2012 AnnuAl RepoRt - Neighborhood Service Organization

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VISION REALIZED Our theme this year is a “Vision Realized”. As many of you are aware, Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) has been involved in the development of a multi-million dollar housing project since 2008. The vision was created in 2007 and we spent the next five years making it a reality. It took unwavering belief, fortitude, and determination to move forward when the external winds were not blowing in our direction. It took a passion for the work and for the people who would benefit from our efforts. It took support and partnership from others we met along the way who joined us in our vision and understood the significance and long-term impact of the project. It took faith that the risk we were taking would result in the realization of a vision beyond our dreams and would be the catalyst for the visions of others. This is what the staff and board of NSO experienced as the vision to create permanent supportive housing for homeless adults was realized this year. Each time a tenant walked into their new apartment and stood in disbelief that their years of homelessness had ended with the signing of a lease and the turning of a doorknob into their new home—a vision was realized. We witnessed this same type of realization in the performances of our youth with special needs as they stood on the stage at the Players Guild of Dearborn and acted out a musical before a full auditorium. Their vision of ever being part of something so open, so brave, was realized with the love and support of family, friends, and strangers. Our work in civic engagement resulted in many of our consumers becoming newly registered and educated voters casting their ballots, lifting their voice, and being counted for the first time. Visions realized. As you move through the pages of our 2012 Annual Report you will read more stories about the life-changing accomplishments of some of the individuals and families we have had the honor of serving through our diverse array of program services. Their achievements were not always easy but it demonstrates how strong our consumers really are when being strong and not giving up were their only meaningful choices. Visions realized. This has been an extraordinary and memorable year for NSO as we realized not only the visions and dreams of the people we served, but also our own vision to develop the historic Bell Building. Through this project we created construction employment opportunities, began ending homelessness for 155 adults, became a partner in the HOPE Village community revitalization initiative, brought new investors to the City of Detroit and expanded our NSO family with hundreds of volunteers, supporters, donors, funders, and friends. All of you have played a part in this phenomenal project. We thank you for never giving up on us and sharing your gifts of time, talent, resources, and encouragement to help others realize their vision of a new life filled with hope and opportunities. Sincerely, Sheilah P. Clay President and CEO Ray C. Johnson Board Chair Mission Changing lives through innovative human services that harness the power of choice. CORE Values NSO was established by visionary leaders who believed in simple guiding principles: Access Collaboration Respect Compassion Commitment Quality Integrity
As 2012 came to a close, more than 200 of our community’s most vulnerable homeless adults were no longer homeless. They were safe and warm inside their new apartments in the NSO Bell Building on Oakman Boulevard in Detroit and throughout the community served by NSO Supportive Housing. They were forming a community amongst themselves. They were exploring their new neighborhood. reFLECTION They were setting goals. Goals to reunite with family. To go back to school. To stay sober. To address their medical issues. To get a job. To pay their rent on time. They were beginning to form visions of what their lives could be like in the future. For the Board of Directors and staff of NSO, it is our privilege to help the hundreds of thousands of people we serve each year take steps towards achieving their goals, to lead the life they envision for themselves. At the center of everything we do is a vision. Through our diverse programs and services, NSO staff members work one-on-one with people to realize their visions. The vision of a developmentally disabled couple who want to lovingly and successfully parent their child in their home. The vision of a single mom on Detroit’s eastside to provide for her children. The vision of a preschooler who wants to learn how to read, just like his friends. The vision of a high school student who wants to improve her community. The vision of an older adult who wants to live as independently as possible. The vision of a homeless person who seeks the safety, stability and comfort of a place to live. In 2007, NSO President and CEO Sheilah Clay, senior leadership and the Board of Directors had a vision to significantly increase the availability of permanent supportive housing, a nationally recognized model, in our community. As this vision began to take shape, a site was selected that would provide much needed housing, positively impact redevelopment efforts in the local community and bring new life to an iconic building in Detroit. Five years later, NSO’s vision has become a reality, and much like the people we serve who realize their personal visions, it is time to reflect on the accomplishment and to set new goals, new plans and new visions for the future.
Page 1: vision Realized 2012 Annual Report
Page 5 and 6: THE NSO BELL BUILDING Welcoming the
Page 7 and 8: Life Choices celebrated with 45 hig
Page 9 and 10: Successful adult role models joined
Page 11 and 12: HOMELESS SERVICES programs Supporti
Page 13 and 14: SPOTLIGHTS Richard enjoys his work
Page 15 and 16: donors & supporters Corporate & Com
Page 17 and 18: donors & supporters NSO Bell Capita
Page 19 and 20: Board of Directors October 2011-Sep

2012 AnnuAl RepoRt - Neighborhood Service Organization

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