Discovering OptionsFounder and Executive Director
Jul. 2003 - Jul. 2014Architect of local 100 hour substance abuse prevention intervention designed to reduce risky behavior & choices of at-risk children that decrease academic & social success. Start up experience: Secured 501.c3, establishing Discovering Options as a non-profit. Received & maintained State and local certification – performed internal audits to comply with funders, auditors,and board members standards. Effectively used strategic planning to grow organization. We achieved these milestones: (1) Elementary PREP was selected by National Association of State Alcohol & Drug Abuse Directors to receive the National Exemplary Award for Innovative Substance Abuse Prevention Programs, Practices & Policies (2) Evaluation results of after school program were published in the national, peer reviewed: School Social Work Journal, Vol. 36, no. 2, March 2012 An Exploratory Investigation of the PREP After School Program for African American At-Risk Elementary School Students, Elizabeth Sale, Ph.D. Effective management of all fiscal and legal compliance matters: Resulted in being a recipient of the *Guidestar Exchange Silver Seal, in recognition of agency commitment to transparency, ethical fiscal oversight & timely reporting. *Nationally recognized non-profit vetting organization. Design, launched & funded 2 additional programs, expanding after-school program capacity to include at-risk children k-3 & 6th – 8th grades Secured grants, contracts and donations resulting in operating budget of over $550,000.00 and grew staff from 4 to 17. Expanded donor data base to 700+. Developed & produced communications: newsletters, mailings, annual reports, & annual giving campaigns. Created/executed over 20 successful fund-raising events. Created & implemented program & office policies. Wrote agency/program policy manuals. Recruited, hired, trained and provided direction and leadership to mental health team of Master's Level Social Workers.