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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJack's Helping Hand HSG 2024-25 ApplicationHuman Services Grant Application 2024-25 Application Questions Part 1 Basic Information 1. Organization Name * Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 2. Fiscal Agent (if different than above)* NA 3. Project/Program Name * Assistance for Single Mothers of Children with Special Needs in the City of San Luis Obispo 4. Requested Amount * $10,000 5. Name of Person Completing Application * Leslie Orradre 6. Name of Person for Grant Communication and Contract for Grant Cycle (if different from above)* Leslie Orradre 7. Organization Mailing Address * 710 Fiero Lane, Suite 16 8. Phone * 8055471914 9. Email * leslie@jackshelpinghand.org Part 2 Organizational Information 1. Purpose/Mission Statement * The mission of Jack’s Helping Hand, Inc. is to establish and provide community programs that enable and empower families, professionals and the broader community to meet the unique unmet physical, mental, and medical needs of special children and young adults under the age of twenty-one within San Luis Obispo County. 2. Briefly describe your organization’s purpose, vision, primary activities, and operating structures * The priorities of Jack's Helping Hand include our financial Assistance program helping ease the financial burden associated with getting children with medical illness to children's hospitals unavailable in our community. Jack's Helping Hand fulfills requests for assistance with medical treatments, equipment, services, food, transportation, and lodging when there are no other sources to cover these needs; and when these necessities exceed family financial capabilities. Individuals must apply to receive benefits and they are referred by a professional (i.e.: Physician, Physical Therapist, or Occupational Therapist). No outright monetary distributions to individuals or families are made; items are purchased and then donated, gift cards for food and fuel for transportation are provided and lodging, arrangements are made by JHH for the benefit of the applicant. Additional programs we offer children with special needs are opportunities to experience joy. We offer two levels of adaptive aquatics programs, a therapeutic horseback riding program, and a free weekend long camp for children and their families who have experienced cancer. We host three adaptive toy lending libraries and support the toys for Jack's Toy Box through the County Office of Education. We host the Jack's Backpack program providing new backpacks and school supplies to the children in our Assistance program and their school-aged siblings to assist with those costs as well. Finally, we continue to build our universally accessible Park. The Jack Ready Imagination Park will be a place that will allow children with disabilities to play with their peers while also providing a fun and relaxing experience for the entire family. The park will eventually include an accessible playground, basketball and volleyball courts, playing fields, accessible hiking trails, bridal paths, as well as picnic areas. The Park has been a work in progress since the land was originally donated. Last year we completed the therapeutic riding facility and currently operate the Little Riders program from there. The facility includes a 10-stall horse barn, haybarn, two riding arenas, caretaker 's quarters and multipurpose community room. 3. Name of Executive Director * Leslie Orradre 4. Name of Board President or Chair * Adam Verdin 5. Number of paid staff (full or part-time)* 6 6. Number of volunteers * 30 7. Describe the community(ies) your organization supports * Jack's Helping Hand supports children who live in San Luis Obispo County, have a diagnosed medical condition that requires specialized intervention, services or equipment, and are under the age of 21. We do not require a financial threshold to receive our services. 8. Approximate Annual Budget * $550,000 9. Major Sources of Funding * Major sources of funding for Jack’s Helping Hand are private donations. Two annual fundraising events are hosted which generate 50% of our overall revenue. Private donations via our website, newsletter, and service organization donations generate 45% of our revenue. Local grants constitute 5% of our revenue. Part 3 Project/Program Information 14. In the table below include a minimum of four (4) metrics or performance outcomes that relate to the implementation/success of the project. Examples include: # of SLO City residents served, # of referrals provided to individuals seeking social services. Methods of Evaluation Indicators of Success / Measurable Outcomes Number of City of San Luis Obispo