vision in action - NorthStar Foundation

VISION IN
ACTION
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
NORTHSTAR
MISSION:
To change young men’s lives
through programming that
supports, challenges, inspires
and instills a life rooted in
education, self-discipline and
service to the community.
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RICHARD HOLLAND
CHAIRMAN
SUSIE BUFFETT
SECRETARY
The Holland Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
JOHN ‘BUZZ’ GARLOCK
VICE CHAIRMAN/TREASURER
TIM CLARK
RBC Wealth Management
Love’s Jazz and Arts Center
HENRY A. DAVIS
SCOTT HAZELRIGG
PRESIDENT
NorthStar Foundation
Greater Omaha Packing Co.
RYAN D. DOWNS
TODD MCQUEEN
Proxibid
The Scoular Company
DEANNE FAIRFIELD
ROY PATTERSON
CBS Home Real Estate
Patterson Family Group
J. ROBERT KERREY
ADAM YALE
Minerva Project
Red Cedar Capital, LLC
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Dear Friends,
2
Mission /
Introduction
What began with a simple question, and a subsequent vision for change, is now action each
and every day after-school. In the United States, collectively, black males residing below the poverty
line have, arguably, the most difficult path to reaching high school graduation. In Omaha, these
difficulties are acutely felt.
4
Why NorthStar?
6
Our Response /
Capital Campaign
Donors
8
Our Programs
REPORT INTRODUCTION from President Scott Hazelrigg
The question we asked over five years ago was this: ‘Is there a boys-only, after-school model in the
United States, from which we can learn, that moves the needle in building young men academically,
socially, and emotionally to be successful graduates and leaders?’ In response to that question, we took
the best of what we found and created the NorthStar Foundation.
Today, thanks to you, we have turned this vision into action for 5th through 8th grade boys in Omaha,
each day after-school. NorthStar has an unwavering commitment to building the academic success
of NorthStar students. We do so with clear, measurable outcomes, coupled with rich experiences in
the Arts, through Athletics, and what we call Adventure & Experiential Learning programming, that
promotes and instills students’ grit, tenacity, and perseverance in the face of significant obstacles.
Thanks to your support, you are delivering the NorthStar vision, daily.
When NorthStar was just an idea, three significant investors made early commitments. Susie Buffett
and The Sherwood Foundation, Dick Holland and The Holland Foundation, and Carl Mammel and
The Mammel Foundation saw a need and believed that the future of young men in North Omaha
could, and would, be different under the roof of a future NorthStar facility.
10
Our People
12
Financial
Summary
14
Operational
Donors
16
Looking
Ahead
Subsequently, integral leadership was provided by others who saw value in and believed that we,
together, could make the difference. Those investors are listed on pages 7 and 14 of this Annual Report.
Now, thanks to generous gifts of all sizes, a community is rallying to build a future generation of young
men who will be tomorrow’s community leaders – educated, employed, and engaged in building their
futures. Today’s 5th through 8th grade NorthStar boys are our future.
Thank you for turning ‘Vision Into Action’!
Sincerely,
Scott Hazelrigg
President, NorthStar Foundation
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 3
WHY NORTHSTAR?
At 50%, Nebraska has
the 3rd lowest high school
graduation rate for black
males in the nation.
1
Every day, over 1,000 elementary and middle school
boys in North Omaha will leave their schools with
no place to go, exposing them to serious risk factors.
Elementary and middle school-aged boys, residing in the
68104 & 68111 zip codes, share common, documented
risk factors for disengagement from school, reduced
employability, and diminished life expectancy. These
young men are impacted by one or more, and likely all,
of the following barriers to life-long self-sufficiency:
•• Entrenched in generational poverty
•• Raised in single-parent households
•• Acute risk for high school dropout
•• Disproportionate probability of contact
with the juvenile justice system
•• High vulnerability for involvement
with gang-related violent crime
•• Limited access to services due
to transportation barriers
1
“Black Lives Matter: The Schott 50 State Report
on Public Education and Black Males,” Schott
Foundation for Public Education, February 2015.
