Partner 4-1-1

If you were at the Summer BBQ this past weekend, perhaps you had the chance to meet

mother and daughter-in-law duo Julie Pardee and Michelle Bailey. Active Partners since

2008, Julie and Michelle share a passion for helping others, especially youth. SVP has

given them an opportunity to do what they love – spending time with each other while

making a difference in the San Diego community. Read on to learn more about this

special Partnership.

SVP:              

SVP: You are a mother-in-law -daughter-in-law duo at SDSVP! Who initiated the Partnership and why did you choose the other. On the flip side, why did the other accept the invitation?

M/J:   

Why not?! We love each other and adore spending time together. This gave us an opportunity to be together and also make a difference in our community.

SVP: How has SVP impacted your relationship?

M/J:   

Brought us closer definitely as we share the philosophy. It gives us a chance to talk about real issues facing our world, our community. In talking about non-profits SVP is helping we share our real life experiences. Even though there is a generation gap between us, we realize that the gap closes as we share values, beliefs, sorrows and joys.

SVP:  

What are you most passionate about improving in the world?

Michelle:       

I personally am most passionate about any that has to do with children. Having two young girls, education, health and safety for children is always on my mind. My biggest passion is raising awareness for and supporting organizations that help children with food allergies. My oldest daughter Charlotte has life threatening allergies to peanuts, tree-nuts and coconut. A trace amount of these foods can be deadly. Food allergies are becoming more and more common. In the last 15 years that amount of children diagnosed with life threatening food allergies has almost tripled. Educating schools, restaurants, and other public establishments is essential for our children’s safety.

Julie:

I am most passionate education. Specifically college scholarships for students who don’t have financial support from their families. Tuition is rising rapidly due to the condition of the state. Even just a small amount of money makes such a difference for these students trying to support themselves, raise families, and pursue a college education. That makes for a very challenging situation.

The students who do receive scholarships that I’ve had the privilege to speak with share with me how they’ve been affected by receiving assistance. It makes them realize the value of philanthropy and want to give back.

SVP:              

Why do you believe in the SVP mission?

Michelle:       

We believe that SVP’s mission is so unique and special because the time and skills of the members partnered with the non-profit make the financial contribution utilized in a more efficient way. All the while, growing the non-profit and raising it to a level where they are able to attract larger grants – taking them to a new position.

Julie:

SVP researches so thoroughly what they are going to do with each non-profit. They make very meaningful selections to be able to impact the community.

SVP:              

Michelle, are you a native San Diegan?

Michelle:       

I grew up in Encinitas. San Diego County offers so much to our family with its beaches, museums, parks, etc. The weather is great and it gets us out of our house! When we are out and about participating in various activities at our daughters’ schools, our church, our neighborhood recreation center, SVP – it’s the people who make the difference. I feel so

lucky to be part of a community where the people I meet are real, genuine, and good. I’m proud to be a part of this community and blessed to be able to raise a family here.

SVP:  

What makes Nana Julie the best Nana in the world?

Julie:             

I am blessed to have two adorable granddaughters who make being a Nana a pure delight. Just spending time with them in the simplest settings gives   me great joy. Having them live nearby help to make it easy to share the        little things which we do often.

I asked my granddaughters this same questions are here are their answers:

Charlotte (age 6):  Reading stories and sleeping over at Nana’s house.

Adeline (age 3):  I love Nana’s smile, making Pop pancakes, playing tag and going to the desert for the weekend with Nana.

SVP:              

What is your favorite way to be involved with SVP?

M/J:   

Holiday Baskets is our favorite. It’s such a special time of year, and it allows us to help so many families. It shows how doing something so easy – so quickly can make an enormous impact. Walking through the warehouse filled with clothes, jackets, toys, and household items stirs up so much emotion. What a special thing to do for someone else during the holidays.

Second Year Investee Highlights: Audeo Charter School

• This year, Audeo and its Altus Network sister schools graduated about 650 students with a diploma, CHSPE, or GED. Lead Partner, Robin Ritchdonned a cap and gown to help distribute diplomas.
• Thanks to Partner, Sherri Neasham, the Altus/Audeo Strategic Outcome Plan is now complete and all staff and teachers have fully embraced it.
• Audeo is redesigning their website and online marketing.
• Audeo is on track expanding their learning centers.
• Audeo has a strong financial footing.

Get the "SVP Partners Only" scoop on LinkedIn

We have started a new “Partners Only” group on LinkedIn where you will be able to access the latest communications from SVP. As a member of the group, you will see meeting minutes, events, announcements and info for Partners only. Click here to stay in the loop!

