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."
# # #
