LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION FUND, INC. Strengthening families . . . building community . . . through education FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT YouthBuild‐Lawrence ‐ Gold Winners of the 2015 Carpentry Challenge
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER CLERK 2014‐2015 DIRECTORS Rafael Abislaiman Courtney Archambeault Donna Bertolino Dolores Calaf Ethel Cruz Pati Fernandez Ken Hamilton Anne Hemmer Marisol Hilario Jose Javier Kretcha Roldan Marybeth Sullivan Wendy Taylor Joan Thompson EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Ralph L. Carrero John Housianitis Raquel Bauman Gregory Spurr Ana Medina
From the President On behalf of the Board of Directors, administration, staff, students and families that are served through all of Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Inc.’s (LFDEF) programs, we present this Annual Report on the accomplishments of this past year. This report reflects our unwavering commitment to our mission: strengthening families and building community through education. This Annual Report covers July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015. We continue with all of our mission‐centered efforts to actively seek opportunities to disseminate our practices for an array of educational offerings. This fiscal year Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Inc. (LFDEF) executed strategies outlined in our five‐year Strategic Plan and focused time and resources toward: the 5th re‐chartering of our charter school, dissemination best practices in urban elementary education via approval of the LFDEF, Inc. targeted assistance capacity, expansion of our Alternative Youth Development programs and showcasing the accessibility of the Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center adult education programs. I am excited to share some of our major strategic accomplishments over the past year: Alternative Youth Development Programs Assumed programmatic management of the City of Lawrence’s Safe and Successful Youth Initiative program and the Lawrence Youth Team Sold the completed YouthBuild property at 189 West Street and acquired 2 sites for future properties Completed the build‐out of facilities and, with staff, further developed the Culinary Arts program Awarded a second three‐year $1.1 million Department of Labor grant for YouthBuild‐Lawrence Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center Graduated 206 ESL and Citizenship students in June, 2015 Assisted 20 new American Citizens in completing the application and interviewing process Updated the availability and use of technology throughout the Family Center Lawrence Family Development Charter School Received its 5th charter, carrying LFDCS through 2020 Graduated 57 eighth‐grade students who earned over $2,200,000 in financial support for high schools Became a model demonstration school for Special Education practices Launched instructional technology through the hiring of a Digital Instructor and offered expanded professional development for teaching with technology Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Inc.’s Targeted Assistance to Underperforming Public Schools Developed a 3‐year contract for a Targeted Assistance Partnership with the Lawrence Public Schools and opened a program for four and five year olds in the Lower Tower Hill neighborhood of Lawrence Shared Lawrence Family Development Charter School’s teaching and leadership staff to educate 187 students Contracted with The Community Group for rental space, technical support and food services for an early childhood development program at the 404—R Haverhill Street site Earned “Level 1” public school status in 2014 (third year in a row for MCAS performance) LFDEF, Inc. continues to move forward with our goals of increasing visibility and outreach within the City of Lawrence. We launched a new web presence (lfdef.org) which increases the visibility of all of our programs. We are grateful for the generosity of all our donors, especially the Fournier family, for their gift of the property at 10 Railroad Street. As the Chair of the Board, I hope that you will spend time reading the following pages which were prepared by the leadership team of the Fund’s programs. As we embark on yet another year of strong outcomes and responsible growth, our Board of Directors is determined to continue with the expansion of our programs at every level in order to meet the needs in the community of Lawrence. We remain committed to our mission—strengthening families and building community through education. Sincerely, John C, Housianitis, President
Our History… To build on the success of Lawrence Futures and the work of the Lawrence Youth Commission, the board and administration of the Lawrence Youth Commission (LYC) applied in 1991 for non‐profit status as a 501 (c)3 IRS designated nonprofit. This new entity qualified for funding to help launch several new promising pilot projects in community education and leadership development. Some of those projects included… a Career Center housed at the Lawrence Public Library, which offered after‐school programs—such as, Proyecto Alcance and Project Reach to support the goals of high school students to undertake paths to higher education. Career awareness information and life skills, along with intensive Math, English and English as a Second Language (ESL) were established to reduce the drop‐out rate and increase admissions to colleges. The Career Center then received AmeriCorps funding to launch CityCore, one of the first five AmeriCorps programs in Massachusetts that enabled young people to learn skills as they performed community