Acknowledgements

We would like to take this time to acknowledge and thank all those who have guided us in the right direction when we needed it most. We especially thank, Dan Jensen, our seminar facilitator. We not only thank Dan, who provided guidance to us in the Final course, but all the facilitators that contributed to our outstanding learning experience.

Furthermore, we would like to thank Duke Schempp, Executive Director of People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP), for introducing the study and sharing his concerns, which gave us the current focus on our project. This has been a very enlightening experience for all and the final project will prove just how much we learned.

Finally, we would like to recognize all the organizations that went out of their way to distribute the surveys that helped us get the results we needed. Without their support and efforts it would have been impossible to get this project done. They are as follows:  

Consulting Team Biographies

Brad Brown

Brad graduated from Minot State University with a degree in Drug Addiction Studies and Business Administration.  He is employed at Prairie St. John’s as a Community Liaison and he is a Licensed Addiction Counselor.  Brad also serves part-time in the North Dakota Army National Guard as the Detachment Commander of the Camp Grafton Training Center.  Brad will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.

 

James Herrington

 

Jim graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.  He is employed by Phoenix International, a John Deere Company, as a Production Manager.  Jim will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.

 
Alexandre Niyonzima

 

Alexandre graduated from Rwanda University with a degree in Education and Central Africa Republic (Bangui University) with a degree in Sociology.  He is currently employed at Cardinal IG as a Production Team Leader.  Alexandre will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.

 

Melinda Resler

 

Melinda graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Social Science and Humanities with an emphasis in Sociology and Sign Language.  She is employed at Innovis Health as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Melinda helps out at Wells Fargo part-time. She will earn a Masters in Management degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.


Sara Schilke

 

Sara graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Management Information Systems.  She is employed at Microsoft as a Software Design Engineer in Test.  Sara will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.



Brian Stark

 

Brian graduated from Mayville State University with a degree in Education.  He is currently employed with Northwestern Bank as a Customer Service Manager.  Brian will earn a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Mary in August of 2006.

 

Ben Walker


Ben graduated from Jamestown College with a degree in Business Administration with a focus in General Management.  He is employed at Progressive Insurance as a Claims Representative.  Ben will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.


David Walters

 

David graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management.  He is employed at Rural Electric Supply Cooperative as Regional Vice President.  David will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.


Peter Zorbai

 

Peter graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Business Administration.  He is currently the Administrative Secretary of the Evangelical Apostolic Church.  Peter will earn a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Mary in August of 2006.

 

Confidence Statement

The University of Mary MBA consulting team is pleased to present the results of our Fargo/Moorhead survey conducted on behalf of Waking the Sleeping Giant.  The survey was collected during the period of July 12 – 28, 2006 among eleven nonprofit service organizations within the Waking the Sleeping Giant alliance.  The survey is a representation of the below poverty/working poor, new Americans, elderly, and people with disabilities population in the two counties.  This survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.1 percentage points at the 90% confidence interval.  This means if this survey was replicated 100 times, in at least 90 instances we would expect the results to be within 4.1 percentage points of those reported in our study.

 

 

Executive Summary

 

Waking the Sleeping Giant is a group of representatives from nonprofit organizations in the Cass and Clay Counties. They meet once a month to discuss how to build a stronger voice in the community. The group formed when U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan challenged the nonprofit organizations to explain how they impact the community. Nine consultants from the University of Mary studied the social and economic impact of nonprofits in the Cass and Clay Counties. We selected four important groups: Below Poverty/Working Poor, New Americans, Elderly, and People with Disabilities.

We explored how many people are utilizing the services, what impact do the specific nonprofits have on the community, and the social and economic returns.  We selected specific nonprofit organizations and distributed surveys to the following agencies: 

 

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements………………………………………………………………………1

Consulting Team Biographies…………………………………………………………..2

Confidence Statement……………………………………………………………………5

Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………...6

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………...7

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………8
Historical Overview…...……………………………………………………………..…11