Growth Across the SVP Network

We are pleased to share with you the Social Venture Partners International 2011 report on network growth. There’s a lot to be proud of!

• By year end 2011, the SVP network invested more than $46 million in 518 nonprofits.
• Last year, 25 SVPs invested $3.5 million in 132 nonprofits.
• In total, 53 funding cycles were completed across the network.
• Cumulatively, the network grew to 2,165 individuals (1,375 partner units) in 2011.

Coming soon…we will share a report summary of our collective progress over the past year.

SDSVP Partners Help San Diego’s Four Legged Friends and the Human-Animal Bond

Starting with a Fireside Chat in the home of Partner, Richard Bockoff, a group of dedicated Partners has been quietly working on a plan to help “turn off the spigot” of animals that end up in shelters, homeless and facing euthanasia. The group researched best practices across the country and  discovered that  by targeting specific zipcodes from which the majority of unwanted animals emerge results in a significant reduction in the number of unwanted animals arriving at shelters.  Their first project was teaming up with the San Diego County Animal Welfare Coalition to strategically leverage everyone’s resources to spay/neuter an additional 1700 animals, mostly cats, before the spring heat cycle in Feb 2012.

First Year Investee Highlights: REBOOT

• Bank of America has picked REBOOT as one of two national nonprofits that they are highlighting. Bank of America recently finished filming content onsite at the REBOOT facilities to be used in promotions.
   
• University of San Diego has been commissioned to do a third party evaluation of the REBOOT program for scalability, measurable outcomes and effectiveness. This effort will be completed by August and will help in getting influencers and funders to have clear picture of the program’s success for delivering results in the lives of veterans.

To learn more about REBOOT by the National Veterans Transitions Services, Inc. visit www.nvtsi.org.

SVP Shines the Spotlights on Success

On May 23, nearly 100 Partners and guests gathered in Del Mar for SVP’s first ever Spotlights on Success. The auditorium at AMN Healthcare was transformed into an intimate, in-depth experience as guests discovered SVP’s real impact in the community.

Click here to read more.

Check out more event photos!

Getting to Know You: Pat Moore

SVP Partners, Patricia Moore and Helmut Kiffman are an adventurous duo. Not many people have cycled through Europe, hiked in South America and the Canadian Rockies, and even fewer would be brave enough to go withzero reservations! The Moore Kiffman clan boasts a total of three children, five grandchildren and ten years of marriage. Pat Moore is like many of us in the digital age, addicted to her smart phone and tablet, but she balances this out with her passion for reading, love for bike rides, cooking and gardening. Read on to discover more about Pat, why she joined Social Venture Partners and her recommendations for a good read!

Click here to read more about Pat.

The “New” ARTS Center

A little over five years ago SVP Investee, A Reason to Survive (ARTS) opened the Pat D’Arrigo ARTS Center at NTC Promenade. It was a major milestone for ARTS, transforming their organization from solely an outreach effort to having a “home.” For the last four months they’ve been hard at work with officials in National City to secure what used to be the old city library.  It has since been transformed into a community arts center and officials have been seeking a nonprofit partner to operate it. ARTS has been chosen to be that partner.

Click here to read more.

Welcome New Partners

Meg and Oscar Hackett
Oscar serves as CFO & General Counsel at BrightScope and has his BS from Georgetown University and JD from Harvard Law School. Meg also attended Harvard and is now the Director of Acquisitions at Coastline Real Estate Advisors. Last week, Meg & Oscar ran the Rock n’ Roll Marathon together and they are very committed to Wellness.

Michael Halpern
Michael was previously employed at MSD Capital in the Special Opportunities Fund. He earned his BA from Yale and his MBA from UCLA.

Ingo Hentschel
Ingo is the Vice President of California Field Operations at Cox Communications and served in the United States Marine Corp for over six years. He is chairman of the board at the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA, a current SVP Investee.

Andy Kaiser
Before Andy became joined SVP, he attended a few meetings and willingly offered thoughtful feedback. He is an advisor at Pacific Community Venture and earned his MBA from Marquette University.

David Parker
Dave Parker has more than 15 years of private equity experience and is a general partner at Ampersand. He holds a BA in Economics from Dartmouth and an MBA from Wharton.

New! SVP Video: Together We Are Stronger

At Spotlights on Success, SVP debuted it's brand new video. Much appreciation to Partner Brad Kleban of The Color Bar for creating a fabulous vehicle for the Social Venture Partners message.

Click here to view.