service and earned higher education scholarships. an Adult Leadership Development Program (ALDP) helped create a new generation of community leaders, immersed in the heritage and culture of new immigrants. The goal of the ALDP was to provide information on management, leadership, legal and fiduciary responsibilities to support newcomer residents with the skills and confidence to serve as board members on local non‐profit organizations. the Parent Mobilization Project (PMP), considered one of the LYC’s most ambitious endeavors, hosted workshops led by a core of Latino parents that “asked the right questions.” The PMP recruited and trained hundreds of Latino parents for greater awareness of their rights and responsibilities as new Americans— particularly the right to expect quality education for the future of their children. At kitchen tables and living rooms in almost every neighborhood of Lawrence, trained parents strengthened family life and built community cohesiveness and purpose. Hundreds of parents developed new confidence to attend parent‐teacher conferences, sign up for ESL classes, apply for jobs and set limits and expectations for their children. This mobilization became the catalyst for a later application for the Lawrence Family Development Charter School. Our Evolution...building on the past to respond to the needs of today... These three core projects laid the foundation for the work that LFDEF, Inc. does today. In February of 1992, the LYC was granted tax‐exempt status as a 501(c)3 non‐profit organization and founded the Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund, Inc. (LFDEF). LFDEF, Inc. held its initial board meeting at the Lawrence Heritage State Park to elect the founding board members and acceptance of the organization’s first grant from Shawmut Bank. With a foundation to build on, LFDEF, Inc. set out to establish programs of the highest quality that met the needs of emerging populations in Lawrence. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 1
Our History… Mission...Vision...Opportunity...Aligned Lessons learned from the Career Center and AmeriCorps project and the urgent need to offer an education/ workplace program for seriously at‐risk youth led to the successful creation of YouthBuild‐Lawrence in 1993. Today, YouthBuild‐Lawrence is in its twentieth cycle, successfully prepares youth and young adults to earn their HiSET, learn job readiness, develop self‐confidence and feel ownership in their community through building homes for low‐income Lawrence families. Building on the Adult Leadership Development Program and the Parent Mobilization Project (PMP) and with consideration for the attainment of U.S. citizenship in Lawrence, LFDEF, Inc. applied for funding from the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MIRA) and the New Americans Fund at the Boston Foundation. In collaboration with MIRA, volunteer facilitators from the PMP became citizenship educators and assisted hundreds of immigrants to attain United States. Originally, classes were held in the public library, Adelante Youth Center, civic clubs and churches throughout the community, and in 2006 the Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center opened as the permanent home for LFDEF, Inc.’s adult education programs. The 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act established a foundation rate of state‐mandated funding for public education and included the licensing of state‐funded charter schools as an essential piece of education reform. LFDEF, Inc. was intimately involved with establishment of this initial Charter School legislation in Massachusetts. In September 1995, after several years of hard work at the state and local levels, the Lawrence Family Development Charter School opened as one of the first in a group of fourteen public charter schools in Massachusetts. As a “Level 1” public school for MCAS performance in 2012, 2013 and 2014, the work of the Lawrence Family Development Charter School is known for its best practices as a Massachusetts urban school. Our charter school uses research‐based practices for academic instruction and intervention, and supplements this instruction with after school and summer school programs. In FY’15 Lawrence Family Development Charter School (LFDCS) enrolled 678 children from early Kindergarten through grade eight and graduates the majority of its students to private‐independent, admissions‐based rigorous secondary schools ensuring a path to higher education and a positive, successful future. We continue with a keen focus on the key design elements from our founding in 1995 (ideas still in force from our original LFDCS charter application): Parent Engagement, Dual Language, Effective Teaching is Key , Partnerships, Governance and a Leadership Structure which includes parents. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 2
