Tuesday Memo - Changes on the Horizon

Greetings!

Change is a constant partner - and being a CEO means that a big part of that job is to be a change agent. So while we live in a world constantly changing, it doesn't mean that it is easy. IM is no different, and there are a number of changes on the horizon that are worth noting:

• We are changing our fiscal period starting this July 1st. So a new program and fiscal year is fast approaching.
• We are beginning to feel the sting of reductions in government funding. We anticipate that in the coming new fiscal period we will receive about $750,000 LESS than in the last full fiscal period that ended in December, 2010. These reductions will be reflected in both Meals on Wheels and Refugee Services and will put extra pressure on our ability to keep up with growing demand.

• For the first time in two or three years, we have a waiting list for Meals on Wheels clients. Over these years we have seen the number of clients we serve grow from about 3,000 each weekday to about 4,600. Our core funding is for only about 3,000 - so all the rest (and those who receive breakfast and weekend meals) are paid from donations from folks just like you and companies like Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises LLC who is our lead corporate sponsor. We are experiencing an explosion in the number of calls - and based on the current rate we would grow to about 5,800 by the end of 2012 - which means we will have to raise an additional $2 million to keep up. As successful as we've been, that means we have to almost double our fundraising for Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston in one year. That's a big mountain to climb. Great organizations keep growing - and so will IM. We are looking at all sorts of new ways to provide our services, new technologies to maximize our productivity and new ways to raise the money we need to serve the need not just what our contracts call for. You'll be hearing lots more over the next few months about how IM will keep growing and do its best, in the face of dramatic change, to be Houston's symbol of interfaith cooperation through dialogue and service.

IM IN THE NEWS

• For the fourth year in a row, TXU is partnering with IM and today is Beat the Heat Day! Today TXU and our drivers will be handing out LED flashlights and magnets with heat safety information to all of our seniors. We are also accepting fans to help our clients stay cool. A number of organizations and companies are running fan drives - we will make sure that a senior in need receives them as they come in. Drop them off at our offices at 3217 Montrose!
• World Refugee Day in set for June 25th and celebrates refugees from around the world. This year's event will be taking place at Neighborhood Center's Baker-Ripley House (6500 Rookin St.) on June 25th from 1-5 p.m. and will feature live ethnic dance, music, art and recreational activities for the whole family and more. The event is open to the entire community and is free. To volunteer, email our Director of Volunteer Services, Denise.
• IM's Interfaith Youth Camp is scheduled for July 19-21 for all teens from 8th grade and up. Space is limited, so register today!! Click here to learn more.

Talk to you in two weeks.

Elliot Gershenson
President and CEO
Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston