Teaching Minds Touching Hearts Transforming Lives 2016 Annual Report
Message from the President Those of us of a certain age remember the block buster movie, ET, the Extra Terrestrial. The theme song from the movie contains a line that speaks to the work this caring community does every day at Ocean Tide: Turn on your heart light in the middle of a young boy s dream. he s looking for a home cause everyone needs a place... Our mission is to be the adult guides, the big Brothers and Sisters to these young men, to find the spark, that light, inside each boy that will help him transform into the fine young man he truly wants to be deep down. We do that by accepting, caring, challenging, playing, talking, learning, dreaming, and listening to each of our young men, to be the light of hope and opportunity for them, to help them wonder why not about their future. The magic of this place is that young men come here from challenging past situations, and find a place that not only helps them understand and address those issues, but works to fill in other missing parts from the communities, homes and schools they come from. The filling in of the missing pieces is what makes all the difference, and creates the place they are looking for. We may do that filling in with gifts to take home to their family at Christmas, or at Brinkley s Ice Cream Parlor, or on the ropes/challenge course, or when they join the Brothers Community for their birthday dinner, or with a summer job. Whatever it is, we try to find that thing which each young man needs. That is how hearts are touched, minds are taught and young lives transformed each day, every day here at Ocean Tides. I hope this, our first annual report, will give you some insight into what we try to accomplish each day and the community of individuals who make it all possible. ET went from being lost to finding his way home with the help of others. In many ways each of the Ocean Tides youth find their way to becoming young men with better and brighter futures through the people and experiences they have here. Thank you for supporting and caring about our young men and this special place. Ocean Tides School 635 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882 401.789.1016 www.oceantides.org Ocean Tides School administrator@oceantides.org Ocean Tides Providence Campus 260 Highland Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401.861.3778
Teaching Minds Chris Shea - Lasallian Educator of the Year 2016 Young people need good teachers, like visible angels. (MTR 5.1) -St. John Baptist de La Salle, Founder, De La Salle Christian Brothers- Ocean Tides, through its staff, presents each young man in our care the special opportunity to continue his high school education and even catch up on credits he may have fallen behind on in school if needed. In 2015-16, Ocean Tides was pleased to present 12 high school diplomas to students who were able to meet the Ocean Tides and the State of Rhode Island s requirements for graduation. Vocational education is a vital and important part of making sure students have a vision for their future and a goal, especially if they do not see higher education as on option for themselves. It is this vision for their future that provides hope and opportunity and prevents them from detouring again into trouble. This past year our usual offerings in Vocational Education were expanded to include a barbering/hair stying class thanks to the expertise of one of our faculty members. Helping our young men gain new information and knowledge about who they are, who they can be and how to act is the foundation of our work. Changing behaviors by changing knowledge and thinking transforms lives. Teaching their Minds...Transforming their Lives. Stepping into a new role at Ocean Tides is nothing new for Chris. 2015-16 saw him take on responsibility as Vice Principal in charge of our Narragansett Campus Education Program. Chris has worked in our residential program, in experiential learning and outdoor recreation and as a science teacher. Our Lasallian Educator of the Year is nominated by the staff as the individual they see best being a living example of the Lasallian Values central to the care we offer to transform the lives of youth. Congratulations Mr. Shea!
Touching Hearts The greatest miracle you can perform, and one that is expected of you, is to touch the hearts of those entrusted to your care. -St. John Baptist de La Salle- Each day a dedicated group of staff, volunteers, Brothers and others who care for the young men of Ocean Tides take up this charge of touching hearts, making sure these young men feel love, care compassion and support in a way that helps them come to grips with their past and creates the environment where they can discover a better and brighter future for themselves. In 2015-16, Ocean Tides continued to develop its social service program with a new relationship with South County Health for psychiatric and behavioral health supports, an increased involvement of Phoenix House providing substance abuse counseling and drug abuse prevention education services, and an increase in the community service opportunities open to each youth. We also continued our relationship with the University of Rhode Island making use of their challenge ropes course as part of our recreation and clinical programs. Hearts are Touched Lives are Transformed. 2016 Graduation The dream of a high school diploma, perhaps the first person in their family to earn one, happened for eleven (11) young men in 2016. Each graduated with future plans that included attending college, UMASS, Boston, CCRI, technical school MMIT or entering the world of work. Ocean Tides is the only Rhode Island residential, juvenile justice placement able to grant high school credits and a high school diploma to youth in our care. Educational success is key to a brighter future and central to Lasallian Education.
