2017-18
Impact Report
From the Director
Dear Family:
Great things are happening at City of Promise!
Before joining the City of Promise family just over a year ago, I thoroughly researched the amazing work the organization had done within the community. Yet no amount of research could compare to seeing the mission carried out first hand, and playing a role serving the neighborhood that raised me.
It has truly been an honor to watch our families, neighborhood, and organization grow over the past year. I have witnessed strong, powerful voices rise from a community that once felt voiceless. A single father in our neighborhood is now a home owner, and moms at Westhaven have regular support as they raise their little ones. Students have a team of dedicated coaches helping them reach their academic goals through in-school connections, after-school tutoring, and field trips that broaden their horizons
In the upcoming year, we look forward to continuing our journey toward organizational independence by attaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status. We are also poised to play a stronger role as an agent of change as Charlottesville confronts its history. We have a seat at the table with other thought leaders, seeking to address the achievement and opportunity gaps. As part of those conversations, we remain true to our core belief that everyone deserves high-quality education and support regardless of their address. Our model has proven that change occurs through trusting, authentic relationships, and a community of people willing to invest.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Our success is the community’s success. With the ongoing support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, City of Promise is ready for the challenges and achievements ahead. We appreciate you and look forward to our future together.
Sincerely,
Denise
Denise Johnson
Program Director
YEAR IN REVIEW
250
Children and adults served
184
Summer pool passes issued
143
Kids enrolled in local camps
131
children received holiday gifts
100
kids and adults enjoyed field trips
75
volunteers made a difference
$413,165
total
revenue
480
total
donations
$406,060
total
expenses
COMMUNITY PROGRESS
Since 2012, our neighborhood has seen a 42% decrease in households receiving child welfare services. Aspirational thinking and opportunities for personal thriving make a difference!
60% Students aspiring to attend 4-year colleges
40% Middle school absences
70% Ninth-grade absences
A COMMUNITY OF VOICES
Every day of the year, children, parents, and volunteers work together to reach personal and collective goals. We are a thriving community.
City of Promise helped my mom get the job she currently has. It has helped me stay on track with afterschool programs and activities. Now, I see myself going to college and becoming an entrepreneur when I graduate.
Noah Ivery, Student
8th Grader at Buford Middle School
Latara Ragland is a gem. She worked lovingly and diligently with the families in Westhaven in a way I have never seen a social worker do. There are many needs in this community. Knowing children outside of school is key.
Sydna Julian, Volunteer
Retired nurse, psychotherapist, and social worker
City of Promise never gives up on me. They have helped me through hard times. They show me ways to be a good mom to my lovely daughter.
Win Maw, Westhaven Resident
Promise Baby Academy Grad
A COMMUNITY OF PARTNERS
In addition to offering direct services, we partner daily with local agencies, volunteers, and donors. With each one playing a role, we will close the achievement and opportunity gap.
87% of the children in our footprint reside in single-parent homes. That's why events like Shape-ups & Sharing offer boys the opportunity to gain wisdom in a welcoming cultural environment. Thanks to His Image and Elite Cuts for coming into the neighborhood and offering free services.
When we needed sponsors for our Game Changer's Luncheon, Seth Baxter and Worth Becker - owners at Neuralux - not only stepped in with a cash donation for the event. Their in-kind support provided all the flowers, and employee Hope Zeitler created the beautiful centerpieces. The event raised over $14,000.
Monthly donor and Board member, Art Thorn, introduced his fraternity brothers to City of Promise. Now this group of UVA alumni are generous supporters.
Jon Doe
Jackie Martin is Director of Community Benefit for Sentara, and this partnership supports our Health & Wellness program in a variety of ways. A Sentara grant enabled us to install durable garden beds that yielded 351 pounds of produce! Sentara programs for our Girls Group have been instrumental in building their self-confidence and offering practical insights that encourage healthy living.
Maggie Thornton lives in our footprint and has worked extensively with youth in Charlottesville City Schools as part of her PhD program. Maggie turned her passion for our mission into a birthday fundraiser by asking her friends to donate. Their gifts enabled 60 students and parents to go on our field trip to the Virginia Aquarium.
When City of Promise set out to establish a more robust program of early childhood education, the Adivuans Foundation stepped in with significant investments. Promise Baby Academy is now
one of our signature programs.
When white nationalists announced their plan to rally in Charlottesville in August of 2017, Sharon Beckman-Brindley and Tim Michel made plans too. They chose several local nonprofits as beneficiaries of a "Beloved Community" fundraiser. Donors pledged an amount of their choosing which was multiplied based upon rally attendance. The result? Donors from around the globe contributed over $12,000 to City of Promise.