(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
I am often asked why I joined Social Venture Partners Portland (SVPP). The first answer I give is that I am passionate about our current focus of investing in children and education. It is certainly a critical area of social need, and I have a special place in my heart for kids, having four of my own. The second answer I give is "the model". But what I really mean is that I like the leverage that my investment achieves when it is put to work with SVPP.
"SVPP is unique", I say. "I can leverage my investment in SVPP an average of five times. For every dollar I contribute, the organizations that we partner with, on average, leverage that dollar into $5 dollars of total benefit. You can't argue with that kind of payback, and I think this is unique to SVPP".
SVPP achieves these kinds of returns by using that dollar to attract additional financial and in-kind donations from a variety of other sources including our own partnership, foundations, community philanthropists and even the government. We also contribute significant volunteer hours to each non-profit partner that together with the financial contributions translate into real operational impact. Several of our non-profit partners have reported that the value of the operational impact, as a result of their relationship with SVPP, is in the six and even into the seven figure range. With this kind of total impact, it is easy to see why an investment in SVPP is so much more valuable than just the value of our direct financial investment.
SVPP is doing great work. In the five short years of our existence in Portland, we have contributed nearly $700,000 in direct financial contributions to seven area non-profits and had a total impact of well over $3 million! Let's focus our collective efforts this year on spreading the news about SVPP and what a compelling and leveraged investment it is. We can do even more good with more resources at our disposal. Let's get the word out!
Showing posts with label July 2006. Show all posts
Showing posts with label July 2006. Show all posts
OHSU's Dr. Peter Kohler Speaks to SVPP About Oregon Health Safety Net
(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
The keynote speaker for SVPP's annual meeting this year was Dr. Peter Kohler, President of Oregon Health and Sciences University. Dr. Kohler was selected as OHSU President in 1988 and has become a leader in state health policy, research and education issues at the national level. He is noted for his advocacy for increased access to health care and quality of life for underserved populations. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Duke Medical School.
The topic of Dr. Kohler's speech to SVPP was "The Safety Net for Children: What is it and How do we Protect it?" According to Dr. Kohler, in health care, the term "safety net." refers to the process by which we "catch" those who would otherwise fall through the cracks – primarily those without health insurance. In addition to the uninsured, however, we also have the underinsured – frequently, this means Medicaid or OHP patients. They may have coverage, but the challenge is practitioner access. Generally, the safety net refers to primary and preventative care. OHSU Hospital and other health systems provide significant amounts of uncompensated care for low-income individuals each year, but the biggest issue is access to primary care practitioners.
There is one universal truth about safety net care, however. It does not exist unless a community creates it and supports it. Unfortunately, here in Oregon, the safety net has become badly frayed for adults as well as children. Children are especially vulnerable. Today there are 117,000 uninsured children in this state, a figure that will undoubtedly rise unless a statewide solution to health care access can be found. In addition, children make up 41 percent of Oregon's Medicaid population. The majority of children on Medicaid now get their care from safety net clinics. There are a number of safety net clinics in the Portland metro area, but not all provide health care for children.
As the state's only academic health center, OHSU has long been one of the primary providers of hospital care for low-income individuals. This has been particularly true for needy children. OHSU also treats low-income children through a number of outpatient venues, including the Richmond Clinic in SE Portland and OHSU pediatric clinics. Dr. Kohler also remarked on the major safety net role played by Doernbecher Children's Hospital throughout its 80 year history and the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center which treats children with disabilities or other special health needs.
OHSU is traditionally the state's leading provider of uncompensated care. However, as the state cuts support for both the Oregon Health Plan and for OHSU's base budget it leaves OHSU with an unsustainable burden of care.
Dr. Kohler concluded his speech by saying. "OHSU will continue to be the health care provider of last resort for Oregonians. We will continue to treat the state's sickest and poorest children. But we do need help – from our colleagues in the health care community, from our leaders in the state legislature, and from generous citizens such as you, who play an increasingly important role in funding social services such as health care and education for Oregon's most vulnerable children".
The keynote speaker for SVPP's annual meeting this year was Dr. Peter Kohler, President of Oregon Health and Sciences University. Dr. Kohler was selected as OHSU President in 1988 and has become a leader in state health policy, research and education issues at the national level. He is noted for his advocacy for increased access to health care and quality of life for underserved populations. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Duke Medical School.
The topic of Dr. Kohler's speech to SVPP was "The Safety Net for Children: What is it and How do we Protect it?" According to Dr. Kohler, in health care, the term "safety net." refers to the process by which we "catch" those who would otherwise fall through the cracks – primarily those without health insurance. In addition to the uninsured, however, we also have the underinsured – frequently, this means Medicaid or OHP patients. They may have coverage, but the challenge is practitioner access. Generally, the safety net refers to primary and preventative care. OHSU Hospital and other health systems provide significant amounts of uncompensated care for low-income individuals each year, but the biggest issue is access to primary care practitioners.
