Overview
What is Vela?
Vela is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas, specifically at 4900 Gonzales Street. Their mission is to empower families with children having special needs, offering hands-on classes and support in both English and Spanish. With a dedicated team of five employees, Vela strives to strengthen these families by providing educational courses, assistance, and fostering community connections. Their programs focus on assisting underserved families in the Austin area.
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 97%, Four-Star out of Four Stars
Vela has received an impressive Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a strong commitment to accountability and finance, with a perfect score of 100% in this area. This score is indicative of the charity's effective financial management practices and transparency, which are critical for gaining donor trust and ensuring the sustainability of their programs.
The organization boasts a fully independent board, with 100% of its members meeting the criteria for independence, and it maintains a strong liability-to-assets ratio of 1.25%. Vela's financial health is further evidenced by its high program expense ratio of 82.74%, indicating that the majority of its expenditures go directly to its programs rather than administrative costs. This focus on program delivery is a key strength for the nonprofit.
There are no reported issues related to material diversion of assets, and the charity has established comprehensive policies regarding conflict of interest, whistleblower protections, and document retention. These policies not only enhance operational integrity but also provide a framework for ethical governance. Overall, Vela's strong performance on these metrics positions it as a responsible and effective charity.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
What do the Facebook reviews say about Vela?
100% of 24 reviewers on Facebook recommend Vela. Here is a summary of their reviews:
The feedback highlights a strong sense of community and support within the Vela organization. Many reviewers express appreciation for the compassionate and dedicated staff, who create an environment where families with children with disabilities feel understood and supported.
Participants emphasize that Vela not only offers valuable programs but also fosters a sense of belonging, reassuring families that they are not alone in their journeys. Overall, the sentiment reflects deep gratitude and satisfaction with the services provided by Vela.
This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.
Is Vela legitimate?
Vela is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Vela submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $65,953
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $184,479
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
What is the mission statement of Vela?
Vela's mission is centered around empowering families of children with special needs. They achieve this by offering hands-on courses, providing support, and fostering community building. These initiatives are designed to uplift underserved families in Austin. Vela's workshops and assistance are available in both English and Spanish, catering to the diverse needs of their community. Through these efforts, Vela aims to equip and strengthen families, enabling them to better navigate the challenges associated with raising children with special needs.
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
Who is the CEO of Vela?
Maria Hernandez is the Board Chair of Vela.
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
What is the revenue of Vela?
Vela's revenue in 2022 was $885,848.
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
Who are the executives of Vela and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Vela during 2022 was $50,086. There are 5 employees and 50 volunteers at Vela.
Here are 8 key members and their salaries:
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Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Vela?
Vela's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.velafamilies.org
Learn more at the official website: www.velafamilies.org
Mission Statement of Vela
Vela, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to empowering families of children with special needs. They achieve this mission through a multifaceted approach that includes providing hands-on courses, offering support, and fostering a sense of community. Vela recognizes the unique challenges that these families face and seeks to equip them with the necessary tools and resources to navigate their journey.
In practice, Vela offers a variety of hands-on classes in both English and Spanish. These classes are tailored to the needs of underserved families in Austin, providing them with the knowledge and skills required to support their children effectively. Beyond educational programs, Vela also extends its support to these families, offering assistance in navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
Furthermore, Vela promotes a sense of community among its members. By bringing families together, they create an environment where individuals can share experiences, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships. This sense of community is instrumental in providing emotional support and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. In summary, Vela empowers families of children with special needs by providing educational resources, offering support, and fostering a strong sense of community.
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Impact
October, 2024
Vela has a profound impact on families of children with special needs in Austin, Texas, by offering hands-on courses and comprehensive support tailored to their unique challenges. By providing resources and education in both English and Spanish, Vela significantly enhances the accessibility of vital information and skills that empower families to advocate for their children's needs effectively. The organization's commitment to community building fosters a strong support network among underserved families, encouraging collaboration and shared experiences. Through its mission, Vela not only addresses educational gaps but also nurtures resilience and hope within the community, creating a more inclusive environment for children with special needs and their families.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Vela. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Program Service Revenue: $10,915
- Gross Receipts: $915,842
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $729,834
- Total Liabilities: $12,215
- Net Assets: $717,619
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Programs
Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.
MISC PROGRAM INCOME
Revenue
$10,915
Organization Details
Founding Year
2010
Phone
(512) 850-8281Principal Officer
Maria Hernandez
Main Address
4900 GONZALES ST, AUSTIN, TX, 78702
Website
www.velafamilies.orgNTEE Category
Code: B28 - Education
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