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FOOD -- CAN continued to address the needs of hungry and food insecure households in Baltimore County. During FY2002, an estimated 583,000 pounds of foods and commodities from various entities were donated to our food pantry. Donations were received from the USDA surplus food program (administered by the Baltimore County Department of Social Services), from local grocery stores and other merchants, civic and social groups, faith-based communities, corporations and other businesses, and from many concerned individuals. Recipients of emergency food are eligible to receive assistance every 30 days. During a typical month, more than 500 families came to CAN seeking help. Volunteers continued to deliver food to the homes of elderly and disabled residents. Each month members from The COMMUNITY OF CHRIST Church of Dundalk delivered food boxes to 25+ homebound seniors and disabled residents.
Hundreds of volunteers provided vital support to CAN’s food pantry operations. They assisted in conducting food drives, packing and sorting food boxes, making significant donations of time, energy and resources, particularly during the holiday season. Nearly 2,200 households received a specially prepared holiday food box during FY2002. These families also received toys, clothing and personal care products to brighten the season.

FUEL FUND -- CAN continued to operate the Fuel Fund of Baltimore County with revenues from the Fuel Fund of Maryland, BGE matching credits, and from hundreds of others in our network of community partners. Other revenue sources for assisting clients with their energy-related problems included the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Emergency Food & Shelter National Board Program. Monies were used to prevent utility turn-off, to restore terminated service, or to purchase fuel oil and propane. Year-round energy-related assistance was provided to nearly 1,831 households (an estimated 5,500 persons) during FY2002 with 51

The Board, staff and clients of Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) during Fiscal Year 2002, just like most Americans, experienced a series of ups and downs. Thankfully, there were more ups than downs; but nonetheless, it was a difficult time for all of us. I am pleased, in fact downright proud, to say that the Board and staff continually rose to the occasion whenever obstacles presented themselves.

We still provided thousands of instances of service to families and individuals. We remained true to our community action agency heritage. We spent the year, as we have the previous 36 - “Helping People. Changing Lives.” This short phrase - just four words - is the bottom line for CAN. It encapsulates our mission and tells the communities in which we work why we exist.

Those words took on added meaning for CAN and the whole country in FY2002. The National Association of Community Action Agencies voted to approve a name change, a new national logo, and issued a call to action for the 1,000 community action agencies (CAAs) across the country to renew their efforts to help low-income people change their lives. We are now the COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP; the logo (a heart embraced by two hands) is displayed in this report and in hundreds of other publications across America. CAA’s will continue to do what we do best - helping millions of people change their lives for the better.

CAN is an excellent example of how CAA’s succeed in their work. In this year, more than 500 community partners helped us provide for our clients. We saw the lack of high- quality, affordable childcare and opened The Learning Garden Childcare Center for children ages two to five. We served more families and individuals than ever through our food pantries, offered assistance with overdue utility bills, and prevented rental evictions for the most vulnerable residents.

CAN’s Weatherization program was honored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the state as the “Most Productive Agency of the Year” in Maryland. We maintained both our employment counseling programs (PSS and LIFE) as a means for people to escape poverty. We even established for the first-time a community garden so clients could experience the wonders of growing their own vegetables and offer their surpluses to the Dundalk food pantry.

Much more could be highlighted about CAN’s performance in FY 2002. However, I want to leave you with the following notion: “If you thought CAN was something during its first 37 years, watch us during the next 37! CAN will continue to overcome hurdles and yet provide high-quality, effective services. Our Board and staff will adapt to changing conditions and meet the needs of low-income families and individuals as they occur. Most importantly, CAN - with the help of our valued community partners - will carry on by “Helping People. Changing Lives.” YOU, ensure our success!

Incorporated in 1965, the Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) human services organization and serves as the legally-designated community action agency for Baltimore County. In response to President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty initiative, our mission was at the time and remains to offer no-cost programs and services for low-income families and at-risk persons. When residents lack sufficient resources or face barriers to economic and social self-sufficiency, CAN is there to help. We actively advocate for the rights of all low-income people and serve as their voice to local, state and Federal policymakers. Agency services include:

EMERGENCY SERVICES & OUTREACH
(CAN serves as the Fuel Fund Agency for Baltimore County)
...food, emergency shelter, utilities assistance, clothing, prescription assistance, transportation, basic household items, community connections and referral services

EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
(Project Self-Sufficiency – PSS & Living Independently ForEver –- L.I.F.E.)
...job counseling, training and placement and job retention/upward mobility and re-employment services

