What's Happening at Project Access

Project Access: State of the Organization

Dear Project Access Supporter, 

We want to take a few moments to share the exciting accomplishments that Project Access achieved in 2011 and to provide you with an overall “State of the Organization” as we embark on what is sure to be an interesting year ahead. 

Statewide Operations
In July we moved our corporate office to 3900 Birch Street, Suite 113 Newport Beach, CA 92660.

We continued successful operations in 33 Family and 4 Senior Resource Centers throughout California in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and Ventura. 

We currently partner with 15 developers to provide programs and services to our residents including  Affordable Housing Access, AIMCO, BCC Corporation, Bridge Housing (non-profit), Chelwood Partners, Eden Housing (non-profit), KDF Communities, Mary Erickson Community, Oakland Housing Authority, John Stewart Company, Vitus Advisors, Related of California, CORE, RHC Communities and Steadfast Communities.

Here are some of the 2011 highlights on the impact we are making in the lives of low-income children, families, and seniors:
10,280 low-income residents throughout California have utilized services and programs provided by Project Access

Health:

• 1,655 residents were able to attend a 2011 Project Access Health Fair to learn more about health resources in their communities, get various health screenings, sign up for health insurance when eligible, and take advantage of other health-related information being distributed

• 99% of respondents report that they felt better connected with their community due to attending the Project Access Health Fair

• 99% of residents note they are “much more aware of local resources in their communities”

• 2,426 youth received healthy snacks, and, in total, 83,068 individual snacks, breakfast meals, or lunches have been distributed

 Education for Youth:

• 2,033 youth participated in the Project Access After-School Tutoring program

•  Of the participants in the Project Access After-School Tutoring, 70% of youth improved in their reading grades and 67% improved their math grades

• 57% of youth improved in their Study Habits

• 62% of youth improved in their Problem Solving skills

• 61% of youth improved in their Communication skills

• 39% of youth had improved Self-Esteem

• 39% of youth improved in their Task Persistence

• The Fourth  Annual Teen Conference was held for 53 youth at Fullerton Community College and included college awareness exposure and discussion, financial aid and related workshops, and other topics relevant to the challenges teens face

• Project Access awarded scholarships to 6 deserving youth and adults to attend college and further their education

 Technology:

•  2,978 residents utilized the Project Access computer labs and/or participated in computer classes

 Independent Living for Seniors:

• 405 seniors participated in senior socialization and transportation access

 Capacity Building for Adults:

•  2,664 individuals were involved in capacity building for adults initiative; employment readiness and job search assistance, financial literacy, parenting education, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

• 310 clients attended English as a Second Language Classes

• 98% of residents indicate that ESL classes improved their ability to speak English

• 96% of residents indicate that ESL classes improved their ability to write English

• 1,212 residents participated in the 2010 Project Access Resource Fair which provided access to financial and employment resources and providers onsite.

Staff

Project Access has worked hard to develop and retain our fantastic staff members.  We currently have 27 full-time and 17 part-time employees. 

Volunteers

Project Access truly appreciates the support of our volunteers.  Their time and dedication to our residents complements the work we are doing.  Last year, we placed 106 individual volunteers statewide whose contribution is valued at $89,882. 

AmeriCorps

Project Access partners with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) a national program sponsor for AmeriCorps in the Bay Area. Both LISC and AmeriCorps are national organizations that are recognized all over the US. Their objectives are to provide local, community-based organizations the opportunity to implement projects which they could not otherwise do without the AmeriCorps member; and give individuals committed to revitalizing low-income communities the opportunity to learn and develop skills in the field of community development.   

Paid Interns and Titan Tutors

Project Access partners with the Center for Internships and Community Engagement at California State University, Fullerton for paid interns.  We placed 20 students to support our programs at our Family Resource Centers in Southern California.

Service Partners

Our service partners are an integral part of the needed services that we offer to our residents and we truly appreciate the more than 161 service providers we partnered with in 2011, allowing us to provide services and programs such as mobile health clinics, Second Harvest Foodbank, Campfire USA, LISC Bay Area, one-on-one tutoring, parenting education classes, arts and crafts for seniors, and much more. 

Fundraising

As you know, Project Access works with affordable housing developers/owners in a fee-for-service relationship to bring free services to our residents.  Project Access leverages the owners’ financial commitment and in-kind donation of space by bringing in additional resources through fundraising and by obtaining in-kind donations for the Resource Centers.  Here are some highlights of our 2011 fundraising efforts:

2011 was a challenging fundraising year; we managed to refocus the organization and ended in a net positive position. We exceeded our goal to end the year with a balanced budget and restored cash reserves.                                               

• We raised over $560,000 through our various fundraising efforts

• Campaigns and Individual Giving raised over $24,000

• Direct Corporations contributed over $45,000

• We received $209,000 in non-government grants

• The 1st Annual Golf Tournament raised over $110,000

• The 6th Annual Keys to Success Awards Dinner raised nearly $150,000

• More than 1000 toys donated by Toys for Tots were distributed to our youth residents this holiday season

As you can see, 2011 was a truly exciting year for Project Access, and we could not have done it without your support and dedication.  Thank you for helping Project Access creates opportunities that change the lives of our residents.

2012 is sure to be a challenging year, especially for our residents, who are living on the edge of poverty.  Without a paycheck, they are often one month away from losing the roof over their heads.  Today, their situation is even more dire as our residents are feeling the tremendous impact of the current economic crisis.  Our goal is to keep families employed, children in school and seniors active.   

In 2012, Project Access will continue to strive to be a lifeline for working families and seniors in this critical time of need.   

Sincerely,

Kristin Byrnes

CEO & President