ULGH 2022 Annual Report

2022 Urban League of Geater Hartford ANNUAL REPORT

DAVID J. HOPKINS President & CEO Message from the CEO Dear Urban League Colleagues and Friends, As our country faces threats to education, continued political tribalism, and economic retreats from initiatives once promised under the inspiration or guilt of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Urban League’s pillars of education, employment, housing, health, and justice have been critical to providing sound footing and empowering resources to the community. Our Project Ready Scholars seniors are graduating and ready to discover how they will change the world. Adult learners have prepared for and will attain their GED. Great partnerships are giving new and better opportunities to job seekers. Residents have more options for securing housing. The fight for equity in health and justice is gaining ground as allies and policies courageously shift narratives, stigmas and practices. The achievements of 2022 are made possible with the tireless work of our staff, the oversight of our Board of Directors, the generous support of our donors, and the caring engagement of our volunteers. Thank you all for another year of progress and impact. 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 1

MISSION VALUES To promote racial equity Focused on helping people in through economic need change their lives empowerment. Committed to personal and team accountability for excellence Committed to creating and delivering innovative solutions Caring, respectful and honest in all that we do We teach what we value, and we live what we teach 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 2

2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Wes Alexander, Esq.* Nicole Hughey VP Workforce Solutions VP, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Chair The Travelers Financial Jonathan Roberts Sirius XM President & CEO Rev. Dr. Michael Bailey* Hudson Valley Credit Union Co-Pastor The First Cathedral Luz Holmes Vice Chair President Brian Foley Eric Blumenthal Commissioner’s Aid Associate Director at ULGH Young Professionals State of Connecticut Police Department NAI Global, NAI Elite, LLC Julia Marquis, Esq. President Christopher Clarke Senior Counsel David Hopkins VP Private Client Advisor Aetna CVS President & CEO Merrill Lynch Bank of America Urban League of Greater Hartford Elissa Eddie Stephen Marshall III Treasurer SVP Sales Leader Tax Director Elissa Eddie Key Private Bank Private Bank Team Lead AAA Northeast Key Bank Earl Exum President International Aero Engines, AG James Michel Chief Executive Officer Secretary Access Health CT Shornda Cadore * New Directors Laura Soll-Broxterman Senior Director, Global Business Development President Soll Public Relations Pratt & Whitney 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 3

EDUCATION YOUTH ADULT DEVELOPMENT LEARNING The Project Ready youth program is designed to equip Adult Basic Education and GED high school aged youth with skills and opportunities to (General Equivalency Diploma) prepare them for college, work and life. Students are preparation services are offered with exposed to enrichment through workshops, networking, the goal of improved earning potential. internship opportunities, community service, service The program targets individuals with learning projects, college tours and field trips to enhance multiple barriers to reach educational college and career readiness. Program components include achievement, including ex-offenders, social and professional skills development, and S.T.E.M. the homeless and English learners. activities provided through the following programs: Clients are provided with education and Post-Secondary Success training to gain high school credentials Mentor and improve reading, writing, math and ROCS (Readiness Opportunities for College Success) English Language Skills (ELS), as well as Digital Literacy transition services to post-secondary education, formal job training, and careers. In FY 2022, our youth programs served 64 high school students. Of the seniors enrolled, 100% graduated from 23 67% high school and 100% enrolled in college; 100% of underclassmen in the program were promoted to the next STUDENTS ADANCED grade. Thirty-two of our youth were connected to SERVED AGRADELEVEL internships through youth workforce initiatives, and 1 has been selected as a Bank of America Student Leader. Fifteen Project Ready ROCS students received academic social support to help them navigate through college. 64 32 $17,000 Issued in STUDENTS DEVELOPMENT Scholarships SERVED JOBS 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 4

Urban Youth ReEntry A second chance program to assist young adults age 18- 24, earn GED, pursue post-secondary education, and obtain industry recognized credentials to start a career. EMPLOYMENT Workforce Pathways for Youth In collaboration with Project Ready, Pathways serves WORKFORCE 16-21 year olds to develop learning and personal skills for completing their education or obtain employment. DEVELOPMENT Project STABLE (Success, Training, Asset Building, Learning, and Employment) Programming directs individuals to job, Assists the underemployed and unemployed in our LISC career, and entrepreneurial opportunities. We Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) while developing the serve ALICE individuals (Asset Limited skills needed for sustaining employment, managing Income Constrained Employed) along with a personal finances, and building assets– primarily range of professionals who are seeking homeownership through an integrated system of employment that will generate meaningful programs and services. self-sustaining income. Fresh Start Technical School A new partnership in 2022 with a co-located training and certification service in the fields of nursing, phlebotomy, and commercial driving. In addition to job placement and technical 300 57 16 assistance for small businesses, our services provide industry based training, licenses, and INDIVIDUALS CERTIFICATIONS CREDENTIALED certifications, as well as apprenticeships, to SERVED ISSUED HIRES improve employability and retention. 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 5

HOUSING First Time Homebuyer Families considering home ownership for the first time ECONOMIC learn Urban League's nine steps to purchasing a home, ENRICHMENT and offers one-on-one counseling sessions. These individual sessions put an action plan in place to help During the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year, participants become successful in obtaining and Economic Empowerment counseling maintaining a home. and educational services to over 700 Financial Fitness program participants. In 2022 three Housing staff members became Certified Housing Counselors to more effectively advise program Of those receiving services, 29 participants on budgeting, savings, banking and asset purchased a home, despite the impacts building in one-on-one and group class sessions. of COVID-19. Collectively, those Financial Opportunity Center (FOC) purchases generated approximately The FOC assists the underemployed and unemployed in $6.5 million dollars in Greater Hartford developing the skills needed to sustain consistent real estate sales, and $3.5 million in the employment and income to help attain homeownership. city of Hartford. Temporary Renters Assistance Program (TRAP) Over 400 residents financially impacted by COVID-19 received assistance from Urban League to secure financial assistance and prevent eviction. 750 400 $6.5MM RESIDENTS RENTERS REAL ESTATE SERVED PROTECTED SALES 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 6

HEALTH FITNESS EDUCATION Whether Zumba, double dutch, line dancing, or walking, wellness activities are incorporated into Urban League events. Anchored by the Healthy Start program, In addition to having fitness sessions in partnership with the an initiative administered by the State UCONN Health Convergence Institute JUMP (Just Us Moving Department of Public Health that helps Program) and Hope Fitness, our goal is to offer physical low-income pregnant women and movement activities that support healthy living for all ages. mothers of 0-2 year olds receive resources through coordinated care, NUTRITION pre-natal and post-partum education and community resource referrals. A 3-year partnership with the UConn Health Connecticut Families benefit from individualized Convergence Institute has allowed the Urban League to services that best meet their unique contribute to the healthy lifestyle of the community, needs. Services are strengths-based, distributing over 600 bags of vegetables through the family-driven and trauma-informed, and produce generated from the 12 Aeroponic garden towers designed to enhance the social- located at the agency’s facility at 140 Woodland Street. emotional, physical and economic wellbeing of children and families. VACCINATION Since the National Urban League launched its ALL IN campaign in partnership with the US Center for Disease Control in 2020, and selected Hartford as one of the Urban League Affiliates to execute the testing and, subsequent vaccinations locally, this programming has helped expand access to the Greater Hartford community. 100 1,000 300 MOTHERS VEGGIE BAGS EDUCATED or SERVED DISTRIBUTED VACCINATED 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 7

JUSTICE LEGISLATION ADVOCACY The Urban League has a longstanding history of working with legislators to codify meaningful change to create a CEO David Hopkins joined Board member more equitable Connecticut. In this fiscal year we Laura Soll-Broxterman, President and CEO supported legislation to make the Crown Act a state law, of the Jewish Federation of Greater protecting citizens of color from discriminatory practices in Hartford David Waren, Governor Ned the workplace based on her style. Lamont, and a coalition of statewide leaders to stand united against hate and INCLUSION 'Shine A Light on Antisemitism. With seats on the MetroHartford Alliance Racial Equity and 6 3 2 Economic Development committee, the UCONN Hartford Community Advisory Board, and University of Hartford ADVISORY NEW DEI NEW DEI Diversity Council, Urban League of Greater Hartford has COUNCILS PARTNERS CLIENTS increased its role in affecting DEI initiatives in the region. New in 2022, the Urban League of Greater Hartford was represented by senior and executive leadership in Black History Month and Women's History Month panel discussions, exclusive speaking engagements, and media interviews to discuss the importance of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion with audiences like Bank of America, OTIS Elevator, ROOT Center for Advanced Recovery and Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 8

FINANCIALS 82% 0.72% -32% For the third consecutive year, the agency's financial position has improved, year over year, with an increase in PROGRAM CURRENT REDUCTION revenue and more efficient use of operating resources. EFFICIENCY RATIO IN PAYABLES Form 990 and audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 issued by auditors Whittlesey, PC, are available by contacting the Urban League of Greater Hartford at (860) 527-0147. 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 9

AUXILIARY YP Join Week The National Urban League Young Professionals hold an YOUNG annual campaign to increase membership and expand PROFESSIONALS engagement. Greater Hartford participated and grew through new members and returning members. Urban Leagues across the country use Back to School Community Day the Young Professionals (YPs) and Guild Still recovering from the impact of COVID, the Backpack auxiliaries to outreach, recruit Giveaway attracted volunteers and families from the local volunteers, and foster networking community to help over 100 students start school \"the opportunities for those who align with right way.\" the mission of the Movement. Holiday Toy Drive This annual event, in partnership with the City of Hartford, Under the leadership of Luz Holmes, the served over 300 children and families with the help of YPs delivered another stellar year of generous donations from community stakeholders. events and opportunities for engaging Project Ready Mentor 21-40 years olds in the region to YPs support Project Ready scholars as mentors providing support the Urban League mission. academic, social skills, and career exploration guidance to 15 students. Corporate Employee Resource Groups The YPs serve as the primary point of contact for corporate ERGs to engage in social justice and diversity initiatives outside of their work setting through Urban League and YP events and forums. 2,000 80 300 VOLUNTEER BACKPACKS HOURS DONATED TOYS DONATED 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 10

2022 HONOREES EVENTS BUSINESS EXCELLENCE Jim Loree, President & CEO Stanley Black and Decker In addition to signature events, smaller events like the Trunk or Treat, Diaper Drive, Thanksgiving TRAILBLAZER Giveback, or Wellness Wednesday engage the Shawn Wooden, Connecticut State Treasurer community in hands-on service. Equal Opportunity Day Fundraising Gala COMMUNITY CHAMPION This signature fundraising event, representing nearly Tiffany Young,ExecutiveDirectorHartfordYardGoatsFoundation 50% of the annual budget, raised $750,000 in unrestricted funds- a 50% increase over 2021. CULTURAL HERITAGE A Legacy Revealed Black History Celebration Cheryl Smith(Posthumous),Co-founderArtistCollective The agency's Black History Month event celebrates African American, Afro Caribbean, and Afro Latino BILL BROWN LEADERSHIP & SERVICE culture through artistic expression and recognition. Patricia “Pat” Kelly, CEO Ebony Horsewomen Employment Empowerment Expo Stable, gainful employment is key to economic COMMUNITY IMPACT empowerment, so this event connects job Joel Hicks-Rivera, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving seekers with employers to help strengthen a diverse workforce. PUBLIC SERVICE Faith Palmer, City of Hartford $750K 3,000 12 COMMUNITY ACTIVIST UNRESTRICTED RESIDENTS LEADERS Hyacinth Yennie, Maple Avenue NRZ FUNDSRAISED TOUCHED HONORED ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Kevin Joiner, K Legal Services YOUNG ACHIEVER Zenae Lewis, Southern CT State University WORKFORCE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Terry and Duffy Starks, Hartford's Proud Drill Drum and Dance Co. HONORARY FUNDRAISING CHAIR Greg Toczydlowski, Travelers 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 11

FUNDERS Accenture International Aero Engines DONORS AND SUPPORTERS Audacy Avangrid Thanks to the generous support of individuals, families, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch corporations, foundations and government grants, it is Barnes Group possible to deliver the critical services needed, and to Bob’s Discount Furniture operate our 4 story, 30,000 square foot building. Capitol Region Education Council City of Hartford 2022 saw the addition of new funders, as well as the Cognizant return of funders from years past. The 100% Net COMCAST Foundation Promoter Score indicates funders would recommend Connecticut Housing Finance Authority the Urban League of Greater Hartford as an agency to Delta Dental support with financial resources. Disney/ ESPN DoorDash 79% 105% 100 Eversource NET Goodwill of Western Connecticut DONOR RECURRING PROMOTER Groundspeed RETENTION DONOR SCORE Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Hartford HealthCare Hartford Public Schools Hartford Steam Boiler Hartford Yard Goats Key Bank LAZ Parking Liberty Bank LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Otis Elevator Pratt & Whitney Jonathan and Angela Roberts Family Fund Root Center for Advanced Recovery Salesforce Shelbourne Global Solutions Stanley Black and Decker State of Connecticut The Hartford Titos Handmade Vodka Toczydlowski Family Foundation Travelers Trinity Health of New England/St. Francis UCONN Health/Convergence Institute United Way of NE and Central Connecticut University of Hartford Webster Bank Wells Fargo Wheeler Clinic, Inc.. Zachs Family Foundation 2022 ANNUAL REPORT | PAGE 12





GET INVOLVED 140 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 527-0147 www.ulgh.org @ulgh64