Creative dge Consulting · Creative Edge Consulting (CEC) offers complete one-stop-shop services that involve everything from strategic planning/capacity building and full program/organizational

Creative Edge

Consulting

Credentials & ServicesProspectus

Helping Great Non-Profits Change The WorldThrough Strategic Development, Growth & Sustainability

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Mary E. CostelloFounder & Chief OptimistCreative Edge Consulting

[email protected]: www.CreativeEdgeConsulting.org

Phone: 443-267-8884

Mary E. Costello – Biography

Mary E. Costello is a Social Worker by education, trade, and spirit. She is a 1987 graduate of The Catholic University of America, where she studied both Social Work and Drama. Her full-time non-profit service began in June of 1984, marking the start of her administrative and advocacy work in the mental health and developmental disabilities fields. In directorship roles from a young age, Mary became well-known for developing new programs and organizations "from the ground up," as well as revamping agencies in danger of closure due to serious State licensing deficiencies. Often faced with limited resources and time, Mary proved on multiple occasions that comprehensive planning, unwavering tenacity, and dedicated, hard-working teams can beat impossible odds. And, her innovative solutions to typical and atypical non-profit challenges continue to this day. Her grants experience dates back to 1987, and includes negotiating and winning a 2.8 million dollar, 3-year grant contract with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/Developmental Disabilities Administration to start-up and operate the residential social services agency she founded in 1992, Creative Options, Inc. Under her leadership as President/CEO, this organization was highly respected for its customized support of persons with long-time histories of “failure” to successfully live in the community due to co-occurring diagnoses (developmental disabilities and mental health disorders, often with other diagnoses as well) complicated by significant behavioral challenges. Over the last 30+ years, Mary also served as counselor, manager of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for more than 200 workers with developmental disabilities, and case manager and disabilities advocate with a county health department. She was additionally a State representative and disabilities advocate—as part of a dynamic, special project team that helped transform the way in which people with disabilities are served in both Maryland and, now, much of the country. Prior to transitioning to full-time consulting, Mary was a grant writer/fundraiser for a small, K-12 school that educates children with learning differences and language delays or disorders. Lastly, from July 2013 to April 2014, she agreed to serve as a Director of Development for a national non-profit that provides educational products and services related to chronic kidney disease. (This service was in addition to ongoing consulting work.) Today, as an independent consultant, Mary offers a wide range of support to non-profits throughout the United States. She specializes in start-up and younger organizations (in existence for three years or less), as well as the restructuring, improvement, sustainability, and expansion of more established agencies. Since going full-time with Creative Edge Consulting (dba) in February of 2005, Mary has been instrumental in the receipt of over 14.5 million dollars in grant and other funding among her collective customer roster. The largest foundation grant, to date: 11 million dollars; Two highest governmental grants: approximately 1 million dollars apiece. Over 70 non-profits have been served over the last fifteen years, with many clients more than doubling their previous fundraising outcomes after signing-on with Mary. Much of her consulting work has focused on helping non-profits set the stage for future funding, by first building great new organizations and programs worthy of sizable support. For example, she led one group through the entire charter school application process in only 3 months—and flew to Miami later that year to personally defend that application in front of a 12-person technical panel from the school district. She frequently leads projects where she had no previous subject mastery, including those that must comply with statutes or regulations. The more complex the project, the better!

Mary E. Costello Non-Profit Consulting Services (Most Common)

501(c)(3) Applications

Board of Directors Retreat Facilitation

Budget Development (including multi-year & multi-program projections)

By-Laws (*procedural items only; I cannot provide legal advice)

Conflict Resolution & Consensus Building

Corporate Sponsorship Packages

Creative & Technical Writing

Executive Coaching (Non-profit only—Executive Directors and Board)

Fiscal Development Plans (to include all funding streams)

Funding Prospect & Other Research (e.g., best practices, studies/stats, etc.)

Fundraising Advice (special events, raffles, Major Gifts, etc.)

Fundraising Plea Letters/Donation Requests

General Editing/Re-Write Services

Grant Proposals (governmental, foundation, corporate)

Letters of Inquiry/Introduction

Marketing/Communications Tools (brochures, fact sheets, press releases, etc.)

Mission Statements & Effective Messaging

Newsletters & Annual Reports

Organizational & Program/Project Development

Organizational Systems Creation

Organizational/Program Assessment

Partnership Cultivation & Joint Project Agreements

Policies & Procedures (organizational, program, personnel)

Program Evaluation Tools/Protocols

Quality Assurance Programs/Protocols

Scripts & Screenplays/PSA & Video Production (coming soon)

Speeches & Talking Points

Staff Training Workshop Facilitation

Staff Training/Employee Manuals

Strategic Planning/Capacity Building

Transitional Leadership/Interim Management

Web Design/Web Copy

Mary E. Costello 6128 Adcock Ln, Hanover, Maryland 21076 / 443-267-8884 (443-COS-8884)

[email protected] / www.CreativeEdgeConsulting.org

NOT-FOR-PROFIT EXECUTIVE, CHANGE AGENT AND INSTITUTION-BUILDER

Over 20 years of non-profit leadership with service as an independent non-profit consultant, President/CEO, program director, State of Maryland representative and disability advocate, and fund development/communications professional.

Passionate Social Worker and social justice advocate. Dynamic, systems and results-oriented leader with a demonstrated track record of success in turnaround and start-up/expansion environments. Capable of quickly resolving multifaceted, complex issues despite limited financial and human resources. Creative yet analytical dreamer with a penchant for details and a perpetual thirst for new challenges. Superior interpersonal skills and a natural ability to win new friends, mend strained relationships, and mobilize teams to resolve organizational crises. Proudly introduce, foster, and preserve cooperative cultures built upon and sustained by mutual respect, shared ownership, and team-based commitment to the greatest good.

