HSC Insight / February 29, 2012 a monthly e-publication for the nonprofit community / the Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County |
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IN THE NEWS:
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From Your HSC | |
IDEAS&INFO
Media, Messaging and Your Nonprofit:
March 14th
Join invited journalists from Prince George's Community Television, NBC4 News, Washington Post, WAMU Radio and the Foundation Center Blog to explore the changing nature and needs of media and how nonprofits can best get their point across!
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In Our Community |
UNITED WAY, NCA
Learn More About > Get Involved in a New Campaign Recruit Professional Volunteers And, much more... |
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Increase your knowledge of and capacity for partnership with HSC. Become a member, today.
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Greetings! | |
The Real Power of Partnership
"Partnership: An arrangement where parties agree to cooperate to advance their mutual interests."
 We were never created to do anything alone, but to unite forces for a common goal. We change a community by changing one human life at a time. That's what Daughters of Zion Empowerment Center (DZEC) is all about. Committed partners, who share our passion to help those hurting from the emotional effects of domestic violence, fuel DZEC. Our partnerships in the community are founded in our mission.
When we partner with other organizations like the Human Services Coalition, United Way, or the Combined Federal Campaign, we become a part of something bigger and greater than just 'us.' By joining these organizations, we join our voices together to make a bigger impact in every place we need to be heard. We create a greater awareness on a bigger platform for the needs in our communities. The real power of partnership is in people and organizations coming together. By joining forces, we can make a difference in our communities. By collaborating, we can improve the quality of life for all people. By partnering, we can do just about anything!
In This Issue of Insight...
Get a fresh perspective on partnership from the heads of several of the largest Prince George's County agencies who outlined their innovative plans to put nonprofits at the center of their work, at the Feb. 8th IDEAS&INFO luncheon. Gain some great 'lessons learned' from the Community Nonprofit Network (CNN), service providers taking partnership to a whole new level. And, watch a recent CTV news clip featuring more than a dozen Human Services Coalition members receiving significant grant funding for effective community service. Enjoy!
Once you're done reading, email us at insight@hscofpgc.org and
tell us what you think. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours in Excellence,
Pastor Karen Presley
Proud HSC Member
Service Organization: Daughers of Zion Empowerment Center, Inc. |
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HSC Case Study: Partnership | |
Community Nonprofit Network (CNN) -- One Year Later
When Sandy Washington, Executive Director of Community Outreach and Development, and her cohort from the 2010 HSC Nonprofit Incubator Program (NIP) formed an umbrella group known as the Community Nonprofit Network (CNN) that same year they hoped to increase their human service footprint in the County. They hoped to increase their revenue. They hoped to eliminate duplication of effort. But, they never dreamed their trailblazing efforts would produce so much success, so quickly.
By 2011, CNN -- then comprised of All Shades of Pink (ASOP), American Aid to Humanity, Destiny Power and Purpose, and Trade Prep -- embarked on a plan to create a 'one-stop shop' for support and services for residents in southern Prince George's County and Southeast Washington DC. Together, they purchased and renovated a strip mall in Capital Heights Maryland to provide a range of health programs, emergency services and homeless support. In the process, they raised $2 million in grant funding.
"The incubator definitely helped by bringing us together in cultivated soil," said Washington. "It was the best possible environment for each of us to examine exactly what we were doing and to really understand the needs in our community. It provided us top-notch information and helped us develop strengths in so many different areas."
Their training and networking paid off big that first year. So much so that one might imagine this team resting on their laurels. You'd be wrong. CNN has expanded in order to meet a growing need for effective programs in the neighborhoods they serve.
On Sustainability
"Things are definitely looking up," said Washington. "We've seen an increase in our corporate donations, which we take as a sign that our service quality is being recognized. Also, our Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) contributions have grown sizably. And, perhaps most exciting, we're in the position for the first time to have a Bond bill (HB 129) introduced by Del. Joanne Benson and Del. Michael Vaughn (both District 24) for a future capital campaign. We could never have imagined this when we started, yet here we are. We're very excited!"
On Their "Secret"
So, what's their secret? When many stand-alone organizations find themselves floundering in their early years, how has CNN seemingly 'perfected' partnership? In a word: selectivity.
"NIP actually taught us the difference between 'collaboration' and 'partnership,'" said Washington. "Collaboration can be something as simple as offering referrals or sharing information, which we'd do anyway because we're here to serve. But, partnership means looking very carefully at what others are -- or, are not-bringing to the table. There has to be an assurance that everyone is bringing something and everyone is getting something."