Fast Pitch Pilot Gets a Green Light

During the past several months, a dedicated team of Partners conducted due diligence on the possibility of bringing a Fast Pitch event to San Diego. More than 40 Partners provided input into the process along the way.  The SDSVP board of directors accepted the team's recommendation to host a pilot Fast Pitch event in FY 2012-13, and allocated $35,000 to offset the event and administrative costs. The additional prize money will be raised through Partners and other individuals.

Next step:  the full partnership will be invited to a brainstorming session to start the design process and decide the best timeline for a successful event. Be on the look-out for your invitation, or contact Sherri Neasham at sneasham@gmail.com for more information.

SVP is Hiring!

San Diego Social Venture Partners is currently searching for an Executive Director. If names of candidates come to mind, please ask them to them submit their resume and cover letter to SDSVP.ED@gmail.com.

Please note the requirements to apply outlined in our job description.

Submissions will be accepted thru Monday, May 28, 2012.

BBQ and Boot Scootin’

On Saturday, April 21st, the San Diego Social Venture Partnersgathered at Casa de Camacho in the Crosby Estates to saddle up Texas-style! Partners, guests, and staff enjoyed savory BBQ from Bar None, an impromptu line dance lesson and upbeat Country music from a live band. All were delightfully surprised to see how many Partners dressed the part and had fun with the theme!

Click here to read more. Check out the pics, y'all!

Spotlight on Success – A Heart-Warming Evening Celebration of SDSVP

Wednesday, May 23 | 5:30-7:30 PM | AMN Healthcare 

BRAVO! As a member of San Diego Social Venture Partners, you are:

*Stopping youth violence
*Making college a reality for at-risk students
*Preparing a dedicated military veteran to enter civilian life

Join us for a dynamic, fast-paced interactive evening, moderated by former news anchor, Susan Farrell. The program will feature inspirational "tales from the trenches" from TKF, Reality Changers and REBOOT and individuals they serve who directly benefit from your support.

This magical evening will make you proud to be a member in SDSVP, so please extend the invitation to those you believe might like to become a Partner and help SVP advance critically needed, positive social change.

Enjoy delicious light appetizers and wine with friends!

RSVP TODAY! Check your inbox for the Evite and let us know you’re coming or contact Rachel at rachel@sdsvp.org by May 18.

U-T San Diego Features Reality Changers Gates Millennium Scholars

Reality Changers is proud to announce that five Reality Changers students will be receiving the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship! This means that they will receive fully-paid tuition for their bachelor's, master's, and PhD.

Click here to read the article.

Join San Diego's top-level government officials, major sponsors, families and Reality Changers' supporters on May 20th to help honor these hard-working students at their 12th Annual year-end event, "America's Finest: A Celebration of Education in America."Register here.

*Remember to check out all exciting upcoming Investee events on the left side bar!*

Help Us Select Our New Focus Area - Your Vote Counts!

It’s that time of year! SVP Partners, get ready to cast your vote for SDSVP’s 2012-13 Focus Area. This is the beginning of our investment process, and your vote will start to determine which organizations we invest in next year. In the past, Partners have selected Education, Military Families, Environment, Elders, and others.

A FOCUS AREA is a broad issue area that covers many possible actionable topics.  Through the SDSVP Discovery Team, in which all Partners are invited to participate, we will research the topic, interview experts and determine the greatest need in that sector.

Check your inbox for more info and official ballot! Ballots due May 18.

Outstanding Student Outcomes at TKF!

• In January, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation(TKF), a third-year investee, received results from a third party evaluation of their Safe School Model. The study from two independent sources reported that within the San Diego Unified School District and Escondido Union School District Safe Schools, TKF has significantly reduced behavior referrals for student misconduct by 63% in San Diego and 65% in Escondido. The full reports can be found in their Press Room.
• TKF’s Founder, Azim Khamisa, was named Spiritual Hero of the Year by Science of Mind Magazine and was on the cover of the January issue. Past recipients include Oprah Winfrey, Jimmy Carter, Christopher Reeve, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Click here to hear an interview with Azim.
• Check out TKF’s brand-spanking-new website…just launched!

Learn about our New Investee, Barrio Logan College Institute

From Coronado Lifestyle Magazine
March/April 2012
By Kris Grant

In Coronado, it’s pretty much accepted that most students will graduate from high school and continue on to college. But look across the water to the barrio that spreads out below the pillars of the Coronado bridge and you’ll find quite a different set of circumstances. Barrio Logan is an area where average household incomes are less than $20,000 and only about one in three adults over the age of 25 has a high school, much less a college, diploma.