Our History… Raising Scholarships for Today’s Students and Endowing Scholarships for the Future In 2007, one of the three original founders of LFDEF, Inc. and LFDCS, Patricia F. Karl, retired as Executive Director/Superintendent. To honor her work and commitment to the LFDEF, Inc./LFDCS community, the board, with a plan to raise one million dollars over ten years, established the PFK Endowment Scholarship Fund, which is a restricted fund held by Essex County Community Foundation and the PFK Direct Scholarship Fund for our current graduating class. These funds ensure that promising graduates have the necessary financial assistance to meet the tuition gap between parent contribution and financial awards of secondary schools. Every year, with the support of the PFK Direct Scholarship Fund, LFDCS graduates attend some of New England’s most prestigious and rigorous secondary schools. The PFK Scholarship Funds are supported through the generosity of LFDEF, Inc. /LFDCS patrons through individual donations, an annual holiday card campaign and at our annual fundraiser. Providing the Places and Spaces where our Programs are “Strengthening Families and Building Community through Education” Today, facility assets of LFDEF, Inc. are valued at $12.5 million, which is a testimony to the commitment and leadership of the board and administration. This outcome ensures stabile, safe, welcoming structures that foster LFDEF, Inc.’s mission and revitalizes its neighborhoods. Over the past two decades, LFDEF, Inc.’s board has supported new construction at the Charter School’s Lower School site at 34 West Street and a seven million dollar purchase and rebuild of the former St. Anne’s School and convent at 400 and 404 Haverhill Street. Opening in 2006, 400‐404 Haverhill Street houses the Upper Charter School (grades 5‐8) and the Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center for adult education classes. In the fall of 2014, LFDEF Inc. was asked to take over management of the Massachusetts Safe and Successful Youth Initiative program and the Lawrence Youth Team in the City of Lawrence. Through its work with Lawrence’s proven risk young men, the Lawrence Youth Team has helped LFDEF, Inc. move closer to our goal of establishing comprehensive Alternative Youth Development Programs. In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Lawrence Family Development Charter School (LFDCS) earned Level 1 public school status for its MCAS scores, has grown to become a strong performing school district, and builds on its success today with the Academy of Early Academic Preparation for K‐1, K‐2 and Grade 1 at 10 Railroad Street. In 2014, Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund, Inc. became an approved Preferred Provider/Turnaround Operator for Massachusetts underperforming school districts in need of targeted assistance, and in September 2014 executed a three‐year contract with the Lawrence Public Schools (LPS) to open the Lawrence Family Public Academy as a demonstration project to provide LPS targeted assistance with teacher preparation, academic skills, language acquisition and social advancement for four and five years. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 3
LFDEF, Inc. Programs… The five major components of the Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund, Inc. are: YouthBuild‐Lawrence, AmeriCorps, SSYI/Lawrence Youth Team, Culinary Arts FY’2015 OUTCOMES: Alternave Youth Programs Alternave Youth Development Programs 180 Young Adult Lives Impacted 67 YouthBuild-Lawrence Participants 113 YouthTeam Members 11 GEDs/HiSET Certficates Cizenship and ESL Classes for adults FY’2015 OUTCOMES: Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center K‐1 through Grade 8 public charter school FY’2015 OUTCOMES: Lawrence Family Development Charter School 673 students enrolled 81% students in Saturday Academy showed improvement 76% students scored proficient on the MCAS ELA compared to 64% state average 1,372 children on waitlist 68% students scored proficient on Math MCAS compared to 57% state average 81% graduating 8th graders accepted to admissions-based schools Endowment and Direct Scholarships for LFDCS graduates FY’2015 OUTCOMES: PFK Scholarship Funds $11,260 was raised for the PFK Endowment Scholarship Fund $45,486 was raised at the “Meet the Scholars...Who Reach for the Stars” fundraiser at the Stevens Es tate for the PFK Direct Scholarship Fund Lawrence Family Public Academy (K‐1 & K‐2) FY’2015 OUTCOMES: Turnaround Operator For Targeted Assistance 73 students in K-1 educated (18% Special Education, 33% ESL) 126 students K-2 educated (10% Special Education, 27% ESL) 70% K-1 students at or above benchmark on DIBELS Letter Naming Fluency and First Sound Fluency 80% K-2 students at or above benchmark on DIBELS Letter Naming Fluency and First Sound Fluency $2.2M in financial aid was awarded to the Class of 2015 (for four years) 71 students received scholarships (Classes of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015) totaling $109,609 206 CNAP Program Graduates 24 Immigrants/Refugees completed Citizenshipship Application Process 165 Students completed ESL Classes 20 New Citizens 25 Unsubsidized Job Placements 6 Internship to Hire Opportunities 3 Participants Hired 87 Professional Certification LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 4
Alternative Youth Development Programs YouthBuild‐Lawrence FY’15 was an exciting year for YouthBuild‐Lawrence (YBL). In addition to completing program cycle 19 in December with 30 graduates, cycle 20 kicked off in February as the beginning of YouthBuild‐Lawrence’s 20th year of providing transformative work in the City of Lawrence. In September, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas hosted a ceremonial check presentation to celebrate YBL’s second $1.1 million grant from the Department of Labor. When AmeriCorps volunteer, Rebecca Lawrence, joined the staff full‐time as the Coordinator of Academic Services, YouthBuild‐Lawrence restructured from three AmeriCorps volunteers to one full‐time position. In February, 47 potential YouthBuild‐Lawrence students began orientation, called “Mental Toughness,” which ended with a cohort of 34 students selected for cycle 20. These youth were quickly challenged in March by the Massachusetts Furniture Trust’s annual Eco‐Challenge. In May, YouthBuild‐Lawrence hosted 15 other New England YouthBuild programs for the 16th Carpentry Challenge in the parking lot of the Methuen Home Depot. With