Helping and Lending Outreach Support

“The board receives the 990 via email the week of the december board meeting. At the meeting, the 990 is presented to the board members, and they may ask questions or raise any concerns. Board members may request a separate meeting, or follow up with calls or emails to address any other questions or concerns prior to filing the 990.”

“Each year the members of the board of directors sign a conflict of interest policy that is co-signed by the chairperson of the board. These remain on file for the year. Each year these are renewed by all returning members and signed by new members.”

“Each year the executive committee of the board meets to discuss the annual review and compensation for the executive director. Once consensus is reached, the chairperson of the board meets with the executive director to discuss the overall review of work and to discuss a change in compensation, should there by any.”

“Governing documents are available upon request at our corporate offices.”

“Form 990 was amended to correct part xii: line 2b to reflect a yes answer, as the financial statements were audited by an independent accountant.”

“Page 2, part iii, line 4a - continued financial assistance the covid-19 pandemic has placed a disproportionate burden upon families in our program. Data shows kinship caregivers tend to live in poverty, be over 65 years of age, have poorer health and lower education attainment. The pandemic continues to exacerbate financial challenges as kinship caregivers have lost jobs or are unable to work without childcare. Pre-pandemic, halos would refer families to partner agencies for financial assistance. With funding support from the duke endowment, halos provided direct assistance to 156 kinship families totaling 158,130 in fy21. Halos continues to be uniquely positioned to make a positive impact on kinship families in the lowcountry navigating the ongoing economic hardships brought on by the covid-19 pandemic. Training/subgrants the halos kinship care program was the first, and continues to be the largest, provider of comprehensive services focused on the unique needs of kinship families. The main component of the program is a service referred to as kinship navigation. Navigation is the label commonly used to define programs that connect kinship caregivers to referrals and resources needed to promote the safety, permanency and well-being of children in their care. The halos kinship care navigation program has helped thousands of kinship caregivers in the tri-county region of south carolina since it began in 2007. There are two other programs that have been created to specifically meet the unique needs of kinship families. Kindred hearts, based in richland county, provides support groups and referrals to kinship caregivers based in several south carolina counties, with a focus on rural populations. Pendleton place, a greenville-based nonprofit organization that provides family assessments, youth resources and housing for teen girls, now offers kinship caregiver support groups and is in the beginning stages of offering a navigation service. In 2020, halos began collaborating and subcontracting with both organizations (supported by dss grant) by providing funding, training and technical assistance in using our established model for kinship navigation, as well as guidance for offering caregiver support groups. Page 2, part iii, line 4b - continued back to school drive august can be an especially trying month for kinship caregivers. As the school year begins, the halos back-to-school program partners with community organizations and individuals to collect and donate backpacks, school supplies, and uniforms to ensure that each child begins the school year ready to learn. Summer camp halos raises funds to provide scholarships to camp or other summer activities that keep children safe and offer extracurricular opportunities when on break from school. Families apply to receive up to 350 per child to assist with the cost of such summer activities. The majority of requests are for all-day summer camps that will keep children safe and engaged while the caregiver is working. Other activities that may be eligible include programs ranging from one week special interest camps such as tennis, art or robotics, or a time-limited day camp. In fy 2021, halos sent children in charleston, berkeley and dorchester counties to camp and other summer activities.”

“Bad debts -998 bad debts 0 total -998”