Annual Report 2006

2006 was a year of transition and big changes. Even more than that, it was a year of planning for the future and setting new directions.

Following a planning retreat of the Board of Trustees in October or 2005, each division reviewed their programs and services and looked at opportunities to provide new services to meet community needs. The reports were submitted to the Board during several planning meetings.

The Board of Trustees then began the process of determining the feasibility of conducting a Capital Campaign in 2007 as the community Gateway Committee had approved. Consultants were evaluated and interviewed with the decision to have Ketchum, Inc conduct a feasibility study.

Once the study was completed reviewed, the board voted to proceed with a $3 million campaign. The Capital Campaign Communication Committee was formed and the work began.

The funds raised from the campaign will be used to upgrade the physical plant at 270 Sterkel Boulevard; purchase new equipment; and build a new residential facility for the New Beginnings Drug and Alcohol program.

Board member Chan Stevens agreed to be the Campaign Chair. Ironically Chan was the Chair of the Capital Campaign when the original building on Sterkel Boulevard was built in the early 70's. Chan quickly recruited a "Dream Team" of co-chairs to help him; they are David L. Carto, Gayle Gorman Freeman, State Representative Jay Goyal, Grant Milliron, Mayor Lydia Reid, Reverend Cliff Schutjer, Dick Taylor and John Taylor.

The Rehab Board also decided to conduct the campaign internally rather than through a consultant. In December 2006, Amy Howe was hired as the Vice President of Development.

The goal is to have Campaign pledges of 25% of the $3,000,000 goal in hand when the campaign goes public July 2007 and to complete the campaign by July 2008.

Financially, 2006 was also a strong year as The Rehab Center ended the year with a $101,000 positive operating margin. This outcome strengthened the financial stability of the organization and made the capital campaign more realistic since the public is much more willing to support a stable organization.

The financial performance was improved by an additional grant received by the Richland County Mental Health Board allowing New Beginnings to serve more individuals along with a one time contract for decals in Progress Industries from the State of Ohio.

The Rehab Center has developed bullying programs and has enhanced the Positive Parenting Programs to serve more people and continues to work with Children's Services to move to the next level with a Child Advocacy Center.

Positive performance and exciting new programs The Rehab Center has developed to meet the needs of Mansfield and the surrounding communities are made possible by the strong volunteer leadership of a dedicated Board of Trustees, employees that are competent and compassionate along with support from the many community agencies and individuals.

Thanks to all.

James H. Schaum, President /CEO