Community Builder Handbook

Community Builder Handbook

Bridging For Tomorrow www.bridgingfortomorrow.org

CONTENTS Welcome

Page 2

Mission

Page 2

Vision

Page 2

Values

Page 2

Meet Our Community

Page 3

Our Methodology

Page 5

Our Initiatives

Page 7

Meet Our Staff

Page 8

Office Hours & Contact Information

Page 9

Meet Our Volunteers

Page 10

Community Builder Policies & Procedures

Page 11

Recommended Resources

Page 17

Community Builder Forms

Page 17

1 In the Community. For the Community. With the Community.

WELCOME We are excited that you want to join our team at Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT). Our volunteers are a vital part of our organization and integral to our mission in the community. We refer to all of our volunteers at “Community Builders” because they work alongside our neighbors to make the community stronger. BFT’s focus is on building healthy relationships that foster a sense of empowerment among members of the community. Our goal is to ensure that your time here is rewarding and enjoyable by enabling you to build healthy relationships with our staff, our community, and other volunteers, and by equipping you to utilize your gifts and passions to have the greatest impact.

MISSION We make our community stronger by investing in families and developing leaders.

VISION We envision a community rising above their surroundings and advancing to claim their future. Bridging For Tomorrow demonstrates God’s love and grace to our community through compassionate acts of service, and by empowering community members to become all that God created them to be. We hope to serve as a catalyst, enabling the community to flourish from the inside out.

VALUES Bridging For tomorrow celebrates, respects and includes all people, cultures, regions, religions, and political views. Bridging For Tomorrow is committed to careful stewardship of all human, natural, and financial resources. Bridging For Tomorrow endorses the highest level of ethical standards and quality services, and seeks to adhere to them through every action we take in our daily work. Bridging For Tomorrow believes in life and is a pro-life organization.


MEET OUR COMMUNITY Bridging For Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization serving all areas of the 77086 and 77066 zip codes, and specific neighborhoods in the 77088 and 77038 zip codes. Our area of focus is bounded to the north by FM 1960, to the east by Veterans Memorial Drive, to the west by North Houston Rosslyn Road, and to the south by West Mount Houston Road. This is a diverse community, primarily composed of low-income families. Bridging For Tomorrow’s office is located in the heart of the community that we serve. We partner with several schools, organization, and community members in the area to establish programs that offer educational services, provide food, and support the overall well-being of individuals and families.

An average of 25% of the residents in our area are living below the poverty level, and a quarter of these individuals are children under the age of 18. These families live off of $25,000 a year or less. According to the USDA, it costs almost $9,000 a year to feed a family of four on a low-cost plan. This means that these families have roughly $16,000 to pay for other necessary items like rent, utilities, transportation, health insurance, clothing, etc. Their inability to save money and invest in their future keeps them in survival mode, which limits their ability to make long-term plans or to prepare for the future. They have no resources to pay off debt or have a financial cushion in case of an emergency.

Approximately 18% of the population over 25 years old has attained less than a 9th grade level of education. A student’s family background and experience at home play a powerful role in that student’s ability to succeed in school. One of the biggest factors found to increase the likelihood that a student will drop out of school is socioeconomic status. Without at least a high school degree, these students are far less likely to find stable employment or advance in their careers.


About 60% of the people in our area speak a language other than English at home. This language barrier makes it difficult for parents to help children with homework and navigate the school system. Youth in non-Englishspeaking homes have been found to be more likely to drop out of high school. Nationally, over 80% of the incarcerated population is high school dropouts, and young women who drop out of high school are nine times more likely to be, or become, young single mothers. The ramifications of a lack of education impacts the entire community.

On average, 20.6% of the households in our area are run solely by a single male or female. Single parents must serve as both the primary provider for and caretaker of the family. Many of these single p arents do not have access to reliable child care and will miss an average of 8 days of work per year. This decreased worker productivity not only makes it more difficult for single parents to find and keep a good job, but costs businesses up to $300 billion annually.

In general, people in lower socioeconomic levels have at least twice the risk of serious illness and premature death than those in higher socioeconomic levels. Among all ages, Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured persons in the nation and the percentage of uninsured in Harris County is even higher than the percentage at the state level. 30% of the people in our community do not have health insurance. The primary reasons someone in our community might be uninsured are that they can’t afford it, they are ineligible because of their employment status (such as job loss), or they are ineligible because of their citizenship/immigration status. Uninsured individuals and families have less access to community-based health resources and often seek treatment at emergency rooms. “The cycle of poverty, lack of education, and risk factors repeat all over if there is no intervention for the families who fall in these categories. Our community is particularly at risk with percentages higher than 15% in most of the poverty indicators. Bridging For Tomorrow addresses these needs through our programs by building relationships. We believe that investing in families will enable us to positively contribute to the development of stronger foundations that will change tendencies in behaviors within families dynamics. As a result, native leaders will rise up & lead themselves and others to engage in different patterns that will ultimately result in a transformed community.” — Maria Belusar, Executive Director 4 In the Community. For the Community. With the Community.

OUR METHODOLOGY Our methodology of poverty alleviation is informed by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert’s book, When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself. We want to move beyond providing relief to those in need, towards rehabilitation and communityled development. That is why we focus on partnership and collaboration with members of the community.

RELIEF

REHABILITATION

DEVELOPMENT

Relief is temporary aid to Rehabilitation occurs when Development occurs when reduce the immediate individuals are meaningfully individuals are safe and suffering experienced by included in the process of secure enough to provide for someone who is unable to their own poverty alleviation. their own needs and are then help themselves due to a We come alongside able to support others and crisis. For example, a flooding community members and bring positive change to their victim who has been work together to identify community. removed from his/her home their strengths as well as may need help finding a safe what they need most in place to stay and access to order to succeed. food and water.


Bridging For Tomorrow works with individuals from a variety of cultural and economic backgrounds. When working with diverse groups, it is important to be aware that each group has its own hidden rules. We often consider the differences between different cultural or racial groups, but fail to think about them in terms of different economic groups. The hidden rules listed below are examples of the knowledge and understanding that is taken for granted by an individual in a particular economic class, but that are necessary to survive and to succeed in that class. It is important to remember that the hidden rules that are assumed by one group are usually unknown to the members of another group. These rules guide much of our behavior, as well as the way we perceive our circumstances and the actions of others. Not understanding the hidden rules of another class is often the biggest barrier to an individual moving upward in a career or from one class to another. POVERTY Money is meant to be used, spent.

MIDDLE CLASS Money is meant to be managed.

WEALTH Money is meant to be conserved, invested.

TIME

The present is most important. Decisions are made for the moment and based on feelings of survival.

The future is most important. Decisions are made against future ramifications.

Traditions and history are most important. Decisions are made partially on the basis of tradition and decorum.

FOOD

Quantity is important. Did you have enough?

Quality is important. Did you like it?

Presentation is important. Was it presented well?

EDUCATION

Education is valued and revered as abstract, but not as a reality.

Education is crucial for climbing the success ladder and making money.

Education is a necessary tradition for making and maintaining connections.

LANGUAGE

Language is casual and about survival.

Language is formal and about negotiation.

Language is formal and about networking.

DRIVING FORCES

Survival, relationships, and entertainment

Work and achievement

Financial, political, and social connections

MONEY

The examples in this chart are taken from Bridges out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities by Dr. Ruby K. Payne, Philip E. DeVol, and Terie Dreussi Smith.


OUR INITIATIVES Food Initiative Our Food Pantry is an avenue for building relationships while meeting our community’s most basic needs. We don’t just hand out food to our clients. We sit and talk with them about everything from good recipes to how they might better utilize their time and money. We even help them build their resumes. Our aim is to offer practical solutions and ultimately break the cycle of their dependence on others to have their basic needs met. We want them to be healthy and self-sustainable. Counseling Bridging For Tomorrow offers counseling in English and in Spanish to our community members at no charge. Many of these individuals are identified as they come in for regular appointments at our Food Pantry. Research has shown that when people receive appropriate mental health care, their use of medical services declines. Individuals with psychological problems are more likely to make poor behavior choices, which contribute to medical problems such as smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use, poor eating habits, and reckless behavior. We have two counselors that each see around five individuals for an hour every week. Scholarships It costs an average of $6,716 to attend a two-year state college and an average of $26,964 to attend a four-year college. Many students cannot afford this kind of education and will alternatively choose to become certified for specific career opportunities. These certification exams cost an average of $100. Bridging For Tomorrow is a proud sponsor of Klein Forest’s Scholarship Program which covers the costs of various Career & Technical Education (CTE) exams. CTE exams are offered for a variety of industries including Cosmetology, AutoCAD, Floral Design, Culinary Arts, and ServSafe. Recipients must apply for the scholarship, have regular attendance at school, be in good academic standing, and be involved in at least two community service projects. Bridge of Light & Bridge of Hope These programs can boost academic performance, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and structured environment for the children of working parents. We support two programs that meet twice a week for tutoring, character lessons, and fun activities that engage the students. Our Bridge of Light Club is located in the Northcliffe community and our Bridge of Hope Club meets at First New Hope Bible Church. These clubs provide a place where the kids feel loved, are surrounded by positive role models, and are able to thrive. Mentoring Our School Mentorship Program provides children with a friend who listens to them and helps them see their value and potential. Mentors spend an hour each week with their mentees talking, reading, and playing games. This positive relationship with a caring, responsible adult makes a huge difference in their lives.