2
“Averaged Freshmen Graduation Rate (AFGR) by race/ethnicity,
gender, state or jurisdiction, and year: School years 2002–03
through 2008–09,” U.S. Department of Education. Institute of
Education Sciences. National Center for Education Statistics.
3
“Black Homicide Victimization in the United
States,” Violence Policy Center, January 2015.
4 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
Today in North Omaha,
1,000 boys
will go home to an empty house.
These young men become
susceptible to certain risk factors:
ACADEMIC
DISENGAGEMENT
On average, more than half of 9th grade
boys from North Omaha are destined to fail
to obtain high school diplomas on time.2
91%
Of NorthStar
Boys are Black or
African American
97%
Of NorthStar Boys
participate in federal
free and reduced
lunch programming
HUNGER &
FOOD INSECURITY
U.S. Census figures indicate that almost six
of ten black children live below the poverty
line in Omaha, ranking Omaha first among
the nation’s 100 largest metro areas in the
proportion of black children living in poverty.
GANG INVOLVEMENT
& CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
Omaha is the most dangerous place in the nation
to be a young black male.3 87% of all homicide
victims aged 10-24 were black males according
to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
statistics in Nebraska from 2006-2010.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 5
OUR RESPONSE
Capital Campaign
donors invested
almost $14 million
to lay the groundwork
for NorthStar’s
‘Vision in Action’.
Five years ago, a vision began to take shape – a vision for making
our community better by giving at-risk boys tools to succeed in the
classroom and in life. This vision was audacious: inspired by the
conviction that investing in the academic success of young men
in North Omaha will lead to community-wide transformation.
In May 2014, this vision became action
when NorthStar opened its new
facility. The 38,000 square foot facility,
sitting on a 14-acre campus, houses
NorthStar’s after-school program
services for 5th-8th grade boys from
the surrounding neighborhood.
6 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
A diverse group of philanthropists, united by a
commitment to young men in North Omaha,
brought about the construction of this new facility
by investing in the NorthStar Capital Campaign.
Through this campaign, $13,800,000 was raised
and the NorthStar facility has been constructed,
serving as a beacon of hope for boys, their
families, and the Greater Omaha community.
Capital
Campaign
Donors:
GIFTS OF $1,000,000+
Holland Foundation
William & Ruth Scott
Family Foundation
Lozier Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation
Mammel Foundation
GIFTS OF $500,000–$999,999
City of Omaha
Peter Kiewit Foundation
Robert B. Daugherty Foundation
Suzanne & Walter Scott Foundation
GIFTS OF $100,000–$499,999
Gilbert M. & Martha H.
Hitchcock Foundation
Scheels All Sports Foundation
Kiewit Companies Foundation
Ann & Ken Stinson
Sokolof Javitch Family
GIFTS OF <$99,999
Oliver & Ferrol Barklage Foundation
Sandra & Dale Merkel
Cindy & Mogens Bay
Omaha Scheels
Sharon & Randy Blackburn
Omaha Schools Foundation
Dinah & Tim Clark
Pacific Life Foundation
Cox Communications
Kristen & Dr. Jason Papenfuss
Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss
Memorial Foundation
Pegler Family Foundation
Deanne & Bill Fairfield
The David Scott Foundation
Jean & Jim Farrell
Security National Bank
Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation
Becky & Jeff Sharp
Becky & John Garlock
Sunderland Foundation
Carmen & John Gottschalk
Dorothy & Dr. Stanley Truhlsen
Denise & Scott Hazelrigg
The Waldinger Corporation
Paula Hazelrigg
Walmart Foundation
Jeannette & Dr. Lawrence James
Jim & Margie Wegner
Dick & Helen Kelley
Family Foundation
Sarah & Adam Yale
Linda & Tom Riffner
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 7
OUR PROGRAMS
In 2014, NorthStar
delivered over 1,000 hours
of educational after-school
programming per student.
