Nonprofit organizations working to find ways to survive recession

July 01, 2009 09:59 pm

— By Laura Dimmit
news@joplinglobe.com
Rhonda Gorham says the Boys & Girls Club of Joplin has had its prayers answered.
This week, the club was approved for the Youth Opportunities Program by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which means that donations to the club can earn state tax credits.
“The tax funds are so important to the club with the tough economic times we are seeing,” said Gorham, the club’s executive director.
Other area nonprofit organizations also have been feeling the effects of the recession, but officials say they, too, are working to find ways to cope.
Salvation Army
The Joplin branch of the Salvation Army has seen a rapid increase in its clientele in recent months.
“In some areas, it has doubled since last year,” said Capt. Mary Poff.
Poff said many of the Salvation Army’s new clients are families that previously needed no outside help.
The Salvation Army helps provide food and clothing to those in need, and, when grant money is available, also provides assistance with rent and utility payments.
Regina Duley, the Joplin branch’s business manager, said the increase in demand has put a strain on the organization’s bank account.
“Some of our biggest income comes from our thrift stores, and those sales are way down,” she said.
The organization has not seen a significant drop in individual and church donations, but it is trying to cut back on expenses.
The latter, Duley said, is “the subject of all of our staff meetings.”
Red Cross
Cheryl Dandridge, financial development manager for the Southwest Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross, said that while the organization has been somewhat affected by the recession, it has been buoyed by loyal donors and volunteers.
She said it also frequently campaigns for donations and grants.
“We have been around for so long, and people know what we do,” Dandridge said. “We’re always looking for ways of coming up with funding.”
United Way
Like the Boys & Girls Club and the Salvation Army, the Red Cross receives money from the United Way.
The United Way of Southwest Missouri, based in Joplin, has weathered the recession well so far, according to Mary Little, executive director.
“We have been very fortunate to have very giving donors that know we have significant needs in this economic recession,” Little said. “Honestly, we have not been at this point affected.”
Back at the Boys & Girls Club, Gorham said the tax-credit program will be “fantastic.”
“It gives us an opportunity to give back to our donors who support us,” she said.
“We are needed by more families in the Joplin community. Our numbers tell the facts. Our after-school program average daily attendance increased from 140 in 2007 to 200 in 2008. We expect more this fall.”
Gorham said the club also has been looking for ways to cut costs.
She said the questions officials are asking include: “Where can we cut costs on food but still have quality? How can we conserve energy? We have an increase in kids with the same amount of funding (as before).”


Services

Through its 19 partner organizations, the United Way of Southwest Missouri helps fund a variety of health and human-service programs in Joplin, Carl Junction, Webb City and Seneca. “We have programs that offer assistance to victims of domestic violence, children that need after-school programs, and people that just need (help) with rent assistance and utility assistance,” said Mary Little, executive director.

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