residents applying to our program Number greater than 69 (current caseload) Number of SLO City financial assistance requests approved for medical care, travel assistance, equipment, or support services Greater than 90% of requests submitted Percentage of family responses to the effectiveness and ease of our programs via home survey 90% or greater positive responses Percentage of families indicating the financial assistance program alleviated the costs of medical care to support basic living requirements, i.e. housing, food, utility bills, cell phone, car insurance etc. via survey 90% or greater of families indicating at least 2 areas of financial relief due to our programs 1. Please provide an executive summary of proposed project/program * Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, yet many single mothers with children having special needs face significant challenges in attending crucial medical appointments. The financial burden associated with travel, especially for those residing in underserved areas, can be a significant obstacle. Jack's Helping Hand (JHH) Assistance Program has helped thousands of children with special needs and their families whose resources have been depleted over the past 17 years. Our current caseload of children we are assisting in the City of San Luis Obispo is 35 though our direct service delivery affects the entire family increasing our impact to over 60 people. While 46% of the families we assist have married parents involved in the child’s life, 54% of these families are being cared for by a single or divorced parent. Of the population of single parents, 75% are Hispanic or Latina and 75% of these single-parent households have an annual income of less than $50,000. Additionally, 69% of this population have more than one child in the household. This project seeks to address this issue by providing financial assistance to single mothers, facilitating their journey to essential medical appointments for their children with special needs. 2. Total Project Cost?* $23,000.00 3. Requested Project Amount * $10,000.00 4. Please provide a detailed description of proposed project/program * The primary goal of this project is to ensure that no single mother has to forgo essential medical care for her child due to financial constraints related to travel. By offering financial assistance, we aim to alleviate the economic burden and empower these mothers to prioritize the well-being of their special needs children. Jack’s Helping Hand’s Assistance Program fulfills requests for financial assistance with medical appointments, treatments, equipment, services, transportation, food and lodging when there are no other sources to cover these needs; and when these necessities exceed family financial capabilities. We receive referrals from pediatricians, California Children’s Services, and local school districts requesting Assistance for their clients, patients, families and friends. Our Assistance programs provides fuel cards, food cards and arranges and pays for lodging in hotels and facilities near tertiary hospitals for single to multi-night stays. San Luis Obispo is a rural area, most of our families must travel out of the area for treatment. We work closely with our medical community to ensure that the special needs children receive the treatment they need without creating an extra financial burden to the family. Additionally, we assist with medical equipment, medical bills and costs incurred that are not covered by any other means. This award would be used to support the Assistance Program for San Luis Obispo single mother applicants providing food, fuel, lodging, Visa cards for emergent needs, medical bill support, and equipment. We provide food gift cards, $10 per person traveling, for single day travel including McDonalds, Taco Bell, In and Out Burger and Chik Fil A. We purchase larger denomination gift cards, $20 per person traveling, for Vons and Trader Joe’s to provide access to healthier options and basic needs such as toiletries, blankets, socks or other items for their stay. We purchase Prepaid Visa Cards, up to $100 per family, for use during emergency transport of children to cover costs related to food, fuel, lodging and basic needs they incur. For this population, the provision of grocery store cards can be utilized to purchase not only food but also formula, clean water, nutrition supplements, diapers, diaper wipes, ointments, and cleaning supplies. We purchase fuel gift cards in the increments of $30, $50 and $100 to provide to families to cover the cost of their travel. Denominations given depend on vehicle type and distance traveling. The average cost of a single overnight Assistance Request for a medical appointment is $350: $220 medical rate for hotel, $100 for fuel, $30 for food. We are seeing the need for financial support for these parents so they can save their earned income to pay mortgages, food, insurance, and monthly bills. In addition, we are assisting with deductibles, co-payments for medical treatment and equipment. This project aims to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of single mothers and their special needs children by removing barriers to healthcare access. With your support, we can ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and receive the care they need. 5. Describe the community/population the project/program will support.