          Study 1: Fargo/Moorhead Housing Services……………………………………...11

          Study 2: Voice For Change…………………………………………………….….12

          Study 3:Waking the Sleeping Giant – Phase I…………………………….……....13

General Overview………………………………………………………………………15

          Below Poverty/Working Poor………...…………………………………………...15

          New Americans………………………..……………………………………..……17

          Elderly………………………………….………………………………………….19

          People with Disabilities………………….……………………………………...…21

Research Methods………………………………………………………………………24

          Below Poverty/Working Poor………...…………………………………………...24

          New Americans………………………..……………………………………..……24

          Elderly………………………………….………………………………………….25

          People with Disabilities………………….……………………………………...…25

Finding/Conclusions……………………………………………………………………26

          Below Poverty/Working Poor………...…………………………………………...26

          New Americans………………………..……………………………………..……29

          Elderly………………………………….………………………………………….30

          People with Disabilities………………….……………………………………...…32

Group Conclusion………………………………………………………………………35

Recommendations………………………………………………………………………39

References…………………………...…………………………………………………..43

Appendices………………………………………………………………………………

          Survey………………………………………………………………….…………...A

          Valley to the World – Fargo/Moorhead today is more diverse………….…………B An Interview with Sinisa Milovanovic…………………………………………….C

          Moorhead Forum in Review………………………………………………………..D

          Valley to the World – 6,000 Refugees Reshape F/M Social Landscape………...…E

          Outcome Management in Nonprofit Organizations………………………………...F

          2005 Nonprofit Benchmark Survey (Santa Clara County)………………………...G

 

 

  

Waking the Sleeping Giant:  Phase Two

Introduction

          The presence of nonprofit organizations in the United States has increased steadily since 1960 and most recently at an unprecedented rate in an ongoing attempt by nonprofits to deliver public services throughout this Nation.  Nonprofit organizations have historically existed for years according to Ulf Zimmermann of Kennesaw State University, Public Administration Review:

     “The code of Hammurabi, also an administrative first in many ways, instructs people to take care of the less fortunate, and the Bible recommends tithing for the same purposes.  As Christianity developed, the body’s care came to be viewed as important as the soul’s, and Christian organizations began their long tradition of providing hostels and health services” (Zimmermann, 1994).

 

          The role of religious organizations paved the way in the early beginnings for many nonprofit organizations in the United States.  Religion’s role in philanthropy is also illustrated by the Quakers’ leadership in forming an anti-slavery society in 1775 and by the Kellogg brothers, who developed and produced health food for their Seventh-Day Adventist coreligionists and eventually established the Kellogg Foundation (Zimmermann, 1994).  The evidence of continued religious backing and support is seen in the Cass and Clay Counties today through such organizations as Catholic Charities, YMCA, YWCA, Lutheran Social Services, Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, Elim Care Center, and Great Plains Food Bank to name just a few.     

As nonprofit organizations, with a religious base or otherwise, contribute to the well being and quality of life in the United States it is important to understand the contributions of the many nonprofits here in the Cass and Clay Counties.  Although some misconceptions may exist about the services and focus of nonprofits, it is important to understand the diverse roles and types of nonprofits that exist.  In an article by Elizabeth T. Boris, Myths about the Nonprofit Sector, The Urban Institute, she states, “…nonprofit groups are characterized by tremendous diversity in origins, size, finances, types of activities they undertake, the people they serve, and the means they use to reach their goals.” (Boris, 1998)  This is evidenced in our own community by the over 500 nonprofits that provide services here.  These same nonprofits in the Cass and Clay Counties are as diverse as they are numerous.

With the increase of nonprofit organizations in the Cass and Clay Counties, not only are there numerous and diverse populations served, but also additional funding is required to keep nonprofits operating.  Before the 1960’s most nonprofit service organizations relied on fees, dues, donations, or other types of bequests for income.  Over 50 percent of federal social service expenditures are now devoted to nonprofit organizations; virtually none went to such sources in 1960. (Lipsky & Smith, 1989-1990)  With an increase of nonprofit organizations also comes the need for increased/continuation of federal funding and the need for research to support this funding.

Research support for the ongoing federal funding initiated this study called Waking the Sleeping Giant: Phase II. The consortium formed in 2005 with a mission to “influence local, state, and federal health and human service policy by strengthening the community and uniting Cass and Clay County nonprofits.” (Waking the Sleeping Giant, 2005)  The consortium was created in response to the initial challenge from Senator Byron Dorgan in February 2005. 