There is one universal truth about safety net care, however. It does not exist unless a community creates it and supports it. Unfortunately, here in Oregon, the safety net has become badly frayed for adults as well as children. Children are especially vulnerable. Today there are 117,000 uninsured children in this state, a figure that will undoubtedly rise unless a statewide solution to health care access can be found. In addition, children make up 41 percent of Oregon's Medicaid population. The majority of children on Medicaid now get their care from safety net clinics. There are a number of safety net clinics in the Portland metro area, but not all provide health care for children.
As the state's only academic health center, OHSU has long been one of the primary providers of hospital care for low-income individuals. This has been particularly true for needy children. OHSU also treats low-income children through a number of outpatient venues, including the Richmond Clinic in SE Portland and OHSU pediatric clinics. Dr. Kohler also remarked on the major safety net role played by Doernbecher Children's Hospital throughout its 80 year history and the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center which treats children with disabilities or other special health needs.
OHSU is traditionally the state's leading provider of uncompensated care. However, as the state cuts support for both the Oregon Health Plan and for OHSU's base budget it leaves OHSU with an unsustainable burden of care.
Dr. Kohler concluded his speech by saying. "OHSU will continue to be the health care provider of last resort for Oregonians. We will continue to treat the state's sickest and poorest children. But we do need help – from our colleagues in the health care community, from our leaders in the state legislature, and from generous citizens such as you, who play an increasingly important role in funding social services such as health care and education for Oregon's most vulnerable children".
SVPP Holds Annual Meeting
(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
Nearly 80 partners, investees, and friends enjoyed SVPP's Annual Meeting on May 24 at the Japanese Garden Pavilion. The setting was beautiful and the rain subsided long enough for our partners to enjoy the spectacular views. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Kohler, President of OHSU, opened the session and challenged us to consider "The Safety Net for Children". We welcomed our two new board members Joel Kaplan and Drew Smith and thanked our outgoing board members, Joe Barthmaier and Megan Leftwich who were founding partners.
A major highlight of the event was the informative displays from retiring, current and future investees which included Morrison Child and Family Services, The Boys and Girls Club, The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Metropolitan Family Service, CASH Oregon, the Parental Engagement Program, and two newly announced projects for 2006: the Child Care Improvement Program and the Forest Grove Latino Community Network.
Three of our investees "graduated" at this event. Morrison, the Free Clinic and Metropolitan Family Service. All received recognition for their services to the community.
Partner Les Soltesz received the President's Award from Chairman, Jeffrey Grubb. This award is given for outstanding service to the organization. Les serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the Marketing and Communications Committee, publishes the newsletter, has been instrumental in helping build the soon-to-be-launched website, and volunteers with one of our investees, PEP.
Nearly 80 partners, investees, and friends enjoyed SVPP's Annual Meeting on May 24 at the Japanese Garden Pavilion. The setting was beautiful and the rain subsided long enough for our partners to enjoy the spectacular views. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Peter Kohler, President of OHSU, opened the session and challenged us to consider "The Safety Net for Children". We welcomed our two new board members Joel Kaplan and Drew Smith and thanked our outgoing board members, Joe Barthmaier and Megan Leftwich who were founding partners.
A major highlight of the event was the informative displays from retiring, current and future investees which included Morrison Child and Family Services, The Boys and Girls Club, The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Metropolitan Family Service, CASH Oregon, the Parental Engagement Program, and two newly announced projects for 2006: the Child Care Improvement Program and the Forest Grove Latino Community Network.
Three of our investees "graduated" at this event. Morrison, the Free Clinic and Metropolitan Family Service. All received recognition for their services to the community.
Partner Les Soltesz received the President's Award from Chairman, Jeffrey Grubb. This award is given for outstanding service to the organization. Les serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the Marketing and Communications Committee, publishes the newsletter, has been instrumental in helping build the soon-to-be-launched website, and volunteers with one of our investees, PEP.
New Investees
(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
The Investment Committee concluded its efforts for this year and selected two new investments: the Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP) and the Forest Grove School District Latino Community Network (FGLCN). Both of these programs have children as their main focus and they will expand SVPP's involvement in the Portland metropolitan area providing many volunteering opportunities for our partners.
Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP)
One of the high leverage areas where we can make a difference in the lives of at-risk children is in early education and child care. Home-based child care centers, typically used by low income parents, are a weak link. The quality varies and is often poor due to few resources. Oregon provides no state support and the state has low subsidies.
CCIP, which works to improve the quality of home-based child care, is a well-regarded and effective program in Multnomah County. They currently coach and provide resources to nine networks in the county.