* This project will focus directly on the children with special needs living in single parent households in the City of San Luis Obispo. These parents will be allowed to focus on providing emotional and physical support as well as providing their children with the best possible care. Alleviating their financial stress of travel costs and, more broadly. promoting equality in healthcare access, addressing disparities faced by this vulnerable population and ensuring that their children, regardless of their socio-economic background have equal opportunities for optimal health 6. The HRC has identified homeless prevention including affordable and alternative housing, supportive services, and transitional housing as the main funding priority. Does your grant request meet this funding priority?* Yes No 7. Which other priority of the non-ranked HRC funding priorities does your request support? Please check the appropriate boxes:* Hunger and malnutrition prevention Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need Services for seniors and/or people with disabilities in need Supportive and developmental services for children and youth in need Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities 8. Provide timeline for project * This project is an ongoing project to support the single mothers responsible for the care of their children with special needs as well as the other children living in their homes. We budget annually for this project. 9. Identify any partnerships/collaborations that are supporting this project/program and their roles * Collaborations with the project are referral based, not financial contributions. We work closely with the Department of Social Services, CenCal, CAPSLO, Tri Counties Regional Center, CCS and San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. 10. Describe your plan for sustainability beyond the City’s one-year award funding * The Jack’s Helping Hand Assistance Program was created and continues to be funded to provide financial assistance for a range of services, therapies, medical equipment, transportation, food and lodging costs to children with special needs in our community. These are children whose families are experiencing financial hardship, who are underinsured and/or who have exhausted other community resources. The Assistance Program helps address the needs of the medically fragile children under the age of 21 in our County. We budget accordingly each year to support the Assistance Program for the entire San Luis Obispo County. Our Single mothers project is part of the scope of services if we do not receive grant funding. The more local community support we receive, the more families we are able to help. 11. Describe the plan for promoting this project, program, or service within the City of San Luis Obispo * Jack’s Helping Hand works closely with the medical community, both independent physician groups and the local hospitals, California Children’s Services, Tri-Counties Regional Center, County Office of Education, and local school districts to identify children in need. Our outreach is countywide. We are members of three Chambers of Commerce, an affiliate with Hearst Cancer Resource Center and have working relationships with Cal Poly and Cuesta to provide others the opportunity to know our mission and how to help families locate us. 12. Est. Number of people served through this project/program * 75 13. Est. Number of SLO City Residents served through this project/program * 75 Attachments Copy of Organization’s most recent complete fiscal year financial statement (for the previous year because it is the middle of the current fiscal year) including a statement of financial position/balance sheet, statement of revenue & expenses/income statement, profit & loss. Financial Statement * P&L Balance Sheet 2023 (3)-combined.pdf 89.79KB 1-page Organization Chart * Staff organizational chart 2022.pdf 105.78KB Document Certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status * IRS Determination Letter 501c3.pdf 391.67KB 1-page detailed budget for the program including how the total requested amount of grant would be spent.   