Objection! A response to the Sept. 16 editorial, “Another sign of STOP’s failure”
The Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project of Hampton Roads, a regional community action program, has served low-income citizens for more than 47 years. STOP has provided services that member cities and counties could not or would not provide. Grants and other funding from STOP have substantial economic effects in South Hampton Roads, as we have helped allievate poverty.
STOP’s Second Chances Program operated very successfully from April 1999 to June 2012.
During that time, the program served more than 2,200 clients. More than half were paid more than minimum wage. The program also provided housing for ex-offenders and served 157 children of ex-offenders. As recently as this past January, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim declared that the Second Chances Program was a national model.
When representatives of STOP met with Norfolk City Manager Marcus Jones in January, Jones indicated that he intended to integrate the program into the 2013 city budget to save the city money. We embraced the change.
Under the terms of its contract with the city, STOP was the “fiscal agent” for the Second Chances Program. STOP had no responsibility for visiting jail inmates, so the editorial’s assertion that “STOP’s abysmal record in the jail presents another chapter in endless bungling” is misleading. No one from the city indicated any dissatisfaction with STOP’s administration of the program.
STOP’s Board of Directors and staff members have worked hard during the past two years to correct past mistakes. With funds raised through donations and activities, STOP repaid the Department of Housing and Community Development all the bonus money issued to staff members in 2009.
We have “cleaned house” and reorganized to promote clearer lines of communication while increasing productivity and efficiency with less money. We have researched best practices and, as a result, we have implemented new policies to ensure greater accountability and transparency throughout our organization. Staff members are receiving additional necessary training.
Despite an adverse audit in 2010, STOP’s 2011 audit reflected no material findings. As we continue to move forward, STOP will continue to evaluate every program and position for its usefulness and cost-effectiveness.
While we managed our fiscal crisis, we continued to provide services to the families and individuals who need us. All of our remaining funding sources, including community partners, bankers and donors, have stood with us because they have watched us work toward our transformation.
I am asking for a second chance for STOP. We look forward to collaborations with other agencies, organizations and businesses, as well as local governments throughout South Hampton Roads.
George F. Reed is chairman of the board of directors of the Southeastern Tidewater Opportunity Project.