For the past 16 years, one nonprofit institute has been quietly working magic in this Latino community. The Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) has been raising a passion for — and lighting the pathway toward — higher education for Latino students who have been historically underrepresented on college campuses.

Click here to read more.

SVP Selects New Nonprofit Partners for 2012

We are proud to announce our newest Investees!  San Diego Social Venture Partners chose to invest in two local nonprofits, Barrio Logan College Institute and Pro Kids who are developing educational aspirations in children and youth that lead to increased graduation rates. For the next three years, support from SVP will strengthen each organization’s infrastructure in areas such as board development, outcome planning, operations and financial systems, information technology and marketing communication.

Thank you to our InvestmentWorking Group and chair, Mark Fackler, for all of their hard work and commitment in selecting two phenomenal organizations for our Partnership to support!

The Partner 4-1-1

Aaron Contorer has started his latest software company, FP Complete, providing advanced technology for software developers. With Lori running voting services company Everyone Counts, they now have two tech companies in the family!

Have fun news to share? Contact Mandy at mandy@sdsvp.org with the scoop!

Getting to Know You: Sandra Timmons

By Rachel Camacho

Sandra Timmons joined SVP with her husband, Richard Sandstrom, in May of 2011. As a first year Partner, it’s plain to see she has picked up and implemented the SVP values and mission like a seasoned pro. Sandra thoughtfully gives input and shares her ideas. Her clarity and perceptive insight allow her to encourage change, as opposed to only see problems.

Upon meeting Sandra, one will notice that she gives her full attention, and she greets you with a beaming smile. The SVP family was greeted by her warmth and generosity at last year’s holiday party that she and Richard graciously hosted. In addition to ensuring everything was in place and ready, she welcomed each guest personally, an art that is becoming lost in this age of text messages and emails.

The SVP staff had the pleasure of getting to know Sandra a little better, and her commitment to strengthening the San Diego community is inspiring. Our Investees will be very fortunate to have someone helping them increase their capacity who is as passionate and enthusiastic as Sandra Timmons!

Why did you join SVP?
I have been involved with nonprofits for many years and have seen them struggle to become sustainable. I knew there had to be a better way. I heard about SVP and saw how much there was to learn.

How are you involved with SVP?
I am on the Outcome Planning Resource Team and participated in this year’s Investment Working Group, including a site visit to one of the finalist organizations. My husband and I also hosted the holiday party.

What are you getting out of your SVP experience?
I am learning so much - how to measure the value of a nonprofit and how their impact influences support. I am meeting great people and giving direction to my own philanthropy.

If you’re in the car in the morning, what do you listen to?
I am a public affairs junkie so I listen to NPR. When I was a producer at KPBS I had to read all three local papers, and I did so willingly. I used to cut up papers, pulling out interesting tidbits and story ideas. Now, even though I don’t need the programming ideas, I still do it, keeping a new digital scrapbook.

What do you think that says about you?
I think you can only affect that which you can touch, i.e. your near environment, so I try to keep up on what is going on around me, I guess because I want to effect change.

On the weekends, what do you look forward to most?
In the morning, reading the newspapers over a cup of coffee. And in the evening I look forward to listening to classical music while drinking a glass of wine.

One thing you could not live without...
I could not live without friends, family and sharing good food together. Life would be way too lonely.

SVP Trip to Japan

SVP Partners from Tokyo and the U.S.

May 11 - May 20, 2012

The SVP network was deeply moved by the story of the young SVP Tokyo Partners who dedicated themselves to helping their community devastated by last year’s tsunami. We have now been invited to see their work up close, learn from them and share ideas and expertise. In consultation with leading Japanese social entrepreneurs, SVP International has created an itinerary for a nine-day trip that includes:

• Opportunities to learn from and share your expertise with social entrepreneurs revitalizing the region impacted by the 3.11.11 tsunami.
• Site visits with several of SVP Tokyo’s Investees
• Traditional Japanese cultural experiences
• The chance to network with leaders and partners in SVP and the Japanese social sector.

All Partners are welcome! For more info, contact Rona at rona@svpi.org.

From Neighborhood Tough Guy to Academic Mentor

From The San Diego Union-Tribune
February 18, 2012
By Karla Peterson

A lot of people thought Eduardo Corona would be dead by now. And if not dead, certainly in jail. And if not in jail yet, surely on his way.

