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ObjectId: 201731249349200333 - Submission: 2017-04-27
TIN: 47-2171861
Form
990-EZ
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Short Form
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax
Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations)
Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.
Information about Form 990-EZ and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990
.
OMB No. 1545-1150
20
16
Open to Public
Inspection
A
For the 2016 calendar year, or tax year beginning
01-01-2016
, and ending
12-31-2016
B
Check if applicable:
Address change
Name change
Initial return
Final return/terminated
Amended return
Application pending
C
Name of organization
Real Life Skills Inc
Number and street (or P. O. box, if mail is not delivered to street address)
123 Worthington St Unit 204
Room/suite
City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
Spring Valley
,
CA
91977
D Employer identification number
47-2171861
E
Telephone number
(619) 921-1139
F
Group Exemption
Number
G
Accounting Method:
Cash
Accrual
Other (specify)
H
Check
required to attach Schedule B
(Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF).
I Website:
reallifeskills.org
J Tax-exempt status
(check only one) -
501(c)(3)
501(c)
(
)
(insert no.)
4947(a)(1)
or
527
K
Form of organization:
Corporation
Trust
Association
Other
L
Add lines 5b, 6c, and 7b to line 9 to determine gross receipts. If gross receipts are $200,000 or more, or if total assets (Part II, column (B) below) are $500,000 or more, file Form 990 instead of Form 990-EZ
...........................
$
42,250
Part I
Revenue, Expenses, and Changes in Net Assets or Fund Balances
(see the instructions for Part I)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part I
.....................
1
Contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts received
....................
1
42,100
2
Program service revenue including government fees and contracts
...............
2
0
3
Membership dues and assessments
...........................
3
0
4
Investment income
...........................
4
0
5a
Gross amount from sale of assets other than inventory
.....
5a
0
b
Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses
.......
5b
0
c
Gain or (loss) from sale of assets other than inventory (Subtract line 5b from line 5a)
......
5c
0
6
Gaming and fundraising events
a
Gross income from gaming (attach Schedule G if greater than $15,000)
6a
0
b
Gross income from fundraising events (not including $
0
of contributions from fundraising events reported on line 1) (attach Schedule G if the
sum of such gross income and contributions exceeds $15,000)
..
6b
0
c
Less: direct expenses from gaming and fundraising events
...
6c
0
d
Net income or (loss) from gaming and fundraising events (add lines 6a and 6b and subtract line 6c)
6d
0
7a
Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances
......
7a
0
b
Less: cost of goods sold
.............
7b
0
c
Gross profit or (loss) from sales of inventory (Subtract line 7b from line 7a)
.........
7c
0
8
Other revenue (describe in Schedule O)
..........
8
150
9
Total revenue.
Add lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5c, 6d, 7c, and 8
..............
9
42,250
10
Grants and similar amounts paid (list in Schedule O)
............
10
0
11
Benefits paid to or for members
................
11
0
12
Salaries, other compensation, and employee benefits
................
12
26,081
13
Professional fees and other payments to independent contractors
............
13
1,850
14
Occupancy, rent, utilities, and maintenance
...................
14
0
15
Printing, publications, postage, and shipping
..............
15
262
16
Other expenses (describe in Schedule O)
..............
16
2,226
17
Total expenses.
Add lines 10 through 16
..............
17
30,419
18
Excess or (deficit) for the year (Subtract line 17 from line 9)
............
18
11,831
19
Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (from line 27, column (A)) (must agree with
end-of-year figure reported on prior year’s return)
............
19
1,458
20
Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O)
..........
20
0
21
Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 18 through 20
.......
21
13,289
For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.
Cat. No. 10642I
Form
990-EZ
(2016)
Page 2
Form 990-EZ (2016)
Page
2
Part II
Balance Sheets
(see the instructions for Part II)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part II
.................
(A)
Beginning of year
(B)
End of year
22
Cash, savings, and investments
................
1,458
22
13,289
23
Land and buildings
....................
0
23
0
24
Other assets (describe in Schedule O)
..........
0
24
0
25
Total assets
......................
1,458
25
13,289
26
Total liabilities
(describe in Schedule O)
.............
0
26
0
27
Net assets or fund balances
(line 27 of column (B)
must
agree with line 21)
1,458
27
13,289
Part III
Statement of Program Service Accomplishments
(see the instructions for Part III)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part III
.
.
Expenses
(Required for section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations; optional for others.)
What is the organization's primary exempt purpose?
To Teach proven life enhancing concepts, the power of thinking, and understanding life choices for those seeking a better life. Those in need include homeless in transition, at risk youth, and those struggling with life challenges. In other words, we want our education program to reach those individuals where the needs are the greatest.
Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. In a clear and concise manner, describe the services provided, the number of persons benefited, and other relevant information for each program title.
28
First, the corporation was formed and received in tax-exempt status in November 2014.The income and expenses in 2014 represent only the startup expenses. By way of background, this unique course was specifically designed to meet the needs of homeless in transition at the San Diego Rescue Mission.Over the previous 3 years over 500 individuals attended these classes and because of its influence in changing lives the course became a requirement for graduation. As a result of this success REAL LIFE SKILLS, INC was formed to bring this curriculum and method of presentation to other agencies. In 2014 The program was introduced at Connection Housing, a transitional housing facility, in downtown San Diego.The course sessions consist of 8-1 hour classes twice a week for 4 weeks. There were 5 sessions offered to 191 interim residents. Average attendance was 20 students per class with 30 students graduating and receiving diplomas. We are committed to helping as many individuals as we can become the best version of themselves. The course objecctive is to restore self-esteem, dignity, build confidence, and reveal to our students that they can achieve a meaningful life. We teach about the "Power of Thinking" and explain how distorted thinking leads to poor choices and bad decisions. We are always interested in measuring outcomes and results.There are significant positive outcomes as measured by student surveys and more importantly the observations from caseworkers and the organizations we serve. IN 2015, our program continued to move forward seeking to enlarge our footprint in the community. For the homeless in transition there were 12 sessions of 8 hour classes held with the following results: Rescue Mission in San Diego had had 6 sessions;48 classes with attendance of 142 and 114 graduates. At Path(Connection Housing) had 6 sessions;48 classes with attendance of 90 and 40 graduates. For those struggling with Life Challenges we were contacted in September 2015 and asked to introduce our program into the Prison system. Classes began in December at the East Mesa Re-entry facility and are scheduled for Westcare for women. In 2015 we were very pleased to graduate and having our first woman certified instructor (Cathy Richman). Cathy will be teaching in the womens' prison. Cathy comes with extensive experience and knowledge as the founder of Angels Foster Network and is a very valuable team member to us IN 2016, our program continued to grow and enlarge our footprint in the community serving agencies where the needs are greatest. The program was taught to 479 students with 286 graduates compare to 232 and 154 in 2015 respectively. This is an increase of 107% in attendance and 85% in graduates. The program is now in 6 agencies which include the Rescue Mission, Path, East Mesa Re-entry facility, Las Colinas, WestCare, and National Crossroads . For 2017 our focus is to expand our reach out to help (1)Veterans struggling with life challenges and (2) to youth at risk which will include the girls and boys in Juvenile Hall and in our schools. We are pleased that the teaching accomplishments could be achieved by our small staff of 3 dedicated volunteer certified instructors. We will be adding more teachers to accommodate our plans for 2017. SERVICES PROVIDED: The program is based on a unique quote based lesson plan which is taught in a series of 8 one hour classes The quotes are from past presidents, successful leaders, philosophers, and athletes that share their most serious lessons learned about life.The time period for the program is twice a week for one month or can bee taught once a week over two months. The lesson plan curriculum covers eight important topics which are (1) Self Discovery-Who Am I?, (2) Is Failure a Blessing in Disguise?, (3) Formula For Success, (4) The purpose of Adversity, (5) Perseverance -The master key, (5) Your Life's Next Chapter, (7) The Significant Life, (8) The Recipe for Greatness. We motivate, stimulate, and educate our students in a lesson plan that utilizes the Cognitive Behavior Theory approach. This approach gets to 90% of most human problems which is distorted thinking. We focus on changing the pattern of thinking. The number one skill in Life Skills is THINKING. PERSONS BENEFITED: We believe every human being has tremendous value and are committed to helping as many as we can become the best version of themselves. The following person benefited in the agencies we serve. Rescue Mission -Interim residence (attendance of 132 with 83 graduates) Path-Connection Housing- Transitional Housing (attendance of 71 with 29 graduates) East Mesa re-entry facility-Male inmates scheduled for early release (attendance of 160 with 146 graduates) WestCare-Incarcerated women soon to be released (attendance of 63 with 13 graduates Las Colinas Detention Facility for women (Inmates in incentive based housing preparing for release (attendance of 33 with 13 graduates) National Crossroads-Safe House for released inmates-women ( attendance of 20 with 1 graduate). The outcomes we recognize are based upon written class evaluations, class participation, student testimonials, feedback from caseworkers, and enthusiastic support from the agencies we serve. We will continue to seek additional tools for measuring outcomes.
(Grants $
0
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
28a
26,000
29
(Grants $
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
29a
30
(Grants $
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
30a
31
Other program services (describe in Schedule O)
................
(Grants $
)
If this amount includes foreign grants, check here
...
31a
32 Total program service expenses
(add lines 28a through 31a)
..........
32
26,000
Part IV
List of Officers, Directors, Trustees, and Key Employees
(list each one even if not compensated see the instructions for Part IV)
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part IV
............
(a)
Name and title
(b)
Average
hours per week
devoted to position
(c)
Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC)
(if not paid, enter -0-)
(d)
Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and
deferred compensation
(e)
Estimated amount
of other compensation
Richard Karlson
President
16
0
0
0
Susan Zlaket
Secretary
1
0
0
0
Robinson Devadhason
Treasurer
4
0
0
0
James Robins
Executive Director, Program Director & Facilitator
20
24,000
2,081
0
Bruce Menser
Board member
0.5
0
0
0
James Pressler
Board member
0.5
0
0
0
Form
990-EZ
(2016)
Page 3
Form 990-EZ (2016)
Page
3
Part V
Other Information
(Note the Schedule A and personal benefit contract statement requirements in the
instructions for Part V.) Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part V
.......
Yes
No
33
Did the organization engage in any significant activity not previously reported to the IRS? If "Yes," provide a
detailed description of each activity in Schedule O
...................
33
No
34
Were any significant changes made to the organizing or governing documents? If "Yes," attach a conformed copy
of the amended documents if they reflect a change to the organization’s name. Otherwise, explain the change
on Schedule O (see instructions)
..........................
34
No
35a
Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year from business
activities (such as those reported on lines 2, 6a, and 7a, among others)?
............
35a
No
b
If "Yes," to line 35a, has the organization filed a Form 990-T for the year? If "No," provide
an explanation in Schedule O
35b
c
Was the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization subject to section 6033(e)
notice, reporting, and proxy tax requirements during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III
35c
No
36
Did the organization undergo a liquidation, dissolution, termination, or significant disposition of net assets during
the year? If “Yes," complete applicable parts of Schedule N
................
36
No
37a
Enter amount of political expenditures, direct or indirect, as described in the instructions.
37a
0
b
Did the organization file
Form 1120-POL
for this year?
...................
37b
No
38a
Did the organization borrow from, or make any loans to, any officer, director, trustee, or key employee
or
were
any such loans made in a prior year and still outstanding at the end of the tax year covered by this return?
..
38a
No
b
If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II and enter the total amount involved
.
38b
39
Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:
a
Initiation fees and capital contributions included on line 9
.......
