The Cocoon Shelter

“During 2014, the cocoon created a wholly owned subsidiary, transformative praxis llc, for the sole purpose of purchasing real property. As the entity is an llc and wholly owned by the cocoon, it is a disregarded entity for tax purposes and it's activity is reported with the cocoon's.”

“The friends of cocoon is a membership group that exists to provide financial support to the cocoon shelter and its board of directors for the purpose of ensuring optimal support to victims of domestic violence.”

“The treasurer and finance committee review the form in detail. The entire board reviews the form at a board meeting.”

“Organization's board of directors annually reviews conflict of interest policy. Each board member and/or employee signs an agreement to confirm no conflict of interest and/or identify interests that could give rise to conflicts. Executive committee of the board monitors compliance with this policy.”

“Executive committee has reviewed comparable data for executive director position in the past. This is done as there are new hires.”

“Officers are not paid. No employee meets the definition of "key employee."”

“Form 990 is available on the cocoon shelter website, on another's website, and upon request. Form 1023 and governing documents are available upon request.”

“Part iii, 4a history the cocoon shelter is the first and only shelter for victims of domestic violence located in wood county. Incorporated in 2004, after many years of grassroots organizing and community collaboration, the cocoon opened its doors on june 14, 2005. Prior to this time, victims in wood county needing shelter were forced to flee their homes, lose their personal support systems, and travel long distances to shelters, primarily in fostoria, toledo, and findlay. In 2012, the cocoon shelter expanded programs and services to provide comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence and their children, regardless of their need for shelter. The expansion was intended to increase safety and access to resources and services for victims of abuse, to strengthen the coordinated community response to domestic violence in wood county, and to alleviate duplication of services. During 2014, the cocoon shelter served 330 victims of abuse and responded to 4,254 requests for services from victims of abuse and their children. On average, cocoon shelter staff assist 12 victims of abuse per day in achieving safety. Advocates assist with obtaining civil protection orders approximately 3 times/week.. The increase in number of cpos provided with the assistance of cocoon advocates has resulted in a significant number of victims being able to remain in safe and stable housing. During 2014, the cocoon housed 68 victims of abuse and their children for a total of 3,235 nights of safe emergency housing. In addition, we have increased diversity of those housed, including adult male and transgender victims with children and more aging adults fleeing abuse. There were 24 instances that victims sought safe emergency housing and the cocoon did not have available space. This demonstrates the need for increased bed space that we are working to create through our relocation project. In cases that we could not provide housing, advocacy staff work to make safety plans, pursue all available options, and in some cases provide emergency hotel stays to support safety needs of families. After years of planning and efforts to relocate, the cocoon has a new home. Phase 1 of our relocation process was implemented and we started the plans for renovation of the new building so that the shelter can eventually be relocated to the new site. All advocacy programs (other than shelter) and administrative offices are located in the new site and shelter will be relocated following renovation. Services the cocoon shelter is committed to providing safe emergency housing and comprehensive support services to victims of domestic violence and their children at no cost. The shelter and support services are accessible 24 hours a day. We utilize the local and long-established crisis hotline, the link, as our "entry point" for services. Victims of abuse and their children seeking services are provided with a variety of service, including: in-depth safety planning; advocacy and support; assistance with civil protection orders and crime victim compensation applications, advocacy in the courts, support and educational groups, support at pre- trial hearings, face-to-face and phone crisis intervention; provision of emergency food, clothing, and personal care items; transportation and access to transportation; case management; budgeting assistance; economic empowerment and financial literacy programs; computer use and internet access; assistance in finding financial, medical, legal, and housing assistance; information and referrals to specialized community resources; and follow-up/outreach services for survivors who have left shelter or need ongoing services. Currently, specialized services for children are provided in partnership with the children's resource center. Through donations from individuals and collaborations with faith communities, we have helped to furnish apartments and provide donated cars for survivors and children leaving shelter. How is the cocoon shelter funded”