Daytona Beach, FL - The First Step Shelter Board dealt with a number of items during a regularly scheduled meeting this past Tuesday. Increasing the number of people they can help and more aggressive fundraising was discussed.
Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg said that any changes at the Shelter have to first be approved by the Board and then presented to Catholic Charities. During the ten weeks that the Shelter has been open, expenses have been less than what was planned for, leaving extra money to help more people.
As for fundraising, Fahlberg said the Board has instructed her to do things that will get the community more involved. "We're thinking about a bingo night or a 5-K. Events like that where we can really try to draw in anybody who wants to help out without any financial barriers to how much money you have to bring to the table."
A recent private grant from "The Father's Table Foundation" of almost $160,000 will fund the hiring of someone who's main purpose is to be a fundraiser. Fahlberg said a lot of money is needed to run the Shelter annually. "I'm going to be really glad to have some help because raising $800,000 in a little over a year is a pretty steep climb."
The Safe Zone continues to be a point of contention. Even though there is $250,000 available to create it, it’s still a no-go at this time.