Areas of experience and expertise include:

• 2 to 10-Year Strategic Plans – Organizational/Program & Fiscal • 501(c)(3) Applications & Infrastructure Development • Basic to Intensive Program & Organizational Development • Board of Directors - Governance Support & Training • Broad Knowledge of Social Justice Issues & Policy/Politics • Budget Development/Forecasting (Multi-Year/Multi-Program) • Clinically Sound, Evidence-Based Service Delivery Models • Comprehensive & Diversified Fiscal Development Plans • Conflict Resolution & Consensus Building • Contract Negotiations & Strategic Alliances • Corporate: Grants, Sponsorships, Donations & Volunteerism • Cross-Platform Communications Strategies/Optimized Visibility • Digital Campaigns; Calls to Action & Fund Development Strategies • Evaluation Systems/Data-Driven Indicators of Success • Executive Coaching (Exec Directors, Founders & Board Officers) • Governmental Regulations/Statute Compliance • Grants, RFPs, Government Contracts Administration • Harnessing Unique Non-Profit Assets: Time, Talent & Treasury • Healthy Organizational Culture; Morale & Synergistic Functioning • Highly Technical Content to Creative Writing & Storytelling

• Human Resources Management/Humanistic Leadership • Individual Donor Cultivation, Engagement & Retention • Latest Digital Technologies & Cloud-Based CRM Integrations • Marketing & Communications Plans/Tools Creation • Mission Statements & Effective Messaging • Moves Management & Major Gift Campaign Coaching • Operational Systems, Processes & Efficiency Tools • Organizational Assessment/Improvement Plans • Organizational Expansions & Trend-Based Mission Shifts • Partnership Development/Coalition Building • Person-Centered Planning & Service Delivery Approaches • Policies & Procedures: Organizational, Program, Personnel • Public Relations & Damage Control/Correction (as needed) • Public Speaking & Community Outreach/Education • Quality Assurance Systems & Process/Documentation Tools • Service Delivery Innovation & Transformational Impact • Staffing: Plans/Patterns, Recruitment, Development & Retention • Team Building, Coaching & Empowerment/Trust • Transitional & Crisis Management/Leadership • Volunteerism, Various Advisories & Gratitude Teams

CURRENT PROFESSIONAL ROLE

CEO/Chief Optimist & Independent Non-Profit Consultant February 2005 to Present Creative Edge Consulting (dba) - Columbia, Maryland

Specialize in the comprehensive, tailored support of non-profit start-ups and young/younger organizations (with most in existence for 3 years or less), in addition to the improvement, sustainability, and expansion of more established agencies. Since 2005 (and part-time since April 2004), have served more than 65 non-profits from across the United States. Organizations range from local grassroots projects to national programs, and those that hope to scale nationally. Client operating budgets span from virtually nothing to 8 million dollars a year or more. To a far lesser degree, supports are also extended to for-profit entities that, most often, engage in education, housing, health or human services work. All consulting services fall under the general categories of DEVELOPMENT, GROWTH, and SUSTAINABILITY.

Creative Edge Consulting (CEC) offers complete one-stop-shop services that involve everything from strategic planning/capacity building and full program/organizational development to providing assistance with all non-profit funding streams—with an emphasis on diversification and better utilization/ROI of any and all available mechanisms. Generally, CEC efforts center on “professionalizing” young, or struggling older, organizations with regard to infrastructure items while introducing targeted strategies to take operations to the next level of impact, visibility, and sustainability. Work with veteran non-profits tends to focus on new initiatives/programmatic expansions and improvement activities or more responsive, updated service delivery models, as well as high-level foundation funding and governmental grants or contracts.

Mary E. Costello – Executive Summary Page 2

Creative Edge Consulting ORGANIZATIONAL & PROJECT/PROGRAM TYPES

(Partial List – 2004 to Present)

501(c)(3) Applications/A to Z Infrastructure Start-up Services After-School & Summer Programs Anti-Terrorism/Stopping Radicalization of Muslim Youth At-Risk Children & Youth (and Families) Broad Social Justice Issues (poverty, inequality, inequity, etc.) Cancer Patient Support Programs Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Grant Child/Family Counseling Centers Chiropractic Screenings for School-Aged Children Chronic Kidney Disease/Dialysis & Risk Factors College Student/Peer Support Sober House Community Safety & Proactive Violence Prevention Program Complete Charter School Design/Charter Application Disability Support Programs (extensive experience) Education System Reform/Parent Education & Rights in NYC Facial Reconstruction Surgery for Children Faith-Based & Interfaith Initiatives Female Inmate Community Re-entry Services Foster Care Child/Youth Outreach Free Dental Clinics for Children Guide Dogs for Young Blind Children/Teens HIV/AIDS & Harm Reduction/Prevention Programs Home Care for Medically Fragile Children Hospitality Services Training School Human Trafficking/Commercial Sexual Exploitation Interfaith Community Center Jobs/Risk Avoidance Training for Teens & Young Adults LGBTQ (marriage equality, anti-discrimination, CoC, arts, etc.) Low-Income Transitional/Permanent Housing Projects Maryland DDA New Residential Provider Acceptance Process Mental Health/Psychosocial Rehabilitation Mind-Body Techniques/Trauma Resolution (disaster & war) Multi-State & National Program Development/Expansion Plans Municipal Turf Field Complex Project / Sports Programs National Health Awareness Campaigns National Institutes of Health All of Us Program Application Private, Public, Alternative, and Charter Schools Residential Programs (multiple populations) Senior Citizen Outreach & Support Services Service Learning/Youth Development Programs SIDS, Stillbirth, and Unexplained Infant Death Special Education & Promising New Therapies STEM & Entrepreneurship Program for Youth (international) Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Admin Grants Substance Abuse Recovery/Dual Diagnoses Supporting Impoverished, Elderly Blues/Musical Heroes The Boys Project – Disengagement of Boys/Young Men Title I Supplemental Educational Services (Baltimore City) Transitional Home - Pregnant Teens/Young Women U.S. Dept. of Labor/Education & Training Administration Grant U.S. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants Women’s Issues (work/life balance, equity, female vets, etc.) Women’s Professional/Business Association YouthBuild Federal Grant (extensive pre-app prep only)

Heavy support of Executive Directors, Founders, and Board Officers/Boards of Directors—including 1:1 Executive Coaching, Board education/training, Board recruitment/governance tools, crisis intervention, strategic planning retreats, and attending Board meetings via phone to aid in decision-making.

Help clients to become more forward-thinking—especially in the context of funding pursuit/process timelines; determining strategy detail, programmatic goals/needs, and realistic budget projections for a minimum of 2-3 years, if not, ideally, 5-10 years. Emphasize that no one funds today’s fiscal needs and most funding will not arrive, if committed at all, for at least 3-6 months.

While most clients first come to CEC with fundraising (and grant proposals specifically) in mind, intentionally utilize grants and other fiscal development activities as a framework/catalyst for building new programs/organizations, and resolving “red flag” items in current operations with existing programs —prior to any formal financial asks. Work from a philosophy that funding is a by-product of excellence, and the best organizations attract most, if not all, financial and other external support. As such, great focus is placed on fiscal and programmatic accountability, effective systems, efficiencies, long-range planning, documentable successes, and, above all—meaningful IMPACT.

Creation of all structures/systems, processes, and tools needed to maximize operational efficacy and quality service provision. This includes current best practices and trends with regard to digital engagement. Recommendations include Customer Relationship Management systems (with a preference for Salesforce and customized, cloud-based integrations such as QuickBooks, MailChimp, project management and service delivery tools, Classy, Pardot, etc.), and plentiful webinars that can further client knowledge/understanding related to fundraising techniques, fiscal matters, and governance.