the support of generous sponsors, over 100 YouthBuild students and staff from the area showcased their programs through friendly, competitive activities. Internship‐to‐Hire Program In FY’15, YBL began the Internship‐to‐Hire Program, which offers local businesses an alternative hiring method. Employers are able to evaluate a potential applicant prior to committing to hiring that candidate. The Internship‐to‐Hire opportunity is advantageous to YouthBuild graduates as they prove themselves to potential employers. The goal of the program is to develop a win‐win partnership where both parties’ needs are met. So far internship placements include: the City of Lawrence Mayor’s Office, JumpStart pre‐school, the Andover Animal Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital and Diamond Welding. Every once in a while you come across a student whose humble nature leads to accomplishments which go unrecognized. Daniel entered YouthBuildLawrence as a shy young man lacking confidence in his academic abilities. He committed himself to improving his writing and math skills and earned a GED. He also developed a curiosity about his environment and began reading more, developed an interest in Psychology and enrolled at Northern Essex Community College studying Human Services. He is now successfully employed in food services at a local hospital. He has also been able to purchase a vehicle, which was a long-standing goal. Daniel continues to use the resources of YouthBuild by seeking help with homework and utilizing the YBL case management services. He remains humble in his successes and is quick to thank those who have helped him and slow to take credit for his achievements. Daniel graduated from YouthBuild-Lawrence in 2014. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 5
Alternative Youth Development Programs AmeriCorps This fiscal year marked YouthBuild‐Lawrence’s 20th year of participation in the AmeriCorps Program. In addition to serving as a job site for three full‐time AmeriCorps volunteers, the program offered YouthBuild‐Lawrence students the opportunity to complete service hours and earn an AmeriCorps education award towards post‐secondary education. During FY’15, YouthBuild‐Lawrence continued the Service Learning Thursdays program, and YouthBuildLawrence students completed 12,358 service hours at different sites in the Merrimack Valley. Windrush Farm Windrush, a licensed therapeutic equine facility located in North Andover, provides treatment to its clients to improve their personal, psychological and physical abilities. Windrush also provides YBL students with the opportunity to explore careers in Human Services, Animal Sciences and Facilities Management/Building trades. Through their job duties, the students develop valuable work‐readiness skills. Mary Immaculate Health/Care Services Mary Immaculate provides specialized care for those challenged by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. YBL students work in the dementia unit. While not expected to look after difficult responsibilities, they assist with activities—such as, balloon toss, parachute, trivia, sing‐a‐longs, crafts and help serve lunch. Socialization/companionship is also a key component. Comcast Cares Day Students volunteered for a Comcast Care Day in Lawrence which helps clean up various parks and playgrounds throughout the City of Lawrence. YBL students were assigned to Riverside Park in Lawrence and along with other students in the community, they picked up trash and raked and bagged leaves. MLK Day of Service / Family Health Day at Emmaus House Emmaus House is a not‐for‐profit agency that helps the homeless, disadvantaged, disabled, unemployed and oppressed. YBL students prepped food for the event at Emmaus House and also served a meal. Families also received free Health Home Kits. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT I graduated from Framingham State College in 2007 with a BA and a teaching license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Currently I am pursing my Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Having always wanted to join the Peace Corps, I decided to volunteer locally and joined the AmeriCorps program in 2013. I chose to do my year of service at YouthBuild-Lawrence because of my background in education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of my students. Through the AmeriCorps program, I not only received an education award but also gained additional experience as a teacher. I learned many things, but most notably, I learned hat I love this work! I continue to do volunteer service through the connections that I made during my AmeriCorps experience. Thanks to my year of service with AmeriCorps and YouthBuild-Lawrence, I am a more skilled educator. Rebecca is currently the Coordinator of Academic Services for YouthBuild-Lawrence. PAGE 6