39a
b
Gross receipts, included on line 9, for public use of club facilities
.....
39b
40a
Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on the organization during the year under:
section 4911
0
; section 4912
0
; section 4955
0
b
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in any section 4958
excess benefit transaction during the year, or did it engage in an excess benefit transaction in a prior year that
has not been reported on any of its prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If “Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I
40b
No
c
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax imposed on organization
managers or disqualified persons during the year under sections
4912, 4955, and 4958
0
d
Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Enter amount of tax on line 40c reimbursed
by the organization
0
e
All organizations. At any time during the tax year, was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter
transaction? If "Yes," complete Form 8886-T
................
40e
No
41
List the states with which a copy of this return is filed.
CA
42a
The organization's books are in care of
Richard Karlson
Telephone no.
(619) 921-1139
Located at
655 India St Unit 306
San Diego
,
CA
ZIP + 4
92101
b
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in or a signature or other authority over a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)?
Yes
No
42b
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country:
See the instructions for exceptions and filing requirements for
FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
c
At any time during the calendar year, did the organization maintain an office outside the U.S.?
.
.
.
42c
No
If “Yes," enter the name of the foreign country:
43
Section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trusts filing Form 990-EZ in lieu of
Form 1041 -
Check here
......
and enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the tax year
....
43
Yes
No
44a
Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed instead
of Form 990-EZ
.............................
44a
No
b
Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities during the year? If "Yes," Form 990 must be completed
instead of Form 990-EZ
.............................
44b
No
c
Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the year?
.........
44c
No
d
If "Yes," to line 44c, has the organization filed a Form 720 to report these payments?
If "No," provide an
explanation in Schedule O
............................
44d
45a
Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?
.........
45a
No
45b
Did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," Form 990 and Schedule R may need to be completed instead of
Form 990-EZ (see instructions)
......................
45b
No
Form
990-EZ
(2016)
Page 4
Form 990-EZ (2016)
Page
4
Yes
No
46
Did the organization engage, directly or indirectly, in political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to
candidates for public office? If “Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I.
...........
46
No
Part VI
Section 501(c)(3) organizations only
All section 501(c)(3) organizations must answer questions 47-49b and 52, and complete the tables for lines 50 and 51.
Check if the organization used Schedule O to respond to any question in this Part VI
..................
Yes
No
47
Did the organization engage in lobbying activities or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year?
If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II
.......................
47
No
48
Is the organization a school as described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)?
If "Yes," complete Schedule E
..
48
No
49a
Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization?
......
49a
No
b
If "Yes," was the related organization a section 527 organization?
................
49b
50
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated employees (other than officers, directors, trustees and key employees) who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a)
Name and title of each employee
(b)
Average
hours per week
devoted to position
(c)
Reportable compensation
(Forms W-2/1099-MISC)
(d)
Health benefits, contributions to employee benefit plans, and deferred compensation
(e)
Estimated amount of other compensation
NONE
f
Total number of other employees paid over $100,000
.............
51
Complete this table for the organization's five highest compensated independent contractors who each received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. If there is none, enter "None."
(a)
Name and business address of each independent contractor
(b)
Type of service
(c)
Compensation
NONE
d
Total number of other independent contractors each receiving over $100,000
..........
52
Did the organization complete Schedule A?
NOTE.
All Section 501(c)(3) organizations must attach a
completed Schedule A
........................................
Yes
No
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.
Sign Here
2017-04-27
Signature of officer
Date
Richard Karlson
President
Type or print name and title
Paid Preparer Use Only
Print/Type preparer's name
Preparer's signature
Date
Check
if
self-employed
PTIN
Firm's name
Firm's EIN
Firm's address
Phone no.
May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? See instructions
.........
Yes
No
Form
990-EZ
(2016)
Additional Data
Software ID:
16000425
Software Version:
v1.00
Form 990-EZ, Special Condition Description:
Special Condition Description