Changing our Way to the Future - Annual Report 2006

The Newsletter of the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission, Rock Point, AZ
Spring, 2007

From the Board Chair

Dear Friends of NELM: This newsletter recounts the significant activities of the Mission during the year 2006, both the usual and the extraordinary. NELM was called upon to demonstrate its vitality, strength, and call to mission beyond the usual. And it did. We ended the year with a stronger organization and commitment to our mission statement. And because of this, NELM was able to conduct a national search for an executive director.

We have found and employed an outstanding person for this position, Dolores Weis. Her experience with nonprofit social service organizations matches what the mission and Rock Point need at this time in our history. Please welcome Dolores with your prayers and support.

In 2007, with Dolores at the helm, we are building on our successes and moving forward to continue improving the quality of the school, to re-organize the focus of our community service programs, and to better inform and thank our donors. All of this is being done in partnership with the Navajo people of Rock Point.

It's an exciting time to be part of the Navajo Mission. Thanks be to God and thanks be to all of you,

Ron Augustson, Chair, Board of Directors

“Service is the rent you pay for space on this Earth” -Shirley Chisholm

From the Executive Director

Greetings from the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission!

It is with great honor that I write my first letter as Executive Director of the Mission. In February I was asked to come for a 3-day interview at Rock Point. At once I was impressed by the commitment, dedication and compassion of the Board, staff and the many Navajo people I met. This impression, combined with the striking beauty of the red mesa landscape, made it impossible to say no when I was offered the position.

I arrived at the Mission on April 5th. Having years of experience working with different cultures around the world, I feel I have started yet another truly unique journey, expecting both joys and challenges. I look forward to many years of service.

The Mission is at a crossroads – one that will take it forward and create many positive changes for the future. Some of the areas I will concentrate on include development of viable administrative systems, facilitation of a new strategic plan, and implementation of an aggressive financial development plan.

I hope we can count on your continued support during this exciting time. Together, we can implement new services with the community that will help build a better future for all.

Blessings to All,
Dolores Weis, Executive Director

The NELM School Board

Hilights of 2006

2006 was a year of change…leading to transitions…and 2007…to a year of planning and new beginnings. Changes included:

• Closing of the community head-start program and adding of a temporary pre-kindergarten class at the Mission School;
• Saying “good-bye and many thanks” to Floyd Hart, Executive Director for five years; and welcome to two interim Executives, John Kaschins and Ed Naylor, who provided management into early 2007;
• Responding to severe rain damage to the School building, with hurry-up repairs by volunteers and community folk in time for the opening of school;

On a more positive note even times of transition can be times of change for the good, like:

• School growth from 35 to 56 pupils;
• A new van “paid for” by soup UPC Codes given by friends around the country;
• The continued community service of the Thrift Store, used by Rock Point and other communities;
• Creation of a School Board — composed of four graduates of the Mission School with education degrees, and three Mission Board members — to provide advice on curriculum, teaching credentials, planning, and educational policy;
• Employment of the school’s first Navajo educator as Principal;
• A packed-house community Christmas Celebration led by the students and staff and including gifts given by friends around the country;

The Mission acknowledges with sincere appreciation the loyal support of donors, volunteers, staff and board leadership for another year of service in partnership with the Navajo People of Rock Point.

Thanks for the new roof!

Plans for 2007

The transitions and changes of 2006 set the stage for plans to be initiated in 2007 and beyond. Some have been already accomplished. Others are waiting to happen. All are essential to the future of the Mission. They include:

• Employ a new Mission Executive Director;
• Adopt a record-breaking 2007 budget in excess of $900,000;
• Develop a Mission strategic plan;
• Contract with certified teachers for the 2007-08 school year;
• Upgrade the school curriculum;
• Develop a comprehensive plan for improving the school’s overall quality;
• Adopt and implement a Development Plan that will strengthen donor giving, attract new support, and prepare for major and planned giving programs;
• Continue the process of seeking affiliation with the ELCA and recognition by the LCMS;
• Form a community services council, composed of local and Mission Board representatives, to respond to identified community needs;
• Continue and strengthen dental, eye and health planning services;
• Plan intentional congregational visits and promotion of the Arizona Tax Credit Program;
• Continue volunteer service opportunities and inter-cultural experiences;

The Mission’s plans are ambitious. They require a renewed commitment to “the Mission’s mission” – “…to recognize and help meet the educational, health, social and spiritual needs of the Navajo people in partnership with the Navajo.”

We value the partnership we have with Navajo sisters and brothers, and with you, our loyal partners in mission. Together we are “changing our way to the future.”

A Rock Point Winter

Loyal Support Continues - Our Deepest Thanks to our Donors!

2006 was another strong year for donations from the Mission’s loyal donors. Some giving facts:

• More than 1200 individuals and churches gave $601,820 to advance the work of the Mission and its programs;
• An additional 284 individuals/families gave $137,972 through the Arizona Tax Credit Program;
• Other income of $44,708 raised total revenue for 2006 to $784,500, enabling the Mission to pay all expenses ($666,297) and increase its operational reserves by $118,203. Reserves assure cash flow during times of lean revenue.

Your gifts make a difference. Because of you NELM’s ministry of service, which began 54 years ago, continues to grow. To all of you who contribute in any way, we say a heart-felt “thank you” – ahehee’.

Eye Exams at the Mission

Statement of Financial Position

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006 (audit in process)

What the Mission is all about

Let's Stay in Touch

This Annual Report 2006 has three purposes: to be accountable to our constituency; to tell the Mission story of a multi-cultural ministry of partnership in service; and to share deep-felt appreciation for your support: prayers, special gifts, volunteerism, financial donations, clothing/household goods, the Arizona Tax Credit program…and yes, Campbell’s bar codes (send no more labels after December).

Let’s stay in touch in all the ways described above.

Thrivent Giving Plus

If you are a Thrivent member, you can get matching funds from Thrivent. Use the form at the Thrivent web site to participate in the Giving Plus program.