Client successes vary in relationship to each non-profit’s unique merits, as well as the available budget for and duration of the consulting engagement. Except for a few Founders who gave up on their non-profit dream entirely, every organization improved their functioning, gained greater focus, and strengthened their overall position. Most challenging project to date: led one group through the entire charter school application process in only 3 months (independently designing the school on paper—including 10-year budget and faculty/staff expansion projections)—and flew to Miami later that year to personally defend that application in front of a 12-person technical panel from the public school district. Frequently lead projects without any previous subject mastery, including those that must comply with statutes/regulations.

For those prepared for funding competition, many clients more than doubled their previous outcomes after signing-on with CEC. Since 2005, over 14.5 million dollars in grant and other funding has been obtained among CEC’s collective customer roster. The largest foundation grant (a 3-state, 7-year pilot project): 11 million dollars; Two highest governmental (county) grants: approximately 1 million dollars apiece. One 25-year old agency received more than 2 times the charitable gifts typically secured through their annual holiday plea letter—and, for the first time, received a flurry of phone calls and notes indicating how touched patrons were by the letter they received.

As many people lack the resources to contract with a non-profit consultant—free advice is routinely offered by telephone and email. This prompted the introduction of personally-penned, thought-leadership articles on the CEC website and blog, CosEffect, which address common challenges/questions of non-profit leaders. A new podcast show and the sale of a comprehensive, multi-volume “HOW TO” manual for starting, growing, and sustaining a new non-profit will soon become available.

Mary E. Costello – Executive Summary Page 3

FUND DEVELOPMENT/COMMUNICATIONS & RELATED EXPERIENCE Director of Development (80% FTE, remote) July 2013 – April 2014 Medical Education Institute, Inc. – Madison, Wisconsin This service was in addition to my ongoing, full-time consulting work. MEI is a national non-profit that provides educational products and services related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition to its web-based learning centers and print materials for patients and health professionals, MEI conducts behavioral healthcare research in partnership with major universities and offers direct support to people who live with CKD.

Created a comprehensive, preliminary, 3-year Development Plan (focused beyond fundraising alone) that included all potential non-profit funding streams (all new to MEI except corporate monies), deep assessment of the organization’s strengths and needs with suggestions for improved messaging to attract/engage a broader audience, staff/departmental expansions needed to accommodate new fundraising areas and programmatic growth over time, sub-component plans (grants, sponsorships, and communications), a proposed new consumer advisory panel and fundraising arm, Youth Action/Leadership Development effort, development internship program, and detailed organizational and project-specific budget projections spanning two years. Work also included national press releases, and sponsorship packages and grant proposals for educational website development and capacity-building efforts. Within my first full month of employ, helped MEI prepare and submit a 6.1 million dollar, federal grant funding request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a Healthcare Innovation Award. (Not funded.)

From August to October of 2017, MEI contracted with me in a consulting capacity to conduct funding prospect research, prepare grant proposals for several projects, and devise/deliver a customized, video-conference training/coaching program for marketing staff that, at the time, lacked experience with grant application preparation and standards, funder research and online database systems navigation, funder 990 tax return reviews as a source of critical information, and methods/rationale for determining solid funding opportunities.

Grant Writer/Fundraiser April 2004 – February 2005 Norbel School – Elkridge, Maryland

A small, independent K-12 school for children with learning differences and language delays or disorders. Work focused primarily on foundation and corporate grants, special projects, and donor recognition activities for low-level gifts. Norbel School became my first big client as I transitioned into full-time consulting on February 1, 2005.

Professional Singer/Songwriter & Small Business Owner 1994-2007 Acoustic Blue Productions (DJ & Karaoke) and Whistle While I Work (Residential Painting & Cleaning Services) Parkville/Owings Mills/Monkton, Maryland Took a 10-year break from human services to pursue my creative interests as a professional singer/songwriter and composer. To support myself, I additionally owned and operated two small businesses. (Artistically, I am also an actor, artist/illustrator, and multi-genre literary writer.)

Performed as a vocalist in the Baltimore area for 20 years, and also served as a Karaoke Host/DJ and frequent MC/Host of non-profit fundraising events during this time. One of my ongoing karaoke club gigs was rated by the Baltimore City Paper as “The Best Karaoke in Baltimore” for several years running. With charity events, I was known for energizing and entertaining the crowd, getting people to dig deeper into their donor pockets at events, and creating/facilitating unique, revenue-producing event sub-programming. (NOTE: I do have event planning and facilitation experience as well.)

(Acoustic Blue Productions) Partnered with Baltimore radio station MIX106.5 for a series of American Idol-ish morning show singing contests where I additionally served as an on-air personality and judge. Through this, the radio station’s Director of Promotions became a networking partner and friend, and introduced me to marketing techniques related to corporate sponsorships, such as mentions, impressions, and so forth. He offered both advice and plentiful radio station give-away items (concert tickets, trips, etc.) for use at a number of non-profit fundraising events, and boosted my personal confidence and capacity to independently (for the first time) request/ obtain donated auction and other items from local/regional businesses on behalf of charitable organizations.

This career period included my first successful attempt at website design, internet/other marketing, private sector customer service, and frequent, small contracts negotiations/execution. Further, I learned and honed live sound reinforcement skills, as well as audio recording techniques—which have non-profit applications with regard to podcasts, live event sound systems, and video production. Perhaps most importantly, I am comfortable on a microphone as a fundraising host and performer, and have entertained/actively engaged crowds from a few hundred to several thousand. Without question, I am a more confident, natural, and effective public speaker as a result.

Mary E. Costello – Executive Summary Page 4

EARLIER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS – ADMINISTRATION & ADVOCACY

As President/CEO, wrote a comprehensive bid proposal (that included a complete operations manual responsive to strict State regulations and individual support plans for each prospective resident) that resulted in the negotiation and award of a 2.8 million dollar, 3-year grant contract with the State of Maryland to start-up and operate the residential human services organization I founded in 1992, Creative Options, Inc. One of only 3 providers approved through that year’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for new community-based providers. At the time, Creative Options was respected for unique approaches to supporting individuals with dual diagnoses (intellectual/ developmental disabilities and mental health disorders, with often times others) deemed "difficult to place" by the State of Maryland due to severe behavioral challenges and long-time histories of “failure” to successfully live in the community. Offered customized, person-centered alternatives to State institutionalization while offering members of the Knotts Class Action Suit a substantially higher quality of life. Today, this agency’s annual operating budget exceeds 12 million dollars.