Budget * 2024 Assistance Budget for Single Parent Homes-SLO GIA.pdf 191.26KB 1-page DEI statement that includes: Applicants’ understanding and application of DEI Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging in our community apart from grant Explain how this project will advance DEI in the City of SLO DEI Statement * Jack's Helping Hand DEI Policy.pdf 90.47KB Jack’s Helping Hand, Inc. Organizational Chart Board of Directors Executive Director Management and Operations Donor and Endowment Development External Fundraising Assistance Event Coordinator Media/Marketing Coordinator Coordinator Jack’s Assistance Program Annual BBQ and Auction Annual Newsletter Jack’s Medical Therapy Room Imagination Park Fall Classic E-Newsletter Little Swimmers/Water Warriors Community Events/Outreach Social Media/Marketing Toy Lending Libraries Camp Reach for the Stars Park Media/Marketing Jack’s Toy Box Financial Associate Park Coordinator Bookkeeping Planning and Construction Correspondence Facility Management Little Riders Jack’s Helping Hand, Inc. Assistance Program 2024 Single Parents with Children with Special Needs Itemized Proposed Budget Jack’s Helping Hand Assistance Program Total SLO Assistance Program Cost 2023 SLO Single Parent Family Program Cost 2023 SLO Single Parent Family Budget 2024 SLO Human Services Grant 2024 Description of Funding Use Expenditures Food $ 2,310 1,240 $ 1,500 $ 1,000 Food gift cards for use during travel to out-of- town specialists (fast food and grocery store) Lodging 6,565 3,339 3,500 3,000 For stays during out-of-town appointments, surgery or treatments using a medical rate Transportation/Fuel 10,295 5,435 6,000 5,000 Bus, Train, Car fuel expenses associated with travel to specialists out of area. Equipment 1,420 240 500 250 Orthotic braces, adaptive strollers, seating devices, weighted blankets Medical Bills 1,500 0 500 500 Assist with deductibles, copayments, and portions of non-experimental treatments Visas for emergent needs 650 0 500 250 Visa cards given to families for long term hospital stays for surgery, transplant or chemotherapy and emergencies Total for Assistance $ 22,740 $10,254 $ 12,500 $ 10,000 Jan - Dec 23 Ordinary Income/Expense Income 4000 · CONTRIBUTIONS 4100 · Individual 398,574.26 4001 · Business 62,076.31 4102 · Camp Reach 8,650.00 4104 · Children's Cancer Program 5,000.00 4106 · Little Riders 16,725.00 4107 · Little Swimmers/Water Warriors 3,520.00 4108 · Backpack Program 10,000.00 4110 · Memorials/Bequests 7,225.00 4118 · Park 12,117.07 4200 · Service Organization 40,273.21 Total 4000 · CONTRIBUTIONS 564,160.85 4700 · FUNDRAISER 4710 · Auction Income 4734 · BBQ Sponsor 67,500.00 4731 · Auction Items 198,065.00 4733 · Banquet/Alcohol 1,002.78 4735 · Drawing 9,510.00 4737 · RTP 221,200.00 4739 · Ticket Income 38,734.50 4736 · Fundraiser Contributions 20,622.50 4710 · Auction Income - Other 0.00 Total 4710 · Auction Income 556,634.78 4740 · GOLF TOURNAMENT 4744 · Drawing 50.00 4750 · Sponsors - Golf 86,000.00 4760 · Team Registration - Golf 27,000.00 4748 · Golf Contributions 2,533.90 4746 · Day of Games 9,791.00 4742 · Ball Drop 2,700.00 Total 4740 · GOLF TOURNAMENT 128,074.90 Total 4700 · FUNDRAISER 684,709.68 4800 · GRANTS 4805 · Assistance Program 37,801.94 4810 · Camp Reach 4 the Stars 9,000.00 4840 · Imagination Park 2,500.00 4820 · Little Riders 10,000.00 Total 4800 · GRANTS 59,301.94 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January through December 2023 Page 1 Jan - Dec 23 4860 · PARK REVENUE 4862 · Caretaker's Qtr's Rental Income 12,000.00 4964 · Horse Boarding Rental 2,875.00 Total 4860 · PARK REVENUE 14,875.00 Total Income 1,323,047.47 Gross Profit 1,323,047.47 Expense 5000 · DIRECT EXPENSES 5100 · Fundraising - AUCTION 5104 · Advertising/ Marketing 1,828.50 5106 · Auction Costs 30,907.76 5110 · Auction Item Dinner 7,724.40 5115 · Bank/Merchant Fees 5,240.65 5117 · Dues 797.50 5120 · Entertainment - Auction 1,000.00 5124 · Equipment Rent 17,793.97 5128 · Food, Beverages & Ice 29,092.38 5134 · License 75.00 5148 · Miscellaneous BBQ Cost 1,155.57 5132 · Outside Services 2,300.00 5130 · Promotional BBQ Costs 3,202.40 5138 · Supplies 679.87 Total 5100 · Fundraising - AUCTION 101,798.00 5140 · Fundraising - GOLF TOURNAMENT 5142 · Apparel 12,439.20 5141 · Bank/Merchant Fees 596.19 5143 · Dues 797.50 5146 · Food/Beverage 597.52 5149 · Golf Course Fees 13,464.00 5153 · Marketing/Promotion 3,999.36 5157 · Miscellaneous Golf Costs 1,610.53 Total 5140 · Fundraising - GOLF TOURNAMENT 33,504.30 Total 5000 · DIRECT EXPENSES 135,302.30 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January through December 2023 Page 2 Jan - Dec 23 6000 · ASSISTANCE & PROGRAM