The alliance continues to grow and in April 2006 a team of consultants from the University of Mary completed the first phase of research for Waking the Sleeping Giant.  Their study focused on the poverty and low-income populations in the Cass and Clay Counties.  The alliance also engaged the current consulting team to research the return on investment for services provided by health and human service nonprofit organizations in the Cass and Clay Counties.

In collaboration with Waking the Sleeping Giant, the Phase II consulting team adopted the following mission statement:

To identify the economic and social value of nonprofit health and human service

organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead community.  The quantitative and qualitative information can be used to educate the public, to influence the legislature, and to create a unified voice for the nonprofits.

 

          What factors influence health and human service nonprofit organizations and their return on investment in the Fargo-Moorhead community? The Phase II team focused on the following populations:

 

 

 

 

Historical Overview

 

In the past 18 months, three specific studies in Cass and Clay Counties have investigated the community impact of non-profit organizations. These studies are summarized below.  

Study 1: Fargo/Moorhead Housing Services, “A Hand Up Not A Handout”

          Social work students from Minnesota State University Moorhead collaborated with the People Escaping Poverty Project (PEPP) and the Waking the Sleeping Giant alliance.  The students conducted interviews with local nonprofits, also known as service providers, and a number of service recipients.  This study concentrated on the need for housing services in the F-M area.

          Their findings indicate North Dakota would lose $1.5 million in block grant funding and Minnesota would lose $13.4 million due to cuts in the federal budget. (National Priorities Project, 2006)  The group interviewed seven organizations that served over 5600 persons in 2005.  Budget cuts would result in the reduction of staff at these organizations and decrease benefits to those in need.

          The next phase of this study involved the distribution of surveys to the service recipients at the various organizations.  While the study did not indicate the number of surveys distributed 85 surveys were completed and returned.  Of the respondents, 65% had been homeless at some point before answering the survey.  Over half of the respondents were between the ages of 36 and 55.  In addition, 22% of the respondents required childcare.  The study includes statements from respondents discussing the negative impact of budget cuts.  Over 55% of the respondents said they would be homeless if services were cut.  From this survey, 20% of the respondents said they did not know where they would go if services were eliminated.

Study 2: A Voice for Change

          A second study completed by a group of social work students from Minnesota State University Moorhead worked with PEPP and Waking the Sleeping Giant. This study concentrated on the health care services provided by nine nonprofit organizations.  Using organizational interviews and client surveys, the group assessed the organizational and human impact of budget cuts.

          These organizations serve over 35,000 clients utilizing a staff of over 900 persons. Budget cuts will result in fewer clients served and loss of employment for staff members.  Individual respondents talked about the need to quit their jobs in order to take care of children with demanding medical needs.  Respondents also identified the inability to pay for required medication without some form of assistance.  Page three of the study states:

“In our visits with agencies, one theme was encountered repeatedly:  It is expected that the first cuts will be made to preventative and early intervention services that are developed to keep clients from having to use more costly services.  It is believe that these findings will be true of agencies and clients in communities across the nation.  It is imperative to recognize that preventative care and early intervention service save money in the long run.  If these services are cut, government will actually be responsible for covering more costs.”

 

The group’s recommendations fall into three main categories.  One, government needs to allocate less money for military/defense and more for domestic needs.  Two, a plea not to overlook this segment of the population as budget decisions are made.  Third, more emphasis should be placed on preventative care as a replacement for higher cost services.

 

 

Study 3: Waking the Sleeping Giant: A Research Study on the Impact of Nonprofit Organizations in the Fargo-Moorhead Area.

          Graduate students from the University of Mary completed the third study. The consulting team performed a quantitative and qualitative assessment of poverty in the F-M area.  Referencing a 12.5% poverty rate in the U.S. in 2003, (Walt, Proctor & Hill, 2005) the group compared that to an 8.0% rate in Minnesota and a 10.5% rate in North Dakota.  The rate in Cass County was 8.7% in 2003 and the rate in Clay County was 9.9% within the same year.  Job loss, corporate downsizing, increased debt load, and medical emergencies were identified as being potential causes for a person/family to slip below the poverty level. 

To limit the scope of their research, the group focused on 49 nonprofits in the health and human services arena that have revenue of more than $25,000 and have 501(c) 3 status.  For the nonprofits interviewed, 54% of their revenue comes from program services, 29% comes from government contributions, and 13% from public contributions. (GuideStar, 2003) The study found in fiscal year 2002, 34% of the nonprofits reported deficits, the number increased to 45% in 2003, and 61% in 2004. (GuideStar, 2004).   Revenues for these organizations increased over the years mentioned, however the  number of service recipients increased at a greater rate.  The 49 nonprofits employ greater than 3,000 persons and have a volunteer base of almost 5,000 persons.

