Cass Housing Inc

“The organization's executive director is responsible for the timely preparation of the form 990. The organization's executive director may confer with accountants and legal counsel of the organization with respect to drafts of the form 990. Copies of the completed form 990 (including required schedules) will also be reviewed by the treasurer. Any questions or concerns will be noted and addressed, and the treasurer shall ensure that any appropriate changes are incorporated into the form 990. The form 990 is presented to the board of directors. After acceptance and approval by the board, the return is signed by an authorized officer and filed with federal authority.”

“The executive committee shall regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with this policy by reviewing annual statements and taking such other actions as are necessary for effective oversight. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the board or executive committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon.”

“The board of directors initiates a formal review of the executive director and determines appropriate compensation, benefits and bonuses on an annual basis. The review is documented and stored in the employee's file.”

“Governing documents and forms 1023 and 990 are available upon request. The form 990 is also availabe at www.guidestar.org.”

“The mission of cass housing, inc. Is to create innovative and safe housing with support that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to maximize their potential and grow in their independence. The vision of cass housing, inc. Is to see a world where individuals of varying abilities feel fulfilled and thrive independently.”

“Beginning in the 1960's and continuing into today, communities have been working to dismantle the structural barriers that have kept individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities isolated from society. While this was undoubtably a positive change for society, policies that were put into place to transition individuals failed to consider, fund, or plan for alternative housing options. (housing needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, summer 2020, econorthwest) the need for affordable housing for this population is only growing. And while this need is not new, there are new problems that are emerging that increase the urgency to create more housing options: rising home costs in many housing markets, aging parents/caregivers who may soon be unable to provide housing for their adult children, and the effects of covid as many individuals are still finding themselves unemployed. The cdc estimates that 1 in 6 children have a developmental disability. If overlaid over the entire population, that means there are 60,000 individuals that live in allen county that have a developmental disability. According to bureau of developmental disability services state statistics, medicaid waiver home and group homes support only 10% of that population within a 24/7 setting. Cass is developing the bandwidth and the needed supports to be a provider of supportive housing for the future. Our vision is not just to build a home where someone can live independently, but to build an independent person that can live in a home and community. We offer a people-centered approach to long-term housing for people of varying abilities by providing not just a house, but assistance in finding compatible roommates and ongoing support services to live independently. We strongly believe that by working together, we can create long-term solutions that benefit every core member (resident) and their families.”

“For many people with developmental disabilities, moving out of the family home is the greatest hurdle they will ever face as they are moving away from the support system that has been in place for their entire lives. Cass believes that housing options must be matched with the correct support to make the transition out of the family home possible. Housing and support services for people with developmental disabilities are two vastly different industries. However, they must work in tandem to help make the transition successful. The home itself must be created and/or adapted to the needs of the people living in the home. While this physical space is an important piece of the puzzle, it is only the beginning. The new support system must also be customized to meet not only the specific needs of the person, but the expectations of the family as well. Cass is designed to offer different housing models with varying levels of support for the residents. A steward lives on-site to provide guidance and support, depending on the needs of the residents. Cass is unique in that the core members and their families choose their home, their housemates, and their support staff. Existing programs randomly assign residents to live in a group home where they may not know the other residents. Our program provides core members the ability to live with friends with whom they share interests and compatibility. Home groups consist of three compatible core members who have been vetted for a cass home. Cass builds opportunities for families to launch their loved ones into independence while providing solutions that address the families' concerns of safety, affordability, relationships, and life skills. We focus on creating a pathway for families and core members to transition into our housing program through: "activities and match making events to help to continue to create a community of support for individuals interested in the program. All families on our wait list are invited to these events. "working one on one with individuals through the transition into their new home. "providing ongoing educational opportunities for individuals to develop more independent living skills (money management, healthy eating, healthy lifestyles and vocational skills). This addresses some of the missing skill sets in core members as they live on their own for the first time. As of december 31, 2024, we have 16 individuals living in cass independent houses. Our most recent independent living home was opened in 2024 to house three additional core members. We are working with approximately 100 families to support skill building and match making opportunities while working towards long-term living solutions for their loved ones. Cass is the only program of its kind operating in allen county serving adults with an intellectual and/or developmental disability with long term housing and living solutions. Our core members are learning to live in a whole new way that brings them joy, brings their family a sense of long- term security, and gives them the opportunity to make their future their own.”

“RENTAL EXPENSE”