nonprofit logo

North Star Initiative

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 273129156 ✦ Lititz, PA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause at the same time! With the Give Freely browser extension, you'll automatically save money with coupons, and partner stores will donate to your chosen charity - at no extra cost to you. Start giving back with a single click. It's safe, free, and spam-free, guaranteed!

Overview

What is North Star Initiative?

The North Star Initiative (NSI) is a compassionate nonprofit organization based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, dedicated to aiding victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Their primary program, the Harbor Restoration Program (HRP), offers a safe, 24/7 environment for female survivors, complete with on-site clinical staff and a 2-year residency. The program is tailored to each survivor's circumstances, providing a structured pathway towards sustainable independence. The HRP operates at near-full capacity, as survivors progress through the comprehensive care that includes medical, emotional, and skill-building services, all available on-site. The North Star Initiative's mission is rooted in a Christian focus, providing holistic support to help these women heal and rebuild their lives.


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96%, Four-Star out of Four Star Rating

North Star Initiative is recognized for its high performance and accountability, earning a commendable 96% rating from Charity Navigator. This indicates a strong commitment to financial health and operational transparency. The organization boasts an impressive program expense ratio of 82.43%, which suggests that the majority of its resources are directed towards its mission of supporting survivors of domestic sex trafficking.

User feedback presents a mixed picture. Many volunteers and board members praise North Star Initiative for its compassionate approach and faith-based mission, highlighting the transformative impact it has on survivors. Reviews underscore the dedication of the staff and volunteers, emphasizing the organization's focus on physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual care for those they serve.

However, there are significant criticisms that cannot be overlooked. Some former volunteers and donors have raised serious concerns about alleged incidents of revictimization among survivors, calling for increased transparency from the organization's leadership. These negative reviews suggest a need for the organization to address internal challenges more openly to maintain its reputation and ensure the safety and well-being of its clients.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is North Star Initiative legitimate?

North Star Initiative is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. North Star Initiative 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: $63,594
Professional Fundraising Fees: $14,165
Other Salaries and Wages: $360,417

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

What is the mission statement of North Star Initiative?

The North Star Initiative is committed to supporting women who have survived domestic sex trafficking. They provide comprehensive care, including physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual assistance, through a faith-based approach. The organization operates the Harbor Restoration Program, offering 24/7 supervised care for up to two years to female survivors. This program addresses the needs of sex trafficking survivors through intensive trauma therapy, life and job skills training, education, and career building. The Harbor Restoration Program is unique in tailoring each survivor's program to their specific circumstances, providing a clear path to sustainable independence. The program operates at or near full capacity as survivors graduate, and all services are provided on-site, minimizing disruptions for participants.


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

Who is the CEO of North Star Initiative?

Melinda Clark Current Ed is the Principal Officer of North Star Initiative.


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

What is the revenue of North Star Initiative?

North Star Initiative's revenue in 2022 was $1,634,885.


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

Who are the executives of North Star Initiative and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at North Star Initiative during 2022 was $15,143. There are 28 employees and 45 volunteers at North Star Initiative.


Here are 7 key members and their salaries:


Janelle Esbenshade (Executive Di)
  • Compensation: $63,593
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Bomberger (Vice-Chairpe)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Claire Chivington (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Terry Esbenshade (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kelly Gooch (Board Member)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Doug Harris (Chairperson)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joy Hungerford (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

Where can I find the form 990 for North Star Initiative?

North Star Initiative's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.northstarinitiative.org

Learn more at the official website: www.northstarinitiative.org

Mission Statement of North Star Initiative

The North Star Initiative, a nonprofit organization, is committed to supporting women who have survived domestic sex trafficking. Through a Christ-centered focus, this initiative offers comprehensive care that encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of these survivors. The Harbor Restoration Program, a key component of North Star Initiative, provides 24/7/365 supervised care for up to two years, housing female survivors of domestic sex trafficking. This program is unique in its approach, tailoring an individualized program for each survivor, guiding them towards sustainable independence. The program addresses the needs of sex trafficking survivors through intensive trauma therapy, life and job skills training, education, and career building. The Harbor Home, owned and operated by North Star Initiative, offers all services on-site, ensuring minimal disruption as participants progress through the program.

Shop smarter and support your favorite cause with the Give Freely browser extension. Save money with coupons and donate to charity with a single click. Download now!

Impact




October, 2024

The North Star Initiative makes a profound impact on the lives of women who are survivors of domestic sex trafficking. Through its Harbor Restoration Program, it offers 24/7 comprehensive care designed specifically for female survivors, allowing them to heal from trauma and build new, independent lives. This program provides critical support that includes intense trauma therapy, life and job skills training, and educational opportunities, all within a safe and nurturing environment.

By maintaining a residential program that can last up to two years, North Star Initiative ensures that survivors receive personalized attention tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. This individualized approach helps create clear paths toward sustainable independence, empowering women to reclaim their lives.

The Harbor Home is equipped with on-site licensed clinical staff and offers a range of services, such as physician and counseling appointments, without the need for participants to navigate outside systems, which can often be a barrier to recovery. As a result, many survivors complete the program and successfully transition into independent living, demonstrating the effectiveness of North Star Initiative’s holistic, Christ-centered care model. With a commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of survivors, North Star Initiative plays a crucial role in fostering healing and resilience within this vulnerable population.




This information is meant to be a general summary of North Star Initiative. 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.

Revenue
$1,634,885 (2022)
Expenses
$771,019 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $15,794
  • Gross Receipts: $1,658,243

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $3,381,354
  • Total Liabilities: $50,176
  • Net Assets: $3,331,178

Want to help this charity, for free? You can click here to learn more about Give Freely

Organization Details

Founding Year

2010

Principal Officer

Melinda Clark Current Ed

Main Address

PO BOX 315, LITITZ, PA, 17543

NTEE Category

Code: P73 - Human services

If you are a representative of North Star Initiative and wish to learn more about how Give Freely can help you raise funds, please click here: https://givefreely.com/nonprofits/. Our services are offered at no cost to your organization.