Mercy Center Inc.

“The leadership team of the mid-atlantic community of the sisters of mercy of the americas are members of the corporation.”

“The leadership team of the mid-atlantic community of the sisters of mercy of the americas, as the members of the corporation, have established the sponsor council and have delegated certain powers to it. The sponsor council will ensure that the ministries under its supervision will operate in accordance with the charism and mission of the sisters of mercy and in accordance with the teaching, discipline, and norms of the catholic church. The sponsor council will exercise the following powers: (a)recommend to the members the adoption and thereafter a change in the mission,purpose, or philosophy. (b)recommend to the members the adoption and thereafter a change in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws. (c)appoint members of the board of directors upon recommendation of the board. Remove members of the board of directors in consultation with the members. (d)appoint, in consultation with the members, the executive director upon the recommendation of the board. (e)remove, in consultation with the members, the executive director. (f)approve a capital budget that is larger than 2% of the approved operating budget or a deficit operating budget. (g)recommend to the members the incurrence of debt where the amount exceeds the limit established annually by the members. (h)recommend to the members the transfer, sale, encumbrance, or gift of assets of the corporation where the amount exceeds the limit established annually by the members. (i)recommend to the members the dissolution, merger, consolidation or other fundamental reorganization of the corporation.”

“The members of the corporation may initiate and implement, and must approve, any proposal with respect to any of the following: (a)adopt or approve a change in the mission of the corporation, purpose, or a change to the general structure of the corporation as a charitable not-for-profit corporation. (b)adopt and thereafter amend the certificate of incorporation of the corporation. (c)adopt and thereafter amend the bylaws of the corporation. (d)dissolve, divide, liquidate or wind up the corporation, or consolidate or merge the corporation with another corporation or entity. (e)sell all or substantially all the assets of the corporation. (f)effect any transfer or encumbrance of property which requires approval pursuant to canon law. (g)create or dissolve the sponsor council and appoint or remove the members of the sponsor council and establish the policies for its operation. (h)establish an annual limit on the amount of debt to be incurred by the corporation that does not require approval by the members. (i)establish an annual limit on the amount of assets that can be transferred, sold, encumbered or gifted by the corporation that does not require approval by the members.”

“The audit/finance/investment committee and the chair of the board review and approve the irs form 990 prior to submission. If there were changes, they were made. The final draft of the 990 was distributed to the full board prior to filling with the irs.”

“Each year, board members complete a required disclosure form. If any conflict of interest exists, it must be disclosed to the board prior to important decision votes taken. If the board determines that a conflict of interest does exist, the individual associated with the conflict is prohibited from participating in the deliberations and decisions relating to that conflict.”

“The executive committee of mercy center's board of directors conducts an evaluation of the chief executive(s) of the organization. It also serves as a compensation committee to determine executive compensation. A comparative salary survey is used to benchmark executive compensation for the position of chief executive(s). The committee meets independent of the chief executive(s) to discuss performance relative to the position. During these deliberations, the committee also considers input obtained from other sources, possibly including other board members, staff, professional advisors, grantors, and other informed community leaders and stakeholders. Once a consensus is reached regarding performance, a similar discussion is held concerning compensation relative to annual benchmark and established objectives. The committee then makes its decisions, reports to the board, and informs the chief executive(s) about the results. The process was last performed in 2014.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are available upon request”

“In the tradition of the sisters of mercy, mercy center empowers women and their families in the south bronx to liberate themselves from economic poverty. We promote the right to an improved quality of life by addressing the needs of the whole person, developing skills for healthy family living and economic advancement, and building a community of respect, hospitality, and non-violence. For 27 years, mercy center has responded to four chronic problems in our mott haven neighborhood: unemployment and a cycle of economic poverty; violent and oppressive behaviors in families and the community; under-performing public schools; and the powerlessness and estrangement that accompany the isolation inherent in the immigrant experience. We take an integrated and holistic approach to the delivery of services that fall into six overall program areas: 1.adult education and workforce development provides participants with an integrated approach to language acquisition, basic adult education, skills building and job readiness. Services include: classes in english for speakers of other languages, computer literacy, high school equivalency, and the work readiness workshops; and individual one-on-one assistance for participants searching for employment, including help with resumes, job searches, applications, and interview preparation. 2.immigrant services offers immigrants an opportunity to fully participate in civic and economic life in their new country by providing help with citizenship applications, green card renewal applications, and deferred action for childhood arrivals (daca) applications; access to an immigration attorney, and screening and referrals for other immigration matters. 3.family skills and family development aim to strengthen family functioning and promote healthy living, non-violent communication, and improved relationship skills. The family development program helps participants to set and achieve family goals, solve challenging family problems, and improve economic security. Twenty families are served during a two-year "active phase" with case management, workshops, and home visits. The family skills program offers skills-based classes (with one-on-one support) in adult parenting (in english and spanish), anger management (in spanish), and a mom's support group. 4.social services provides individual case management, advocacy, and referrals for participants who are enrolled in other mercy center programs. Participants are provided with support and assistance in navigating systems and solving problems that may limit their success in achieving their goals at mercy center. Common issues include employment, children's educational needs, domestic violence, public benefits, child welfare, affordable housing, and family relationships. 5.youth programs offers enrichment programming for young people in a safe, supportive environment. The programs are designed to help each child improve academic skills and performance, develop the ability to resolve conflict, and learn how to make contributions as a leader at home, in school and in the community. Programs include after school, saturday reading enrichment & reading club, girl talk support group, house of the roses dance program, girls & boys movie nights, summer camp, and babysitting. 6.personal development, community education, and community building activities offer participants opportunities for personal growth and enrichment within a supportive community. Personal development activities include classes in yoga, meditation, and spirituality (english and spanish); women's movie discussion group, and "capacitar" wellness and stress reduction workshops. The community education program offers educational workshops on topics relevant to our participants' lives such as family budgeting, domestic violence, and tenants' rights. Our community building activities help to create a safe, welcoming and supportive community in which participants can be empowered to make change in their lives.”

“The process has not changed from prior year.”