Why are PPL and LNB merging?

First and foremost, Loring Nicollet-Bethlehem Community Centers (LNB) and Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) are joining forces to better serve the community. Nearly a year ago, they began thoroughly examining the idea of a possible joint future. For LNB, working under the auspices of a larger organization meant preserving and enhancing successful community programs. For PPL, there was the potential of integrating a wider range of quality programs into its current service menu. For both organizations, which share a common mission of working to increase self-sufficiency, it meant better serving low-income individuals and families, and having greater community impact.

Will the mission of the organization change?

The mission will remain focused on helping people achieve self-sufficiency .

What are the benefits of the merger?

Together as one, PPL and LNB will be able to assist more people with a broader range of services, and offer additional programming that would be difficult for either organization to start from the ground up. For example:

• The Bethlehem Community Center is located close to nearly 100 units of affordable housing managed by PPL, creating opportunities to link those families with the range of services offered at the Center.
• The combined “continuum” of educational programs will be extended, ranging from early childhood education at LNB's Early Learning Center, through a wide variety of grade schools program (Partnership Academy Charter School, tutoring/mentor programs, College Houses), to middle and high school (PPL Leaders, LNB's alternative high school programs).
• Resources for adult basic education and employment services at the Loring Nicollet Center and PPL's Learning Center, when combined, will offer a wider range of opportunities to a similar group of “walk-in” community members.

When will the merger take effect?

The merger will take effect on January 1, 2008.

What is the name of the new organization?

The merged organization will be known as Project for Pride in Living, Inc. (PPL) . The two LNB centers will retain their names (The Loring Nicollet Community Center and The Bethlehem Community Center) under the PPL banner.

Who will lead the new organization?

Steve Cramer, the current PPL executive director, will be at the helm of the new organization. Brad Englund, LNB's executive director for 12 years, will retire at the end of 2007, completing a nearly 40-year social service career. PPL's current Board of 37 Directors will be augmented by the addition of 5 LNB Board members. Other members of the LNB Board will be invited to join PPL Board standing committees.

Will any staff be laid off?  Will any buildings close?

Currently, we aren't anticipating the loss or addition of any staff as a result of the merger. Staff changes over time will occur based on program needs and funding availability. Our primary building portfolio (two LNB sites, four PPL sites) should remain the same.

What would LNB have done without this merger?

LNB Board chose to investigate joining forces with another nonprofit with a similar mission for greater community impact.  Although government funding for employment-related LNB programs have diminished over the past five years, LNB is a viable agency offering strong programs in education and employment for low-income individuals and families.  The merger with PPL will help preserve the LNB legacy and only adds to its long history of combining with other agencies to expand and enhance services.

How will this merger affect participant services? 

Participants will see “business as usual” with programs and services remaining intact as PPL and LNB work toward a seamless transition and organization integration. The merger will broaden service for existing participants, and in the future, provide greater access to enhanced programs.

Is there any program overlap?

LNB offers a strong Adult Basic Education (ABE) focus at the Loring Nicollet Center, which can enhance the ABE services at PPL's Learning Center. This is an area of high need for many of the people served by both agencies. In other ways, the services differ. PPL's direct employment training programs (PPL Industries and PPL SHOP) and employer-focused classroom training are different from the assessment and placement service offered by LNB. Program staff has begun to explore how this comprehensive set of services can be managed in a way to create a continuum of services for adults facing a range of employment-related barriers.

Will any programs be added?

Currently, we are working on organization integration and creating a continuum of services, which will result in fewer gaps in the range of programs and services offered to participants. The increased capacity of the organization means we may be able to respond to new programs or initiatives that previously we were unable to do alone.

How will the merger affect fundraising?  Where will LNB contributions go and how will the money be used?

We see this as a positive step for both organizations. PPL and LNB have solid fundraising histories based on our proven track records of meeting community needs. Our capacity to serve the community will be enhanced by the merger, which helps us make a stronger case for support. Before entering into merger negotiations, leaders from both organizations met with area funders to discuss the potential alliance and to hear feedback and concerns. Because the message we heard was one of encouragement, the decision was made to continue the merger process. Designated donations to either organization or specific programs will, as always, be honored.