Highest-level State representative and disabilities advocate. Member of a small but dynamic team of professionals (led by Michael Smull and Susan Burke Harrison) that helped transform the way in which people with disabilities are supported in the State of Maryland. A special joint project between the University of Maryland at Baltimore and Maryland’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/Developmental Disabilities Administration, the Community Support & Access Unit ushered the start of “money follows the person” (with Maryland funding systems), person-centered approaches, and a consumer’s right to choose their community-based provider agencies and other necessary supports. Introduced/utilized a unique “Essential Lifestyle Plan” process to help individuals create the life they choose—including where they live, with whom or alone, where they work, where (and if) they worship, and where they play. Our team provided Essential Lifestyle Plan training to other states as well, and helped pave the way for this then-progressive philosophy and support model to become a widespread national norm. Additionally, the Access Team planned/coordinated transitions for special education students returning home from exorbitantly pricey out-of-state residential schools and entering Maryland’s adult disability services system. Secondarily, our special project resulted in dramatic cost savings for the State.

Between 1990 and 1994, created 2 new residential programs “from the ground up” (English & Condray and Creative Options) and revamped/greatly improved operational systems—largely in preparation for State licensing reviews—for 2 others (Center for Community Development and Careco). Completed these processes within extremely short timeframes of 3-6 months at each agency. At English and Condray, 5 residential homes officially opened and welcomed all their residents within a span of only 5 weeks. (The full start-up process began 4 months prior.)

Within my first 4 months at Center for Community Development, brought this troubled agency from the brink of program closure, due to what was cited by the State of Maryland as "deplorable conditions," to experience their first full State licensing renewal in the 10-year history of that organization. In fact, no deficiencies could be detected by evaluators during this 3-day licensing review—which, to my knowledge, had never before been achieved by a Maryland residential provider. This success involved massive overhaul of the program, clinically and operationally, as well as addressing the serious physical plant issues within each of the 15 residential homes that included a high degree of health & safety violations. Total cost of this organizational revamp—less than $3,000. (Two additional homes opened prior to my departure as well.)

Fostered environments where staff felt valued and respected, as well as an instilled sense of shared "ownership." As a result, morale was unusually high despite crises and ordinary day-to-day trials of human services work. Teams functioned well outside the parameters of typical job descriptions and outcomes proved, again and again, to be quite impressive. One example was mobilizing clinical staff to address the physical plant issues of 15 residential homes that included repairs, painting, cleaning, etc. They spent 3 months doing this each day, even though (ethically) I would not require it of them. My team “stepped up to the plate” to work alongside me to resolve this program’s crisis (see previous bullet statement). This is representative of my “hands on” management style and the type of cooperative culture I strive to create whenever I am at the leadership helm. Consequently, key staff has followed me from one directorship to my next.

PAST LEADERSHIP ROLES

Program Director 1993-1994

Center for Community Development Capital Heights, Maryland

(Senior Management, Residential Revamp)

President/CEO & Founder

1992-1993 Creative Options, Inc. Columbia, Maryland

(Senior Management, Residential Start-up)

Developmental Disabilities Specialist Community Support & Access Unit

1991-1992 University of Maryland at Baltimore/Maryland

Developmental Disabilities Administration Baltimore, Maryland

(Highest-level, Maryland State Advocate)

Management/Program Consultant

Interim Project Coordinator/Qualified Mental Retardation Professional (QMRP)

Temporary, 3-Month Special Project / 1991 Careco, Inc.

Washington, DC (Intermediate Care Facility/Intellectual Disabilities DC Licensing Review & Expansion into Maryland)

Director of Maryland Operations

1990-1991 English & Condray, Ltd. Silver Spring, Maryland

(Senior Management, Residential Start-up)

Program Director

1989-1990 United Cerebral Palsy Association

Bowie, Maryland (Senior Management, Residential & Day

Programs… including program expansion)

Services Coordinator

1988-1989 Prince George’s County Health Department

Cheverly, Maryland (Lower-level, Maryland State Disability

Advocate/Case Manager with Regulatory Oversight Duties)

Manager/Employee Assistance Program

1987-1988 Melwood Training Center Upper Marlboro, Maryland

(Mid-level Management, Counseling & Case

Management Program for Workers w/ Disabilities)

Mary E. Costello – Executive Summary Page 5

COMBINED FUNCTIONAL SKILLS – ADMINISTRATIVE, CLINICAL, AND ADVOCACY

Grant writing and State/County contracts administration since 1987. Foundation and corporate grant applications since 2004. Budget development and fiscal oversight. Drafted or revised personnel/program/organizational policies & procedures for multiple agencies. Created staff/consumer training materials and ensured trainings took place in accordance with State regulations. Personally conducted most of the 10 in-house staff training programs. Plans of Correction (as needed) and other reports, collection of statistical data, and completion/safeguarding of all required documentation. Public speaking and community education. Strategic planning and establishment of short-term/long-term goals, measurable outcomes, and overall vision. Evaluated service/budget proposals from community provider agencies while a member of the Community Support & Access Unit (University of Maryland/DDA) and made recommendations to the State for approval.

Daily administration of residential, counseling/case management, and psychosocial recreational/educational day programs for adults with a wide range of disabilities and co-occurring diagnoses: intellectual, developmental, physical, neurological, neuromuscular, psychiatric, and learning. Administrative and advocacy roles included support of individuals with common and rare medical conditions as well. Additionally, two of my residential programs included congregate living facilities for the aged.

Residential programs were 24/7 environments involving high-level crisis response systems. Staffing patterns included single, double, and awake overnight coverage, as well as drop-in support apartments (in my last directorship only). Residents required intensive supports due to severe behavioral challenges or, conversely, personal care needs (feeding, bathing, etc.) of folks with physical disabilities and complex, sometimes very serious, medical conditions. Emergency protocols were extensive, precise, and specific to each house and each resident.

Managed annual operating budgets of up to 1.5 million dollars (which would be double today without program expansion), working closely with CFOs or large finance departments. Personally issued weekly expense checks (food/supplies and maintenance) and household cash for all residential homes, with reconciliations/receipt verifications regularly conducted by the CFO or bookkeeping staff. Tracked staff time and other detailed cost center allocations/spending per house. Managed 3-month start-up budgets of up to 87k for new programs, and personally selected all new properties and furnishings (and navigated health, fire, and State inspections). As needed, requested formal line-item transfer approval from the State to shift surplus funds to underfunded/unfunded needs not included in original budget projections and State contract.

Recruited, coached, and led multi-leveled staff teams of 55+ persons—with skill levels ranging from direct care staff with high school diplomas to individuals with advanced or terminal degrees. Ensured that all staff successfully passed all background check standards and external trainings such as medication administration, first aid, and CPR certifications prior to work start. Responsible for all personnel records, and fair and compassionate human resource management in full compliance with all labor laws; hiring, performance evaluation, promotion, and termination of employment. I build not only teams—but caring communities, and set the tone/expectations for a healthy and happy workplace.

