Ark Community Resource and Assistance Center

16 Pages·2017·0.2 MB·English

Ark Community Resource and Assistance Center
General Information
Contact Information
Nonprofit Ark Community Resource and Assistance Center
Address 710 Hwy 70
Pegram, TN 37143
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web Site Web Site
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Email [email protected]
At A Glance
Year of Incorporation 2002
The Ark
Noah's Closet
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Mission & Impact
Statements
Mission
The mission of The Ark is to HELP FAMILIES STAY AFLOAT. We serve the residents of South Cheatham
County by bringing together community resources to provide physical, spiritual, material and referral services to
those in need. Our vision is for families and individuals to develop the inner strength and support to deal with
life's challenges and opportunities. Our vision also is to create rewarding service opportunities for persons in our
community.
Background
The idea for The Ark originated out of Missions Committee meetings at Kingston Springs United Methodist
Church. The committee began to recognize the need for formal social services in southern Cheatham County
in light of God's command to love our neighbor. This recognition spurred us to take action, and the Ark was
created in the summer of 2001.The Ark began taking on an ecumenical and communal flavor as churches and
individuals in the area embraced the idea and began assisting with fundraising, renovation, and referrals. In
July 2002, The Ark incorporated as a separate nonprofit entity called The Ark Community Resource and
Assistance Center, Inc., and received official IRS nonprofit status in April of 2003. In January of 2004, the Ark
was awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to assist with implementing a national program
called Faith in Action. Lori Clayton was hired as the first director of The Ark using funds provided by the Faith in
Action grant. In September 2005 Lori Clayton resigned, and Missy Bolt became the new director of The Ark. Ms.
Bolt served as director until August 2013.In 2006, in collaboration with Mid-Cumberland Human Resource
Agency and with the use of a newly built kitchen at the Pegram United Methodist Church, the South Cheatham
Meals on Wheels program began by serving 17 homebound seniors and now serves 30. 2010 brought the May
floods in middle Tennessee. The Ark took on a new role in the community, the role of assisting flood survivors.
The Ark was instrumental in forming and acting as case managers for the Cheatham County Long Term
Recovery Organization committed to assisting those in need in recovering from the May 2010 Floods. On
August 9th, 2011, The Ark moved into a new home at 710 Hwy 70 in Pegram. This gave us a larger food pantry
space, and room for a thrift store. In mid-2012, The Ark was awarded a $100,000 grant from The Kharis
Foundation, which allowed us to purchase the building we were renting. The Ark's programs include:
Emergency Utility Assistance, Meals on Wheels Senior Dining, Weekly Food Pantry, Clothing & Household
Giveaways, South Cheatham Angel Tree, Disaster Relief Assistance, Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway,
Disaster Relief Recovery Services, Information and Referral Services, Summer Backpack Program, and the
School Supply Giveaway program. The Ark is constantly collaborating with our neighbors, local businesses,
schools, churches and civic organizations to meet as many needs as our resources will allow.
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Impact
2017/2018 Accomplishments 1.Engineering plans were drawn up and approved by the city
and TDOT for a new parking lot and exit onto Highway 70. Secured the funding from The Community
Foundation to do this work that was begun and completed in January 2017. We were also able to make all
entrances into the building handicap accessible. 2.With the new addition we revamped our food pantry
program in 2017. Now when a family comes to food pantry they can “Open Shop”. This means they can pick out
the kind of cereal they want, the kind of vegetables, soup, etc. Before we had the addition we did not have the
room to do this. We would just give families pre-packed boxes. We have had a very positive response from our
clients with the open shopping program.3.. Installed a dumbwaiter in building in 2017 with a grant from an
anonymous foundation in Nashville. We store lots of heavy things like extra food and thrift store donations
upstairs. The dumbwaiter has made a HUGE difference in our ability to function and utilize the upstairs storage.
