HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0092.001 2012-2014 February 4, 2013
Written Testimony- February 5, 2013
Aloha Chairperson Karen Eoff and Members of the Human Services and Social Services
Committee,
Please consider this written testimony in support of the County's continuing support of our island's
non-profit organizations. I submit this testimony on my own behalf.
I am a Board member of a non-profit volunteer grassroots led organization, which focuses on youth
services. Your support plays a major role in ensuring that we are able to continue to serve
community's kids and their families.
It's perhaps an over used phrase, however, it does take a village. I am proud to be part of this
selfless endeavor. The compensation received by volunteers in organizations like mine comes only
in the form of knowing that we are making a difference.
I feel that the name of the game for non-profits for my organization is financial sustainability.
Although we seek revenue from fund raising events and generous contributions, funding from
government and private foundation sources is critical to our existence. We have learned not to
totally rely on these sources of income. However, in the real world cannot solely continue without it.
It is in the County's best interest to provide financial support to non-profit organizations. This is
particularly important in the case of human services programming. In my community, examples
include programs that provide positive activities for high risk youth, agencies specializing in special
needs adults and children, and organizations involved in assuring that local families have enough
food to eat.
The Non-profit Ad-hoc Grant Review Committee will likely be receiving a wide range of
proposals. I recommend the following priorities be taken into consideration in distributing funds.
Give priority to organizations that are successful in raising funds from the local community
through fundraisers, making other special efforts to seek individual donations, and have a plan for
long-term sustainability.
Evaluate local community needs, and determine if the organization is providing special services
that the County is not providing.
Have assurance that organizations are making a conscientious effort to partner and collaborate
with other community entities that have a shared or a similar mission.
Identify and give priority to programs that provide services for high risk and vulnerable
populations such as youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities, etc.
This is all about community. Mahalo for listening,
Joel Cohen
North Hawaii advocate for youth and Hamakua Youth Foundation Board member
Cc: Hamakua Youth Foundation Board of Directors
Cc: Mayor Billy Kenoi (�`
Comm. No. 1 oZ I
Ref. To:
Ref. Date, FEB 0 5 201
Sheather, Donni
From: Joel Cohen [jcohen8 @hawaii.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2013 1:25 PM
To: dsheather@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Today's Video Testimony
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red
Attachments: county human services 2-5-13 testimony .doc
county human
services 2-5-13 t...
Aloha Donni,
My apologies for not sending the attached written testimony relating to County Non-profit
funding yesterday. I saved the document incorrectly.
Please see attached. I hope this works.
I 'd like to have the written document be part of the record. Probably should have stated
this in my testimony. I'll get it right the next time.
Please advise on the best way to move this forward at this point.
Mahalo,
Joel
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