Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation Inc

“The independent tax preparer reviewed the form 990 with management and the board of directors.”

“Industry benchmarks from other non profits are typically reviewed to compare compensation packages. Benchmarks used to determine base salary and other benefits are: educational background, industry experience, budget size, number of employees and number of direct reports.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are made available upon request.”

“Client Note 1 - Additional Information on Program ServicesOur program is based on love and respect, one that builds confidence, instills discipline and provides positive educational experiences. A unique forum was chosen the golf course. Golf is frequently considered the game of successful people, who would provide excellent role models for Chi Chis Kids. Golf also requires self-control, responsibility and respect for others. Outstanding athletic ability, size and dexterity are not necessary to participate. Success for Chi Chis Kids had to be through (as Chi Chi said), love, understanding, compassion, and self-esteem. Though Chi Chi was raised in a poor family, it was rich in all of those qualities.The target group for Academy activities is children ranging in ages from 5 to 17. We currently have just over 900 participants & students in our program.Some of the candidates for the programs are referred by the Pinellas County School System, consisting of 79 elementary and 27 middle schools, according to the Pinellas County School System website. Also referrals may come from private counselors or psychologists, community agencies, and, in the case of one program, the court system.To be accepted into the program, children must meet two or more of the following requirements: (1) abused; (2) from a single parent home; (3) on some form of government assistance; (4) have poor grades; (5) be socially withdrawn.The Academy uses a holistic approach in its programs. Emphasis is placed on tutoring, social skills, core values, personal grooming, business skills, retail, art, landscaping, and golf. Golf was chosen as a key ingredient for the program because it does not require unusual size, speed, or strength for excellence. The sport does, however, require personal discipline, concentration, honesty, and tenacity. These qualities plus exposure to role models of successful adult golfers made that game a natural choice.The Public Partnership SchoolThe Public Partnership School is a voluntary mini-school for those fourth through eighth grade students who are not achieving at their grade level, have low self-esteem or have difficulty adjusting to an academic environment. Students learn through interactive learning experiences in the fields of management, marketing, retail sales, landscaping, agronomy and various other real-world business environments. Through the school's Shadow Program the students, on a rotating basis, get to spend time with adults in every department of the Golf Club and the Chi Chi Rodriguez Foundation. While learning about the various jobs, the children see how basic educational skills like math and reading are used on an everyday basis. The teachers feel that students are much more enthusiastic when they see how the things they learn are involved beyond the classroom. Plus, as our teachers like to point out, "Social skills are an integral part of our educational setting." This would be great in every classroom. Any good teacher tries to simulate a real world environment, and that's what we've created here. The focus of the school is to help "at-risk" children (discouraged learners who have low self esteem or stressful family conditions). "It fits in a model for drop-out prevention."The Pinellas County School system identifies the children in need of these special surroundings and provides the teachers and principal, while the Foundation provides the assistants, facilities, and the classroom enrichment materials. The golf club delivers the real life learning experience. "We maximize the resources that the students would receive at mainstream schools, and then provide them with additional support. The students have a much greater opportunity to succeed because of that support." The small school atmosphere, individual attention, counseling, availability of student services and special instructional components taught by the Pinellas County certified teachers foster a desire in Chi Chi's Kids to succeed in school and life. The”