The study provides a number of individual histories that illustrate circumstances leading to the poverty level and how service recipients were helped by nonprofits.  Based on these client interviews, organizational interviews, and quantitative information, the consulting team developed recommendations for the Waking the Sleeping Giant study.  These recommendations are summarized in Table 1.

 

Recommendation

 

Description

Recommended Implementation

Timeframe

Organization Development : Phase 1

Initial Organization Structure

April – May 2006

Consortium Member Recruitment: Marketing Plan & Execution

Marketing of consortium to build member base

May – August 2006

Legislature Forum

Organization & Holding of Legislature Forum

April – June 2006

Organization Development: Phase 2

Organization Structure Development Phase 2

Sept – Dec 2006

Taking Consortium Statewide

Development of Strategic Alliances with other consortiums in ND & MN to create one voice for the state of ND.  Explore consortiums in other bordering states.

Oct – Dec 2006

Marketing as a Consortium: Marketing Plan & Execution

Development & execution of marketing plan for nonprofits within the consortium

Dec 2006 –

June 2007

Fargo – Moorhead Business Challenge: Day of Caring

Challenge for Fargo-Moorhead businesses to provide employees 1 paid day a year for volunteer services as part of benefit plan.

Can be implemented at any time

Future Project Recommendations

Recommendations of other projects Waking the Sleeping Giant can do with University of Mary or other similar groups in the Fargo-Moorhead area to further deliver on its mission.

Can be implemented at any time

Table 1.  Source: Waking the Sleeping Giant Research Project

 

 



General Overview

 

 

Below Poverty/Working Poor

 

We studied the various services or assistance offered for this group to determine the influence of these services in the lives and the ability of the service recipients to rise above the guidelines that classify them as either below the poverty line or working poor.  In addition, we studied the type of payback the community receives over the long term from the services/assistance provided to the service recipients.  The criteria to identify an individual or family as below poverty or working poor are listed in tables 2 and 3

Below Poverty

Family Size:  1

$  9,800.00

                      2

$13,200.00

                      3

$16,600.00

                      4

$20,000.00

         Add $3,400.00 per additional family member

Table 2 (Waking the Sleeping Giant: Phase 1, 2006)

 

         Working Poor

Family Size: 1

$13,100.00

$21,800.00

                     2

$14,966.00

$24,917.00

                     3

$16,832.00

$28,034.00

                     4

$18,700.00

$31,150.00

          Add $3,400.00 per additional family member

Table 3 (Waking the Sleeping Giant: Phase 1, 2006)

          For our research project we will define poverty and working poor as follows:

“A human condition characterized by the sustained or chronic deprivation of the resources, capabilities, choices, security, and power necessary for the enjoyment of an adequate standard of living and other civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.”  (SHAH 2006) 

 

In Cass County, the 2005 poverty rate was reported at 8.7% as compared to the 1999 rate of 10.1% or a reduction of 13.8% over a six-year timeframe.  In Clay County, the poverty rate for 2005 is reported at 9.9% compared to the 1999 figure of 13.2% for a reduction of 25.0% over the same period.  (STATS Indiana, 2006)

          Our analysis will focus on the ability of people to eliminate the need for assistance and the development of a more productive lifestyle.  In particular, we examined the types of services provided, how long the services were needed, and if service recipients make contributions to the community.  The contributions back to the community can be measured in several ways, some of which include volunteerism, monetary, food, or clothing donations, higher paying jobs as a result of training, or other means beneficial to the community.

In 2004 the total revenue for the nonprofits in the Cass and Clay Counties study area was $105,806,830.00. (GuideStar, 2004)  Stated differently, this amount equals a payment of approximately $7,000.00 per year, per person to the 15,000 people in the two counties who qualified as either being below poverty line or working poor.  These funds are primarily generated from program service revenue (72%), private contributions (14%), government grants (9%), and investments (3%).

Services provided with these funds include educational and job training, housing/residence assistance, food services, counseling, and in-kind-cash support.

