NAILS MISSION PROJECT, INC. 2008 Annual ReportThe mission of the NAILS Mission Project is to improve and repair local homes so homeowners can live in their homes comfortably and safely for as long as possible. In 2008, administrative services for NAILS continued to be provided by the Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services (CNHS) in accordance with the Agreement established in 2003; namely, that NAILS will be provided office space from CNHS, part-time office assistance from Mrs. Monna Johnson, and part-time assistance from Mr. Rich Parsons, who serves as the Executive Director of the NAILS Mission Project, Inc. The use of the photocopier in the CNHS office was provided by CNHS, as was the use of the CNHS building for all NAILS meetings. As provided in the Agreement with the CNHS, NAILS paid for our telephone service. As in recent years, Mr. Merle Ray was the NAILS Project Coordinator, responsible for the supervision of the work conducted by volunteer workgroups. The 2008 NAILS Board of Directors was comprised of the following members:
Two members of the 2007 Board of Directors declined to continue their service as Board members. By letter dated May 13, 2008, Glenn J. Robinette submitted his resignation following the completion of his three-year term. Also, Bruce Douglas submitted his resignation by letter in late March 2008, expressing his regrets that he could not continue on the Board due to medical considerations; he had served on the NAILS Board of Directors for the past ten years. Both of these former Board members were sent letters thanking them for their faithful service to the NAILS Mission Project. Their insightfulness to the needs of our low-income clients was deeply appreciated. As in past years, church-sponsored summer workgroups provided most of the volunteer labor for the 2008 projects conducted by NAILS. The workgroups, the number of volunteer workers, and the volunteer hours provided by each workgroup are listed below:
Seven volunteer workgroups comprised of 143 volunteers provided 5720 hours in support of NAILS projects in 2008. This effort was expended from June 15-August 9, 2008. Five of the workgroups were housed at the First Presbyterian Church, one group at St. Patrick’s Church, and one group at the Baptist Student Ministry building (Frostburg). Welcoming dinners were provided at the First Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Community Church, St. Patrick’s Church, Baptist Student Ministry (Frostburg), and the Emmanuel Bethel United Methodist Church. In 2008, we were fortunate to obtain the services of Mr. Gary Lashley through the Maryland Dept. of Aging. Gary spent his time working with and directing the work of some summer volunteer workgroups. Gary’s salary was paid by the State agency. His efforts relieved Merle of some of his work supervision responsibilities. At the end of the summer workgroup program, there were several home repair projects that had not been completed. The Board of Directors authorized Merle and Gary to complete these projects; Gary’s efforts were paid for by the State, in accordance with his state-funded program. A total of 349 hours were expended by Merle and Gary over a three-month time period. In past years, we have utilized the services of the Carpenter’s Union Local 1024 in one or more home repair projects. Several projects were submitted to the Union for their consideration, but we received no response from the Union supervisors. In 2009, we will review this program with Union officials earlier in the year to ascertain their interest in continuing this partnership. NAILS remained an affiliate agency of the County United Way in 2008; NAILS received $5498 from CUW. As in the past several years, NAILS participated in the CUW Day of Caring and Sharing. Under NAILS sponsorship, 4 staff members of the local Soil Conservation office made carpentry repairs (porch decking) on a home, providing a work effort totaling 24 hours. The Union Labor Trades Council also participated in the NAILS support of the CUW Day of Caring and Sharing by providing 8 workers for a total effort of 40 hours, The Labor Council workers made repairs on 1 home (porch roof, mortaring of bricks, and handrails on front porch). In 2008, NAILS did some office renovations for Villa Maria, a non-profit organization that is also an affiliate agency of the County United Way. The effort was conducted, at no expense to NAILS, as a means of displaying our interest in assisting our CUW partners. Approximately 10 volunteer hours were provided (not included in the total volunteer hours for accomplishing NAILS mission efforts). Again, NAILS was the recipient of a $15,000 block grant from the City of Cumberland. This funding must be expended during the fiscal year beginning in October and must be expended on NAILS projects within the City limits. This funding which has been received virtually since the inception of NAILS is invaluable to achieving the NAILS mission goals. In 2008, NAILS repaired a total of 24 homes, providing assistance to 49 people. In 2008, NAILS volunteers and staff provided a total of 6133 hours to NAILS projects. (The time that Messrs. Lashley and Ray expended in their hands-on repairs from September-December is included in the stated total hours) In accord- NAILS supported the Baltimore Presbytery at a fall meeting in Lonaconing by presenting a poster display. We manned the display table and answered questions about our work. The Baltimore Presbytery is a major supporter of the NAILS Project. In November, we supported a Mission Fair (also designated Spirit of the Season Market) sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church; approximately 10 local non-profit organizations supported by the church presented information on their efforts in the community. Visitors were given the opportunity to contribute financially to the operation of these programs. Besides providing information to local residents, NAILS received gifts totaling $250. A financial statement summary for 2008 is presented below:
In summary, NAILS had a good year in 2008; we exceeded our performances in the number of homes repaired, people assisted and the number of workgroups by approximately 30-35% in each category compared to last year. We continued our support of the CUW Day of Caring and Sharing in an effective manner. In efforts to acquaint the community and sponsors of our activities, NAILS participated successfully in 2 display programs in 2008. Unfortunately, our partnership with the Carpenter’s Union was not accomplished in 2008; as noted above, we will make an effort to renew this partnership in 2009.
Charles A. Orlick, Secretary Rich Parsons, Executive Director
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