HOUSING
...rent eviction and mortgage foreclosure prevention, mobility counseling, and family stability counseling

YOUTH SERVICES
...after school program for middle school youth (grades 4 through 8); preschool care for children ages two to five

WEATHERIZATION
...residential energy saving activities and income maintenance program for low income residents

ADVOCACY
...advocating for the rights of all low-income people and serving as their voice to local, state and Federal policymakers and the communities we serve (key issues include living wages, affordable housing, affordable childcare, universal health care and improved public transportation)

In partnership with hundreds of faith-based groups, corporations, other service providers, civic and social clubs, charitable foundations and many individuals, CAN vigorously works to expand and build on our services matrix to improve the quality of life for not only clients but also for the community-at-large. Annually, CAN’s network of partners contributes considerable time, energy, financial and inkind resources

A volunteer Board of Directors -- not to exceed 21 persons and equally representing the Private, Community, and Public Sectors – governs the policies and programs of the Community Assistance Network.

A major role of CAN’s Board is to give guidance and direction for existing projects and for the development of new programs that offer solutions to the range of problems affecting low-income persons. When new programs are introduced, they are coordinated with existing services to avoid costly duplication of resources. Whether programs address short-term, emergency needs, or offer solutions to clients’ long-term barriers, our task is to help the individuals or family identify the steps necessary and appropriate for them to reach economic and social stability. As this occurs, all of Baltimore County benefits as residents become productive and contributing members in their home, their workplace and in their communities.

Nearly 200 community and business leaders joined the Community Assistance Network on Friday, November 16, for its “Together, We Make a Difference” breakfast. Well-known WBAL-TV & Radio Sportscaster, Gerry Sandusky, served as event emcee. Attendees heard from a highly knowledgeable and experienced panel featuring, Terri Boblooch, Director, Baltimore County Office of Employment & Training; Carn Cahoon, Regional Human Resources Manager, Maryland/Delaware, Comcast; Robert Hannon, Director, Baltimore County Department of Economic Development, and Irving Pressley McPhail, Chancellor, The Community College of Baltimore County. Discussing the morning’s theme, “Workforce Development: Facing the Challenges Now and Beyond,” panelists shared their professional and personal insights on one of today’s most challenging issues facing employers in the Baltimore Region.

Recognized as one of our most valued partners in our efforts to help, low-income residents, Wal-Mart, (Dundalk Store) was presented with CAN’s Outstanding Partnership Award during the event. Accepting the award was Carlton Brown, District Manager for Wal-Mart.

CAN offers extensive help with housing-related issues as they impact low-income residents. This assistance comes in the form of …

• Eviction prevention, mortgage delinquency and default resolution counseling, loss mitigation counseling, Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) counseling for seniors, renter assistance counseling, mobility counseling and landlord marketing and outreach initiatives, especially pertaining to persons with disabilities. For clients seeking assistance with homebuyer education programs, pre-purchase homeownership counseling and post-purchase counseling, CAN Housing Counselors make referrals to local community partners. Support for these issue areas came from public funders (i.e., U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Emergency Food & Shelter National Board Program, Emergency & Transitional Housing Services, CDBG, and the Maryland Homeless Prevention Program) and from faith-based communities, private contributors and individual donors. Nearly 600 households or about 1800 persons received housing assistance during FY2002. In nearly every instance CAN’s intervention enabled these families to remain in their homes, consequently helping to preserve the family structure.

• Baltimore Regional Housing Opportunity Program (BRHOP) -- One of CAN’s major housing programs serves the entire Central Maryland area – the Baltimore Regional Housing Opportunity Program (known as BRHOP). This five-year, HUD-funded $2 million program offers counseling and search assistance to Section 8 participants in Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties – Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard. Since the program’s inception in 1997, CAN’s staff has assisted 1362 households through the BRHOP program. Of these, 617 families relocated to new homes with over 60% of the participants moving to an “opportunity area” – a community that offers each family member a better way of life (e.g. improved housing, transportation, schools, employment and health care). During July 1999, CAN’s BRHOP was recognized with a National Top 100 Best of the Best award at HUD’s 1999 Best Practices and Technical Assistance Symposium in Kansas City, Missouri.

