Pioneer Human Services A Chance for Change

Johnna Keck, Melina Zahalka, Teri Bryant, Noriko Fisher & Kristy Hathaway

Western Washington UniversityWinter 2013

Mission StatementProviding a Chance for Change to people

overcoming challenges of chemical dependency, mental health issues or criminal histories by offering an integrated array of housing, employment, training, reentry and

treatment services, using earned revenue from our entrepreneurial activities.

Organizational Leadership Pioneers of the organization Jack Dalton and his professional friends established the organization in 1963 Founders' visionsDevelopment of community resources for

people who have chemical dependency issues and criminal records

Create housing, employment, and treatment for the population

Pioneer Human Services Programs Counseling & Treatment

• Chemical dependency treatment• Mental health counseling • Youth Services

Housing • Transitional housing• Permanent housing • Veteran housing

Reentry program • 14 reentry centers and work release facilities

across the state

Pioneer Human Services Programs Employment &Training

• Development of job-search strategies and resume writing

• Soft-skills development • Occupational training • Apprenticeship opportunities

Youth programs• Camp program for 14 to 19 year-old juvenile

offenders • Provide a facility for

undocumented/unaccompanied male youth 12 to 17

Pioneer Executive Leadership TeamKaren Lee, Chief Executive OfficerCheryl Strange, Vice President, Behavioral Health

& ReentryMarla Gese, Vice President, Housing, Real Estate

& FacilitiesTracey Groscost, Chief Financial OfficerAnthony Wright, Vice President, EnterprisesBrent Jones, Vice President, Human Resources &

Organizational DevelopmentHilary Young, Vice President, Policy &

Communications

Organizational Structure Chart

PHS Board of DirectorsLeland Fish(Chair) Former

Director (Retired)Adult Corrections & Juvenile Court

Rollin Fatland ( Vice Chair) Corporate Public Affairs Consultant

James Andrus, Lawyer Craig Cole, President & CEOMargaret Curtis, MemberDan Dierdorff Executive Vice

President & Chief Lending Officer

Liz Dunbar, Executive Director

Shaunta Hyde, Director, Global Aviation Policy The Boeing Company

Michael Langhout, CEO/President

Slater Marshall, VP, Account Executive

Len Radziwanowicz, Senior Financial Advisor

Dr. Jill Wakefield, ChancellorKay Walter,

Consultant/Former Director Washington State Dept. of Corrections

Steve Verleye, PresidentDick Zais, Former City

Manager

There are 19 Honorary Governors (advisory boards)

The Culture of PHSPioneer Human Services is centered around active involvement in

recovery, sustainable business practices, and staying on the forefront of new ideas for promoting and fulfilling the mission.

What makes PHS different than other NPOs? Very large and multifaceted. Business mentality, with success and growth within recovery as the

currency. Self-sustaining through an entrepreneurial model, which decreases the

anxiety and stress related to garnering funds. Expansion is important—the more areas served, the more persons

receive a chance for change. PHS has the funds available to promote and educate it’s employees to

their fullest potential. The benefits available are fantastic—health, dental, and vision

insurance, 100% tuition reimbursement, and employee services such as counseling, nutritional help, “quit smoking” help, and more.

The Culture of PHSIn what ways is PHS similar to other NPOs?

Had a grassroots beginning, full of colorful characters with incredibly colorful pasts.

The culture is very family-oriented; each employee is valued and supported.

Despite it’s size, each program reflects the values and structure of smaller NPOs—with direct supervision and support, employee appreciation, and marked value of employee input.

The Culture of PHSEmployees are very satisfied being part of the Pioneer family. In a recent study conducted by a nonpartisan source, Acute Care (programs like the Skagit County Crisis Center, Whatcom Detox, Pioneer Center North, Pioneer Center East, ect…) employees rated highest for motivation and involvement within their workplace. Employees across the board were almost entirely happy with their employment—around 85%. The remaining 15% were moderately satisfied, with only 1% completely dissatisfied.

Fund development strategiesBased on Social Enterprise Model: Agency “combines the passionate pursuit of

its social mission with the discipline and innovation of a for-profit business” (PHS, 2013).

Also relies on state, federal and local fundingDoes not solicit funds from a base of donors

Donation revenues are accepted, but not budgeted

(Larry Van Dyke, interview, February 8, 2013).

Fund development strategiesIn large part, a self-funded entity

Has revenue generating arm that provides training and jobs to those re-entering the community or in recovery Manufacturing (originated with Boeing contract) Construction & Labor Food Services Pest Detection

Success is based on recognition of the “reality that they operate in a competitive environment” (Worth, 2013).

Fund Development StrategiesEmploys a full-time lobbyist Dual revenue streams create conflict in

prioritizing servicesRegulatory restrictions on use of government

funds can make holistic services challengingDual revenue streams create difficulty in

budgetingAudit requirements are extensive and time

consumingAnnual reports are posted on their websiteIs a VERY large agency, serving many counties!

Financials

(excerpts from the PHS 2013-2017 Strategic Plan)

Goals Affecting IncomeGrow existing enterprisesIncrease competitive advantageIncrease revenue and operating margin in all

enterprisesProtect, maintain, and increase state, federal

and local fundingGoals Affecting ExpensesPrepare for health care reformProtect and restore physical infrastructureModernize administrative infrastructure

(2012).

Budgeting process tied to goals in the Strategic Plan

Financials2011 Financial Statement (Pioneer Human Services, 2011)

Marketing & communications

Website  Up to Date

 Blog updates  Organized & Easy to Navigate

 Informational categories  Find services by location

 Why You Should Support/Utilize Their Services  What a difference a day makes  Success stories

 More Outreach  Request a speaker  Request a tour

LinkedIn PageInformational Brochures & Handouts

Challenges, Strengths & SuccessesChallenges:

Multiple database and documentation requirements are not integrated

Current electronic records are insufficient for contract needs and integration

Lack of suitable transitional housing increases recidivism

Strengths Provide for 2,600 at 60 locations Positive reputation w/community & stakeholders Integrated approach for all clients using SAMSHA Model of Recovery Expedited engagement from detox to TX compared to State-wide Admits from Western State, Fairfax, SVH Care Unit Law Enforcement drop-offs, Jail Transition admits On-site CD assessments and MH counseling w/ community providers On-site 12-Step meetings from community resources On-site Peer Support Specialists Mobile Outreach Team w/ MHP and Peer Support Specialists Suboxon Taper for Opiate withdrawal and 78% successful completion Awarded multiple new contract positions for Skagit County Outreach

Programs

Success story quotesAccredits Pioneer’s integration into the local community as one of

the keys to her success. “I felt like they really helped me make all the necessary connections.  I knew where to go and the tools needed for my education and other activities in order to stay focused on my recovery.” A.

When asked why he thinks Pioneer worked for him, he replies, “The structure.  None of the other programs I’d tried had the structure that Pioneer does.”  The treatment, housing, supportive services, and employment opportunities available are what “helped me stay clean for the first time – ever.” G.

These success stories is an example of how resilience is the human spirit.

ReferencesPioneer Human Services. (2013). Do business with Pioneer.

Retrieved from http://www.pioneerhumanservices.org/business/

Pioneer Human Services. (2012). Pioneer Human Services strategic plan 2013-2017. Seattle, WA: Author.

Pioneer Human Services. (2011). A chance for change: Annual report 2011. Seattle, WA: Author.

Worth, M. J. (2012). Nonprofit management: Principles and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Inc.