4. Started a senior day at our thrift store, Noah's Closet, each Friday. All clothing is half price for seniors (60 and
up) on Fridays. This has been a real blessing to seniors in our community. 5. In June 2018, The Ark partnered
with The Nashville Food Project to provide food for our Wheels program. (The Ark has funded this program for
several years through Mid-Cumberland, but we are no longer partnering with mid-Cumberland for our MOW
program.) Ark volunteers deliver 5 meals a week to 45 seniors in south Cheatham County. Our clients love the
food from The Nashville Food Project, so much that we added 20 people to the program in 2 weeks. The Ark
picks up the food from TNFP and brings it back to Pegram where our site manager portions it out. Then
volunteers pick up the food and deliver it to the MOW clients. We are very excited about our revamped MOW
program. MOW volunteers are also able to deliver food from The Ark food pantry to the MOW clients who need
additional food. 2018 Goals 1.To expand our Home Repair Program for seniors. We are becoming
aware of many more seniors who need assistance with home repair and home decluttering and cleaning. One of
our largest group of clients now are seniors on a fixed income, especially men and women who have lost a
spouse and no longer have 2 social security checks coming in. They literally have no money for home repairs.
This program is in its beginning stages but we will be offering small home repairs and maintenance services to
low income seniors. We will be partner with Westminister Home Connect to provide handicap ramps and
accessibility improvements to seniors so that they can stay in their homes longer. We have several goals
associated with this program. a. To secure sufficient funding for the program. b. To encourage churches and
organizations to partner with us to provide volunteer labor for this program.2. To expand our parking lot. We do
not have enough parking. It is the number one complaint from customers, volunteers, and clients. 3. To come up
with effective fundraisers.
Needs
1.We need more parking. There is space for more parking behind the building if we remove part of the side of a
hill. 2. We have reduced the cost per person for homebound seniors since partnering with The Nashville Food
Project. But, the number of people who want to be on Meals on Wheels has increased from 23 to 45 in less than
a month because the quality of the food is so good now. Even though the cost per person has gone down, we
have twice as many people on the program now. We project that our yearly cost to fund the program at 45
seniors is going to be approximately $55,000. We are going to need to find creative ways to fundraise for this
program that will not wear everyone out. 3. More space. I don't know where we would find it. But we need more
space.
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Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer
Other Ways to Donate Mailing us a check to is a great way to donate. We will mail you end of year giving
statements for your taxes. Also, donating gently used clothing and household goods to our thrift store Noah's
Closet, is a wonderful way to donate and provide low cost items for our community. Also, we rely heavily on
food donations for The Ark Community Food Pantry. We are open from 10 -4 Monday through Saturday, and
donations may be dropped off anytime we are open. Food Pantry Volunteer Responsibilities include stocking,
organization, basic record keeping and distribution of food. Time commitment 1 Tuesday per month
approximately 5pm-6:00pm for food distribution.One to two hours per week for weighing in and stocking food.
Help Pick up food from Second Harvest If you are strong and have a large vehicle, we need help a couple of
times a month picking up our Second Harvest order. Approximately a three hour commitment. Noah's Closet
Volunteer One day a week for minimum of 2 hour shift. Hours are 10 to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday.Special
Events Coordinator Responsibilities include overseeing special projects such as food drives, Thanksgiving box
give-away, angel tree program, etc. Time commitment flexible based on event. MOW DriverResponsibilities
include pick-up of meals from Pegram United Methodist Church and delivery of those meals to recipients in
Pegram and Kingston Springs.Time commitment 1 day per month (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) approximately
11am-1pm
Service Categories
Primary Organization Category
Human Services / Emergency Assistance (Food, Clothing, Cash)
Secondary Organization Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition / Meals on Wheels
Tertiary Organization Category
Human Services / Thrift Shops
Areas of Service
Areas Served
TN - Cheatham
The Ark serves the residents of south Cheatham County, specifically those who live in the Pegram (37143) and
Kingston Springs (37082) area.
CEO Statement
The Ark is the only human services agency in south Cheatham County, and we have the only food
pantry. Food pantry is weekly and there is no income requirement. Anyone living in south Cheatham County can
receive food from The Ark Community Food Pantry.We know our clients personally, and staff and volunteers
meet with them to assist them with whatever needs they have. If a need is outside of our scope, we try to refer
them to agencies that can provide them with needed services. Our county seat in Ashland City provides some
services, but it is 25 miles away and the road is not an easy drive. Our clients cannot afford to drive the distance
to access services in Ashland City on a regular basis. Also, these services are very limited.We work closely with
the churches and with the schools to help people in need in our community. We provide the case management
needed so that services are not duplicated, and so that limited resources can be best utilized. Through Noah's
Closet we serve the community at large by providing low cost, high quality clothing and household goods.