• Flag House Housing Mobility Counseling Services Program -- In late 2001, CAN entered into an agreement with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC). Based on its highly successful experience with BRHOP, CAN was selected to provide remedial relocation and housing mobility counseling services to 179 families, all former tenants of Flag House Courts – a HOPE VI redevelopment housing project of HABC and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). CAN was charged with providing eligible families with information, services and resources to improve their living environment; and, to assist them with making meaningful and informed choices about where to live. CAN assisted 67 families by phone, office and/or home visits. Seven families have moved with five of these to

Each year low-income residents seek CAN’s help for with emergency food, clothing, prescriptions, transportation needs, and basic household items. For requests pertaining to legal matters, nutrition counseling, mental health services, domestic violence issues, longer-term transportation needs, medical assistance and individual or group counseling services, residents are referred to one or more of our community partners. This information and referral service is vital to our being able to respond to the critical needs of Baltimore County’s low-income families. When CAN is unable to directly address residents’ personal or family problems, staff connect these clients to other appropriate resources in the community. Nearly 1,100 households received direct assistance under CAN's Emergency Services and Outreach activities

CAN’s employment assistance consists of two components. These are…

Project Self Sufficiency (PSS) -- Funded since 1985 by Baltimore Gas & Electric, Project Self Sufficiency (PSS) specifically addresses the needs of low-income, low-skilled residents, who are either unemployed or underemployed. Staff counselors offered job seekers assistance with writing resumes, learning interview techniques, searching for job leads and placement. An emphasis is placed on helping clients identify their strengths and weaknesses, possible avenues of work specialization, improving their education and job-related skills, and on gathering information relative to long-term employment opportunities. Participants received help with acquiring business clothes, work-related uniforms, and physical and eye examinations to support job requirements. Childcare and transportation issues were also addressed. The overriding objective of the PSS program is to help “hard to employ” persons get a “foot in the door” with the goal of developing a stable work history. 127 new participants enrolled in the PSS program during FY2002 with more than 314 continuing on from the previous year. 72 participants gained employment with 54 receiving full or partial benefits. 12 finished some type of job-related training. Three participants enrolled in and completed a GED program.

Living Independently ForEver (LIFE Skills Training) -- CAN’s LIFE program offers assistance to working head-of-household adults with children. In addition to a 15-week skills training program, participants received the added support of CAN’s emergency and self-sufficiency programs to ensure household stability as they work toward their employment goals. Issues pertaining to housing, transportation, childcare, health and medical problems, and other obstacles that can cause a working adult to falter are addressed. Coaching and mentoring support are key to strengthening participants’ motivation while they work on long-term employment goals and objectives. The objective of the LIFE program is to assist low-income persons enhance their “soft skills” while strengthening their job-related knowledge and skills that lead to job retention and wage progression in the workplace. Ultimately, LIFE graduates leave the program thinking in terms of a career rather than just their next job. During FY2002, 34 participants enrolled in one of three 15-week life skills training. Most experienced a significant increase in income, some gained fringe benefits, and all moved on with more self-confidence and stability.

In collaboration with BGE, Baltimore County Office of Community Conservation, Maryland Department of Human Resources, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and the U.S. Department of Energy, CAN continued with the delivery of energy efficiency services to low-income households. Professionally trained personnel performed on-site home energy audits using state-of-the-art equipment to identify outside drafts and inspect heating and cooling systems for efficiency. Services implemented to correct energy deficiencies included the installation of insulation, sealing off air leaks, making modifications to or replacing existing heating systems and minor repairs to ensure health and safety for residents. Weatherization measures reduce average annual energy costs by $218 per home. 268 households received weatherization services impacting more than 800 persons during FY2002. This earned us an award from the U.S.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM -- Housed at Hillendale Gate Apartments in Hillendale, CAN’s After School program is designed to provide after school care for middle school students and their siblings, particularly for those whose parents are at work during the late afternoon hours. The program operates weekdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A primary goal of the program is to support students in completing their homework and to offer tutoring assistance when special help is required. Snacks are furnished and group activities such as music, crafts, board games, and reading are part of the program with an occasional field trip scheduled. An all-important highlight was the recent acquisition of upgraded computers and Internet access. Students were eager to take full advantage of being able to go online for homework assistance and recreational pursuits. In fact, student report cards and interim reports continued to reflect noticeable improvements in grades and homework completed as the program evolves. A word of recognition and thanks must be offered to Hendersen-Webb, managers of the Hillendale Gate housing complex, for their continuing support of the after school program contributing to the program’s success. The company provides the physical space at no cost to CAN and invests in substantial building maintenance to support the after school program operations. As the year began, the program averaged a day-to-day attendance of 12 to 15 students. That number ultimately grew to an average daily attendance of 16-21 students. Total enrollment grew from 20 to 32 students.