Academic Achievement
The year-round academic
program encourages multi-year
relationship building among young men as
they transition from elementary school, through
middle school, and into high school. Offering
academic mentoring and access to multilayered technology programming, NorthStar
connects classroom learning with future career
opportunities, peer cohesion, and instructor
support to ensure that students develop an
aptitude for life-long academic engagement.
Athletics & Healthy Lifestyles
NorthStar’s campus is home to
the Fred C. Buffett Fieldhouse
and Fritz Field. Programming and facilities
allow for extended student involvement in
athletics, whether on competitive teams or
through recreational opportunities. Youth may
participate in basketball, soccer, volleyball,
flag football, and lacrosse throughout the year.
Their involvement in sports teaches leadership,
teamwork, and problem solving skills that will
empower them as they look to the future.
Arts Immersion
With an emphasis on visual arts
and media arts programming,
NorthStar provides growth experiences to
engage the unique needs of our learners. By
collaborating with partners in the community
to develop skill sets through arts immersion,
NorthStar reaches youth in ways that are often
unavailable in a traditional classroom environment.
Annually, NorthStar selects community partners
through an RFP process to work with boys
through extended learning opportunities.
8 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
Adventure &
Experiential Learning
Delivered through the Omaha
Outward Bound School, NorthStar boys participate
in impactful experiential learning opportunities
through its after-school program during the school
year and during the summer expedition season.
Character Development, Leadership, and Service
are key program outcomes for all participants
in Outward Bound programming. On site, youth
have access to experiential learning opportunities
through the Hitchcock High Ropes Challenge
Course and the Hitchcock Rock Wall. To learn
more about Outward Bound and opportunities
for youth to participate, outside of NorthStar,
visit www.outwardboundomaha.org.
Employment Readiness
Alongside academic curriculum
focused on career readiness,
NorthStar will provide a variety of practical job
training experiences for students as service
delivery grows to include 9th grade boys in the
fall of 2015. NorthStar boys will be invited to
develop basic job skills by working in grounds
and facilities maintenance, providing support
at athletic events, leading site tours, and selling
concessions in the facility’s Gilbert M. & Martha
H. Hitchcock Foundation Welcome Center.
NorthStar staff will assist these young men in the
development of basic job skills, such as timeliness
and professionalism. Organizational strategic
plans call for the creation of a dynamic internship
model that will invite NorthStar alumni to serve as
after-school tutors, mentors, and assistant coaches.
This model will also invite interested alumni to
participate in Omaha Outward Bound School
instructor trainings when they reach age 18.
MALECHI BROWN-JOHNSON
& KWANDA ‘KEKE’ BROWN student profile
“Because Malechi has
developed personal
relationships with staff,
whom he doesn’t want to
disappoint, his behavior at
school has also improved.
At NorthStar, there are clear
expectations, structure,
and when he makes a
poor decision, he gets a
chance to correct it.”
– Kwanda ‘Keke’ Brown
86%
Of NorthStar Boys
are raised in singleparent households
“He’s excited to come. He’s always talking about the new
things he gets to do,” said Keke Brown about her son, Malechi.
Malechi first came to NorthStar during the summer of 2014
for one of the first summer camps NorthStar ever offered.
Malechi’s mother first learned about NorthStar from a staff
member at another after-school program. Malechi had been
removed from that program for behavior issues. During the
spring 2014 school semester, Malechi went to his grandmother’s
each day after school as his family’s only available option.
At school, Malechi has spent much of the past three years
in a Behavior Skills Classroom - pulled out from typical daily
instruction because his behavior was deemed disruptive
for the classroom. This fall after enrolling at NorthStar, he
was moved back into the traditional classroom. “He’s done
really well this past semester. I credit NorthStar,” said Keke.
