Year End Report 2019-2020

Letter from the Executive Director Dear FAMILY Friends, Since its beginnings in 1991, FAMILY, Inc. has a rich history of providing quality family support and public health services in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. Through our services, we empower families to build a strong foundation and healthy future at the earliest stages of a child’s development. Much like years prior, this important work continued for the 2019-2020 fiscal year, but with a new focus – transformation! Through your support and the dedication of an incredible team, FAMILY, Inc. has many accomplishments to celebrate over the past year that have transformed our team, organization and services:  Fortified agency infrastructure by adding 4 new members to the Executive Leadership Team  Increased support to direct service team members by adding 4 new mid-level Coordinators  Expanded service in our community by adding new programming through Early Head Start  Added 13 new direct service team members to serve and support families through our mission  Improved how we compensate employees to support retention of talent  Strategically relocated our rural office to best serve the eastern parts of Pottawattamie County  Acquired additional office space to support the expansion of our Team  Revived the existing FAMILY endowment fund to grow the agency’s savings  Doubled the organizational budget ensuring sustainability for FAMILY into the future It is the strength of this organization and team, as well as the steady support of our partners and stakeholders, that allowed us to take the challenges of the past year head on. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the leadership team mobilized an organization founded on in-person interactions and direct services, to operating fully virtually within 72 hours. We have proudly retained all of our employees and their benefits, been flexible around working from home and continue to serve families in meaningful, but safe, ways. Despite the distance of remote working, our team found new ways to connect and, perhaps, even more than was the norm when we were in each other’s presence. We have had glimpses into each other’s personal lives that have brought us closer, created a bond and shared lots of silliness and laughs while supporting each other through a very difficult and uncertain time. While we are not yet through the storm, I have every confidence in this team’s resilience and ability to continue to support and serve those who need us. Based on the accomplishments from the past year, we have set the bar high for the fiscal year ahead. FAMILY, Inc. will be engaging in a strategic planning process to develop the blueprints for the next three years. We are also committed to being our very best in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion as we stand strong against racism and stand up for our colleagues, partners, and those we serve who are people of color. And, with determination and laser focus, we will continue to strive towards our vision that all children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential! Gratefully, Kimberly Kolakowski FAMILY, Inc. Executive Director

In A Changing World... Like other organizations, FAMILY quickly mobilized and re-imagined services in a remote working world due to COVID-19. Home visitation services began happening through virtual platforms, care coordination expanded beyond access to medical and dental care to access to food and other emergency resources, and education migrated to our YouTube channel and other social media platforms. While service delivery looked different, the quality of services never wavered. One family support home visitation client said about her Parent Educator, “(she) has been AMAZINGLY supportive, even while social distancing. She regularly checks in with us by phone/email/Zoom, always asking if we need anything or if she can do anything for us.” Our Oral Health team was unable to provide preventative screenings due to COVID-19; instead they immediately stepped up to create YouTube educational videos, get acquainted with providing emergency Medicaid determinations, and provided more in depth care coordination services for families. One family mentioned that she and her three children had transportation barriers to get to school to pick up lunch meals and our I-Smile @ School hygienist stepped up to get that family food several times per week until a more long-term solution could be established. Similarly 1st Five and Maternal Health clients were the recipients of food, diaper, and other pantry items and additional support in the midst of the chaos of the early days of the pandemic. Being well… FAMILY is committed to supporting employee wellness through many avenues. One is the partnership between the FAMILY Wellness Committee and the Council Bluffs Farmer’s Market to give team members CB Farmer’s Market bucks during the summer months to purchase locally-grown fresh fruits, veggies, and other foods! Such a great way to support team wellness and local farmers!

PROGRAMS WHERE DOES OUR FUNDING COME FROM? MIECHV Maternal Early Health Head Start Parents as Teachers Are you ready to make a donation to support this incredible work and growing team? Donate via PayPal, credit or debit card. Donations can be made one-time or recurring on a monthly basis.