Being resolute in preserving your mission and being willing to revisit an opportunity are key factors at this stage.
"The harsh reality is that there are people you 'like' that just can't be partnered with--at least, not right now" said Washington. "It's good to remember that 'not now' doesn't necessarily mean not ever (where partnership is concerned)."
In the last year, CNN has added four new partners: Maryland Youth Foster Care, Family Forward, In God's Loving Hands and GOD Tour.
On Success
Washington admits that the relationship building essential to making this partnership work isn't always easy. But, they keep going because of the work that is left to do.
"There is a real obesity problem in our communities," Said Washington. "So, one of our next ventures is to work with Prince George's Community College and others to establish a healthy eating restaurant near our current location. We want to provide a real service to the community and create an income generator to keep our work going."
Learn more about HSC Nonprofit Incubator.
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| IDEAS&INFO Luncheon Recap | How to Partner with County Nonprofits | |
Sometimes, partnering with a government agency can seem like putting together an incredibly intricate puzzle. But, fitting the right pieces together gets much easier when you have the 'big picture' in front of you. Here are the programs, plans and perspectives of the Department of Social Services, the Department of Family Services and Prince George's County Memorial Library System as outlined at the Feb. 8th IDEAS&INFO luncheon. See how they envision themselves going forward and where there may be a perfect place for your nonprofit:
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
Programs: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Supplement Program, Medical Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Child Care Subsidy Program and Foster Care and Adoption Service.
Plans: In addition to bringing Food Distribution sites to additional neighborhoods throughout the County, in March, DSS is implementing a "Weight Watchers" for Families initiative which offers homes with children age five and younger a simple yet comprehensive way to progressively incorporate healthy eating and exercise into their daily routine. The goal is to reduce to rising rates of obesity and related illnesses in Prince George's County.
Perspecti ve: "We are taking a very practical approach to meeting our goals, this year. This (Weight Watchers) program was the result of the positive impact I saw on my own family when I joined the program. I realized that all children throughout the County could benefit from the program -- and, from the example set by their parents. Our department is thinking 'outside the box,' and we encourage nonprofits to do the same. Think about what your clients really need and about reaching out to agencies you may never have considered before. When you look at what we are implementing, these are all partnerships that simply make sense." -- Gloria Brown, DSS Director
DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY SERVICES
Programs: Support and resources that serve the aging, mentally ill, disabled and children, youth and families such as home-delivered meals, assisted living subsidies, crisis intervention, substance abuse counseling and much more.
Plans: To ensure that these highly vulnerable County residents do not suffer lack due to the recent 60% cut in federal funding, the DFS is strategically and aggressively seeking community-based nonprofit 'gap-fillers' for service delivery. Primary target populations include: special education students, domestic violence survi vors and senior citizens (the County's fastest growing population).
Perspective: "We are a small agency. We're 85% grant funded and 60% of that goes directly back into the community. We rely on partnerships. But, we're looking for true partners who can help us stretch our dollars. Our partners must demonstrate their ability to deliver. This year, we really want to see organizations step up who are already considering how changing demographics are impacting their work as well as having the evidence to support what they do." -- Theresa Grant, DFS Acting Director
MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM
Programs: Traditional, online and special collections; special exhibits; public computers and Wi-Fi access; meeting rooms; tax forms; author support and more.
Plans: The Memorial Library System has expanded far beyond the traditional role of an information and resource provider. This year, each branch will engage new partnerships to offer residents workforce development training (Department of Labor), GED testing sites (Maryland Dept. of Education), and nutrition classes (US Dept. of Agriculture).
 Perspective: "The changing needs of our community and the growth of technology has taught the Library different ways to do what we do. We now have a one word mission: enrich. We're looking to nonprofits to help us make the lives of residents better." - Kathleen Teaze, MLS Director
Economic shifts and rising need for effective community-based services make this an exceptional time for nonprofits to build their own capacity and seek well-aligned government partnerships to move their missions forward.
Discover how the Human Services Coalition can help you achieve excellence. Visit us at www.hscofpgc.org. |
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Copyright © 2012 - Human Services Coalition. All rights reserved. Insight is published monthly by Human Services Coalition of Prince George's County, Inc. E-mail: insight@hscofpgc.org, Web site: www.hscofpgc.org. Phone: 301-429-0414. Writer & Editor: Dawn Goodman Washington. Contributors: Karen Presley. Publication Advisor: Colette Gingles. |
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