Q: Why isn't The Cabbage Patch a Metro United Way Agency?
A: The Cabbage Patch was established years before any community-wide funding agencies existed. As these systems emerged, our founder, Louise Marshall, (and those who have followed in her footsteps) felt strongly that if it was possible to remain independent and still accomplish our mission; this was the preferred option. Concern that our Christian emphasis might be compromised, restrictions on fund-raising activity, and additional administrative requirements are some of the reasons we have chosen to remain a private, independent organization.
The Cabbage Patch does periodically collaborate with United Way on projects and has occasionally received small special grants given to non-United Way agencies participating in collaborative group efforts.
Q: Does The Cabbage Patch receive government funding?
A: No, we do not receive government funding. This tradition also goes back to Miss Marshall's belief in remaining independent. The priorities of the government change with each election, and this type of funding often proves unstable. Most importantly, we do not receive government funding, because we do not want restrictions placed on our ability to offer Christian-based programs and services.
Q: What is a Settlement House?
A: Settlement Houses began in the U.S. in the late 1800s and were a popular way to help people in poor neighborhoods. A settlement house was often staffed by resident workers and offered a variety of programs to help people in the neighborhood help themselves. Few, if any, governmental programs assisting low-income families existed until the mid twentieth century and Settlement Houses met, and continue to meet, critical needs with innovative and relationship-based programs.
Q: Where does the name Cabbage Patch come from?
A: In the early 1900s, The Cabbage Patch was the name of the neighborhood in which we were founded. This section of town was home to many immigrants who were truck gardeners raising cabbages. Families living in this neighborhood inspired Alice Hegan Rice’s book Mrs. Wiggs of The Cabbage Patch, which was published in 1901 and later produced as plays and films.
Q: Is The Cabbage Patch affiliated with a particular church/denomination?
A: No; although The Cabbage Patch was "birthed" as a result of a mission outreach of Second Presbyterian Church, we are not officially under the auspices of any denomination. We are, however, most grateful for the financial support and involvement of several local churches/denominations which see The Cabbage Patch as part of their ministry to "the least of these" in their own "backyard."
Q: Is my contribution tax-deductible?
A: The Cabbage Patch is a 501 (c) 3 charity; therefore gifts given to The Cabbage Patch are tax-deductible as defined by the IRS (gifts which receive no goods or services in exchange).
Q: I'd like to volunteer, but I am not sure how to help. What kind of help do you need?
A: Annually, approximately 2,000 volunteers give 10,000 hours or more of service to The Cabbage Patch. Based on current valuations, this is a “contribution” of approximately $200,000 in services. Volunteers are important partners in our ministry to at-risk children, whether they serve as a mentor, coach, tutor, special events committee member or a speaker for our Patch Parents group. Dozens of potential volunteer opportunities are available.
Q: Do you provide emergency help?
A: The Cabbage Patch provides limited emergency assistance (food, rent, utilities) to closely connected families. However, this type of assistance sometimes perpetuates dependency and does not help low-income families address their root causes for lack of resources. Instead, our trained social workers and counselors work intensely with the families to address specific action plans that will help them progress toward self-sufficiency. Our goal is to give them a hand-up, not just a handout.
Q: Who can come to The Cabbage Patch? Do you have to live in a certain area?
A: No, The Cabbage Patch does not limit who can participate in our programs based on race, religion or geographic area. Most of our programs are for school-age children and youth, and the majority of our participants come from a one to two-mile radius of our facility.
Q: How much of my contribution goes to administration and fundraising?
- A: The Cabbage Patch works very hard to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance states that nonprofits should use at least 65% of their total expenses for programs and services. The Cabbage Patch works hard to keep our overhead costs to 25% or less so that at least 75% of our expenses go to programs and services. We find that the majority of donors understand that quality management and sound fiscal oversight require a reasonable amount be spent to ensure donations are wisely and efficiently used and the needs of those served are first and foremost.
Q: How is your organization conforming to IRS changes in the 990 and governance transparency concerns?
A: The Cabbage Patch Board of Directors takes their duty of ethical and transparent governance very seriously. Our Board Development, Finance, and Human Resources committees of the board periodically review appropriate organizational documents and policies.