Steps to Hope Inc.

“A review of the 990 was conducted by the full board prior to filing.”

“Board member conflict of interest is monitored annually by each board member reviewing the conflict of interest policy and signing the statement that they have no conflicts of interest. Our board members are known in the community in two ways: 1) when they come on the board, an article is published in the local paper, the tryon daily bulletin, 2) our semi-annual newsletter, hope works, to over 1,700 people and organizations, lists each board member's name.”

“The executive director's salary is determined by evaluating salary surveys from nccadv and local county government. Once the salary is determined and accepted, the same annual percentage raise is given to all salaried employees.”

“Copies of financial statements and 990's are provided upon reasonable request to the executive director.”

“The mission of steps to hope is to create a community free from the violence of domestic and sexual abuse through education, advocacy and victim assistance. In addition to offering emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, we offer many programs that are preventive in nature to make a positive impact on the generational cycle of violence. These include: 1) batterer intervention program (bip) (separate classes for men and women)and hope for youth (skills and character building as well as enrichment activities for youth 12-17 years old - gender specific). All of our services and programs are free for victims.”

“Volunteers contributed 6,727.5 volunteer hours throughout the year, by supporting clients in court, answering phones, helping with bulk mailings, participating as a board member, assisting with fundraising and programs, and helping at the second chance thrift store.”

“During the fiscal year, we provided 1,276 services to 148 victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and their families. These services included safe shelter, information, advocacy, referral, transportation, therapeutic counseling, court accompaniment and limited financial assistance. The number of calls received from the hotline for assistance was 1,082. Shelter was provided to 71 people for various lengths of time. Over 73 volunteers contributed 6,727.5 volunteer hours throughout the year, by supporting clients in court, answering phones, assisting with bulk mailings, participating as a board member, assisting with fundraising and programs, and helping at the second chance thrift store. Additionally, we provided educational programs to 23 attendees of bip and 16 youth in the skills/character building programs.”

“Fundraising event direct expenses 10,829 direct fundraising event expenses -10,829”