Reviewed clinical assessments and other records for all prospective residents, got to know individuals as people when making admission decisions, and planned transitions in accordance with each new resident’s needs. Supports were customized for every resident, and reflected all elements of healthy and full living: housing/home, vocational/educational, health/mental health, recreation/leisure and social relationships, transportation/mobility, spiritual life, and continued personal growth. Created detailed goal plans for each resident that featured teaching methodologies for learning new skills, behavioral plans (as needed), and milestones/deadlines for obtaining/completing all necessary services with responsible party designations. Scheduled and facilitated annual, plan modification, and emergent interdisciplinary team meetings for residents as both a Program Director and Services Coordinator. Developed/implemented annual plans in various historical and role-specific forms: Individual Habilitation Plans (IHP), Individual Service Plans (ISP), Individual Plans (IP), and Essential Lifestyle Plans.

High-level interaction/collaboration with State representatives, State institutional and psychiatric hospital staff (social workers, psychologists, nurses, doctors, OT/PT, etc.), Legal Aid/Maryland Disability Law Center, behavioral consultants, and vocational programs. Acted as liaison between consumers/families, State governmental regulatory/oversight systems, political offices (Members of Congress and County Executive offices), residential schools, community providers, and the public. Supervised/trained Social Work bachelor-level interns and volunteers.

Created cultures of excellence; an unwavering standard from the start of my career to today. Historically, my servant-leadership has centered on several key principles: 1) PEOPLE are an organization’s greatest asset and must be treated as such. 2) Build a bigger table. 3) Innovation requires risk. 4) Excellence sells. 5) Success is rarely an accident. 6) Relationships and gratitude are everything. 7) Lead with love.

EDUCATION

BA in Social Work: The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC – October 1987 (Plus, prior to changing my major to Social Work, 2 years of Drama Department curriculum. CUA does not offer AA degrees.)

Honors, Senior Thesis – The Deinstitutionalization of the Chronically Mentally Ill from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital

May 26, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I am pleased to offer this letter of recommendation for Mary E. Costello.

I am the President and Co-Founder of National Advancements for Proactive Safety, Inc. (NAPS), a

501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides education and training to help communities identify risk

behaviors and ultimately prevent violence. In late January of 2017, our Board of Directors determined

that we needed outside expertise to properly launch and grow our new organization. I took to the internet

to find not only a skilled non-profit professional, but someone who would be the “right” person for us.

As soon as I found Mary Costello’s website, I picked up the phone.

During our initial phone consultation, I was very impressed with her knowledge of the non-profit sector,

her enthusiasm about our program, and her ability to quickly grasp the strengths and weaknesses of our

young organization. Since that time, I have leaned heavily on Ms. Costello’s experience, counsel, and

strategy recommendations for all aspects of NAPS functioning. While not an exhaustive list, she has

offered invaluable advice and support related to organizational structure and management, Board

development needs, marketing and communications, legal and tax status protection, and anticipated non-

profit funding challenges. Her contributions have saved us from costly mistakes and helped us make best

use of our limited resources. Above all, we are more focused today, and we are moving forward with

greater confidence in our abilities and decision-making.

On a personal note, having served as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service for almost a

decade, the term “trust” is not one that I use lightly when defining a person. For my line of work in the

safety and security industry, I make it a point to ensure that I have a comfortable feel for an individual

before I begin to trust them. As such, I hope you understand the weight of my words when I say that I

trust Mary Costello. She has proven to me that her actions are selfless in nature, that she understands the

meaning of accountability and responsibility, and that she believes that a person’s integrity is paramount

in professional and personal relationships.

I hope that you will offer Mary Costello the opportunity to show you how impressive she is. I genuinely

believe that she will exceed your highest expectations, as she did mine.

Please feel free to contact me. I can be reached at 410-807-5739.

Respectfully,

Jason Wells

President and Co-Founder

National Advancements for Proactive Safety, Inc.

7/9/2014 To whom it may concern: I am writing this letter of recommendation for Mary E. Costello, with whom I had the pleasure of working for nine months, from July, 2013 to April, 2014. I am the Executive Director of the non-profit Medical Education Institute (MEI), an organization that offers education and support to help people with chronic kidney disease live as fully as possible. When our Marketing Director of 20 years retired last year after several years at just 40% time, MEI had a backlog of development tasks, and we had recently appealed to the Internal Revenue Service to become a Public Charity instead of a Private Operating Foundation, and were in the 5-year determination period. We needed a seasoned professional to help us. Although Mary had been working as a consultant, our need was great enough that she graciously agreed to accept an 80% time position as Development Director that allowed her to consult on the side. During her tenure with us, Mary advocated articulately on behalf of our efforts with clients, developed a comprehensive and ambitious 5-year development plan, researched grantmaking organizations and found prospects for us, identified tracking resources that we were unaware of, like Sales Force and Stay Classy, and helped us write a number of proposals. Mary is also an excellent writer, and is very gracious and effective on the phone. The very first month that Mary joined us, she helped us write a lengthy and complex federal grant proposal that was on a very tight deadline, requiring effort above and beyond her 80% position. There was no way we could have successfully submitted that proposal without her help! Her knowledge of local, federal, and foundation grants is extensive, and she is terrific at keeping track of details, prioritizing, and following up. Mary is an intelligent and committed non-profit professional, and I highly recommend her services. Ultimately, Mary decided to return to her consulting business, but the Medical Education Institute is better off for having worked with Mary, and we learned a lot from our time together. I’m certain that Mary’s expertise will be of value to any organization that works with her. Sincerely,

Dori Schatell, MS Executive Director Medical Education Institute, Inc.

