News

“The organization revised its mission to clarify that it provides services to all people, without distinction of gender, and to be more specific about the nature of services that it provides to the community. In addition, the number of the governing body's voting members was reduced from a minimum of fifteen to a minimum of twelve and from a maximum of twenty to a maximum of sixteen.”

“The Executive Committee conducts a review of the organization's Form 990 (including all related Schedules). Any questions, comments, and suggested revisions identified by the Executive Committee are addressed and the preparer of the Form 990 makes any necessary revisions. After the Form 990 has been accepted by the Executive Committee, the form is presented at the next full Board of Directors meeting to discuss its review of the Form 990. At this meeting the Board of Directors is asked to grant approval for filing the Form 990. After such approval is obtained, each board member is provided with a final copy. The form is then filed with the internal revenue service.”

“Paid staff and board members are required to annually document in writing any interests, relationships or holdings that could potentially result in a conflict of interest. If a conflict of interest is identified from an annual disclosure, the organization's executive committee will review the conflict and takes appropriate action, which may include prohibiting an individual from participating in the board's deliberations and decisions regarding a certain transaction. If a conflict is identified during a meeting, the entire Board will decide what appropriate action to take.”

“The organization's executive committee has general oversight of the organization's human resource plan, including annual evaluation of the executive director of the organization. A salary survey is used to benchmark compensation for the executive director position utilizing the Compensation & Benefits Survey Northern California published by the Center for Nonprofit Management. The committee meets independent of the executive director to discuss performance relative to the position description. During these meetings, the committee also considers input obtained from other board members, staff, professional advisors, grant recipients, and other informed community leaders. Once a consensus is reached regarding performance, a similar discussion is held concerning compensation relative to annual benchmark and established objectives. The committee presents its findings and recommendations, in an executive session without the executive director present, to the full board for review and approval. The committee then meets with the executive director to discuss and document strengths, weaknesses, and goals for the upcoming year. Compensation for the upcoming year is also discussed and documented.”

“The following organization documents of the organization are available, for inspection or copying, at the organization's main office during normal business hours at no charge: Tax Exemption Application (Form 1023), Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter, Articles of Incorporation, and By-Laws. All of the aforementioned organizational documents are also posted on the organization's web site. The public inspection copy of the organization's Form 990 for the previous three years are available for inspection or copying at the organization's main office during normal business hours at no charge. Additionally, these same Forms 990 are also posted on the organization's web site. The public inspection copies of the Forms 990 do not include the Schedule A excess contributors or the Schedule B names and addresses of contributors. When responding to a public inspection request for any organizational document or Form 990 by anyone, the organization will fulfill such request in a timely fashion without inquiring as to the reason for the public inspection request. Other documents that are posted on the organization's web site include the most recent copy of the organization's audited financial statements and its Conflict of interest policy.”

“No other officers or key employees are compensated by the organization.”

“In 2014 NEWS helped deliver aid payments to individuals that suffered losses due to a local earthquake. This was a one-time program that did not continue into 2015.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: Outreach and Education is an important part of ending domestic violence in our community. We provide domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention and education programs to schools, under-served populations, employers, social service organizations, and the general public in an effort to help the community identify and understand the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and where to get help if they need it. During the fiscal year we provided 187 presentations to the community on various aspects of domestic violence, including prevention, education and services available. These presentations were attended by 13,692 attendees. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: The NEWS Volunteer Program provides two 60-hour training sessions per year, free of cost, for those interested in becoming Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Counselors. Volunteer opportunities include becoming a member of the Domestic Violence Response Team. The Domestic Violence Response Team Program utilizes a team of trained domestic violence and sexual assault counselor volunteers to respond immediately to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault at the request of law enforcement. They go either directly to the scene of an incident or to a designated safe location. The counselors provide emotional support, information, safety planning, and resources. They work with each client to develop a plan for follow-up services. Volunteers may also help in providing court advocacy services and working at the safe house on the 24-hour crisis line. We trained 23 volunteer Domestic Violence Counselors during our fiscal year. Volunteers provided our organization with an average of 293 hours of service per month. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 6: The Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) Program is the Rape Crisis Center serving survivors of sexual abuse throughout Napa County. This program provides 24 hour immediate response by trained Rape Crisis Counselors for both adult and child survivors of sexual abuse and their family members. SAVS offers support and advocacy through the criminal justice process, assistance with filing for Victim of Crime Compensation, counseling and support groups. During the fiscal year, we received 104 phone calls on our 24-hour crisis line, rendered assistance to 277 clients, and filed 140 Crime Compensation forms on behalf of clients. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 7: The Kids Exposed to Domestic Violence Program (KEDS) provides several components to assist children who have been exposed to violence at home. Children are assessed and are offered resources to build protective factors and reduce risk factors for future adverse affects as a result of exposure to violence. Follow up and support is offered to non-offending parents to assist in children's individualized case plan. Parents receive education and information on how they can build protective factors for their children, and children may participate in NEWS' Kids Club weekly support groups where a curriculum is offered to help build safety and self esteem while doing fun and creative activities. During the fiscal year 112 children participated in weekly support groups, and 119 women and 25 children received other services under this program. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 8: The Safe Solutions program is designed to work specifically with women who have co-occurring domestic violence, drug or alcohol dependency issues and/or mental health issues. The program was designed using trauma informed practices and uses intensive case management to help women discover triggers and coping skills to guide them to safety and support. There is a strong emphasis on working toward successful connections to resources that support their recovery and healing. During the fiscal year, we served a total of 108 clients, which included providing transportation for 24 clients for social services, health and court appointments, and intense case management for 21 women. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 9: Children Exposed”