Operation Reach

TO ALL ORI/KNOWLEDGE GARDEN STAKEHOLDERS

aanthony — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:09:04 +0000

We are deeply saddened by allegations made public by Nicole Payne-Jack, former ORI Chief Compliance Officer of the AmeriCorps Program. This previously trusted and senior manager of the Organization, who has made false claims to discredit the Organization. In doing so, this former employee breached confidentiality and exploited the use of sensitive financial and personal data. Nicole Payne-Jack actions are directly linked to recent layoffs that came with the downsizing of the AmeriCorps Program as a result of new strategic directions and budget cuts.
This Organization first launched the Gulfsouth Youth Action Corps in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to address the total depletion of youth programming that resulted from the disaster. Operation REACH, Inc., used its infrastructure, resources and capacity to help the community to rebound during one of the most catastrophic times in this region’s history. Our work was nothing short of heroic. Based on this demonstrated success, the AmeriCorps Program joined us to help expand our efforts into two states: Alabama and Georgia.
As is its customary practice, AmeriCorps’ OIG (Office of Inspector General) conducted an audit of Operation REACH, at the end of a three-year granting cycle. The preliminary report showed that the Organization conducted business with integrity and in line with the rules of the AmeriCorps Program. Funds were spent appropriately, but preliminary findings are correctable. Be assured there was no report of fiscal misconduct or impropriety suggested by these findings. However, we do take these findings seriously and are currently working with partner agencies to resolve these matters. This former employee had chief oversight of our AmeriCorps program.
The allegation that the CEO’ salary and compensation package that were approved by the board was excessive is unjustified. According to independent studies of executive compensation the contract was in the middle of the salary range for such executives. “Charity Navigator has completed its sixth annual CEO Compensation Study. This year’s study examined the compensation practices at 3,005 mid-to-large-sized U.S. based charities that depend on support from the public. According to Charity Navigator’s survey of mid- to large-size nonprofits, the median salary of the average executive director was $147,273 in 2010.” Median means that half made more and half made less. Kyshun Webster’s salary and other compensation were exactly at the median of $147,000.
Also, the salary range for Ph.D’s is $59,493 to $177,592. His was in the middle of that.
While the Organization has a whistleblower policy, this former employee Nicole Payne Jack, in attempting to carry out a malicious agenda, we believe has exploited that policy. This has caused the Organization to be distracted from its mission of helping to transform the lives of children and youth. Our Board of Directors has been very supportive during this difficult period, and we are assured that by working together we will continue to pursue our progressive work and not allow these false and malicious attacks to take anything away from our record of accomplishments and our committed focus.
We thank you for your support over the years, and we hope that you continue to support the mission and work of Operation REACH. As you are aware, over the Organization’s 12 year history, we have made tremendous advancements in helping youth across the Gulfsouth Region and the entire country impact their communities by building a cadre of young leaders.

Kyshun Webster, Sr., Ph.D.
CEO
Ted Quant
Board Chair

The Environmental Protection Agency awards $50,000 to the GYBP

aanthony — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:54:17 +0000

Through the program, participants learn how to run a biodiesel enterprise in which they collect and recycle used cooking oil from New Orleans’s restaurants and neighborhoods. They engage in leadership and teamwork, and build skills in communication, marketing, data entry, equipment handling and safety, and biodiesel production. Some are empowered to return to school or enroll in community college, while others are referred or supported by GYBP to acquire employment in the green sector. The GYBP is designed to address the EPA’s educational priority of career development by encouraging interest in environmental careers.

