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CONTACT:
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Mary Liz Cortese
(408) 292-4286
or (408) 807-7320
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DATE: |
March 4, 2002
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New Week Signals New Beginning
Homeless to Benefit From Large Non-profit Merger
It's Official: InnVision and UMPA in Partnership
In a move that promises better services for the homeless and very poor
on the Mid-Peninsula, InnVision-The Way Home, announces
that state regulators have approved its merger with Urban Ministry of
Palo Alto (UMPA).
"We've been working cooperatively for some time, and it's exciting
to finally make it official," says Christine Burroughs, Chief Executive
Officer of InnVision. The merger truly makes InnVision, founded in 1973,
a regional provider of essential services to the poor, according to Burroughs.
"It's definitely a win-win situation," says Urban Ministry
Board President Gerry Sarnat, M.D. "The merger provides clients of
Urban Ministry with better access to rehabilitation programs as well as
transitional housing and other services."
Under InnVision's administrative and financial oversight, UMPA will operate
as a division of InnVision and will continue to serve clients in north
Santa Clara County and south San Mateo County through its existing six
programs that offer food, shelter, clothing and counseling. A newly formed
UMPA advisory board will focus on overall support of these programs as
well as resource development. The new combined $6 million budget will
incorporate some cost savings with 88% directed toward client services.
Under the leadership of Burroughs, InnVision has experienced phenomenal
growth since 1991, quintupling in size. "I like to say InnVision
offers more than a bed
a beginning," explains Burroughs. "Our
success has been in providing a model continuum of care that includes
emergency shelter, transitional housing, food, counseling, job training,
healthcare and childcare." InnVision's programs currently serve more
than 11,000 individuals each year at 11 sites. With the addition of the
UMPA programs, it is estimated that over 13,000 will be served.
UMPA's Division Director, Don Jensen is enthusiastic about the opportunities
ahead. "I really look forward to tapping into the expertise that
InnVision provides in both administration and client services." According
to Jensen, "Urban Ministry has always had a great relationship with
clients, volunteers and donors, and this merger will certainly enhance
that."
Learn more about InnVision at www.innvision.org.
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