Alternative Youth Development Programs Safe & Success Youth Initiative (SSYI)/ Lawrence Youth Team (LYT) LFDEF, Inc. took on a new youth development endeavor during FY’15. At the request of the City of Lawrence and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, LFDEF, Inc. assumed management of the Lawrence Safe and Successful Youth Initiative Program and the Lawrence Youth Team. Created to reach the most proven‐risk men in the City, this year the Lawrence Youth Team reached out to 107 young men ages 14‐24 and sixty‐four (64) of these young men engaged with the program. As part of a 7‐component intervention model, the Lawrence Youth Team places clients into subsidized and unsubsidized employment. During FY’15, 28 young men maintained subsidized employment through the program. Eight (8) of those young men moved through various components and obtained unsubsidized employment. Of the 107 young men referred to the Lawrence Youth Team during FY’15, only 7 were arrested or picked up for parole probation violations, setting a 7% recidivism rate. This is below the Massachusetts average of 16%. In the Spring of 2015, LFDEF, Inc. was awarded an additional SSYI grant to increase the number of subsidized positions available during the summer months, and through this funding employed 40 highrisk youth. I grew up in Chicago and moved to Lawrence at an early age. I got arrested for the first time when I was 13 for trespassing and drug distribution. I continued to run with the wrong crowds. Before I ended up with the Lawrence Youth Team, I had been arrested 2 times, but released on bail. When Edgar, of the Lawrence Youth Team tracked me down, I was initially hesitant about getting involved. However, since I have been working with the SSYI program, I received my Hi-SET, moved into my own apartment and have not been arrested for over a year. I was able to get out of a gang and am now planning to enroll in college. Without the Lawrence Youth Team and the SSYI program, I might be selling drugs, gang involved and not have a place to live today. Today, Angel is a proud member of the Lawrence Youth Team. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 7
Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center FY‘15 was another successful year at the Maria del Pilar Quintana Center. Although the Center continues to operate on a modest budget, efforts increased for grant funding for Citizenship and ESL programs. Through the generous support of several consistent funders, the LFDEF, Inc. general operating budget and fees paid by program participants, the Quintana Center served over 500 individuals this year. Citizenship Programming & Application Assistance LFDEF, Inc.’s Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center received recognition by the United States Executive Office for Immigration Reviews (EOIR) as a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recognized agency. “Recognition” gives a non ‐profit organization permission to practice immigration law before either the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and/or EOIR, which includes the immigration courts and the BIA. Recognition covers a three‐year period, and during FY’15, the Quintana Center Program Manager represented many immigrants as a BIA accredited and qualified nonlawyer. During FY’15, the Maria del Pilar Quintana Center provided Citizenship assistance to 36 immigrants from a mix of countries and ethnicities. Some of the services clients accessed with the assistance from the Quintana staff included: Support in completion of Citizenship/Naturalization application forms for adults and children Renewal of Permanent Residence Cards “Green Cards” Referral and review of applications for disability waivers Completion of Fee Waiver application forms for lowincome applicants Assistance and referrals for the resolution of legal issues Help with securing USCIS appointments using the InfoPass system Assistance in completion of the United States passport applications Providing Selective Service registration information Assisting with translations of correspondences related to the Citizenship applications Assisting with voter registration for new citizens Citizenship Education To assist participants not yet ready to begin the application process, the Quintana Center provides classes in civic education. These classes provide work on Reading & Writing vocabulary, Civics and U.S. History as well as the responsibilities, rights and requirements related to becoming a citizen of the United States. Using the computer lab, students practice listening and speaking skills. Overall 61 students participated in the citizenship classes during FY’15. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT In June, I completed the ESL Beginner class and will be returning in September 2015 to continue improving my English skills. With the help of the ESL program, Dilson plans to enroll in Northern Essex Community College to become a Physical Therapist. PAGE 8 I was born in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic. In 2012, I was recruited by the Chicago Cubs to play baseball. I had a Visa to play in the minor leagues, and so in September of 2014, I came to the United States at the suggestion of the Cubs. In November 2014, I ended up in Lawrence and lived here for one year without knowing any English. After not being able to communicate in English and wanting to make new friends, I realized that I needed to enroll in an ESL class. In February 17, 2015 , I came to the Quintana Center for the first time to enroll in Basic ESL classes.
Lawrence Family Development Charter School FY’15 was another outstanding year for the Lawrence Family Development Charter School (LFDCS). In its 20th year operating as a Commonwealth public charter school, this year stands out among our many successful years. Below are highlights from FY’2014‐2015: For the 3rd year in a row, LFDCS achieved Level 1 status on MCAS testing—only 19% of districts and 26% of public schools across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts earned Level 1 status in SY’2014‐2015. LFDCS obtained our 5th charter (2015‐2020) as a Commonwealth public charter school. LFDEF, Inc., as a Targeted Assistance Turnaround Operator, opened its first partnership school to disseminate and share best practices of LFDCS with Lawrence Public Schools. The project is for the management of an early childhood academy for Kindergarten‐1 (4 year olds) and Kindergarten‐2 (5 year olds) known as the Lawrence Family