned to one or more Committees, which provide reports of their activities at the monthly Board meetings. In 2016, the MLCH Board adhered to the following requirements of the MLCH Bylaws: 1. At least two (2) members shall collectively come from a background in education or an education related field. 2. Three (3) members shall collectively come by recommendation of Mt. Level Baptist Church Executive Team, confirmed at Conference. 3. At least two (2) members shall be a young adult; between the ages of At least two (2) members shall have a financial and/or business background: training, experience or education. 5. At least one (1) member shall be a resident of the surrounding community. Moreover, it is the policy of the Haven to request a donation from each member of the Board of Directors. More information about the Board of Directors may be found on the Haven s website: mlch.org. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or one of the Haven Committees, please send a statement of interest along with your current vita to mtlevelcommunityhaven@gmail.com. 5

6 Donec ultricies congue nulla. Nulla rhoncus tortor eu risus. Praesent viverra, libero a aliquam pharetra, lacus urna faucibus dui, at vulputate ante augue sit amet justo. Nulla leo est, suscipit in, laoreet accumsan, pulvinar et, massa. Ut interdum orci sed nibh. Fusce quis purus. Quisque cursus nonummy metus. Quisque Mt Level Community Haven (MLCH) mission is to improve the health, wellness, educational attainment/opportunities and spiritual growth of youth, adults and families of Durham County North Carolina. Our programs will improve the quality of life for community members and make them more invested in their sense of self-sufficiency and contribution to the community. MLCH will carry out its mission by providing regular weekly recreational and cultural activities, health education and services, life skills, GED (General Educational Development) and ESL (English as Second Language) classes, as well as access to nutritional foods. Mt. Level Community Haven will provide a number of programs for adults, youth and seniors. These programs include Adult Education and Life Skills, the Family and Neighborhood Program, Health, Recreation and Nutrition, the Elderly and Disabled Program, Information Technology and Mentorship. These programs each incorporate a number of activities that strive to tap into the abundant resources available and cater uniquely to the four core values of heart, mind, body and soul. In carrying out its mission, Mt Level Community Haven will engage in the following activities: 6

7 + Activities: Community Garden The Mt. Level Community Garden benefitted from the Clean-up Day on October 22, Board officers, Ruebe Holmes and Robert Jones organized several volunteers for the important work of weeding, tilling and preparing the garden grounds for continued productivity. The Mt Level Community Garden continues to provide food for the Food Pantry as well as for families and individuals, with special outreach to seniors. The work of the Community Garden provides good nutrition and exercise for all involved. Health Programs Through annual Health Fairs Mt Level Community Haven will provide or offer through collaborative efforts many preventive and diagnostic health services. Programming will help eliminate health disparities. These will include physical, mental, spiritual and health education, blood-work evaluations education, the acquisition of basic/personal supplies, flu shots clinics, blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, etc. Through on site assessment recommendations and assistance, we guide adults and youth through the process of referral, appointment and treatment. Youth Programs Mt Level Community Haven will provide youth with educational, ceramic, dance and arts programs. Youth programming will also consist of athletic activities, homework assistance, summer employment opportunities and leadership development programs. MLCH s youth program strives to give youth a wider range of career option by offering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enrichment programming. Youth will have an opportunity, through STEM to learn of careers, participate in experiments, robotics and interact with professionals 7

8 + Activities: Adult Education and Life Skills Adult education and life skills will assist adults in building strong parenting skills, expand their vocational abilities and provide them with positive community and cultural activities. Adults will understand the basis of money management (checkbook balancing, budgeting and saving); how to plan for, purchase and prepare costeffective and nutritious groceries. Those adults without a high school diploma or limited English proficiency will be enrolled in an on-site GED and/or ESL class. Family and Neighborhood Program Mt Level Community Haven will meet the basic needs of as many citizens as possible. We will provide a number of that includes food, clothing and shelter to individuals in need. A food pantry program will allow individuals and families to utilize vouchers to purchase nonperishable food items. Additionally, clothing will be donated, cleaned and organized in preparation for individual ownership. This Family and Neighborhood Program will also provide referrals to community programs that provide such services as temporary shelter, and treatment for individuals with mental health or substance abuse problems. Recreational and Nutrition Programs Healthy eating habits of both youth and adults are promoted through access to nutritional foods provided by our food pantry and/or community garden. Education includes healthy preparation, portion controls, importance of food groups, weigh lost and maintenance, etc. We rely on research-based and best practice curriculum/resources. Maintaining one s health is dependent on proper exercise. Organized sports and physical activities are a major service of MLCH. We provide age appropriate opportunities and services for youth, adults and seniors growth and development. They address the various recreational/sports activities such as basketball, bicycling, walking, aerobics and Tai Chi. 8

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11 2016 Financial Report Revenue Expenses Donations Staffing Food Pantry Events Grant Income Supplies Interest Earned 1.23 Mission Support Operational Expenses Software Expenses Total Revenue $12, Total Expenses $10, Surplus $

12 Mt. Level Community Haven Community Partners + Mount Level Community Haven 316 Hebron Road Durham, North Carolina, Website: mlch.org Phone: (919) xxx-xxxx