The objective of SVPP's investment is to create one to two additional home child care networks. SVPP volunteers will also help providers in CCIP networks to grow their child care businesses by providing technical assistance, marketing advice, business training, and expanding and strenthening CCIP's infrastructure and programs.
SVPP will also work with the City Club of Portland and others to advocate for improved early education and child care in Oregon.
Expected Investment = $40,000/year x 3 years = $120,000. Team leads are Bill Porter and Eli Lamb.
Forest Grove School District Latino Community Network (FGLCN)
The Forest Grove School District has seen more than a 200% increase in its Latino population growing from 800 students in 1993 to more than 2,400 in 2005 and now accounts for 25% of the total district population. At the same time, 95% of the local Latino population lives at or below the poverty level.
The educational results have been disappointing with 80% of the Latino students not meeting state standards in English/language arts, and 90% not meeting standards in math. Parents want their children to succeed in school but, with the average Latino parent educational level at the second grade level, they lack the ability to help their children.
FGLCN has four program objectives: 1) expand local interagency engagement (i.e. all agencies with a consistent strategic plan), 2) empower parents by connecting them to students and schools, 3) empower students using technology to reach beyond school-based learning, and 4) develop learning families by providing educational support tools and techniques for Latino parents, and by increasing technology and learning tools in the home.
SVPP will help with local outreach by providing technology support for in-home learning tools and by providing web development assistance.
The initial investment will be $40,000. The major challenge is that we are starting on the ground floor. The good news is that the Forest Grove School district is very committed to FGLCN and there are clear improvement measurement tools in place. The team lead is Constance Edwards.
The Investment Committee concluded its efforts for this year and selected two new investments: the Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP) and the Forest Grove School District Latino Community Network (FGLCN). Both of these programs have children as their main focus and they will expand SVPP's involvement in the Portland metropolitan area providing many volunteering opportunities for our partners.
Child Care Improvement Project (CCIP)
One of the high leverage areas where we can make a difference in the lives of at-risk children is in early education and child care. Home-based child care centers, typically used by low income parents, are a weak link. The quality varies and is often poor due to few resources. Oregon provides no state support and the state has low subsidies.
CCIP, which works to improve the quality of home-based child care, is a well-regarded and effective program in Multnomah County. They currently coach and provide resources to nine networks in the county.
The objective of SVPP's investment is to create one to two additional home child care networks. SVPP volunteers will also help providers in CCIP networks to grow their child care businesses by providing technical assistance, marketing advice, business training, and expanding and strenthening CCIP's infrastructure and programs.
SVPP will also work with the City Club of Portland and others to advocate for improved early education and child care in Oregon.
Expected Investment = $40,000/year x 3 years = $120,000. Team leads are Bill Porter and Eli Lamb.
Forest Grove School District Latino Community Network (FGLCN)
The Forest Grove School District has seen more than a 200% increase in its Latino population growing from 800 students in 1993 to more than 2,400 in 2005 and now accounts for 25% of the total district population. At the same time, 95% of the local Latino population lives at or below the poverty level.
The educational results have been disappointing with 80% of the Latino students not meeting state standards in English/language arts, and 90% not meeting standards in math. Parents want their children to succeed in school but, with the average Latino parent educational level at the second grade level, they lack the ability to help their children.
FGLCN has four program objectives: 1) expand local interagency engagement (i.e. all agencies with a consistent strategic plan), 2) empower parents by connecting them to students and schools, 3) empower students using technology to reach beyond school-based learning, and 4) develop learning families by providing educational support tools and techniques for Latino parents, and by increasing technology and learning tools in the home.
SVPP will help with local outreach by providing technology support for in-home learning tools and by providing web development assistance.
The initial investment will be $40,000. The major challenge is that we are starting on the ground floor. The good news is that the Forest Grove School district is very committed to FGLCN and there are clear improvement measurement tools in place. The team lead is Constance Edwards.
Welcome New Partners
(From the July 2006 Newsletter)
Channing Bosler - Channing Bosler is an avid volunteer who chose Portland for its balanced lifestyle and sporty culture. She transferred from London two years ago and most recently served as President of the Junior League of Portland. She enjoys Portland's outdoor activities and has recently begun doing triathlons. Professionally, she brings to SVPP a background in marketing financial services. Channing worked in investment banking at JP Morgan before pursuing a Stanford University MBA. She now enjoys her role as a Sr. Marketing Manager for HSBC Card Services in Tigard.
Channing Bosler - Channing Bosler is an avid volunteer who chose Portland for its balanced lifestyle and sporty culture. She transferred from London two years ago and most recently served as President of the Junior League of Portland. She enjoys Portland's outdoor activities and has recently begun doing triathlons. Professionally, she brings to SVPP a background in marketing financial services. Channing worked in investment banking at JP Morgan before pursuing a Stanford University MBA. She now enjoys her role as a Sr. Marketing Manager for HSBC Card Services in Tigard.
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