Public Academy. LFDCS Class of 2015 graduates collectively earned over $2,200,000 in scholarships and financial aid to four‐year, admissions‐based high schools. Fifty‐seven (57) LFDCS students graduated from eighth grade, and eight‐seven (87) students graduated from the K‐2 program. LFDCS was selected to participate in the Massachusetts Charter School Association’s Special Education Model Demonstration Schools to showcase statewide the practices used at LFDCS to support all learners. My favorite highlight each year at LFDCS is assessing the growth of our students. I love looking at data and seeing some of my struggling students when they make solid progress and then really succeed! It further confirms my love for the teaching profession. As a teacher, receiving constructive criticism is a very strong aspect of a beneficial observation. I also admire that my Head of School comes in and not only highlights things that go well in my classroom but also helps me by suggesting ways to strengthen my teaching. Getting additional resources, suggestions and encouragement from LFDCS teachers and administrators is a huge plus. Nicole is a Grade 3/4 Teacher and was honored in recognition of her SY’2013-2014 3rd grade students’ Spring 2014 MCAS results; 10 out of 12 third grade students who had perfect scores this test were in Nicole’s class. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 9
PFK Scholarship Funds PFK Scholarship Endowment Fund During FY’2014‐15, the PFK Scholarship Endowment Fund raised $11,259.64 compared to last year of $9,868. Invested at Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) where contributions and investments help it grow annually with an initial goal of raising $1,000,000 in ten years, this endowment fund grew from $295,355.13 (7/1/14) to $305,013.44 (6/30/15). PFK Direct Scholarship Fund The PFK Direct Scholarship Fund raised scholarship dollars for the graduating Class of 2015 in many different ways—among them the School Site Council sold raffle tickets for a hand‐made picnic table, sponsored a Yankee Candle fundraiser, Movie Night and the Central Catholic play night, and High School Fair table registration fees and miscellaneous donations all earned $25,496.47. The Frank Eccles Scholarship Fund (student contributions on sports jersey days/jeans days) raised $9,286.50 and holiday donations added another $6,375. This year’s “Meet Our Scholars…Who Reach for the Stars” annual fundraiser brought in $45,485.86. This event, held under the tent at The Stevens Estate in North Andover and co‐chaired by LFDEF, Inc. board members, Marisol Hilario and Kretcha Roldan, drew over 150+ guests to a festive event on a perfect May evening. The event sought sponsors to help underwrite the cost of the evening and create broader awareness in the business community. Conlon Products, Shaheen Brothers, Holloway Automotive and Highland Street Foundation and a number of small local businesses and friends helped make event sponsorship a success. Students from the Class of 2015 were on hand to greet guests, as student speakers shared their stories of academic success and perseverance. This preceded bidding on more than 50 silent and live auction items. New scholarships were also created by individual donors who contributed significantly large gifts totaling $83,000. This year’s very successful Class of 2015 earned approximately $2.2 million (four year totals) of financial aid and scholarships. My journey through LFDCS has taken me from Kindergarten to eighth grade along with words of encouragement from family, friends and teachers to excel. All of us at LFDCS have had exceptional teachers and opportunities to many programs. The goal at LFDCS is to excel at everything— from championship basketball teams to high honors. My Placement Counselor helped me explore my options for high school. I know the choice I made will help prepare me for the future and a life worth living. Alexander is a graduate from the LFDCS Class of 2015 and awarded a full, 4-year scholarship to Phillips Exeter Academy. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 10
Preferred Provider for Targeted Assistance During FY’15, Lawrence Family Development & Education Fund, Inc. submitted a rigorous application and was approved as a School Turnaround Operator to offer statewide education improvement services to manage and operate low‐performing, underperforming and chronically‐underperforming schools. LFDEF, Inc., the Management Organization of the Lawrence Family Development Charter School, submitted this application to deliver services identified by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) as Targeted Assistance for school and district improvement. LFDEF, Inc.’s very first project as a School Turnaround Operator was local—in the City of Lawrence. This year we began a three‐year project with the Lawrence Public Schools to disseminate LFDEF, Inc.’s charter school’s best practices in early childhood education. In partnership a new neighborhood school, focusing on early childhood education, opened for families in the Tower Hill neighborhood. The Lawrence Family Public Academy is located at 526 Lowell Street and offers a free, full‐day, PreKindergarten (K‐1) and Kindergarten (K‐2) program for four and five year old students. Like the Lawrence Family Development Charter School, the school prioritizes: Parent Engagement, Dual Language, Effective Teaching, Partnerships and a Leadership Structure which includes parents. The LFPA program opened on Monday, August 25, 2014 and operates Monday‐Friday from 7:45 am–3:15 pm. Overall enrollment in K‐1 for FY’15 was 73 students and for K‐2 was 126 students. To maximize dissemination, three employees from LFDCS were selected for leadership roles in this new project. RtI for progress monitoring was also launched using DIBELS Letter Naming Fluency (LNF) and DIBELS First Sound Fluency (FSF). 