week 2 discussion responses

Please write a response for each discussion.

Morgan 2.1

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  In 2015 I was able to participate in the Omaha 100 program.  This program's mission is " to provide homeownership opportunities through public and private partnerships, financing, and technical assistance enabling low-to moderate income borrowers to own and sustain their own homes" (http://www.omaha100.org/mission.html). The first part of the program one, would take courses on homeownership, mortgages and how mortgages work. The second part of the course is the financial aspect as far as examining credit scores, down payment costs, interest rates etc. After taking these courses, the program staff coordinates with lenders and financial institution to help the individual get an affordable mortgage. 

 While looking at their website, I didn't see any information suggesting that they received tax-deductible contributions. This organization is on Guide star, and when I looked up their annual report from 2015 the report mentions donated services. " The organization may receive benefits rendered  which are provided free of charge. Revenue and corresponding expense are recognized at the fair value  for donated services when ...donated services create or enhance a non financial asset, or require specialized skills that the provider possesses and which would ordinarily be purchased".  Top of Form

 Dansou 2.1

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The organization I work for is a non-profit that is in charge of our child welfare system (case management side) in Omaha, Ne and surrounding cities (Sarpy and Douglas counties only). We are Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers, but are not CPS agents. We basically work cases CPS gives to us after they've investigated the initial intakes received on their hotline. Easiest way to explain it, is unless the child has been made a ward, I need the parents permission to contact anyone (doctors, schools, etc); CPS doesn't. After the Department of Health and Human Services failed to meet the federal guidelines for foster care, Nebraska privatized the foster care system and Nebraska Families Collaborative took over where they left off. We're now meeting all 6 of the federal guidelines, where before we were meeting about a third. The website showing where they do accept donations is located at https://www.nebraskafc.org/help/donate. 

Tara  2.2

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Poverty is caused by more than a lack of income or better managing personal resources; getting to the root causes means working to change systems that keep people drowning in debt or prevent them from accessing the tools they need to move themselves out of poverty and better position themselves to succeed. Step Up identifies local policies and procedures that can be reformed based upon information and feedback from those directly receiving and providing services. Board members consider issues brought to it by action teams and committees after review and research. Through a process of education and debate, board members vote to address specific policy issues and, with technical support from staff, act as the primary advocates for reform. Step Up’s policy platform focuses on local, regional and state issues in these areas: workforce development/adult education; wealth building; and work supports. Issues adopted by the board must be directly linked to reducing poverty.

Barnett 2-2

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Community Storehouse (CS) is located in Keller, Texas and services the Northwest and Carroll Independent School Districts. Children are the only targeted population of CS. The main goal is to help young children remain focused on school and classroom activities (e.g., completing their homework and assignments) regardless of any conflicts or issues the child’s family is going through. Various services are offered to include, but not limited to “tutoring, counseling, supply donation, and even financial planning” (CS, 2016). the organization exists to assist children who need help. Assistance is either financial, educational, or social. Depending on the child’s needs, the organization responds almost immediately to that particular need so that no child is negatively impacted from any familial condition. The main focus of the organization is children’s performance at school. This stems from a deep believe that educating children will eventually assist them to be good and productive citizens in the future. Consequently, they also may assist others who are in need.

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