Promise Plus Initiative Moving Ahead in Central City

aanthony — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:43:14 +0000

About a year and a half ago, individuals from New Orleans took a couple of trips to the Harlem Children’s Zone in New York. The visits led to taking the next steps in creating Promise Plus. A steering committee of seven organizations was created. As the vision and work progressed (including the beginnings of the Results Based Accountability process and creation of the six result areas), many organizations were asked if they wanted to join the effort. More than 30 organizations agreed and working groups, for each result area, were formed.
In August 2011, Harpreet Samra came on board at Operation REACH, Inc., as director of the project, looking to continue the Promise Plus mission and its goals. Since then, much has been accomplished. Deitre Epps, from the Results Leadership Group, came to assist in moving to the next phases of the RBA process. After Harpreet was hired and during the first RBA workshop, organizations came together to select the best indicators to help choose the best programs/services for the initial pilot phase of Promise Plus. Once the indicators were selected, the next priority was to collect as much data as possible. “It has been quite challenging, but also very positive. We have been able to reach out to many organizations that are not only excited to see Promise Plus coming to fruition, but are willing to help,” Harpreet says. Along with collecting data, Promise Plus has been able to move to the next phase of the RBA process: looking at the story behind the data and creating ways to turn the curves of the current trend lines, Harpreeet explains. RBA sessions have been held for three of the results areas and in the next few weeks the other three will take place. While working on this phase, Promise Plus will simultaneously be moving to the next part of the project: determining which programs/services will be selected for the pilot year and creating a data management system.
Furthermore, even though it has been a long road getting here, it is great to see that there is still so much interest, among partner agencies and the community, in Promise Plus. All strongly believe in its mission to improve the lives of children in Central City and are going to continue to try to make Promise Plus a success.

Operation REACH, Inc., Repositions for the Future

aanthony — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:37:18 +0000

Last year, Operation REACH, Inc., underwent a strategic planning process to determine the direction of the organization over the next three years. This planning process is an expression of ORI’s commitment to heighten the quality and visibility of the organization’s core competencies of youth development, leadership and philanthropy. One of the recommendations of the strategic plan was that the organization decrease its dependency on federal funds, including the national AmeriCorps program. As this decision was being contemplated, congressional budget reductions on national service programming, the strain of a tough national economy, and the anticipation of further decrease in spending in the next fiscal year by Congress, made exiting from AmeriCorps a prudent decision.
Operation REACH’s CEO and Founder Kyshun Webster, Sr., Ph.D., says, “I am optimistic about ORI’s future and the continuation of its mission to engage, empower and inspire children, youth and families through innovative, community-based learning opportunities. ORI has repositioned itself into a leaner, more efficient organization poised to significantly broaden the base of young people engaged in developing their full potential as they become community change agents to transform their lives and the future of their communities.”
The Knowledge Garden Child Development Center, the activities of the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund and its youth-led advisory board as well as the innovative, green-focused Gulfsouth Youth Biodiesel Project continue to operate under ORI’s standard of excellence. Likewise, the Promise Plus Initiative, a collaboration of more than 30 organizations serving Central City and its residents, operates out of ORI headquarters.

We have room 4 you. Visit the Knowledge Garden Child Development Center

aanthony — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:02:48 +0000

Call or visit the Knowledge Garden, our 4 star childcare development center. Openings are available. Call 504-529-1922 ext.117.

Mardi Gras observance: Offices closed until Wednesday

aanthony — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:51:02 +0000

The offices of Operation REACH, Inc., and the Knowledge Garden are close until Wednesday morning in observance of the Mardi Gras season. Have a festive and safe Mardi Gras!

Operation REACH, Inc., posted 990 for 2010

aanthony — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:50:24 +0000

The 990 for 2010 for Operation REACH, Inc., can be viewed here.

GYAF Youth Board contemplates funding decisions

aanthony — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:26:32 +0000

Members of the youth advisory board of the Gulfsouth Youth Action Fund (GYAF) are in the process of reviewing and approving proposals for the 2012 funding cycle. The board thanks all of the dedicated organizations who submitted proposals. This year’s submissions were creative and thoughtful, and covered a range of issues from water recycle and restoration to making mats from discarded plastic shopping bags to social justice.

Our continue gratitude is extended to all who enable the GYAF board young leaders to continue in their mission to support other youth-led and youth-driven initiatives. Stay tune to an announcement of the ceremony date where the board will award the 2012 grants.

Have a wonderful 2012

aanthony — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:33:55 +0000

The staff of Operation REACH, Inc. and the Knowledge Garden Child Development Center hopes that 2012 is your best year ever.

Operation REACH, Inc., closure during the holidays

aanthony — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:45:30 +0000

The administrative office and the Knowledge Garden Child Development Center will be closed Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30, 2011 in observance of the Christmas and New Year Holiday. All offices will open on Monday, January 2, 2012.

Our very best wishes to you for a joyful and safe holiday season!