70% of K‐1 students at or above benchmark on LNF and FS 80% of K‐2 students at or above benchmark on LNF and FSF Quarterly meetings are held with LPS to share best practices. Melissa Ankenbauer, K-1/K-2 Lead Teacher, LFPA Through my years of teaching at LFDCS, along with the help of some great co-workers and mentors along the way, I have grown tremendously as a teacher. I now take this knowledge, along with the successful charter school curriculum, to share teaching practices in my new teaching community. I look forward to seeing the continued student growth that is being achieved through this wonderful partnership! Lisa Conran, Principal, LFPA In this position and as the leader of Lawrence Family Public Academy, this partnership school site replicates, for the Lawrence Public Schools, the rigor, structure and high expectations of Lawrence Family Development Charter School. I am proud of our early success and look forward to many years of creating a unified team. Kelly Meehan, K-1/K-2 Lead Teacher, LFPA I am engaged with my colleagues to fuse the charter school and public schools of Lawrence for a solid partnership that is beneficial to young scholars! The families of our school make great efforts to connect with their child’s classroom teacher. I stress to families that the curriculum at our school is rigorous, and by maintaining consistent expectations between school and home, we will support students as they grow and learn. LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 11
Some Highlights from FY’2014‐2015... Lawrence Family Public Academy First day of school LFDCS receives its 5th Charter 1st day of school—Lawrence Family Pubic Academy Safe and Successful Youth Iniave/Lawrence Youth Team Maria del Pilar Quintana Family Center Graduaon 2015 PFK Scholarship Fundraiser—Stevens Estate—May , 2015 LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 12
LFDEF, Inc. FY’2014‐2015 Financial Report Revenue Grants Participant Fees Contributions LFDCS Management Fee LPS Management Fee Rental Income Other Total Revenue Expenses Personnel Expenses Program expenses Occupancy Interest expense Administration $1,604,455 $292,011 $56,863 $233,715 $230,921 $2,417,965 Operating Income Depreciation Decrease in Net Assets After Depreciation Contribution of Railroad Street Building Increase (Decrease) in Unrestricted Net Assets $109,973 $423,699 ($313,726) $1,039,321 $32,319 $8,658 $419,142 $80,895 $886,443 $61,160 $2,527,938 1,747,304 $1,433,578 LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 13
LFDCS FY’2014‐2015 Financial Report Revenue Tuition Transportation Grants Participant Fees Contributions LPS Management Fee Food Service Other Total Revenue $8,382,247 $175,416 $584,588 $142,563 $241,695 $207,323 $476,030 $7,582 $10,217,444 Expenses Personnel Expenses Program expenses Occupancy LFDEF, Inc. Management Fee Administration $6,724,912 $892,086 $1,813,105 $419,142 $197,378 $10,046,623 Operating Income Depreciation Increase in Net Assets After Depreciation $170,821 $135,005 $35,816 LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 14
LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION FUND, INC. Executive Director Ralph L. Carrero Comptroller/Comptroller (Interim) Administrative Assistant Director of Program Development Assistant Comptroller Technology Coordinator Maintenance Supervisor Director of Alternative Youth Development Programs Coordinator of Career Counseling & Placement Dean of Students/Case Manager Program Operations Coordinator Coordinator of Academic Services Academic Instructor Construction Manager Construction Supervisor AmeriCorps Program Coordinator Full‐Time AmeriCorps Member Full‐Time AmeriCorps Member Full‐Time AmeriCorps Member Lawrence Youth Team Program Coordinator Lawrence Youth Team Intake Case Manager Lawrence Youth Team Transition Case Manager Lawrence Youth Team Street Worker Lawrence Youth Team Street Worker Manager, Family Center Office Assistant, Family Center Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Principal Special Education Director Head of Academy for Early Academic Preparation Head of Lower School Head of Upper School/Title 1 Coordinator RtI/ELL Coordinator Digital Instructor Food Services Director After School Coordinator Business Manager LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT Roy Nelson/Dale Cavanaugh Susan Lyons Paul Heithaus Tracy Hsu Tony Schumann Luis Nigaglioni ALTERNATIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS April Lyskowsky Lisa Coy Albert Hayle Zulma Liriano Rebecca Lawrence Deborah Morin Greg Earls Domingo Corona Cathleen Jaffarian Breanna Walukevich Russell Hodge Brittni Relf Edgar Caceres Tammy Cancel Jefte Santos Carlos Collazo Willy Rodriguez MARIA DEL PILAR QUINTANA FAMILY CENTER Sandy Cepeda Cindy Colon LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CHARTER SCHOOL Ralph L. Carrero Judith C. Marley, EdD Susan D. Earabino, EdD Janis Brodeur Erica Crescenzo Jennifer Fanning Stephanie Cole Hali Castleman June Kim Mary Claire Kennedy David Hildt Mary Durkin PAGE 15