MEET OUR STAFF Maria Belusar, Executive Director

Sarah Musick, Director of Operations

Christy Sprague, Director of Development and Advancement

Alejandra Solis, Director of Evaluation

Allyson Watson, Director of Finances and Communications

Isabel Sugranes, Education and Family Involvement Manager

Alex Nunez, Bridge of Light Program Manager


Sabina Luque Lossa, Community Resources Manager

Jessie Chambers, Volunteer Manager

Peggy Mahan, Counselor (Consultant)

Xochitl Carias, Counselor (Consultant)

OFFICE HOURS Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Our office is located at 11911 Bammel North Houston, Suite B2 in Houston, TX 77066. You can contact the office by phone at 281-203-0830. If you have any questions about Bridging For Tomorrow, please contact our Director of Operations, Sarah Musick, by email at [email protected].


MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS We refer to all of our volunteers as “Community Builders” because they work alongside our neighbors to make the community stronger. Community Builders serve in a variety of capacities by providing office support, working in our Food Pantry, planning and leading various initiatives, teaching classes, and building long-term relationships with members of the community. Different levels of involvement require different requirements and levels of training. If you have any questions about volunteering with Bridging For Tomorrow or about specific volunteer opportunities, you can contact our Volunteer Manager, Jessie Chambers at [email protected].

VOLUNTEER APP Staying connected as a Community Builder is now easier and more convenient than ever. You can download our free BFT App from iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, or Windows. The app will allow you to check out new volunteer opportunities, access our resources, report an incident that takes place while you are serving, and track your volunteer hours. Did you know that for every hour that you spend making our community stronger with BFT, we can record a $25.11 in-kind donation? (“In-kind” donations refer to goods, services, and transactions that do not involve money.) Also, be sure to visit our website and connect with us on social media to stay up to date on what is happening at Bridging For Tomorrow and in the community:    

www.bridgingfortomorrow.org Facebook: facebook.com/BridgingForTomorrow Twitter: @bridge4tomorrow Instagram: bridgingfortomorrow


COMMUNITY BUILDER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Attendance and Time Volunteer attendance is important to the successful operation of each program. Volunteers should notify their leader in advance if issues arise that may cause the volunteer to miss or be late for their scheduled time of service. Dress Code Volunteers are representatives of Bridging For Tomorrow and are responsible for presenting a positive image to constituents and the community. Volunteers should dress appropriately for the occasion and the performance of their duties. Volunteer Records Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) maintains records on each volunteer throughout the organization. Records include dates of volunteer service, positions held, duties performed, evaluation of volunteer performance, training completed, and awards/recognitions received. Volunteer records are confidential. Volunteers are responsible for submitting and updating information contained in their files to the BFT office. Volunteer information will be stored in a BFT-owned database. A volunteer’s personal information will only be accessible to that volunteer and BFT staff. You will receive an email from the Volunteer Manager with instructions on how to register in the database. If you have any questions, please contact Jessie Chambers at [email protected]. Training Volunteers will receive various types of training as part of their volunteer service with Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT). All volunteers must complete an orientation, occasional on-the-job or program training for particular initiatives and projects, and are expected to attend any meetings related to their duties. Bridging For Tomorrow Orientation provides an introduction to BFT, including an explanation of our mission and vision. This orientation is designed to prepare individuals for volunteering in our community. Safeguarding Children is designed to reduce the risk of child abuse and to protect our volunteers from potential allegations of abuse. Safeguarding Children is required for all Community Builders who are at least 14 years of age and who work with children. Community Builders who are least 18 years of age, will also be required to undergo a background check before they can volunteer with children. Safeguarding training is valid for 2 years. Community Advocates who serve as mentors will receive mentorship training specific to the age group with whom they will be working. Mentors will also receive additional support and guidance throughout their time of service.