“To promote self-sufficiency, family stability and community revitalization, nonprofit organizations invoke the image of community, volunteerism, civic dependability, and neighbor-helping that have always exerted a powerful impression on American public consciousness. Government assistance just started to go to nonprofits in the 1960’s.  Currently over 50% of federal social service expenditures are now devoted to public nonprofit organizations.”  (Lipsky and Smith, 1989-1990)

 

 


New Americans

We studied New Americans to identify the characteristics of this population, the percentage of New Americans in Cass and Clay Counties, the type of services provided, and the number of nonprofit dollars allocated to this group.  A main objective of our analysis is to identify the economic and social impact of the services provided to the New Americans in Cass and Clay Counties.

          New Americans are those who have left their countries of origin due to war, fear of persecution or to begin new lives in the United States. (LSS, 2005) A New American is an individual who is a resident alien (holds a Green Card), has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen, or is the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. They are individuals who have loyalty, a sense of commitment, and regard the United States as their principal residence and focus of national identity.

          “Over the last ten years in Fargo-Moorhead, the growth of ethnic and cultural groups has increased dramatically. Based on Census 2000 data, 11% of the city of Fargo can be considered New Americans, a 23% increase since 1990. If this trend continues, by the year 2010 almost one in three people in Fargo and West Fargo will be New Americans.” (United Way, 2006).

          An article in the Minnesota Public Radio by Bob Reha titled Fargo-Moorhead a Destination Point for New Immigrants, states “Fargo-Moorhead has a long history of accepting people driven out of their homelands.”  For example, twenty years ago, Fargo-Moorhead saw an influx of refugees from Vietnam. In the years since, “the nationalities have changed but the influx of New Americans and the community’s acceptance of them has not.” (Reha 2006)

          As millions of immigrants stream into the United States from around the globe, including many countries that traditionally have not served as sources of immigration, "We need to learn from America's success in assimilating the earlier immigrants, from Ireland, southern Europe, and elsewhere that flocked into this country at the turn of the last century, through Ellis Island.” (Amazon, 2006)  As found in an editorial review on Amazon.com, Barone believes the experiences of the previous immigrants reveal something about the present New Americans as they struggle to adapt to their new home. 

          New Americans need assistance in a variety of areas, such as preparing for their driver’s test, studying for the citizenship test, or learning to read. Nonprofit organizations provide support so New Americans can become better integrated into American society. (Riverview, 2005)

Fargo North Dakota Census Data

    Population, 2003 estimate                                                                          91,484     633, 837

 

 

Population, percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2003

1.0%

-1.3%

 

 

 

Population, 2000

90,599

642,200

 

 

 

Population, percent change, 1990 to 2000

22.1%

0.5%

 

 

 

White persons, percent, 2000 (a)

94.2%

92.4%

 

 

 

Black or African American persons, percent, 2000 (a)

1.0%

0.6%

 

 

 

American Indian and Alaska Native persons, percent, 2000 (a)

1.2%

4.9%

 

 

 

Asian persons, percent, 2000 (a)

1.6%

0.6%

 

 

 

Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2000 (a)

Z

Z

 

 

 

Persons reporting some other race, percent, 2000 (a)

0.4%

0.4%

 

 

 

Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2000

1.5%

1.2%

 

 

 

Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 2000

1.3%

1.2%

 

 

 

Foreign born persons, percent, 2000

 4.0%

1.9%

 

 

 

Language other than English spoken at home, pct age 5+, 2000

6.3%

6.3%

 






 (a) Includes persons reporting only one race.
(b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.

Table 4 : (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000)

 

        The study of nonprofit organizations in Cass and Clay Counties and the social services they provide to New Americans, emphasizes the human service needs of these individuals are in many ways similar to the needs of the American population. However, cultural variations within the New American population create additional challenges.

Nonprofit organizations in the Cass and Clay Counties provide a variety of services such as English as a Second Language classes, computer training, healthcare services, leadership training, food, and housing assistance.  These services provided by the area nonprofit organizations assist New Americans to become assimilated in American society.  New Americans who receive these services will continue to benefit. .

          Nonprofit organizations in the community make financial contributions and provide services for New Americans. Cultural Diversity Resources in 2005 allocated $174,109 for program and administrative expenses, which is approximately 94% of their revenue for the fiscal year.  Services include: leadership, domestic violence, technology, diversity training, and community interpreting services.