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Programs
Programs
Food Pantry/Clothing, Housewares and Furniture
Description The food pantry is open to residents of South Cheatham in need of food
every Tuesday from 12 noon to 6 pm (closed on 5th Tuesdays). Families
can visit the food pantry twice monthly to receive food items and toiletries.
Donated clothing and household items are available to needy residents in
southern Cheatham County. The majority of the food we distribute comes
from actual food donated by our community and by stores such as Publix,
Costco, and Panera. However, we still need to purchase food a significant
amount of food to supplement the donations we receive.
Budget 15000
Category Food, Agriculture & Nutrition, General/Other Food Distribution
Population Served Families, ,
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Meals on Wheels and Senior Lunch and Bingo
Description The Ark is partnering with The Nashville Food Project to provide food for
45 homebound seniors (as of June 2018). Volunteers for The Ark deliver 3
times a week. On Monday and Wednesday clients receive one hot meal
and one cold meal for the following day. On Friday they receive one hot
meal. The Ark picks up food from The Nashville Food Project 3 times a
week. We have a nutrition site in Pegram where the food is portioned out
and picked up by volunteers to be delivered. On Wednesday, seniors who
are not homebound come to the Pegram United Methodist Church where
the Meals on Wheels nutrition site is, for lunch and bingo. Volunteers who
deliver meals also deliver additional food from The Ark food pantry to
those seniors who need more than just lunch 5 times a week. The Ark
also helps many of our MOW clients with home repairs and cleaning
projects.
Budget 55,000
Category Food, Agriculture & Nutrition, General/Other Meal Distribution
Population Served Aging, Elderly, Senior Citizens, Elderly and/or Disabled,
Short Term Success The Meals on Wheels program helps the children of the homebound
seniors as well. We hear it over and over from homebound seniors and
their children that this program is a Godsend. A huge burden in taken off
of children and spouses who are taking care of a loved one who cannot
take care of themselves. The food we are providing is healthy and
delicious and consists of fresh fruits, vegetables all made from scratch.
100% of the homebound seniors on The Ark's Meals on Wheels program
are eating a healthy meal at least 5 times a week.
Long term Success This program allows seniors to stay in their homes longer and not have to
go into institutional care. The meal as well as the friendly visits 3 times a
week helps them eat better and feel better, as well as stay connected to
people outside their home.
Program Success Monitored By One monitor of the success of The Ark's MOW program is being able to
serve all the seniors who want MOW without having a waiting list. It is free
for seniors to receive MOW. Our goal is to not have a waiting list.
Examples of Program Success It has been almost a month since we revamped our meals on wheels
program by partnering with The Nashville Food Project. In this time period
the number of people who are receiving MOW has almost doubled, from
23 to 45 people. Everyone who is receiving food desperately needs this
program. Previously, the food was not good, and most of it was not getting
eaten. Now the food is delicious, and it is also nutritious, and everyone is
very happy.
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School Supply Giveaway Program
Description The School Supply Giveaway program was started in 2014. All necessary
school supplies including a backpack are provided to children and youth
through middle school. Being prepared to learn requires having the
necessary tools to learn. We provided supplies to all who applied to this
program. In 2017 we added another part to this program. We provided a
new back to school outfit and new tennis shoes to students that were the
most in need.
Budget 10,000
Category Youth Development, General/Other Youth Development, General/Other
Population Served Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), Poor,Economically
Disadvantaged,Indigent,
Utility Assistance
Description Emergency assistance is available to help with electricity, gas,and water
bills for a maximum of $300 for the first request. Residents must wait for 6
months to request assistance for a second time, and may be eligible to
receive max $150 at that time.
Budget 24000
Category Human Services, General/Other Emergency Assistance
Population Served Poor,Economically Disadvantaged,Indigent, Families,
"Noah's Closet" Resale Shop
Description This program allows individuals in the community to donate clothing and
household goods to be resold at a low cost to the greater community.
Procedes from this program go back into the day to day programs of The
Ark so that we can continue serving those in South Cheatham County.