Youth Volunteers Volunteers under 18 must have written consent of a parent or guardian before volunteering. Youth volunteers are also responsible for completing orientation and any training needed for their position. Additionally, students volunteering for service credit hours for school are responsible for obtaining any approvals or signatures needed. Evaluation Throughout the year, BFT will also ask our volunteers to evaluate their experiences with our programs and initiatives. This feedback helps us to evaluate how well we are accomplishing our mission as well as how we might better serve our community and equip our volunteers to be successful. Social Media Policy Volunteers must respect the confidentiality and privacy of all Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) staff, volunteers, and community members. Names and photos of individuals should not be shared without first obtaining their consent. If the individuals are under 18, then permission must be obtained from a parent or guardian. Take care not to purposefully or inadvertently disclose any information that is confidential or proprietary to BFT. If a volunteer is unsure whether or not something is appropriate to share on social media, they should consult a leader or a BFT staff member. Reimbursement of Expenses Volunteers may be eligible for reimbursement of pre-approved, actual out-of-pocket expenses, incurred while engaging in volunteer service for Bridging For Tomorrow. Upon approval, volunteers need to track and submit receipts for all actual out-of-pocket expenses for which they seek reimbursement. Alcohol, Drugs, and Controlled Substances Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) is committed to providing a drug-free, healthy, and safe environment. While on BFT premises and while conducting BFT-related activities off BFT premises, a volunteer may not use, possess, distribute, sell, or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. The legal use of prescribed drugs is permitted during volunteer service only if it does not impair a volunteer’s ability to perform the essential functions of the volunteer position effectively and in a safe manner that does not endanger other individuals in the workplace. Volunteers must advise their leader or BFT staff member if they are taking any prescription or over-the-counter drug which could adversely affect safety or performance. Smoking Bridging For Tomorrow intends to provide a safe and healthy environment. Smoking in the work place or at volunteer locations is prohibited except in outside locations specifically designated as smoking areas.


Rules of Conduct Volunteers are expected to follow rules of conduct that will protect the interest and safety of all volunteers, community members, staff and Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT). The following are only some examples of inappropriate conduct which could lead to dismissal:   

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Theft or inappropriate removal or possession of BFT property or that of any BFT volunteer, staff, agent or visitor, including failing to cooperate fully in any BFT investigation. Altering BFT reports or records. Volunteering under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs and/or illegal or unauthorized possession, distribution, sale, transfer, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs in the volunteer environment. Creating a disturbance on BFT premises, at sponsored activities or in areas which could jeopardize the safety of others. Improper use of BFT property or property owned by any other individual or organization. Lack of cooperation or other disrespectful conduct, or unsatisfactory performance or conduct. Violation of BFT policies, or of federal, state or local safety and health rules. Unauthorized disclosure of BFT proprietary or confidential information. Inappropriate use of telephones, computer equipment or systems, mail system, e-mail system, facsimile machines, or other BFT-owned equipment.

Discrimination and Harassment Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) is committed to providing volunteers with an environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, religion, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic will not be tolerated. BFT encourages volunteers to bring any incidents of harassment to the immediate attention of a direct supervisor and BFT staff member. Examples of improper conduct include: • • •

Verbal discrimination or harassment such as epithets, derogatory comments, demeaning jokes, slurs, etc. Physical discrimination or harassment such as assault, unnecessary touching, impeding or blocking movement, physical interference with normal work or movement, etc. Visual discrimination or harassment such as derogatory or demeaning posters, cards, cartoons, graffiti, drawings, gestures, etc.


Safety, Security and Liability Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for all volunteers. Volunteers are responsible for using the following common-sense suggestions to help ensure a safe environment: • • • •

Be aware of any unknown person who comes into your area and is not accompanied by a staff member. Never leave your purse, wallet, or other valuable items out in the open. Keep your wallet or purse with you at all times or keep them in a secure drawer or cabinet. Avoid carrying large sums of money.