At the end of the fall 2014 semester: Malechi won the Science,
Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Award at
the NorthStar Parent Night for his coding work done in the
Suzanne and Walter Scott Integrated Technology Classroom.
Malechi plays on a NorthStar Basketball team as a point
guard. “My team is fun, the coaches are nice, and fair,”
said Malechi about the team. Coach Tyler Paskach has
seen improvement in Malechi too, “He has improved so
much and has attended every practice this season.”
When asked ‘Why NorthStar?” Keke replied, “The young
men and staff in this place are positive, successful
people and passionate about kids. They listen and treat
my son as a person. They care about his success.” 2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 9
OUR PEOPLE
The NorthStar family
helps students compete
inside and outside
the classroom.
The need for NorthStar’s after-school program is clear, and its
potential for positive change is real. By targeting elementary and
middle school boys, the program provides structures of support
for young men before they’ve experienced disengagement from
school, involvement with the juvenile justice system, or both.
DEANNE & BILL FAIRFIELD donor profile
The core of NorthStar Foundation is education, with additional focuses on
athletics, arts and life skill development. The boys who attend NorthStar
are provided with academic help and once their schoolwork is completed
they have the opportunity to participate in athletics and arts.
“NorthStar saw a need for a gym for not only the boys enrolled, but also
for the community. Their initial budget allowed for four basketball hoops,
which would only let a small number of individuals use the space even
though they had the square footage to hold more,” said Deanne.
Bill Fairfield and his wife Deanne have always understood the importance of
giving back in their community. So when they noticed the need for additional
basketball hoops while on a tour of the NorthStar building, Bill had an idea.
“Our son played basketball and
was given many opportunities
that these boys are not. Some
of these boys have never
played organized sports
so being able to give them
the chance to participate in
something they wouldn’t
otherwise be able to is really
an incredible feeling for me.”
– Deanne Fairfield
10 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
“Deanne had always told me that her dream was to one day help a child
in need by putting them through college. I thought, what better way to
honor her dream and help more than just one child than to donate the
money necessary to fund eight more basketball hoops in the gym.”
“When I found out that my husband had donated the basketball hoops in my name
for my birthday I was simply astounded. It meant more than any other gift I’ve
ever received,” said Deanne. “My husband is amazing for doing what he did.”
“This has the potential of being such an important impactful program and
facility for at-risk boys and if we can touch a small percentage of young
people in that area and see that they get through high school and get
onto college or a trade then we will have done our part,” said Bill.
The NorthStar Foundation relies on the generosity and support of volunteer
board members to help create amazing opportunities for young men and
the community as a whole. It is people like the Fairfield’s that are helping to
make our community and the lives of these young men better.
EKOW SOLOMON ACQUAAH staff profile
An Omahan via Creighton University, Solomon holds a Bachelor’s
Degree in Biology from Bethune-Cookman University. In the
summer of 2014, a faculty member at Creighton recommended
Solomon apply to NorthStar as an Academic Advisor – a front line
youth builder role, working directly with NorthStar Boys. Recently,
Solomon contemplated the value he sees in NorthStar for boys:
“What NorthStar is doing is significant: being able to expose
our students to things they may not see anywhere else is huge.
This fall, after a week-long, project-based learning related to
aviation, staff arranged for a helicopter to land on Fritz Field.
For our boys to be able to touch, feel, and see a helicopter
up close was amazing. To talk to the pilots and understand
what they need to do to become a pilot one day was real
world application of what they were being taught all week.”
“I hope that they see in themselves what we
see in them. These boys are smart, bright,
and intelligent.” – Solomon Acquaah
“Most of our boys want to play basketball, but when you
introduce them to things that are foreign, they can learn to
appreciate them, with a little patience. One young man who
loves basketball applied his love of the sport by making a
basketball out of clay this fall, when working with one of our
program artists. He could honestly be a better sculptor than
ball player, but without this experience, he might never know.”