Additionally, Noah's Closet has provided wonderful volunteer opportunities
for members of the community, with an average of 400 volunteer hours
per month. Over the past 3 years we have generated slightly over
$100,000 in sales from our small 850 square foot store. The money
generated from our thrift store helps to fund our programs.
Budget 37500
Category Human Services, General/Other Thrift Shop Operation
Population Served Families, , Families
Long term Success Noah's Closet has become more than just a place to come and buy good
clothing and household goods cheap. People come in to talk and visit. We
are a safe haven and a place people like to be. It is also a wonderful place
for people in the community to volunteer. Our volunteers love working
here. Most of them are retired, and it provides a social time as well as a
time to give back. Volunteers are the backbone of Noah's Closet, and
without them we could not exist. Also, Noah's Closet has been very
successful financially. We are very small with only 850 feet of total space,
but our sales were over $100,000 last year. Noah's Closet reaches more
people than any other program of The Ark.
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Summer BACKPACK program
Description The summer BACKPACK program provides nutritious ready to eat food
items to children who might otherwise have nothing to eat. The FUEL
program has been going on during the school year for several years, but
in 2014 The Ark began the summer FUEL program. Parents pick up the
food for their children at The Ark.
Budget 4000
Category Food, Agriculture & Nutrition, General/Other Food Distribution
Population Served Children Only (5 - 14 years), ,
Angel Tree Program
Description The Ark in collaboration with the schools and members of the community,
provides toys and clothing for approximately 350 children each year. The
children are selected by the schools, but they can also call us and sign
children up that are not in school yet.
Budget 10000
Category Human Services, General/Other Holiday Assistance
Population Served Children Only (5 - 14 years), Infants to Preschool (under age 5),
Short Term Success To provide toys and clothing for 100% of the children in the Angel Tree
program.
CEO Comments
The greatest opportunity we have facing our programs is the network of people in our community who volunteer
their time and resources to The Ark. We have an amazing, hardworking, and enthusiastic board of directors. We
have close relationships with the schools and churches and community organizations in our area. The Ark has
widespread community support. Our community generously donates their time and gifts to The Ark so that we
can help our neighbors in need.
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Governance
Board Chair
Board Chair Mrs Shawn Rider
Company Affiliation Heritage Bank
Term Jan 2018 to Dec 2018
Email [email protected]
Board Members
Name Affiliation Status
Mr. Skip Beck community volunteer Voting
Ms. Dana Brown Cheatham County Schools Voting
Patt Dillon Dillon Construction LLC Voting
Kathy Gibbs Communiy Volunteer Voting
Dawn Green Cheatham County Schools Voting
Ms. Teresa Howell community volunteer Voting
Mrs. Emily Hungate Black River Entertainment Voting
Mr. Jack Kapanka Songwriter, media Voting
Elke McLeroy Community Volunteer Voting
Ms Caroline Reynolds Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Voting
Ms Shawn Rider Heritage Bank Voting
Jennifer Roberts Cheatham County Schools Voting
Mrs. Dianna Baker Shew Attorney General's Office, State of Voting
TN
Mrs Lisa Taylor TN Farm Bureau Insurance Voting
Company
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black 0
Asian American/Pacific Islander 0
Caucasian 15
Hispanic/Latino 0
Native American/American Indian 0
Other 0
Board Demographics - Gender
Male 2
Female 13
Unspecified 0
Governance
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Board Term Lengths 2
Board Term Limits 0
Board Meeting Attendance % 75%
Written Board Selection Criteria? Under Development
Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Yes
Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 100%
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 100%
Constituency Includes Client Representation Yes
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 11
Board CoChair
Board CoChair Ms Elke McLeroy
Company Affiliation Weichert Realty
Term Jan 2018 to Dec 2018
Email [email protected]
Standing Committees
Executive
Finance
Development / Fund Raising
Risk Management Provisions
Accident & Injury Coverage
Directors & Officers Policy
Flood
Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability
CEO Comments
We do not have a written board selection criteria, but we realize that we need to develop one. We are a small
community and finding a diverse group of people to serve on our board is difficult. We have an awesome board
that is very enthusiastic and hardworking, but we realize the need to have a more diverse board of directors.
Foundation Staff Comments Additional standing Board Committees include: Service
and Faith in Action
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