|
As the Executive Director and founder of New Image Emergency Shelter, it has been my vision, since incorporation in 1989, to provide quality services to Homeless and Low-Income populations with respect, dignity, and integrity.
I retired from Hospital Administration in Detroit, Michigan in 1987 and moved to Long Beach, California where after recognizing the great number of homeless individuals and families living on the streets decided to do something about it. My identical twin sister and Co-founder and I submitted documents to the IRS and FTB to become a Non-profit Tax Exempt Corporation in March of 1990. Over the last fifteen years, New Image has grown from one program to fourteen programs serving these populations.
Brief Biography of the President/CEO
Founder, Operator and President/CEO of New Image Emergency Shelter
for the Homeless, Inc. a Non-Profit, Tax Exempt Corporation
under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Biography and History
Born Brenda Kay Simpson, July 2, 1950, in Decatur, Illinois. In August of 1967, the family moved from Decatur, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan, where she obtained an Associates of Science Degree, 1972 (Highland Park College). At that time, she became a Director of Respiratory Therapy at the Milton Community Hospital where after several promotions there, in 1983 she became Associate Hospital Administrator.
In 1981 she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) and a Masters in Business Administration at Pacific Western University of Canada (Toronto, Canada), June 1984. Both Majors were in Management.
She relocated to Long Beach, California in August 1987 where she began her search for employment in the Hospital Administration field. However, seeing so many homeless throughout the city, she decided to write a Grant (1989) to provide emergency sheltering; in an effort to provide temporary housing for this needy population. She was awarded the Grant and successfully provided the service.
Her husband and she thought for many weeks on the appropriate name for the organization. Finally, he came up with the name “New Image,” and felt it was perfect, since as he stated, “we would be providing our clients with a “New Image”, as they acquire affordable permanent housing, reunite with their families, start new jobs, leave drugs and alcohol, and rebuild their overall self-esteem and worth”. Thus, the name New Image was selected.
In March 1990, New Image was incorporated as a tax-exempt non profit corporation. At that time, she operated one (1) program and had four (4) employees. Today, she operates ten (10) programs and numerous services, to homeless and low-income individuals and families, and has 181 employees.
Our primary programs include: 1) Transitional Housing for the Homeless Families with Children; 2) Temporary Emergency Sheltering (3½ months) for 18 and older; 3) Emergency Sheltering (year round) for 18 and older; 4) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS; 5) Financial move-in, rental and utility assistance; 6) Hotel/Motel and Meal Voucher Programs; 7) Case Management for Homeless Unaccompanied Runaway Youth, ages 11-24; 8) Street Outreach for Adults and Youth; 9) HUD/FHA First Time Buyers Program; 10) Families with Children Program.
New Image has grown from an original annual budget of $14,000.00 in 1989 to $6.5 million, as of December 31, 2007. Over our nineteen year history, New Image has received more than $35,000,000.00 in public, local, state and federal funding, which has funded more than 34 Social Service Programs.
Unfortunately, 90% of the Federal funding we receinve are restricted to specific programs. We have an on-going need for unrestricted funds to support the wide array of programs and services provided by New Image. Your financial support of New Image programs and services will aide in the expansion and on-going support of our programs.
The information provided on our web site will provide you with a comprehensive overview of New Image programs and services, statistical data, and Board of Directors. We trust that after reviewing of this site, you will have a clear picture of our mission. New Image is “Making a Difference” in the lives of Homeless and Low-Income populations ithrough out Los Angeles County.
A MILESTONE:
In December 2007, New Image accomplished a major milestone having provided case management with supportive services to more than 1.2 million homeless and low-income. individuals and families with children.
|
