DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pupil Assistance Fund, Inc.

2005

ANNUAL REPORT

______

The Denver Public Schools Pupil Assistance Fund, Inc. (PAF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Colorado Corporation dedicated to assisting the students of the district from low-income families. The fund provides emergency assistance for basic needs such as school clothing, eye examinations, eye glasses and mental health services to eligible students who meet the federal guidelines established for subsidized school lunches. In addition, the PAF makes available, in all schools, toothbrushes and medicated shampoo to be distributed as needed by the school nurses. The PAF has been assisting students in the DPS for over 60 years!

This fund began in the l940’s and initially was part of the Junior Community Chest. Currently, a volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of 19 members and five (5) staff members, authorize the mission and services of the fund. All staff functions are performed by Denver Public Schools active and retired employees on a part-time basis. The fund and the Denver Public Schools take great pride in the fact that all administrative costs and fund-raising expenses are supported by the Board of Education and the Superintendent, hence all money received by the fund is used directly for students’ basic needs. Every penny goes to kids!

In 2005, $33,572 was received from Mile High United Way and the Federal/Colorado/ Denver Combined Campaigns. An additional $104,631 was received in contributions from individuals, service organizations, foundations, estates, DPS School Medicaid Program and private corporations. Program payments from students receiving new clothing, glasses, toothbrushes and medicated shampoo amounted to $1,325. Interest earned totaled $1,427.

In the Denver Public Schools, approximately 64% of the students enrolled are eligible for the subsidized lunch program. Many of these students come from families of the working poor. Eye examinations and/or eye glasses were obtained by 714 students. New school clothing was provided to 428 students. In addition, 698 winter coats, and 115 cases of diapers were distributed. Vouchers to ARC Thrift Stores were given to more than 800 families. Two thousand students received hygiene kits, and 740 units of medicated shampoo and combs were issued. Discounted RTD tokens, totaling more than $2,855 were purchased.

The PAF is the trustee for the Handicapped Trust Fund and distributed over $300 leaving a balance of $8,435 as of December 31, 2005. The fund was established to benefit handicapped/disabled students who are eligible for services in meeting their special needs. The Aryana/Eleanor Funds total $2,021. The Aryana Fund assists eligible students with unique personal requests, e.g. music and art. The Eleanor Fund also has a Build-a-Bear Program to reward students for personal achievements. The Dr. Karen Berland Mental Health Fund was established in late l997 and has a current balance of $54,012. This fund provided mental health services to students in the amount of $2,107.

2005 FINANCIAL PROFILE

2005 Major Contributors

($500 or more)

ARC Thrift Stores / Holben, Cooper, Christian, Hay and Hussman LLC
A.V. Hunter Trust / McGrath Investment Fund
Carson Foundation / Mile High United Way
Combined Federal/Colorado/ Denver Campaigns / Post/News Season to Share (McCormick Foundation)
DPS School Medicaid Program / Bob Rodda Estate
Estate of Max Berland

2005 Board of Directors

Gerta Thompson, President / Ellen Kelty / Eleanor Nay-Chiles
Carol Snodgrass, Vice President / Elaine Leggett / Theresa Pena
Irma Anthony / Pat Lopez / Laura Pietarinen
Martha Edmundson / Jeanne Lyons / Christopher Saiz
Phyllis Franks / Pat Motz / Shirley Scott
Deanna Hanna / Martin Mushrush / Donna Shocks
Lisa Halblieb

2005 Staff

Connie Garcia...... Executive Secretary

Donald Gordon………...... Accountant

Genny Zutis……………………………. Treasurer

Cathe Schultz.. ……….Corresponding Secretary

Amy Grant. …………………Recording Secretary