November 25, 2014

To Whom It May Concern: I am pleased to offer this letter of recommendation for Mary E. Costello, who intermittently provided grant writing and other consulting services to our non-profit organization in 2010, 2012, and 2014. One of our biggest successes involved winning a $40,000 GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Award in 2010. As a small, rural organization, we were a major underdog in that state-wide competition and this funding was, to date, the single highest award in Club Horizon’s history. I joined Club Horizon last year as Executive Director. Based on all the positive feedback I received about Mary’s previous work with our organization, I contacted her for additional help early in my tenure. During our work together, I found Mary to be extremely insightful, diligent, honest, and reliable. She always went beyond the call of duty, frequently working weekends and evenings to complete our various projects while balancing our needs with those of her other clients. Mary also served as a valued confidant and coach for me this year, providing constant support as I worked to introduce much needed organizational change and expansion. With her guidance and encouragement, I was able to communicate more effectively about all the wonderful services Club Horizon provides, while putting in motion a plan for long-term viability and increased impact. Without question, Mary’s extensive non-profit experience and leadership abilities would be an asset to any organization. But she is also personable, warm, enthusiastic, and humorous. Our recent collaboration was both highly productive and enjoyable, and I am happy to say that we do stay in touch. Personally, I found Mary to be a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. But our many conversations revealed that she is the consummate social worker, dedicated to helping any and all persons in need. I recommend her consulting services without reservation, and I welcome your phone call or email if you have pointed questions about Mary’s skills, work style, and personal attributes. I can be reached at 919-266-2202 or [email protected]. Sincerely, Karen Troup-Galley Executive Director

April 18,2008COMMITIW 10 OURCO.\lMUNITY

Mary E. CostelloIndependent ConsultantCreative Edge ConsultingGrant Writing & Non·Profit Program Development

Dear Mary:

I am writing this letter to share with you the wonderful outcome ofour Out of SchoolProposal. This is the proposal that you assisted us in preparing for a January 2008deadline. The scores and funding awards were released this week.

The great news is that our Out of School Proposal to The Children's Trust, rankednumber eight (#8) out of onc hundred and sixty (160) proposals. Although, TheChildren's Trust (TCT) is facing budget cuts due to the economic climate in Florida, wereceived the identical funding level for August 2008 through July 2009 that we had beenawarded for the 2007-2008 contract year. Many organizations that have historicallyreceived TCT funds received drastically reduced budgets. Some were not funded at all.In fact, they only funded 80 of the 160 proposals. We were awarded $978,000 for theperiod: August \, 2008 to July 3\, 2009.

We credit you with assisting us in presenting our case for continued funding in a climateof budget cuts.

I appreciate your commitment to excellence and yOUf heart of compassion to individualsand families facing social service needs.

I would highly recommend you to anyone requiring your grant development services!

'--Ro~~nl<jd~aY, een~,:an;-------__Executive Direc rPeacemaker Family CenterTrinity Church

TRINITY CIIURCtI RIchard P. Wilkerson. Sr. Senior Minister

1780 I N.W. 2nd Avenue MiamI. Florida 33169

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 680820 North MiamI. Florida 33168

Phone: 305.749.0190 Fax: 305.749.0196 www.trinllychurch.tv

Mary E. Costello - References

References - Former and Current Clients Mr. Jason Wells President and Co-Founder (and former Special Agent with the United States Secret Service) National Advancements for Proactive Safety, Inc. 410-807-5739 [email protected] (Current client. Letter of recommendation provided.) Ms. Karen Troup-Galley Executive Director – Club Horizon, Inc. 919-266-2776 [email protected] (Former client. Letter of recommendation provided.) Rev. Linda Freeman Executive Director – Peacemaker Family Center/Trinity Church 305-685-8577 954-562-8638 (cell) [email protected] (Former client. Letter of recommendation provided.)

Mary E. Costello Writing Samples (Excerpts Only)

1. Trinity Church/Peacemaker Family Center - $978,000

Governmental Agency/County Grant (2 pages)

DESCRIPTION: This 1-year award was for an afterschool/summer program for at-risk

children and youth in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Out of 160 existing service providers,

only 80 were renewed for funding due to drastic county budget cuts. We scored 8th highest

out of 160 proposals. (Scoring would have been even higher if the agency was properly

equipped to support children with special needs. Our rubric rating was automatically lowered

due to lack of formalized outreach and programming for this population. For the record, I did

strongly recommend that they resolve this shortcoming prior to application submission.)

Although no additional work samples are attached for this agency, I also helped PFC secure

another million dollars through a single application to South Florida Workforce (another

county grant) to provide risk avoidance and work readiness/job training for older youth and

young adults (1-year funding). Lastly, I led them through the entire application process for

establishing a new charter school, including flying to Miami to personally defend that

application in front of a 12-person technical panel from the school district.

2. Birth Haven - $35,000 Plea Letter to General Public/Faith Community (2 pages)

DESCRIPTION: This plea letter resulted in close to $35,000 in donations from a pool of

approximately 2,500 patrons—which was more than twice the amount ever secured from a

single letter in the organization’s 25-year history. Prior to this, I also facilitated a Board of

Directors retreat for this New Jersey agency, where, among other topics, we spent a lot of

time talking about messaging and more respectful (and hopeful) language choices when

describing their service population. On top of the healthy economic return from the plea

letter itself, the non-profit received a flood of notes and phone calls from patrons stating that

they were moved by it. This, too, was a first for them related to plea letter response.

3. Club Horizon - $40,000 Corporate Giving Competitive Award (1 page)

DESCRIPTION: This application resulted in a $40,000 GlaxoSmithKline IMPACT Award

(which is not a grant) in 2010. My client was a significant underdog for this one-time-only

competitive award, which is given to 10 North Carolina and 10 Philadelphia non-profits each

year for excellence in “access to care.” In addition to low numbers of people served (largely

due to their rural location), my client had never received more than $2,500 from any one

funder until working with me (outside of Medicaid reimbursements). Club Horizon returned

to me for more assistance in 2012, and again in 2014.

Application Forms-RFP #2008-01 Addendum #2 for Out-of-School Programs-11/16/07 Page 5 of 18

Agency Narrative (1 page/10 points)

Agency Mission Statement

Peacemaker Family Center serves and mentors individuals and families as they transition from crisis to self-sufficiency.

Agency Description and Organizational Capacity Established in 1960, Trinity Church serves a present congregation in excess of 4,000 persons. Pastoral and support staff fully reflect the rich diversity of the Greater Miami-Dade County community, both ethnically and linguistically, and participant demographics include Caucasian, African-American, Caribbean, Haitian, and Hispanic populations. In 2000, Trinity Church created the Peacemaker Family Center (PFC) to address the tremendous societal needs of individuals and families in the region. Serving as a base for social services, PFC currently supports more than 1,000 people per week through its North Miami, Miami Gardens, and satellite Out of School (OOS) locations.

PFC’s comprehensive community-based programming includes our North Miami Neighborhood Resource Network, Disaster Preparedness Project, food bank, job development services for youth and adults, AmeriCorps activities, Service Partnership for Children of Inmates, Healthy Relationships initiative, Community-Based Abstinence Education initiative, Trinity Christian Academy daycare program, Peacemakers Youth Leadership Institute, ACCESS program, and our year-round Out of School offerings. Through substantial partnerships with other local organizations, PFC capitalizes on available resources, enhancing efficiency and impact of all programs.

Successfully operating Out of School programs since 2003, PFC currently provides services at four separate site locations. Each is staffed with a site director who is charged with program planning and implementation in accordance with core activity standards. Likewise, each is responsible for ensuring that recordkeeping and data collection are in compliance with our Trust contract. These professionals report directly to the PFC Director of Education, the agency-assigned administrator of OOS programs.

