Search for Change Inc.

“Search for change, inc, has its form 990 prepared by an outside accounting firm and has established the following review process to ensure that the information reported is complete and accurate. When the form 990 has been prepared, it is reviewed by management and the audit and finance committee of the board of directors, once reviewed and is ready to be filed with the internal revenue service, it is submitted electronically to members of the organization's governing body for any comments prior to the submission. The governing body is provided with reasonable time to review the prepared form 990 and provide their commments. Any comments are then grouped, summarized and provided to the compliance officer or committee in charge of filing the return for their review. Each issue is documented and addressed until the review is finalized and the form 990 is approved for filing.”

“The conflict of interest policy applies to all of the corporation's directors, officers, and key persons. This includes all members of the board, as well as the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the director of human resources, the clinical director, and the director of vocational services of search for change, inc. After there has been disclosure of a potential conflict, and after gathering any relevant information from the potentially conflicted person, the executive committee must determine whether there is an actual conflict of interest. The potentially conflicted person must not be present for deliberation or vote on the matter and must not attempt to influence improperly the determination of whether a conflict of interest exists. In determining whether a conflict of interest exists, the executive committee must consider whether the potential conflict of interest would cause a transaction entered into by the corporation to raise questions of bias, inappropriate use of the corporation's assets, or any other impropriety. When a matter involving a conflict of interest comes before the executive committee, the committee may seek information from the conflicted person prior to beginning deliberation and reaching a decision on the matter. However, a conflicted person must not be present during the discussion or vote on the matter and must not attempt to influence improperly the deliberation or vote. If the conflict is a related party transaction, the corporation may not enter into the transaction unless, after good faith disclosure of the material facts by the conflicted person, the executive committee determines that the transaction is fair, reasonable, and in the corporation's best interest at the time of such determination. If the related party has a substantial financial interest, the executive committee must: (1) consider alternative transactions to the extent available; or, (2)approve the transaction by a vote of a majority of the directors present at the meeting; and, (3) contemporaneously document in writing the basis for its approval, including its consideration of any alternative transactions. All potential or actual conflicts of interest discussed or voted upon must be documented in the organizations board minutes. All applicable individuals are required to fill out annual conflict of interest statements.”

“A review takes place annually. The ceo's compensation is determined by the board of director's in an executive meeting. Prior to the meeting, the human resources director compares the ceo's salary to salaries paid to ceos at similar-sized organizations to ensure that the compensation is in line. In addition, the human resources/compensation committee chairman has reviewed comparable healthcare salaries based on studies from an international healthcare management recruiting company. Finally, the board also sets goals that the ceo must meet as part of his annual review. The ceo's compensation is approved in a closed executive session of the board, and documented in the minutes to the session. This process was last done in 2023. Other officer salaries are determined using marketplace values, the individual's education, experience, and qualifications. Compensation ranges are established for the overall compensation structure, as well as compensation for similar positions in our region.”

“The organization makes its form 990 and form 1023 available for public inspection as required under section 6104 of the internal revenue code. The return is posted on new york state attorney general website, guidestar.org and other similar types of websites. In addition, forms 990 and 1023 as well as the financial statements, conflict of interest policy and governing documents are available upon written request or by calling the organization directly.”

“Dedicated to improving the quality of life and increasing the self sufficiency of individuals with emotional, social and economic barriers. This is accomplished by providing direct support and assistance needed to enable individuals to reach their full potential.”

“The organization's board of directors assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. This process did not change from the prior year.”