Some quick facts from a P.C. survey I thought you might find interesting.  dc

Pierce County interviewed 1,524 low-income households during Summer 2008.  Results from the survey yielded the following information about those interviewed.  (The survey was not random, but a variety of subgroups were represented including homeowners, and 71% had a high school education/GED or more.)

   90% rely on one or more food assistance programs

   31% claim that someone in their household has gone hungry during the last year for lack of food.  Among families with small children, 33% report someone in their household going hungry for lack of food.

   Almost one third (30%) of households report a household member with a disability that limits their daily activities such as walking, eating bathing, etc.

   The same percentage (30%) has a household member who is a senior citizen.

   About the same number (29%) shared housing with another household during the past year due to cost.

   About one in three respondents say their household has contacted 911 during the last year.

   11% were evicted from their housing during the past year.

   21% had their heat or electricity turned off during the past year.

   32% had their telephone service turned off during the past year.

   16% left a situation due to emotional or physical violence during the past year.

   25% state that someone in their household obtained mental health services during the past year.

   16% responded that someone in their household obtained drug or alcohol abuse treatment during the past year.

   42% of respondents (46% of families with young children) have been homeless at some point in their lives.  Most of them (71%) stayed with family or friends for at least part of the time they were homeless.  About half (48%) stayed outside for at least part of the time they were homeless, and 38% stayed in an emergency shelter.            

The October board meeting, as is the case each year, is dedicated to reviewing the CEO.  It should be a comfort to all TRM staff, volunteers and donors to know that everyone in the Mission is accountable to perform to a high standard on their job and to do the most good with the time they put into this ministry.  This is especially true for me, as I have been entrusted to oversee the work that we do on behalf of the community.  I take that responsibility seriously and always look forward to my review.   

How does it work?  Each year the board of Directors gives me a set of goals, about 30 in all, with a set of benchmarks to determine how much progress I have made on each of the goals.  The goals are in three general categories: Program goals (ways we measure ministry), Operational Goals (how the ministry is run, progress made), and Financial goals (how we raise, account and spend the resources we are given).  All the board members give feedback on the goals and way in which I might improve upon the progress made.  I have received generally good scores each year, with helpful comments on how I can improve.   I am keenly aware that many staff may have feelings or opinions about decisions I have made or the direction of programs, both positive and negative.  At different times, both through anonymous surveys and through board privately requesting feedback, I receive feedback on how staff might perceive my performance.  In all, I think it makes for a very accountable and transparent process.  Each year I  have made a habit of sharing the goals and direction of the Mission in different settings with staff, so that you can know on what things I am being graded.  If anyone is interested in the document which lists the goals set down from the board, please send me an email, davidc@trm.org, and I will pass it on.      

Some might wonder how I might grade myself.  My approach has always been to work as unto the Lord, and to try satisfy myself that I have done the very best I could for the work with which God has entrusted me.  Trying to please people is a vicious circle and is really no way to approach any job.  That is why I always encourage each TRM team member to do their very best for the Lord, and not just for their supervisor.  The standard I hold myself to often leaves me knowing that I have a long way to go, but it also is satisfying to know that I have given it my all.    

On occasion I will also receive feedback through emails, letters and phone calls from people outside the Mission on how they perceive our work and the direction in which I am attempting to send the organization.  It is always complimentary to our staff, but has on occasion had some direct words of correction for me.  I respond to most all of them, unless the letter for some reason is anonymous.  Since I have the courage to put my name behind my decisions and opinions, I encourage others to do likewise.  I genuinely love serving you and appreciate the great support and love that I feel from the board, staff and supporters of the Mission    

(Not accepting posts on this blog, since otherwise it might be seen as a solicitation of compliments)  David Curry 

Brandie Baldwin, one of our great case managers at Tyler Sq, has accepted a great position at the Tacoma Housing Authority.  Tacoma Housing Authority provides the section 8 vouchers for those at Tyler Sq. and apparently they saw for themselves what a good job Brandie does and decided to steal her.  I am excited and happy for Brandie but very sorry to see her go.  I’m going to have to find a way to get back at THA for this one.  Meanwhile, she will always be a big part of our family.  Please pass on your blessings to Brandie, she will be missed.  (UPDATE:  Brandie’s party will be the 31st at 12pm, Tyler Sq.)  dc

With the merger of the donation center and Need a Break Services(http://trm.org/ceoblog/?p=98), we will be renaming the building the “Need a Break Center”.  This will allow more clarity for the increased numbers of visitors to the center and help us to better advertise our Need a Break Ministry.  Need a Break Director Julie Bodine, who many of you met at our Quarterly Staff meeting, has started getting settled in and I think it would be great if all our staff could make some time to go by and introduce yourself and give her your encouragement and support.  If you are curious about Need a Break, go to www.needabreak.org dc 

Board Member Cheryl Montgomery’s father in law, Bishop Montgomery, is retiring after many years serving Tacoma.  There is a great article about him in Friday’s News Tribune.  Take a read of it, here is the link.  dc  http://www.thenewstribune.com/331/story/504373.html

Our Operations/HR Director Holly Roso announced today that she will be leaving TRM to run the family business with her husband Daniel.  Travel Chair Company is located in Gig Harbor, they build quality camping/recreational chairs.  I’m so sorry to see her go, as she was a great and important part of our team, but she will do a great job in her new adventure and we wish her the very best.  Her last day is November 14th.  Please make sure to post some nice thoughts and encouragements to Daniel and Holly.  Here is the link to their company website.  http://www.travelchair.com/ dc 

The Power of Influence This morning I have been thinking about the power of influence. All of us will have an opportunity to influence someone this week. That influence may be bad or good but the opportunity will present itself.Here are several ways you can influence others in a positive way this week:

1. Seek to be an example of a person who is committed to a standard of excellence in your work responsibilities.
2. Be as concerned for the needs of others as your own needs.
3. Make sure that you model responding to difficulties with a positive attitude.
4. Decide to become the kind of person that others want to follow. 

Here at the Tacoma Rescue Mission we have the opportunity to influence many people who need to know that there is hope even though times are tough. So make a decision today to let God use you to help someone this week.Many blessings,Alvin