Detailed History, page 2 of 3

In 1997 Coalition for Kids was involved in a large “Welfare Reinvestment” grant that allowed three family advocates to provide opportunities for sixty Josephine County families to move toward self-sufficiency. Additional renovations were planned as well as expansion of the Parenting with Love and Logic classes and educational programs. Involvement in local and state planning continued to prepare for block grant funding. Also, support of children and family community activities increased as did Coalition for Kids’ commitment to the effective and efficient operation of the Family Resource Center.

During 1998 and 1999 Coalition for Kids strengthened its existing structure, the board was enlarged to a full fifteen members and numerous policies and procedures were drafted to govern staff and board functions. These changes paid off well in several ways; the annual audit process was shortened and simplified, the financial position of Coalition for Kids was improved and reserve fund accounts were established. Coalition for Kids also worked to strengthen its image in the local community. Coalition for Kids became involved with United Way and began to get out in the community more talking about its mission and its needs.

In 1999 and 2000 Coalition for Kids continued to strengthen its financial position and worked to update the Strategic Plan. Many items from the original plan were no longer relevant and most of the others had already been completed. Coalition for Kids took on some big issues regarding the actual facility. These included the question of ‘what to do with the back lot?’ and ‘how to relocate the front entrance?