“During NorthStar All Staff Training in August, a book that
was shared challenged us to stay open minded. It reminded
us: a kid may come in the door and not have eaten today.
Subsequently, his behavior might not be what it appears. If
he is hungry, caring about homework is a little tough.”
“We have a young man enrolled at NorthStar who is autistic;
the routine and structure of NorthStar is helpful, and staff are
aware of that. The structure and consistency has allowed him to
build relationships with staff, and in turn, allowed us to redirect
him with greater success, when he gets off track. He is a great
example of how we are helping a student hone his social skills,
and allowing him to grow as an individual, at the same time.”
“During a recent career exploratory trip, Roton, a 7th grader,
was asked what he wanted to do when he grew up. His
response: “I want to design cars!” ‘I want for him to know
he can, regardless of what is going on around him.”
Solomon’s calm, consistent demeanor is a valuable
asset daily to NorthStar Boys. He has chosen to share his
considerable talents by helping to inspire young men
and show them, through his actions and deeds, that they
too can grow up to be anything they can dream.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 11
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The 2014 Operating Budget
reflects a year of transition made
possible by generous donors.
SUPPORT & REVENUE
Contributions & Grants.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $618,241
Endowment Transfer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000
Facility Rental.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,710
Program Income.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,530
Interest & Investment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,120
In Kind & Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,079
$785,680
EXPENSES
Full & Part-time Staffing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $593,692
Facilities & Utilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50,489
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,197
Operations & Start Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150,506
Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $32,094
$891,978
Operating Loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ($106,298) *
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, our focus turned from
Capital fundraising to Operational fundraising.
NorthStar secured $3,393,259 capital
commitments to this project in 2014. The
financial statement reflects one-time startup
costs as we transitioned and began program
delivery in the latter half of FY 2014.
*
12 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
VALERIE & RYAN DOWNS donor profile
Noticing areas of opportunity and various tactics to
improve upon a situation is easy – it’s taking the actions
necessary to make the difference that is difficult.
“NorthStar is an organization with a high-impact purpose,” said
Ryan Downs, chief executive officer of Proxibid. “Investments
of time and/or money immediately improve the lives of atrisk young men in North Omaha, which ultimately has a farreaching impact on the community and society as a whole.”
When Downs heard about the vision and plan for NorthStar
in the Omaha community, he jumped at the opportunity to
personally get involved in something he knew would make
not only North Omaha, but also the community as a whole,
better. The now NorthStar Board of Directors’ Vice Chairman
and his wife, Valerie, have always understood the importance
of giving back to those less fortunate than them, so their
multi-year financial contribution seemed like a no-brainer.
The Downs’ long-term financial commitment to the organization
allows NorthStar to focus on strategic activities, and provides
predictability for budgeting purposes, which in turn helps with
continuity in programming and staffing. The Downs’ also hope that
their gift, signaling their confidence in the NorthStar vision, will also
inspire others to make similar multi-year gifts to the organization.
“The organization has attracted great leaders
with diverse backgrounds. They are all there
for one reason – to make a difference in our
community. And, by setting clear goals and
measuring performance, the team is holding
itself accountable to do just that.” – Ryan Downs
“I am inspired by the mission of the organization and believe
NorthStar can have a significant impact on our overall community.