THE LEARNING GARDEN CHILD CARE CENTER -- In April 2002, CAN welcomed the first enrollees to the new “The Learning Garden Child Care Center.” Located in Hillendale and housed at the Loch Raven United Methodist Church, the center provides full day, year-round child care for children, ages 2 to 5 years. Our goal is to offer Baltimore County’s low-income families access to affordable childcare within a safe and secure learning environment. Throughout a typical day, each child is provided with a wide-range of learning opportunities. Preparing each child for their future education is among the highest priorities of the program. Emphasis is placed on letter recognition, printing, rote counting and one-on-one concepts of numbers and quantities. Hands-on age-appropriate science activities are both fun and educational. Each child learns to identify and name 10 colors and shapes. Music and creative art projects allow the children to explore their creative potential. Of course, there is plenty of play time, indoors and out. Nutritious meals are provided daily and include breakfast, lunch, and two snacks. During FY2002, 18 children (maximum capacity) enrolled in The Learning Garden Child Care Center.

Each year CAN receives immeasurable support from hundreds of volunteers dedicated to helping strengthen the lives of low-income families and individuals throughout Baltimore County. Some volunteer projects are ongoing and others are one-time only activities. Throughout FY2002 the equivalent of at least two fulltime staff persons were contributed to CAN in the form of volunteer hours. Volunteer activities include serving on CAN’s Board of Directors and Board committees. The Board meets the 4th Tuesday of each month, excluding August and December, for one to two hours per meeting. Standing committees include: Program, Membership, Fundraising, Personnel and Finance. Special Events and By-Laws Committees are established as required. Hundreds of volunteer hours are provided to CAN’s food pantry operations (sorting and packing food; food drives and collection activities); services department (meeting and greeting clients, telephone contact, managing client files and other clerical work as needed); after school programs (mentoring) and child care services (serving as aides). Other volunteers may support our fundraising efforts and the coordination of the volunteer program. Volunteers strengthen CAN as an organization and help us be the success we are. Each volunteer supports CAN’s mission by …“HELPING PEOPLE. CHANGING LIVES.”

Private Funders (Organizational Sources) -- September 1, 2001 – August 31, 2002

$100,000 and above…Fuel Fund of Maryland

$30,000 and above…Baltimore Gas and Electric Company

$10,000 and above…The Baltimore Sun Charities (a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation)

$4,000 and above…Our Lady of Hope RC Church, Wal-Mart Foundation, Workplace Campaigns (Combined Charity Campaign, Combined Federal Campaign/Central Maryland, Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area, Maryland Charity Campaign), United Way of Central Maryland

$2,000 and above…St. Marks Conference, St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. Ursula St. Vincent De Paul Society

$1,000 and above…Dundalk Area Ministerial Association, Eastern Savings Bank, Giant Store #263, Hiss United Methodist Church, IWIF, The Campbell Foundation, Unilever

$500 and above…Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bank of America, CCBC/Dundalk Campus Faculty & Students, Dundalk United Methodist Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Inverness Presbyterian Church, Morton & Sophia Macht Foundation, New Shiloh Baptist Church, Provident Bank,
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Rita’s Special Needs Account

$300 and above…Colgate Baptist Church, Linden Heights United Methodist Church, Nottingham Properties, Rotary Club of Woodlawn-Westview, St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society, St. Matthews United Methodist Church, St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Three Church Committee, Towson Unitarian Universal Church, United Parcel Service

$200 and above…Eastern Assembly of God, Greater St. John Baptist Church, Knights of Columbus #2942, Manekin L.L.C., McCormick & Company, Senior Citizens Inc., The French Companies, The Times Mirror Foundation/Matching Grants Program, Waldron of Maryland, Inc.

$100 and above…Members of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, Graceland United Methodist Church, Kappa Upsilon Sigma Phi Gamma Sorority, Sacred Heart Church St. Vincent De Paul Society, The First Church of God, Turner Station Oldies But Goodies, Wal-Mart (Dundalk Store)

The Board of Directors and staff of the Community Assistance Network greatly acknowledge the wonderful generosity of the hundreds of faith communities, businesses and corporations, social and civic organizations, foundations and individuals, who faithfully contribute to and support our work with their financial and inkind gifts. To those whose names do not appear in our listing, please know that your gift is no less valued. For without your help and support CAN could not fully serve our mission. Our sincerest thanks are extended to all donors and contributors who help make our work possible. We are encouraged by your unwavering support.