 Elderly Population

 

          The elderly population in the Cass and Clay Counties are on the rise and thus it is an important population to include in our study of nonprofit organizations. The elderly population is often overlooked because some believe they have little to offer the community. We studied the contributions they make to the community and the manner in which they make these contributions.  We also explored the social impact of the services they receive from nonprofit organizations.

          The elderly population has a significant role in our analysis as a growing population.  From 1900 to 1994, the elderly population increased from 3 million people to 33 million people in the United States.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s middle series projections, by the year 2030 there will be more than 80 million elderly people in the United States, or 1 out of every 5 people.

          A large elderly population exists in Cass and Clay Counties including a substantial number in Fargo, Moorhead, and West Fargo.  According to the 2000 Census, of the combined 174,367 people in Cass and Clay Counties, 19,308 people, or 11.1%, were in the elderly category.   In excess of 14,000 individuals potentially qualify for specific services offered by the nonprofit organizations in our area.

In our analysis of elderly-specific non-profit organizations, we can see that the services rendered have a social impact for the elderly.  The average life expectancy for individuals in Minnesota and North Dakota is approximately 5 years greater for females than males. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000) As a result there is a possibility that one spouse will outlive the other and be left alone. Nonprofit organizations in our community help these individuals fill the void left from their departed spouse; whether it means providing a meal, providing transportation, or simply offering them a place to enjoy social interaction with other people in the same situation. By exploring this subject, we hope to understand and document the significance of these nonprofit services in the lives of our elderly community. What effect will funding cuts and the loss of these services have on the elderly?

People with Disabilities

People with disabilities are an important part of the Cass and Clay County communities.  Numerous nonprofit organizations in the area provide specialized services to empower these individuals and enhance their quality of life.  We have studied several organizations to gain an appreciation for the value these agencies provide for people with disabilities and their family, friends, and communities.  In what ways do people with disabilities benefit from nonprofit organizations? Do nonprofit services allow them to live independently and contribute to their communities?  In contrast, funding reductions to these agencies resulting in a decreased number of services available to people with disabilities will result in an increased reliance on government funded social service programs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides the following definition for people with disabilities:

“An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such impairment.” (U.S. Department of Justice.  A Guide to Disability Rights Laws).

 

Many organizations do not have a strict definition for the clients they serve.  North Dakota Association for the Disabled does not define the term “because there are many different types of disabilities and each person has unique needs.” (North Dakota Association for the Disabled, Inc., 2006)

          Selection of disabilities covered under the ADA identifies 17,111 people in Cass and Clay counties in this population group, representing 10% of the overall population. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000)  However, one must consider the even larger group of individuals impacted by disabilities, including the families, friends, and co-workers of those with disabilities.  Overall, disabilities affect almost all citizens within our communities.

          Nonprofit agencies in the area provide a wide variety of services to people with disabilities, including financial assistance, housing assistance, equipment loans, advocacy, referrals, mentoring, and training.  Many of the services for people with disabilities focus not on removing the obstacles, but on learning to overcome the obstacles.  Overcoming obstacles allows more independent living and increases the potential contributions to their communities. 

          The most fundamental service offered by nonprofit agencies is independent living skills.  Agencies offer services in personal care, financial concepts, meals and nutrition, transportation, community living, and recreational activities.  Agencies deliver these services through training and personal mentoring.  Without these services, many individuals with disabilities cannot live independently. 

Another important service provided to people with disabilities is employment and skills training.  In Cass County, 70.3 percent of people with disabilities age 21 to 64 are employed compared to 86.2% employment for people without disabilities in the same age group.  In Clay County, there is only a 61.7% employment rate for people with disabilities while the employment rate for people without disabilities is 84.2%. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000)

              Along with employment skills training, advocacy in the workplace is also important.  The primary goal of the Disability Rights Section is to achieve equal opportunity for people with disabilities in the United States. 

“The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, State and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications.” (U.S. Department of Justice, A Guide to Disability Rights Laws)

 

The ADA prohibits employment discrimination, while local nonprofit organizations use education and advocacy to ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities for success.

          Funding is available to nonprofit organizations from government sources, including state service contracts, grants, and Housing and Urban Development.  Client fee-for-services provide some funds while other funding comes from the community, to include the United Way. A reduction in government funding would put many of these essential programs for people with disabilities at risk.  We believe this reduction would have other far-reaching effects on the entire community.   