In addition, I have been very impressed with the NorthStar staff
and the other board members,” said Downs. It takes a team effort
for NorthStar to be successful. The Downs’ family has provided the
organization with unbelievable support both financially, as well
as through their volunteerism. Their dedication as a family unit is
model for how to make the community a better place. We cannot
thank the Downs enough for their contributions to NorthStar.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 13
2014 OPERATIONAL DONORS
$25,000+
Amis Family Foundation
Rebecca Susan Buffett Foundation
Holland Foundation
Lozier Foundation
William & Ruth Scott Family
Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999
McGowan Family Foundation
Nebraska Crime Commission– Office
of Violence Prevention
Becky & Jeff Sharp
$5,000 - $9,999
Cindy & Mogens Bay
Valerie & Ryan Downs
Ike & Roz Friedman Foundation
Willis C. Helm Charitable Trust
Omaha Schools Foundation
Phillip & Terri Schrager Foundation
James C. Semerad Foundation
Stanley M. Truhlsen Family
Foundation
Linda & Dr. Jon Vanderhoof
Sarah & Adam Yale
$1,000 - $4,999
AOI Corporation
Mandi & Matt Brawner
In Honor of Adam Yale
Susie & Marvin Cohn
Cox Communications
Rick Fox
Julie & Lance Fritz
Becky & John Garlock
Dick & Helen Kelley Family
Foundation
Diny & Jim Landen
Carrie & Ed May
Brendan Kaisershot
& Stephanie Moore
Shirley & Daniel Neary
Omaha Community Foundation
PDM Inc.
Pitch Pizzeria
Judy & Bob Thomas
Lois & Tommy Thompson
Michael Vandevoort
Dr. Gail & Michael B. Yanney
Holly & Bruce Hoberman
Carole & Darwin Jespersen
Jennifer & John Johnson
Rod Kestel
Ashlee & Hal Koch
Brandon Koch
KPMG
Kevin Loberg
Carole & Kenneth McQueen
Tina & Joe Meyers
Harriet Otis
Jennifer & Tom Pansing
In Honor of Stacey & Roy Patterson
Anne Patterson & Ray Seiffert
Leslie Patterson & Tom Segelhorst
Laurie & Brian Dodd
Kathy Bella & Craig Patterson
Pat & Jim Phalen
Micah White
<$249
Anonymous
Lindsey Barari
Lynn Barna
Anderson Bilyeu
Camden Bilyeu
Rebecca Bode
Monica Bosiljevac
Christopher Boyd
Michael Boyd
Kathleen Brandert
Tess Cavanaugh
Amy Cherko
Madeline Churchich
Dinah & Tim Clark
Julie & Stephen Colllins
Alison & Dr. Ken Cowan
Dr. Suzan & Dr. Ian Crabb
Becky & Dan Crowell
Lisa & Stewart Dale
Envoy, Inc.
Jacquie & Brent Estee
Ron Ferguson
Judi & Alex George
Girls Inc.
Kayla & Chris Hawkins
Denise & Scott Hazelrigg
Shari Hofschire
Laura Horan-Fortina
Ashten & Justus Hughes
$250 - $999
Anonymous
Jeff Carstens
Peg & John Conley
Andrea & Jim Hassenstab
14 | NORTHSTAR FOUNDATION
Audrey Hulsey
Deb Johnson
JR Kammandel
Brianne Kemp
Kiwanis Club Of Greater Omaha, Inc.
Tammy & Tom Klimisch
David Krecek
Robert Likes
Albertina Luebbe
James Luebbe
Tracy Madden-McMahon
Marilyn Marsh
Barbara & Pat McNeal
Mid Month Book Club
Emily & Craig Moody
Julie Morris
Victoria Nakibuuka-Muli
Margaret & Dr. Jeffery Nelson
Justine O’Neill-Hedlund
Charles Olsen
Mary Helen & Richard Olsen
Roger Olson
Erin & Rob Owen
Jeannie & Charles Peters
Natalie & Eric Petersen
Shawn Rediger
Jeff Reiner
Linda & Tom Riffner
Tom Scott
Stephanie Scott Adair
Dr. James Scott-Miller
Eve & Fred Simon
Lisa & Todd Skokan
Leanna & Barry Snodgrass
Rachel & Justin Snodgrass
Tracy Stanko
Chris & Adam
Steffen
Joanne Stewart
Christine Thompson-Gosch
Lauren Van Buskirk
Benjamin Vankat
Bess Warming
Louise & Robert Way
Westside Community Schools
For District 66 Retired Staff
Kerry Winterer
IN-KIND GIFTS
Atchley Ford
Harry Barr
Matt Dowd
Estate Landscape & Nursery
Deanne & Bill Fairfield
Junior League of Omaha
Lawlor’s Custom Sportswear
P.E.O. Omaha
Playtime Equipment & School Supply, Inc.