EXPENSES 6100 · ASSISTANCE 6109 · Bank/Merchant Fees 636.77 6110 · Counseling 1,525.00 6112 · Director's Salary 26,992.50 6116 · Dues & Subscriptions 4,597.99 6140 · Food 15,939.98 6145 · Housing 42,892.49 6120 · Medical Equipment 883.59 6150 · Medical Treatment 6,203.39 6154 · Mileage Reimbursement 11.38 6160 · Other Services 3,113.98 6170 · Patient Visa's 2,138.75 6157 · Payroll Tax Expense 10,543.90 6153 · Salaries & Wages 97,938.85 6190 · Transportation 67,521.42 6195 · Volunteer Appreciation 1,578.82 6198 · Worker's Compensation 2,407.00 Total 6100 · ASSISTANCE 284,925.81 6200 · PROGRAM EXPENSES 6300 · Advertising/Promotion 2,817.82 6201 · Backpack Program 8,423.69 6202 · Camp Reach 6204 · Advertising/Promotion 5,185.44 6208 · Supplies 3,117.87 6211 · Facility 3,860.00 6216 · Entertainment 3,538.00 Total 6202 · Camp Reach 15,701.31 6210 · Children's Cancer Program 7,016.06 6213 · Dues & Subscriptions 551.60 6220 · Little Riders 6220.2 · Hauling/mileage 1,384.96 6220.3 · Horse Rent 5,476.00 6220.4 · Instructor Fees 11,160.00 6220.8 · Insurance 1,069.00 6220.6 · Supplies 2,070.62 6220.9 · Vet Meds & Vet Expense 242.50 Total 6220 · Little Riders 21,403.08 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January through December 2023 Page 3 Jan - Dec 23 6225 · Little Swimmers/Water Warriors 14,205.45 6315 · Marketing & Development 445.50 6320 · Newsletter 16,254.34 6325 · Outreach 1,165.22 6335 · Program - Other 55.98 6230 · Toy Lending Libry/Jacks Toy Box 140.31 6295 · Volunteer Appreciation 18.37 6340 · Web Site/Social Media 1,010.43 Total 6200 · PROGRAM EXPENSES 89,209.16 Total 6000 · ASSISTANCE & PROGRAM EXPENSES 374,134.97 7000 · ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 7100 · Accounting/Tax Services 5,168.00 7102 · Admin Payroll Tax Expense 2,457.98 7120 · Bank/Merchant Fees 321.62 7110 · Director's Compensation 16,195.50 7140 · Education 4,892.00 7142 · Fees 5.00 7150 · Health Insurance 8,553.62 7146 · HOA 3,888.00 7200 · Insurance 5,502.00 7202 · Investment Fees 2,920.25 7206 · Mortgage Interest 8,274.18 7400 · Office Supplies & Expense 4,238.61 7410 · Outside Services 75.00 7415 · Payroll Service Fees 1,260.00 7500 · Postal 1,418.58 7420 · Promotion 1,602.47 7605 · Salaries and Wages 13,964.00 7740 · Tax & License 7742 · Property Taxes 4,023.58 7746 · Sales Tax 3,492.00 7740 · Tax & License - Other 219.34 Total 7740 · Tax & License 7,734.92 7750 · Telephone/Internet 4,074.68 7754 · Utilities 4,234.35 7800 · Volunteer Appreciation 134.65 Total 7000 · ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 96,915.41 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January through December 2023 Page 4 Jan - Dec 23 6400 · PARK EXPENSES 6410 · Director's Salary 10,797.00 6416 · Equipment Rent 1,296.76 6476 · Outside Services 780.00 6460 · Park Marketing 1,980.94 6462 · Parts & Supplies 62.74 6470 · Payroll Taxes 1,662.60 6473 · Repairs & Maintenance 1,398.43 6401 · Salaries & Wages 10,976.15 6474 · Utilities 3,731.79 Total 6400 · PARK EXPENSES 32,686.41 Total Expense 639,039.09 Net Ordinary Income 684,008.38 Other Income/Expense Other Income 8908 · Dividend Income 13,565.57 8900 · Interest Income 290.95 Total Other Income 13,856.52 Other Expense 9020 · Void 0.00 Total Other Expense 0.00 Net Other Income 13,856.52 Net Income 697,864.90 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Profit & Loss Accrual Basis January through December 2023 Page 5 Dec 31, 23 ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1000 · BANK ACCOUNTS 1034 · SESLOC Share 263,975.61 1051 · SESLOC FCU ~ ckg S9 749,960.55 1071 · American Riviera Bank MM 1871 218,411.52 1073 · American Riviera Bank P/R 5925 12,639.42 1077 · American Riviera Bank MM 3206 16,610.02 Total 1000 · BANK ACCOUNTS 1,261,597.12 Total Checking/Savings 1,261,597.12 Other Current Assets 1250 · Undeposited Funds 47,927.07 1280 · Work in Progress - Park 1,445,757.98 Total Other Current Assets 1,493,685.05 Total Current Assets 2,755,282.17 Fixed Assets 1605 · Fiero Building 361,241.38 1605.1 · Accumulated Depreciation-Bldg -18,617.00 1611 · Land Lease (Note 1)1,990,000.00 1612 · Accum Amortization - Land Lease -261,313.00 1620 · Leasehold Improve Book Value 37,055.36 1621 · Leasehold Improvements 919,934.18 1622 · Accum Amort - Leasehold Improve -39.00 1623 · Accumulated Depreciation - LHI -116.00 1625 · Eqpt - Off, Strge Trlr, Pk Sign 36,364.42 1627 · Accumulated Depreciation-Off Eq -25,703.00 1631 · Toys 12,374.44 1632 · Accumulated Depreciation - Toys -12,375.07 1641 · Cabinets 1,200.00 1642 · Accum Depreciation - Cabinets -1,601.00 1651 · Web Development 27,154.55 1652 · Accumulated Depreciation - Web -13,805.00 1661 · Computer 16,347.62 1662 · Accum Depreciation - Computer -12,321.00 Total