PFC remains diligent in response to requests for information, submission of all reporting and invoices as required, and formulation and implementation of Plans of Correction when indicated. Our organizational history is solid in this regard, maintaining full compliance with all Children’s Trust contractual demands. Any deficiencies detected in prior reviews were quickly addressed and resolved. While we scored quite respectable overall averages of 92% on our 2006 review and 91.73% on 2007’s evaluation, we strive to continually improve our service delivery and accountability processes. Our consistently high evaluation scores clearly demonstrate unquestionable capacity to provide safe, quality Out of School programming for children in Miami-Dade County. Any invoicing irregularities were systemic for all providers as fiscal reporting and requirements were altered by the Trust, in addition to working through budget modifications with Trust finance staff earlier this year. We believe that PFC has always met, at a minimum, a compliance rate of 85% in invoice accuracy and the timeliness of such submissions.

Program Narrative

Program/Service Summary (75 words/3 sentences—not scored)

Trinity Church’s Peacemaker Family Center (PFC) Out of School program provides afterschool and summer enrichment programming for children, ages 5 – 15. Through a variety of unique, multi-disciplinary activities conducted in a fun and stimulating environment, the Out of School program promotes exploration of individual talents and interests in fine arts and sports, enhancement of educational and social skills, and the development of a true love for learning.

Application Forms-RFP #2008-01 Addendum #2 for Out-of-School Programs-11/16/07 Page 6 of 18

Statement of Need / Target Population (1 page—8 points)

TOTAL number of unduplicated children/youth participants to be served by this program across all sites for After-School 2008-09: 345

TOTAL number of unduplicated children/youth participants to be served by this program across all sites for Summer Camp 2009: 515

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time at Wellesley Centers for Women’s 2007 document, Making the Case: A Fact Sheet on Children and Youth In Out-of-School Time, reports that “ lack of adult supervision and participation in self-care for both children and adolescents have been linked to increased likelihood of accidents, injuries, lower social competence, lower GPAs, lower achievement test scores, and greater likelihood of participation in delinquent or other high risk activities such as experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, drugs and sex.” The fact sheet further indicates that, on a national level, “the parents of more than 28 million school-age children work outside the home, with as many as 14 million “latchkey children” returning to an empty house on any given afternoon.”

Using a “cradle-to-career” study framework, Education Week’s Quality Counts, Florida Highlights (January 2008) report scores the entire state as an overall “C” against the national average of a “C-minus” rating. The document states that “despite below-average current achievement, Florida finishes seventh nationally, a result that can be attributed to very strong improvements in recent years and relatively small poverty gaps.”

In contrast to state-wide ratings regarding poverty, the children supported by PFC’s past and current Out of School programs generally come from low-income or working poor families, with approximately 60% living in single parent households. Most would be categorized as “at-risk.” All are eligible for free lunch during our summer program and attend public schools where, collectively tallied, 87% of the student body receives free lunch during the school year. (Statistical information about school lunch rates was obtained from Your Florida Department of Education website and is specific to schools our kids attend.)

In order of highest to lower priorities, as per Trust map listings (single parent/free lunch), PFC proposes services at five sites: Holy Cross, Genuine Love, Trinity North, Trinity South, and, finally, Fit Kids—none of which are located in CRA areas. These locations, however, do present high concentrations of both free lunch recipients and single parent homes. At all locations, safe and structured programming emphasizes literacy and social skills development, physical activity and fitness, strong family involvement and outreach, the arts, various sports, and nutrition. (See attachment on Trinity South programming.)

PFC serves both boys and girls, ages 5-15, in year-round Out of School programs. Although all children in need of our services are welcome, racial and ethnic demographics have historically included Caucasian, African-American, Caribbean, Haitian, and Hispanic populations. PFC also accepts children with disabilities on a case-by-case basis, provided our program can fully accommodate their individual challenges. Any child that requires on-site medical care, personal care attendants, 1:1 staffing or extensive behavior modification support would not be appropriate for our program at this time. Conversely, PFC can effectively serve those with milder challenges, such as a wide range of learning differences, ADD/ADHD, and higher functioning children with a variety of developmental disabilities. (Please see supplemental page for further clarification.)

PFC traditionally serves more children than required through contractual funding, as evidenced by our current utilization rate of 105%. For this reason, marketing activities will remain largely the same, focusing on Spirit magazine, postcards, radio and TV commercials, brochures, and public interest articles through the media. Consistently, Out of School vacancies are filled well in advance of program start dates. Enhanced outreach for parents of children with disabilities will occur as well, including revising our materials to specifically welcome this population and working with relevant community programs.

Dear _______________,

Do you believe in miracles?

Birth Haven does. We witness miracles every day through the healthy birth of babies, the

substantially improved lives of their young mothers, and the generous contributions we

continually receive from friends like you.

In fact, without you, none of the miracles that take place at Birth Haven are possible.

As everyone knows, the difficult economy has touched us all. Charitable organizations like Birth

Haven have struggled alongside our neighbors who likewise needed to tighten their belts and do

their best to get through these trying financial times. On behalf of Birth Haven, I sincerely hope

that you and your loved ones are among the many who are expressing a sigh of economic relief.

The young women who come to Birth Haven know a thing or two about financial stress, though

their experience has nothing to do with layoffs from a job or taking a hit on investments. Most

have lived in abject poverty or grew up in extremely low-income households, and, when they

come to us, they are homeless, and scared… and pregnant. Prospects for their futures seem dim

due to lack of financial resources, education, and support. That, however, is BEFORE they come

to Birth Haven.

Birth Haven is more than just a transitional housing program for homeless, pregnant women.

It is a place where life begins.

Of course, babies have been born at Birth Haven for the last 25 years. That is the obvious

answer. Yet, mothers whose futures once seemed uncertain also experience a birth—a dawn of

new hope, determination, self-confidence, and dreams.

So, how is it that young, pregnant women can come to Birth Haven with what seems to be all

odds stacked against them… and completely turn their lives around? Well, part of the answer is

through donations that enable Birth Haven to provide housing, counseling support, education and

Life Skills Training, parenting/baby care classes, case management coordination, and assistance

with obtaining all necessary medical care prior to and after the baby’s birth. The other answer

is—COURAGE.

Making the choice to carry an unplanned pregnancy to term is, indeed, courageous. Especially

when that means that you will do this alone, without available support of friends or family, and,

most often, the baby’s father.

Without Birth Haven, these young ladies would most certainly be alone. But they are not. We

are here, and we will steadfastly continue to be the safe and supportive haven needed to help our

brave residents navigate the multitude of challenges ahead. We will continue to help them

discover their value in this world and unfold all the potential that lies within them.