If a volunteer is injured in the course of the volunteer’s service, it is important that the volunteer notify a leader immediately. Volunteers should also complete an incident report and submit the report to the leader or BFT staff member. BFT’s general liability coverage, with some limitations and exclusions, protects volunteer workers for covered injury or damage that results from activities or service that volunteers conduct or perform at BFT’s direction and within the scope of their duties for BFT. BFT’s general liability coverage does not provide coverage to volunteers themselves for liabilities they may have incurred for their actions. BFT’s volunteer accident insurance coverage covers some injuries to volunteers while they are performing volunteer service on behalf of BFT. Volunteers must sign a release absolving BFT of liability when BFT’s volunteers voluntarily and knowingly subject themselves to certain risks while performing volunteer services on behalf of BFT. Use of Bridging For Tomorrow Property Any equipment, machines, tools, or vehicles which appear to be damaged, defective, or in need of repair should be reported to a Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) staff member. Prompt reporting of damages, defects, and the need for repairs could prevent deterioration of equipment and possible injury to others. If volunteering in the office, please remember that telephones and mail service are for business purposes. When permitted, personal phone calls should be kept to a minimum and should not interfere with service. In addition, long distance charges resulting from a volunteer’s personal use of a BFT telephone must be reimbursed to BFT. The use of BFT paid postage for personal correspondence is prohibited by Federal law. BFT may provide computers, e-mail, and internet access to assist volunteers in performing their duties. Computers, e-mail, and internet access should be used solely for BFT-related purposes. Personal business should not be conducted during volunteer time.


Volunteers are responsible for BFT property which includes all materials, supplies, files, keys, passwords or any other written or electronic information issued to volunteers or in volunteers’ possession or control. All BFT property must be returned upon completion of each volunteer shift. BFT may take all actions deemed appropriate to recover or protect its property. Intellectual Property Bridging For Tomorrow Nonprofit Organization, Inc., shall own all and exclusive right, title, and interest in the work throughout the world, including copyrights, domain names, trademarks, and all other intellectual property rights in the work. The work shall be deemed to be a workfor-hire under the Copyright Act of 1976, Title 17 U.S. Code, and Bridging For Tomorrow Nonprofit Organization, Inc., shall be deemed to be the author. Conflict of Interest Bridging For Tomorrow (BFT) is judged, in large part, by the individual and collective performance of its volunteers. Each volunteer must act in all matters in a manner that will safeguard the reputation and integrity of BFT and will preserve and strengthen public confidence in BFT activities. Likewise, volunteers must refrain from engaging in any transaction in which personal interests conflict, potentially conflict or appear to conflict with those of BFT. An actual or potential conflict of interest occurs when a volunteer is in a position to influence a decision that may result in a personal gain for himself/herself or for a relative as a result of BFT’s business dealings. For the purposes of this policy, a relative is a person who is related by blood or marriage, or whose relationship with the volunteer is similar to that of persons who are related by blood or marriage. Participation in any activity prohibited by this policy can result in the termination of volunteer service. Some conflict of interest situations are easily identifiable, whereas others are more subtle. Some of the more common situations pertaining to volunteers are described below. This list is illustrative only and should not be regarded as all-inclusive: •

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No volunteer shall receive compensation for services rendered as part of his or her volunteer service. This includes payment for speaking engagements or for participation in workshops or similar activities. Any volunteer, or close relative, should not, when acting on his or her own behalf or when acting on behalf of another person, business or organization, attempt to influence BFT’s position on any issue, matter or transaction nor participate in any discussions pertaining to a related organization. Inside information should not be used either for the purposes of gaining advantage for one’s self, a close relative, or another organization or for any other purpose not specifically approved by BFT. No volunteer shall prevent or hinder BFT from lawfully competing with others or divert business or personnel from BFT.


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Volunteers are encouraged to take an active interest and to participate in the political and governmental process. However, except for registered lobbyists and others authorized to act on behalf of BFT, volunteers participating do so as individuals and not as representatives of BFT. To avoid any inference of support or sponsorship by BFT, a volunteer must never represent that his or her political donation, endorsement or other political activity was made or engaged in with the approval, or on behalf, of BFT. Likewise, volunteers must not engage in political activities during their volunteer service on behalf of BFT. No volunteer shall use BFT stationery or any title of BFT or refer to BFT or misidentify him or herself as an employee thereof in connection with any matter as to which he or she is not authorized as a representative of BFT and to express an opinion on its behalf.


RECOMMENDED RESOURCES The following resources are recommended for Community Builders who would like to learn more about Bridging For Tomorrow’s approach to community development. If you are interested in any of these resources, please let us know and we will provide you with a copy. •

Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities by Ruby K Payne, PhD, Philip E. DeVol, and Terie Dreussi Smith

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When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

COMMUNITY BUILDER FORMS All Community Builders are required to sign a Bridging For Tomorrow Volunteer Liability Waiver and Release before participating in any activity. These agreements are valid for one year from the date of signature. BFT will not use any photos or videos of volunteers without first obtaining their written agreement. All volunteers who are at least 18 years of age and older and who wish to work with children must also complete a Background Check Release Form. Background Checks are valid for one year. These forms can be obtained by contacting our office.