For a while, one of those people was Eduardo Corona. But on a day that started with classes at San Diego State University and ended with another evening of helping kids make their college dreams come true, this confident young man in a dress shirt and tie is proud to say that the doom-and-gloom crowd was wrong about him. And he is particularly thrilled that he was so very wrong about himself.

Click here to read more.

SVP “FastPitch” Discussion + Wine and Cheese

Tuesday, April 10 | AMN Healthcare | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

We're exploring a high-energy, possibly high-profile event at which local nonprofits showcase their plans for social impact and compete for funding and SVP expertise. In January, the SVP Board of Directors approved exploring the test of an all-in-one-day “FastPitch” competition, contingent upon raising the funds to be awarded from local and national sponsors. We need your input on April 10th whether we should bring this event to San Diego, and if so, what it would look like.

Award-winning wine and gourmet cheese reception to follow.

For more information, contact Sherri Neasham at sneasham@gmail.com.

Making a Difference Where it Matters

Social Venture Partners International announced results from its latest in-depth, longitudinal study assessing the effectiveness of its unique model of engaged philanthropy. Specifically this study measured Social Venture Partners’ role in influencing its 2,100 Partners to increase their philanthropic development and engagement.

Key findings include:

• Partners’ giving increases because of SVP. 65% of respondents indicated that their giving has increased since joining SVP.
• Partners give more strategically because of SVP. 96% cite SVP as impacting the way they give.
• Partners are more involved in the community because of SVP. 91% credit SVP for increasing their community involvement: 51% cite SVP as the leading factor.

This report demonstrates what happens when committed, passionate people are connected with the issues they care about and given the tools to engage: the impact is seen on both the issues and the individuals. SVP Partners give more and in a more strategic fashion, and they dive deeper into leadership roles and service opportunities – helping their communities reach their potential. Click here to read the full report.

Social Venture Partners on the Move!

There’s a buzz around town…SVP is an organization on the move! Our new collective impact initiative and opportunity to bring Fast Pitch to San Diego are creating an excitement that is re-energizing our Partners and attracting new ones. As we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with current Investees and local nonprofits, we’re helping take their vital work to the next level. We are delighted that our Partner base has grown to 130 Partners. Our goal is to have more than 145 Partners as we enter our next fiscal year, so we can continue to grow and expand our impact with San Diego nonprofits.

Best Wishes, Peggy Kidd!

It is with bittersweet sentiment that we share the news that Executive Director and Partner, Peggy Kidd, has decided not to return to SVP as ED after her family leave. Peggy helped to usher SVP into the next stage of growth and was instrumental in doubling the size of the organization from 65 to 130 Partners. She did an outstanding job during the last five years, and she will be greatly missed. As an integral part of the San Diego community, we know we’ll see her and her twin baby girls, Alyssa (above) and McKaylee (below), touching the lives of others. Peggy, thank you for your leadership, positive energy and dedication to the community. We wish you well in this new season of life!

The board is embarking on a search for a new Executive Director. In the meantime, Marion Paul will continue to serve as our interim Executive Director until a new ED is found.

Mid Year Updates: Year-2 Investees

Audeo Charter School

• Audeo has a more defined and focused approach to their market as a result of their newly developed business plan and outcome and marketing planning with SVP.
• Students served have grown from 150 to 700 in seven years and anticipate 1,000 by the end of 2012.

Reality Changers

• Launched College Apps Academy, a fee-for-service program committed to helping high school seniors gain admission to the top colleges and universities.
• Last year, 130 students graduated from the program as compared to 51 in the previous year

Getting to Know You: Partner, Robin Ritch

By Rachel Camacho

When Robin Ritch became an SVP Partner in April 2011, she didn’t miss a beat. Upon joining, Robin’s intention was to use her business skills in helping nonprofits become more productive. She has been able to do this and so much more! Robin dove right into taking on challenges and responsibilities, becoming a member of IWG, PWG and a Co-Lead Partner for Audeo Charter School. When people meet Robin, they discover a warmth and confidence that is a pleasure to be around. We thought you’d enjoy getting to know Robin too.

Click here to read more.

The Partner 4-1-1

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen Everyone Counts Inc. to exclusively develop an electronic voting system for the 85th Academy Awards, to be held in 2013. Kudos to Chairman and CEO of Everyone Counts Inc., Lori Steele Contorer!

Vic Wintriss and his nonprofit school,Wintriss Technical Schools that teaches computer programming to youth are featured in the Del Mar Times. Keep up the great work, Vic!

Peggy Kidd and twin baby girls are doing well. McKaylee (far left) and Alyssa (left) are now 4 months old. They are smiling, cooing, love to dance and totally interactive!