Fixed Assets 3,055,781.88 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of December 31, 2023 Page 1 Dec 31, 23 Other Assets 1800 · INVESTMENTS 1801 · Sesloc FCU - CD 100,958.44 1805 · UBS Financial Services 1,666,195.43 1804 · Cero Pacific/Wells Fargo #2724 615,487.33 Total 1800 · INVESTMENTS 2,382,641.20 Total Other Assets 2,382,641.20 TOTAL ASSETS 8,193,705.25 LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Credit Cards 2200 · Capital One 12,296.39 Total Credit Cards 12,296.39 Other Current Liabilities 2400 · Payroll Liabilities 8,997.08 Total Other Current Liabilities 8,997.08 Total Current Liabilities 21,293.47 Total Liabilities 21,293.47 Equity 3001 · Net Assets 3100 · Unrestricted Net Assets (Gen)546,576.91 3200 · Temporarily Restrctd Net Assets 3208 · Assistance 10,000.00 3203 · Grant/Playground 6,300.00 3204 · Park 324,052.54 3201 · Park Equestrian Ctr 32,000.00 3200 · Temporarily Restrctd Net Assets - Other 234,356.00 Total 3200 · Temporarily Restrctd Net Assets 606,708.54 3400 · Permanently Restricted 3402 · Leasehold Improvements 87,335.28 3403 · Park Fund 1,934.01 3401 · Tompkins Park Contributions 1,929,697.00 Total 3400 · Permanently Restricted 2,018,966.29 Total 3001 · Net Assets 3,172,251.74 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of December 31, 2023 Page 2 Dec 31, 23 3010 · Unrestrict (retained earnings)4,302,295.14 Net Income 697,864.90 Total Equity 8,172,411.78 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 8,193,705.25 12:35 PM Jack's Helping Hand, Inc. 02/23/24 Balance Sheet Accrual Basis As of December 31, 2023 Page 3 JHH.SOP.REV.2021 Jack's Helping Hand Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy At Jack's Helping Hand, we are committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that reflects and honors the unique perspectives of our community. Our mission is to provide assistance and support to children with cancer and other life-altering illnesses, along with their families. In line with this mission, we recognize the importance of DEI principles to ensure that our organization is welcoming, accessible, and reflective of the rich tapestry of our community. I. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Jack's Helping Hand is dedicated to promoting diversity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive organization leads to greater innovation, creativity, and effectiveness in achieving our mission. Our commitment to DEI includes: 1. Affirming Language: We use language that is inclusive, respectful, and affirming. We recognize and value the unique identities, experiences, and perspectives of all individuals associated with our organization. 2. Accessibility: We strive to create an accessible environment for all members of our community, including those with disabilities. This includes physical spaces, online platforms, and communication materials. 3. Cultural Sensitivity: We acknowledge and respect the cultural diversity within our community. We are committed to understanding and addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals from different cultural backgrounds. 4. Equal Opportunities: Jack's Helping Hand provides equal opportunities for participation, leadership, and advancement regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. II. Advancing DEI in San Luis Obispo Our DEI efforts extend beyond our organizational boundaries to contribute to the broader community of San Luis Obispo. We aim to advance DEI in the city by: 1. Community Engagement: Actively engaging with local community to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations, and adapting our programs and services accordingly. 2. Education and Awareness: Providing educational resources and awareness to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our client population and workforce in San Luis Obispo. 3. Advocacy: Advocating for policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion at the municipal level addressing issues such as accessible quality healthcare. III. Monitoring and Evaluation Jack's Helping Hand is committed to regularly reviewing and evaluating our DEI initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and relevance. We will seek input from our community, donors, Board of Directors, and employees to continually improve our efforts and adapt to the evolving needs of San Luis Obispo. By adhering to the principles outlined in this DEI policy, Jack's Helping Hand aims to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable San Luis Obispo. We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity, and we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals who seek our assistance and those who wish to join us in making a positive impact on our community.