Transforming Lives Recognize Jesus beneath the poor rags of the children whom you have to instruct. Adore him in them. -St. John Baptist de La Salle- A young man arrives at Ocean Tides quiet, afraid, withdrawn and perhaps ashamed of what he has done that got him here, and surely feeling alone. Months later he leaves a new young man, perhaps a high school graduate or with a vocational education certificate in culinary arts or one of our other vocational programs that will help him get a job. Each young man leaves with new insight into himself and his family and how to better care for himself and his newly discovered vison for his brighter and better future. He leaves happy, proud and supported by our Ocean Tides and Lasallian Family. He leaves cared for and transformed in so many ways. Touching their hearts, teaching their minds, allowing them to create a vision for their future Transforming their Lives. Building Bridges Learning to help others and giving back is vital for all of us. For Ocean Tides young men it is especially important. So often they have been on the receiving end of the service equation. Being able to give and care for others is a critical and helpful part of having improved self-esteem, self-confidence and believing you can make a difference. Ocean Tides students annually host a picnic for residents of nursing homes where they have volunteered throughout the year, building bridges between generations and toward transformed lives.
40 Years of Caring The hallways and classrooms were once used to train young men to be Christian Brothers. They sat in rooms learning and doing classwork during the day, spent afternoons in recreation and all day being guided in the structures and disciplines needed to live religious life successfully. The whole time was designed to make them good men and good Brothers. Forty years ago those same rooms and spaces were transformed by a few Christian Brothers who believed there was a better, more Lasallian way, to care for young men in Rhode Island s juvenile justice and family court system. The Ocean Tide School was born in these same hallways. Today, and for forty years, Brothers and fellow Lasallians have spent time teaching academic subjects and vocational skills in these classrooms, others have listened and counseled young men, and some have watched over them during afternoons of recreation and evenings and weekends of down time. All have guided these young men to develop the skills, knowledge and discipline needed to become positive, productive members of their community and brothers to each other. This place that is still home to the Brothers has also become home for many others who over 40 years have found the care, love and Brotherhood they needed to grow up healthy and well. The story of the Ocean Tides School continues with each new resident or day student that arrives here. Brothers and Lasallians continue to care for them and give the boys the sense of hope and opportunity they really need each and every day. The Outdoor Recreation Center Completed over the summer of 2016, the Outdoor Recreation Center provides our young men some added space for recreation and reflection. It includes basketball and volleyball courts, a BBQ platform and green space to relax. Ocean Tides will celebrate the new space with a special blessing ceremony on October 21 st.
Through the Caring Support of Others Christmas at Ocean Tides 2015 It Takes a Community for this Transformation to Happen! One person teaches, another counsels, someone shows them a new skill, another creates structure and safety while providing guidance, another provides support, and some give encouragement in their own special way, everyone shows love and care. Each person who comes into the life of an Ocean Tides young man makes a difference. While no one of us is able to touch every one of them, together we reach all of them and make a difference in ways that may be known now, or many be realized in years to come. The brilliance of St. La Salle s vision was taking the individual adults working to care for students and bringing them together to create community. It was only after there was a community caring for youth that our Lasallian Mission flourished. This community is a vital part of the care and support needed by the young men of Ocean Tides, today. It is what allows us to do what we do and make the difference in lives that we make. We do it together, and youth feel and know they are part of something special and greater than just a residential placement and its staff. All of the members of the Lasallian Community at Ocean Tides are responsible for the transformation of young lives. Together and By Association, one of our core Lasallian Values, so much is accomplished. Thank you for the part you play. Ocean Tides young men were blessed with gifts and generous support from Nordson EFD, The Lightship Group, Cornerstone Group and St. Mary s Star of the Sea. Christmas dinner was a special time for board members, friends and donors to enjoy a meal and watch young men be children for a few hours. The boys then hosted their families for a reception the next afternoon as they came to take them home for Christmas, which included gifts for little brothers and sisters too. We remember our God came into this world as a child.
Donation and Support Opportunities St. La Salle Society Beginning in September 2016, any donor who contributes more than $1,000 a year will be considered a member of the St. La Salle Society. Donors who give $1,000 three or more years in a row will be considered GOLD Members of the Society. All of our events and activities provide support for the ministry of Ocean Tides. Donors and Contributors are always welcome to direct their support to one of our specific funds, or allow Ocean Tides leadership to use it for the most pressing needs. The following funds are each restricted for a specific purpose and gifts directed to them will only be used for that purpose: The Brother B and Jane G Vocational Education Fund Provides support to our various vocational education and job training programs to make sure they are available to all students and provide them quality preparation for the world of work and employment. In 2015-16 the Fund provided support to begin a barbering/hair-styling workshop for interested students. The Brother Timothy Balfe Scholarship Fund Provides support and care to young men who received at Ocean Tides diploma and need help and support to attend community college or other higher education institutions. The support can be for tuition, books and supplies, or living expenses. In 2015-16 two students received support from the fund to continue their education. The Annual Fall Reception Our annual fall fundraiser helps us raise the funds for our programs, and allows our donors and friends an opportunity to learn and see all that is happening at Ocean Tides. This year s event is on October 21, 2016. Hope you can join us! For more information, contact Holly Palaia at 401-789-1016, or email hpalaia@oceantides.org.