 


Below Poverty/Working Poor: Research Methods

The Waking the Sleeping Giant consortium engaged the consulting team to determine the impact nonprofits have on the community. This request struck a chord within our individual focus group and a survey was circulated to various nonprofits and social agencies to get an idea of what impact they have on our communities.

A primary objective was to identify below poverty line/working poor by obtaining the following information: 

§       Male/Female

§       Single/Married

§       How many in Family

§       Income/employed

§       What other resources do they utilize

§       Do they give back to the community

§       How old are the individuals

 

Our data collection activities did not control the influence of cross-group responses from the Elderly, New Americans, or Disabled populations.  Surveys were voluntary and not all questions were answered by respondents.  Raw data analysis screened responses based on study participants who answered particular questions and a percentage was calculated to establish sample integrity.    The absent or reduced survey participation in some organizations did limit data acquisition from selected service populations.  

New Americans: Research Methods

We conducted five verbal interviews using the same questions from our survey with the directors of Lutheran Social Services, Cultural Diversities Services, Family Health Care, Charism, and The Giving and Learning Program of Riverview Place. We also conducted a questionnaire survey on past and current service recipients from our focus list of nonprofit organizations. In addition background research was done on new Americans and their utilization of social services from nonprofit organizations.

 Elderly: Research Methods

        We studied the needs of the elderly population in the Cass and Clay Counties, organizations and their services.    A survey was created for distribution to these organizations (Appendix A).  The surveys should provide data on the types of services used and the demographics of the service recipients.  We studied the receipt of services, the impact on the service recipients, and the types of contributions service recipients typically make to the community after receiving assistance.

People with Disabilities: Research Methods

          We distributed our surveys to a research specific group of nonprofit organizations in the community.   Our data collection activities provided an opportunity to analyze the importance of nonprofit organizations based on written and interview feedback from service recipients.

          The nonprofit organizations rely on federal grant money along with private donations to operate assistance programs throughout the year.  A decrease in either of the funds would have a catastrophic result in the community.  A large portion of the Cass and Clay Counties rely on assistance from nonprofits, whether it is assisted care, meals, or other services.  The community as a whole would suffer from a lack of services.  Nonprofit organizations assist disabled members of the community to live in their own apartment with support, work and provide support for their families, and receive support to start their own businesses.  One respondent stated:

“Nonprofit services have helped me out when I needed help.  They helped train me for employment.  Without their help I would not be able to do as much.  I rate them a 10 out of 10.  They have helped me become a better person”

 

          The existence of nonprofit organizations has improved the lives of service recipients and enables their participation with volunteer and fundraising activities. Nonprofits also enable people to interact and assimilate into today’s society.

Another respondent states…

“Nonprofit organizations have given me access to other people with similar disabilities.  Nonprofits have also helped me out by giving me a chance to talk with other people and get encouragement from them and helped me get a job.  I am now a mentor at a nonprofit and giving back to them.

 

 

Below Poverty/Working Poor: Findings/Conclusions

 

          The United States government provides in the form of grants, entitlements and direct expenditures approximately 50% of the funding for nonprofit organizations. The counties of Cass in North Dakota and Clay in Minnesota total approximately $105,000,000.00 for the roughly 15,000 recipients in our study population or about $7,000.00 per individual.  The analyses of the data related to the Below Poverty /Working Poor (BP/WP) indicate 58% of all survey respondents are BP/WP.  Food, shelter, and medical care are basic needs according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. (Figure 1)

 

 

(Figure 1: Maslow’s Heirarchy of Needs. Retrieved on August 5, 2006 from: http://www.pateo.com/images/maslowmaster4ts.gif)

 

The largest single need for BP/WP individuals is food (40%), medical assistance (22%) and shelter (8%).  The number of lifetime U.S. residents, classified as BP/WP and seeking education assistance from nonprofit organizations is less than 1%.  In contrast, the New Americans who are BP/WP sought less basic needs assistance and more educational assistance.  Comparing the average income for the individuals categorized as BP/WP to the other groups in the study, Table [1] we can see BP/WP has the lowest average income of all the survey groups. 

Below Poverty/Working Poor

Elderly

New Americans

Disabled

$12,007.00