As you spend time with your loved ones this Holiday season, we ask you to take a moment to

look around you. Imagine living in a world where these other people did not exist. You were by

yourself…and…with a baby on the way.

What would that feel like?

For those who do not have this sense of supportive family and community, Birth Haven fills a

void. But, in order for us to do this—and do it well—we need your time, your talents… and your

financial contribution.

A donation of $25, $50, or $100 is not just a contribution for today.

It is an investment in someone’s future. In fact, it deeply impacts upon TWO lives.

I ask you to pull out your checkbook today and make a gift in whatever amount you can.

Contributions of all sizes help, and there is no gift too small. (Or too large!) Each dollar goes a

long, long way in creating daily miracles at Birth Haven!

As I close, I wish you and your family a peaceful Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

We hope you will remember Birth Haven during this celebratory time that is traditionally filled

with so much joy, love, and HOPE.

Those three words—joy, love, and HOPE—truly reflect the magic of Birth Haven and the

incredible work we do in support of these courageous young women who chose to alter their

lives forever. They certainly didn’t pick an easy path. But they can do it. And, we will help.

Miracles DO happen.

Sincerely,

Kate Yaskovic

Executive Director

7

3. We currently partner with CASA in relationship to 8 supported living apartments for persons with mental illness. CASA owns and manages the properties, while Club Horizon provides the essential support services necessary to ensure that a member can continue to live successfully in the community. Such stability is one factor central to mental health recovery.

4. Club Horizon works with 9 members of the deaf community in collaboration with the Wake

County Human Services Deaf Team. (We are the only PSR program in the county that serves deaf consumers with personnel on staff who are fluent in American Sign Language.) Wake County Human Services also provides assistance to Club Horizon in its effective support of Spanish-speaking members. Club Horizon routinely bridges gaps in services, especially for more difficult-to-serve populations who often go without proper support and services.

5. NC State University volunteers offer programming related to physical wellness. NC Mental

Health Consumers provides regular workshops on empowerment and self-advocacy. We also utilize MSW and (soon) BSW student interns from NC State. These partnerships enhance our comprehensive approach to mental health recovery and reaching/maintaining optimal functioning.

5. Please provide additional information which would make a compelling case for your application. Do not repeat information already given. Total max word count 300 Club Horizon programming combines, under one organizational structure, the three interdependent modalities for successful support of persons with serious mental illness—holistic approaches, professional medication management, and psychosocial rehabilitation. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay or availability of Medicaid/other insurance reimbursements. CSS staff coordinates services with primary care physicians, as well as specialists such as gynecologists, neurologists, and others. Every year, Club Horizon works with the local health department to increase member awareness of safe sexual behavior, nutrition, and general physical health. Our Clubhouse’s formalized Wellness program includes weekly groups focused on health education and physical wellness, exercise, smoking cessation, reducing mental health relapse, symptom management, effective medication usage, and coping with the challenges of living with mental illness.

As part of relapse prevention, Club Horizon intervenes prior to full-blown crisis by linking consumers with psychiatrists for necessary medication adjustments, ensuring that medication is administered correctly, and making certain that the psychiatrist is aware of any issues that may be exacerbating psychiatric symptoms. Addition of our new Outpatient Services program will allow members to receive these services in-house, should they choose, while also offering one more urgently needed resource for other members of the community who require psychiatric care. Introducing this new service component is a prime example of Club Horizon’s commitment to the needs of persons with mental illness in Wake County, and our unwavering responsiveness to the ever-changing shifts in funding, mental health reform, and available community resources.

Club Horizon does it all. Operating under a “do what it takes” philosophy, programming centers on all aspects of successful living — mental and physical health (including access to care), work, education, housing, social and life skills development, empowerment/self-advocacy, and…above all…instilling a deep and rightful sense of belonging in society. That… is IMPACT.

Consulting Agreement This agreement is entered into on this day of , 20 , between of

(Phone: ), herein known as Client, and Mary E. Costello of 6128

Adcock Ln, Hanover, MD 21076 (Phone: 443-267-8884), herein known as Consultant.

Under this agreement, the Consultant shall:

1. Provide organizational and/or program development assistance and services related to preparation of/for

funding requests, contracts, or provider agreements, to be compensated by the Client at a rate of per hour.

The scope of services shall be determined by mutual agreement and may extend beyond typical parameters of

such responsibilities at the request of the Client.

2. Provide, via email, weekly accounting of hours billed against the retainer, charged in 15-minute increments,

and the current retainer balance. Accounting updates shall not be provided during inactive weeks/periods.

3. Surrender all materials completed to date, provided that payment has been received. The Consultant is entitled

to withhold any or all materials until fees have been paid.

4. Ensure that all written materials are original works and shall be, to the best knowledge of the Consultant,

appropriate for the purpose for which they are developed.

5. Be available, as reasonable, for phone consultations with the Client.

Under this agreement, the Client shall:

1. Provide upfront payment in the form of a retainer, from which the Consultant will bill for the services that are

provided each week. Additionally, the Consultant will include regular balance information to the Client

indicating hours worked. The retainer shall be made payable to Mary E. Costello in the form of a personal/

company check or delivered through electronic bank transfer. Upon exhaustion of said retainer, the Client will

forward additional retainer funds, continuing to pay in advance for the Consultant’s services. Absence of

retainer funds will result in all work placed on “hold status” until new payment is received by the Consultant.

2. Provide, in a timely manner, all necessary materials required by the Consultant to complete assigned tasks. This

includes reasonable email and phone responsiveness to all questions and draft edit needs.

Both parties agree to the following:

1. This contract may be cancelled at any time by either party, and for any reason. Upon cancellation of this

consulting contract, any unused portion of the retainer will be promptly returned to the Client.

2. The Consultant is in no way responsible for any legal or accounting issues that may arise out of the use of any

written materials or obtainment of grants or other funding, and cannot provide legal or accounting counsel of

any kind. Additionally, the Consultant accepts this contract in good faith that the potential for grants/other

funding and corporate sponsorships is likely or possible, however no guarantee shall be made regarding the

receipt of grant awards or other funding.

3. Work shall be compensated at a rate of per hour. Incidental costs, if any, such as postage or duplication

costs shall additionally be deducted from the retainer, with receipts furnished to the Client.

4. Consulting fees are subject to change at any time with 30 days written notice provided by the Consultant.

___________________________________________ ________________________________________________

date Mary E. Costello date

Executive Director Independent Consultant—Creative Edge Consulting

Grant Writing & Program/Organizational Development

Creative Edge Consulting

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”

-Mahatma Gandhi

443-267-8884