Contributors (Foundations, Friends, Family Donors) Rafael Abislaiman Lizardo Alcantara Lisana Alexander Craig Allard Alexis Alicea Alekel Foundation AMS Solutions Andover Inn Anton’s Cleaners Margaret & Frank Anderson The Andover Inn Apex Computers Courtney & Jim Archambeault Julie & John Ardini Ash Trust Gino Baroni Raquel Bauman Gina Berardi B&W Bentley University Donna Bertolino & Gary Steele James and Kathleen Boucher Tina Brown Boston Bruins Kathleen Boucher Bowers & Wilkins Broadview Boston University Boston Red Sox Marcia Burns-Mittler Butcher Boy CDW Government, Inc. Kristen Karl Carnahan Dale Cananaugh Ralph & Ana Carrero Central Catholic High School Daniel & Ana Cereceda Marilu Cerezo Rosemarie & Paul Cogliano Stephanie & Michael Cole Frank Cousins The Common Man The Cheesecake Factory A. W. Chesterton Erica Crescenzo China Blossom Christopher Creek Winery City of Lawrence-CDBG Stephanie & Michael Cole Conlon Products, Inc. Denise & Larry Conlon Matt Conlon Richard & Maryellen Consoli William & Penny Cox Christos & Gregory Christakos Robert & Erica Crescenzo Eduardo Crespo Tom & Patricia Cronin Justine & Robert Croteau Ethel Cruz & Carlos Espendez Tomasa Cruz Haydee Cuadrado Cummings Foundation Stephen Curran Zori Davidovich DeJesus Associates Brian DePena Marcos Devers Dalia Diaz & Alberto Suris John & Carol Dickison Diverse Dimensions Inc. Sheila Doherty Sudha Dharmaraj Donnelly’s, Inc. Linda Douglas Susan Earabino Isabel Eccles Enriquez Estates Winery Enterprise Bank Benny and Mory Espaillat Essex County Comm. Found. Cindy Evans Linda & Bob Evans Jennifer Fanning Anne Marie Faris Living Trust Rose & Joseph Faro Dr. Wanda Febo-Cuello Pati Fernandez Catherine Foley Genevieve Foley Vincent & Jeanne Foley Cheryl Foster Joanne Fournier Brenda Fuentes The Furniture Trust Patricia Gaj Rose Gallo Leiddy Gil Ira Gold Dorothy & Edward Gorrie Colleen Gossett Chris & Martha Grant Barbara Grasso Great NH Restaurants Ellen & Michael Guerin Linda Hacker Leah Harrington William & Linda Heineman Anne Hemmer Kevin Herlihy Mark Higginbottom Highland Street Foundation Marisol Hilario Paul & Anna Grace Holloway Alan Hope Arthur and Lisa Housianitis John Housianitis Infinity Tapes Jackson Lumber & Millwork Phyllis Jardin David & Kate Jagger Edward & Holly Jenkins Yolanda & Nelson Jimenez Jocelyn’s Restaurant LFDEF, INC FY’2014‐2015 ANNUAL REPORT Joe’s American Bar & Grill Joe Fish Restaurant Johnny’s Seeds Johnson and Matthes Russell & Patricia Karl Mark Keane Mary Claire Kennedy June Kim Legal Seafoods Fr. Joaquin Lally Marc Laplante Ted & Connie Lapres Fund Dina Latulippe Law. Downtown Parking Assoc. Lawrence General Hospital Lawrence Public Schools LFDCS School Site Council LFDCS Teachers & Support Staff LFDEF, Inc. Liberty Mutual Foundation LifeTouch Susan & Robert Lloyd Joel Lopez Lucky’s Pizza April Lyskowsky Mann Orchards Margaritas Restaurant Walla Manzueta Judith & Stephen Marley MA Dept. of Early Education & Care MA Dept. of Elem. & Sec. Education James Massman Yoselyn Matias James & Christine McFadhan Daniel and Julie McLaughlin William McSweeney Merrimack Industrial Sales Merrimack Valley General Fund Merrimack Valley WIB MetroNorth REB McCarthy Trust Methuen Karate Association Paul and Carol Miller Cynthia Mohr Frank Moran Mary Elizabeth Moore Mike Morris Moseley Foundation Morris, Rossi & Hayes Museum of Science Northern Essex Community College Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Diane O’Donnell Fred & Juliet Nagle Pilar Naveo Chris & Janet Needham Robert & Carol Needham Pavel Payano People’s United Bank Almarie Perez Junior & Yokasta Perez Luis Perez Phillips Academy-Andover Pleasant Valley Internists, PC Pro AV Systems Richard Purinton Quarrybrook Outdoor Learning Center Daniel Quirez Ramirez Family Nicole Rapsis RCAB Corpus Christi Parish Lou Ricci Kretcha Roldan Laurence Rossi Russell Trust Osvaldo Saloman Sanchez Family Francisco Santiago Anthony Sapienza Tony Schumann Shaheen Bros. Inc. Fred Shaheen Grassfield’s Restaurant Tom & Eileen Sharkey John & Sharen Shaw III Linda & Jurg Siegenthaler Dario & Julia Silverio Meaghan Sisson Mr. & Mrs. Derek Smith Graciela & Victor Soto Beilis & Luisa Soto Gregory & Bonnie Spurr Stearns Trust The Stevens Foundation Marybeth Sullivan TD Banknorth Wendy Taylor & Bill Davy Barry Thomas Joan & John Thompson The Torrisi Family Helen & David Tory Kelly Townsend Trader Joe’s Trident Building LLC Tripoli Bakery UMass Lowell United Way US Dept. of Labor USI Insurance Services, LLC The Walmart Foundation Michael Walsh, CPA Kingman & Dee Webster Alexander & Anne White White Street Paint & Wallpaper, Inc. Whole Foods Market William Wood Foundation Sam Williamson Alvin & Maureen Yadgood Pamela Yameen YouthBuild USA PAGE 16
LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION FUND, INC. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 34 West Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 www.lfdef.org Tel: (978) 689-9863 x123 Fax: (978) 689-8133 ALTERNATIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Orange Wheeler House, 355 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 681-0548 MARIA DEL PILAR QUINTANA FAMILY CENTER 404 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 794-5399 LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CHARTER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 34 West Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 689-9863 www.lfdcs.org Academy for Early Academic Preparation (K-1, K-2 & Grade 1), 10 Railroad Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 258-6210 Lower School (Grades 2-4), 34 West Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 689-9863 Upper School (Grades 5-8), 400 Haverhill Street Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 738-0609 LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT TURNAROUND OPERATOR FOR TARGETED ASSISTANCE TO UNDERPERFORMING MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Lawrence Family Public Academy (K-1 & K-2), 526 Lowell Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 (978) 975-5905
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