Donors and Opportunities The Special Needs Fund Provides support to young men and their families during their time at Ocean Tides so as to make sure no one goes hungry or cold and feel cared for until they can get connected to the care and support they need. This special care is often a Shop and Save Card that a student brings home when they have a weekend home pass, so there can be food on the table, or help with desperately needed clothing items in the winter. It is also the fund that makes sure we take special care of our young men and their families during the Christmas Holiday season. The Alumni Fund Was created by our Alumni to assist them in supporting and caring for each other and Ocean Tides once they have graduated. Gifts allow Alumni to stay connected to Ocean Tides and support their desire to continue to care for each other as well as the young men currently in the program. The Ocean Tides Christian Brothers Trust Was created this year to be the recipient of charitable gifts and support provided to Ocean Tides, including the funds listed above. The Trust holds all philanthropic gifts in trust and shares its resources with Ocean Tides as needs arise and the staff and Brothers strive to provide the special level of care and support that is the hallmark of Ocean Tides. Please feel free to direct a donation to any of these funds or to the general needs of Ocean Tides. These funds can also by supported by donations made in your will or through your estate planning. The 2016 Hall of Fame To thank those special individuals who have given outstanding support to Ocean Tides, we host a Hall of Fame Dinner. Ocean Tides ended our 40 th Anniversary year by honoring the Brothers who have worked at Ocean Tides and many of their fellow Lasallians who spent more than twenty years caring for youth at Ocean Tides. A special evening each spring to celebrate those who make a difference in the lives of youth.
Fiscal Report Ocean Tides, Inc. Ocean Tides, Inc. Balance Sheet Income Statement June 30, 2016 For the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2016 Assets: income: Cash and Equivalents $420,438.72 dcyf/state of RI $3,953,584.75 Accounts Receivable $407,758.33 federal Grants $60,597.04 Investments at Fair Market Value $1,017,301,85 LEA Income $358,041.00 Property and Equipment (net of deprec.) $2,016,848.98 Other $47,077.64 TOTAL ASSETS: $3,862,347.88 TOTAL INCOME: $4,419,300.43 Liabilities and Net Assets: expenses: Accounts Payable & Accrued Liabilities $127,924.28 residential Program $2,336,455.45 Beginning of the Year $2,287,210.80 Education Program $2,077,054.32 Change in Net Assets $1,447,212.80 TOTAL EXPENSES: $4,413,509.77 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS: $3,862,347.88 net INCOME-OPERATIONS: $5,790.66 Ocean Tides Christian Brothers Trust Non-Operating Income/Expenses: depreciation ($149,455.48) Contributions $192,310.27 net Other Income/Expenses ($200,264.73) forgiveness of Debt $1,598,832.08 total NON-OPERATING: $1,441,422.14 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS: $1,447,212.80 Managerial Report. Audited Financial Statements Available Upon Completion. The Christian Brothers and their Lasallian Partners have a long history of supporting Ocean Tides. It is this support and caring that allows the leadership and staff of Ocean Tides to offer a special program that can help transform the lives of youth. In order to preserve the resources needed for that special support the Board of Trustees, together with the Christian Brothers created the Ocean Tides Christian Brothers Trust to support the programs, services and care offered at Ocean Tides and to make sure those resources remain protected and available well into the future.
Our Vision for the Future It is our goal to go out of business to offer care and support so as to break the cycles of poverty, crime and loss of human potential and not be needed any longer. But, until that happens, we hope to provide the best care possible for youth, honor and appreciate our community of supporters as much as possible, and remain faithful to our Lasallian (Christian Brothers) values and vision. Philanthropic Plan We rely in a special way on the generosity of others to be able to provide the special support and care that is the hallmark of Ocean Tides. We appreciate all who share time, talent and treasure with us. We want you to know when and how we need your support, and that we will strive to not ask for support at other times unless a special situation presents itself. We hope by sharing our plan, you can better plan your continued support and care for young men at Ocean Tides. We count on your support at our Annual Reception in October of each year, during our Christmas- December Appeal, and at our Hall of Fame Dinner. Three (3) times a year, whatever kinds of care and support you can offer to help us transform the lives of youth, is appreciated. Thank you. Planned Gifts For information about leaving a Lasallian Legacy in your will or other financial options, please contact Brother James Martino at 401-789-1016.
Calendar of Events October 21, 2016 Blessing of the Fields Annual Cocktail Reception November 22, 2016 Thanksgiving Dinner December 22, 2016 Christmas at Ocean Tides May 17, 2017 Building Bridges Picnic May 27, 2017 Hall of Fame Dinner Ocean Tides School 635 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882 June 2, 2017 Gala Buffet Luncheon June 16, 2017 Graduation