Funder's Forum -
06/03/2015

Tri-County LTR Funder's Forum minutes

June 3, 2015

The Funders Forum meeting of Tri-County Long Term Recovery was called to order at 8 a.m. by Chairman Jim Fassino. In attendance were Terry Bibo, Josh Burnett, Fassino, Bruce Fitzgerald, Kevin Gramm, Sondra Hayes, Roger Holzhauer, Kristy Howell, Lu Ori, Alyssa Pollock, Vivin Qiang, Mark Roberts, Christine Serangeli, Barb Slagel, Tim Slagel, Pam Tomka, Amber Wells.

May minutes: Approved.

Chairman's remarks: Once today's requests have been handled, Fassino would like to talk about winding down and the flow of funds. First, he wanted to thank Wells for her work, congratulate her on a new job in North Carolina, and re-introduce Sondra Hayes, who will be coordinating case management for the next few months.

Cases considered: Thirteen cases involved unmet needs, including stump/tree removal, rental assistance and some significant insurance shortfalls. Twelve were completely funded. A total of $55,168.20 was pledged.

Six soil remediation quote cases were presented. All received at least some funding and one was completely filled. A total of $25,916 was pledged. Wells said landscapers now ask for $150 for quotes, so LTR has relaxed the two-quote rule. Estimates are coming in high, but she says clients usually find ways to cut the work down within the funds they receive.

Case management comments: With 26 minutes left, Fassino told funders that based on the current caseload LTR may be out of work sooner than anticipated. Both LTR and Washington Illinois Area Foundation have resources left, but several organizations, including Salvation Army and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, have finished their participation.

Office hours have been reduced to reflect the handful of cases remaining. Fassino wants to get the word out -- through funders and through LTR communications -- that those who would like assistance need to come in soon. The goal is to make sure needs are met, but not overstaff.

Of the 136 cases which remain open, the vast majority are waiting for checks to clear. Fassino said the number of cases and funders can make the process very complicated, which frustrates clients, vendors and case managers. Some cases have been waiting since February.

Wells is making a list of commitments so each organization can see both what they've promised and if anything is outstanding. Roberts noted that one thing which has been learned is that checks need to have clients' names on them so vendors know how to apply the money properly. Fassino said all the assistance is greatly appreciated, but there is a need to fine-tune the procedures.

Holzhauer said, œIf only we'd known this tornado is coming . . . œ

Next time it could be a barge, or a meteor, Fassino said.

Funders' comments: Fassino asked those present for comments.

Fitzgerald said it has been meaningful to see the care for the needy. St. Mark's is getting to the tail end of its participation, with about $10,000 remaining.

Fassino said LTR has never asked funders how much they have in resources, but it's not a bad thing to know as cases wind down.

Pollock asked for patience during the downsizing process.

Howell said it was a bittersweet meeting. Washington Rotary has provided more than $500,000 to help those affected by the tornadoes, and the involvement has been a œhighlight of her volunteering, but they are pretty much out of funds.

Tomka said she has been in the community 30 years and it has been productive to see the process come together. She doesn't think the organizations could accomplish as much working alone. She would like to see more awareness of the LTR process out there.

Qiang said she has learned a lot as an intern. Since this is her hometown, it has been great to see.

Barb Slagel said funds were given to Washington Apostolic Christian Church in Jesus' name and it has been a pleasure to see others do the same. Tim Slagel agreed it is bittersweet. He and Barb have tried to use the funds as the donors expect. They've given away everything and today's cases were a good finish.

Davidson said he is digging through the couch cushions to see if there is any more money to give. He welcomed everyone to continue the effort by working with the COAD which is forming.

Hayes said clients appreciate the help and it is very moving to see.

Burnett said he visited Washington a year ago and it's amazing to see the difference. He will remember how people coming together made a difference.

œThe sense of hopelessness that day is gone, said Serangeli.

Wells thanked everyone for their compassion and assistance.

Gramm said it is amazing what funders can accomplish in an hour.

œYou all check your egos at the door, Ori said.

Fassino invited everyone to a farewell brunch for Wells following the meeting.

Next COAD: 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at LTR Center.

Next Funders Forum: 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, at LTR center.

Next Public meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at LTR Center.

The meeting adjourned at 9 a.m.