Libby & Darin Ruf
Becky & Jeff Sharp
Turnpost Creative Group
Village Grinder
Walmart Store #3151
DR. C.C. & MABEL L. CRISS
MEMORIAL FOUNDATION donor profile
Andy Davis was raised in a family that stressed that importance
of philanthropic involvement and giving back to the community.
His grandfather served as a Trustee of the Dr. C.C. & Mabel
L. Criss Memorial Foundation when it was created in 1978; his
father followed in his footsteps and many years later Andy is
now serving as one of three Trustees for the Foundation. His
participation in nonprofits throughout his life has allowed him the
opportunity to see the inner-workings of many organizations.
“NorthStar and Outward Bound offer kids, many of whom have
never been outside of their neighborhoods, the opportunity
to go canoeing, hiking, camping, etc. The long-term effect on
the children from these trips is incredible. I feel fortunate to
be involved in the grant process for the organization so that
they are able to create these lasting memories for the kids.”
Day and overnight trips are an important experience for the
children. They involve taking them out of their neighborhoods
and putting them into a new environments that create challenges
and new experiences that will last a lifetime. Overhead costs
required to facilitate the trips, for example the travel to and from
the various locations, as well as the equipment needed during the
trips, could limit the number of kids who are able to participate.
Grants from the Dr. C.C. & Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation
have taken care of much of the travel and equipment costs,
allowing the financial contributions of other donors to be focused
completely on the children and their experiences on the trips.
“NorthStar is exceptionally well-managed;
dollar-for-dollar it is one of the most costeffective organizations I’ve encountered.”
– Andy Davis
“I’ve been so inspired by what NorthStar and Outward Bound are
doing in our community. Watching students participate in these
programs has shown me just how much they are being challenged,
and that the impact NorthStar and Outward Bound is having on each
and every one of these young people is transformative,” said Davis. “I
can only imagine how rewarding it is for Scott Hazelrigg to see his
plan come to fruition. The caliber of staff he’s brought on is top-notch;
they have done a brilliant job of growing a first-class organization.”
The success Outward Bound and NorthStar are experiencing
wouldn’t be possible without the advocacy of leaders like Andy
Davis. His ideas and financial gifts have helped provide young
people in need with opportunities and experiences, which
are helping to lay the ground work for a successful future.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT | 15
LOOKING AHEAD
NorthStar is on track to
enroll 200 students
and reach 2016 goals.
Since its opening in August 2014, NorthStar has enrolled over 140
5th-8th grade boys, from 25 area elementary and middle schools, in
daily programming. Already, young lives are being changed. We are
on track to achieve our goal of enrolling 200 students by the end of
the 2016 school year, and our goal of reaching program capacity (230
students enrolled at NorthStar) by the end of the 2017 school year.
This summer, we will launch Camp NorthStar: a 9-week intensive
educational program designed to ensure NorthStar boys return to their
classrooms in the fall better off than when they departed for summer
break, both in terms of academic competencies and social skills.
NorthStar is building systems to ensure that the boys we enroll participate in
the majority of available program hours. Through our after-school and summer
programming, we will offer as many – or more – hours of service delivery than
the average school our boys attend during the academic year. By giving our
participants access to quality educational programming, we know will give
NorthStar boys the tools to be successful, confident and engaged students.
Your support is helping us provide a safe place for learning and
growth. Thank you for helping us turn ‘vision into action’.
NorthStar Foundation
4242 North 49th Avenue
Omaha, NE 68104
402.614.6360
www.NorthStar360.org
This report was produced
for the NorthStar Foundation
in part through a generous
in-kind contribution by
Turnpost Creative Group.
www.turnpost.com