Impact one connection can change the story of disability
99 Balloons 2021 Annual Update
Contents 06 BUILDING FOR INCLUSION
10 DISABILITY IN THE COLLEGE CLASSROOM 11 SEASONS WITH 99 BALLOONS
12
908 MILES OF HOPE
04
08
14 FRIENDSHIP TO FACETIME
16 2021 AND A LOOK AHEAD
19 FINAL THOUGHTS FROM MATT AND GINNY
INTERNSHIP WITH PURPOSE
A CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE
A 99 Balloons intern and
Starting a rEcess led to a
P.O. BOX 10934
fellow shares how her
church becoming more
FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703
experience with persons
inclusive and include
affected by disability led
children experiencing
her to raise money to fight
disability in their camps
sex traficking.
for the first time.
WWW.99BALLOONS.ORG
2
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
SARAH HARRIMAN:
A Letter from the Executive Director Welcome to the 99 Balloons 2021 Annual Update.
The past year was one none of us will soon forget.
While
it brought about incredible hardship and isolation, it also gave us at 99 Balloons a chance to think outside the box, assess
current
programming,
and
to
lay
a
solid
foundation for life post-pandemic. We were able to take time
to
evaluate
communities.
what
truly
creates
inclusive
As we said last year, even when face-to-
face programming pauses or looks different, it is the relationships that remain. Relationships will always be at the heart of everything 99 Balloons does.
This
year,
the
focus
of
our
annual
update
is
impact of your relationships with 99 Balloons.
on
the
You are
proving time and time again that even just one small interaction
with
99
Balloons
and
people
experiencing
disability can lead to changed lives. YOU are making an impact and helping us change the story of disability.
As financial supporters, your money is not only going to support
important
programming
like
Equip training, or global education. meaningful
opportunities
for
rEcess,
bEfriend,
It is also providing
interactions
with
persons
affected by disability which is leading to relationships, inclusion, and life transformation.
I hope you enjoy reading about how the 99 Balloons community is changing the world for the kingdom of God one interaction at a time.
With gratitude,
Sarah Harriman
HOW WE ARE CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY 99 BALLOONS CREATES
TRAINING
PROGRAMMING
Equip Training Program Engage Labs Cohorts Notable Films
rEcess * bEfriend Global Trips * Internship & Fellowship Program
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES All-In Sponsorships One-time Gifts Monthly Recurring Gifts
TO INCREASE AWARENESS & OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DISABILITY
PEOPLE START THINKING DIFFERENTLY
RELATIONSHIPS GROW INTO COMMUNITY
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DISABILTY ARE SEEN, INCLUDED, AND VALUED IN CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES
4
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
ANNA RHODES
Internship with Purpose Getting connected to 99 Balloons my freshman year of college helped me narrow my focus on my
career
people
and
with
heart
for
disabilities.
the
community
Through
99
of
Balloons
and specifically my time as a fellow and an intern, I have been able to sit and listen to people with disabilities, their parents, and their siblings
on
advocate
how
for
to
their
best
be
families.
a The
friend
and
friendships
made through 99 Balloons have spurred me on to
advocating
injustices
that
for take
big
and
place
intimidating
including
sex
trafficking.
Trafficking is a heavy and cruel thing on its own, but it became shockingly more personal for me when I saw the true target it poses on my friends with disabilities.
I
am
currently
biking
1700
miles
down
the
Pacific coast with a non-profit called Pedal the Pacific to fundraise for the fight against sex trafficking.
I
want
to
be
able
to
make
sure
people with disabilities have the tools needed to live life to the fullest. And if that means fighting against trafficking, I will do just that.
99 BALLOONS
"So, I am only one person, but still I am one person. "
5
6
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
JOHN AND JANE RAY
Building for Inclusion
7
99 BALLOONS
John and Jane Ray founded Olivia's Basket after the death of their daughter Olivia in 2009. In her honor, they build homes for families in crisis. John and Jane are faithful 99 Balloons volunteers and supporters. They share below how their experience with 99 Balloons has shaped how their organization has shifted its focus to building homes for those affected by disability. "We need to go to Mexico together. I see so many families suffering there, but none as much as those experiencing disability. I don’t know the best way to help." I knew it was a lot to ask, but I’d also seen the tremendous impact 99 Balloons was
having
with
families
here
in
the
states,
families in my own church. We started hosting rEcess
at
our
church
a
few
years
back
and
helping host conferences when they needed it. Rarely have I ever worked with a group of people with such capacity and focus, making immediate impact
and
while
engaging
in
long
term
commitment and programing.
But I also knew this would be a stretch. It took a while
to
coordinate
schedules,
but
we
finally
pulled it off in November of 2019. Teams from 99 Balloons, our organization and Ekko Church in Orange County all met up to build a house for Edgar and Omar, a single father caring for his teenage son with cerebral palsy who up to that point had been living out of their van. It was exciting, humbling, challenging and left all of us with a desire to do more. I can’t imagine ever having the ability to pull something like this off without the support and expertise of 99 Balloons. And I know this home will just be the first of many we build together. -John and Jane Ray Founders of Olivia's Basket
WHEN WE BEGAN HOSTING RECESS, WE STARTED TO SEE A CULTURE SHIFT AT OUR CHURCH. TRACY BENDITZ BATTLECREEK CHURCH
9
99 BALLOONS
TRACY BENDITZ:
One program can change a church culture While our church has always had a heart to serve those with disability, when we began hosting rEcess, we started to see a culture shift in our church. Not only were families so grateful that we saw them and were finding a way to provide them some respite, church members
who
have
never
served
with
our
disability ministry came out of the woodwork and asked how they could help.
Our
ministry
as
a
whole
has
become
healthier as families receive this respite and know
that
belong taken
they
where care
truly their
of.
do
have
children
With
this
a will
place be
growth
to
well and
awareness, we for the first time this summer were able to invite some of our kids and students to attend our camps. This year they are
on-site,
so
we
were
able
to
invite
6
elementary kids and 3 students to attend our camps.
This
has
never
been
done
at
our
church before as far as I know.
The reaction of parents when we invite them to rEcess or when we called and invited their child to attend camp has been so rewarding. Parents come back from rEcess with beaming smiles or tears in their eyes because it was so good for their soul to have some time away. When we told them their child could attend camp, they were surprised and have expressed such gratitude. It wasn’t easy to make sure we could have them attend safely, but all the work was worth it to see our kiddos have fun and see parents so excited.
Because of rEcess our church has become not a place WITH a disability ministry, but a place for ALL people, INCLUDING those with disabilities.
10
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
MELISSA HALL:
Incorporating disability into the college classroom As a member of the Fayetteville community, I have
the
privilege
of
watching
firsthand
the
impact 99 Balloons has on our community. Not only
have
our
disability
friends
greatly
and
family
benefited
experiencing
from
the
many
programs offered by 99 Balloons, but I personally have grown because my perspective of disability has
grown
and
understanding because
of
of the
changed. faith
is
My
more
relationships
life
and
my
rich
and
full
I
share
with
individuals experiencing disability.
Although
I
professor,
am I
a
had
mental never
health
therapist
received
and
training
or
education specific to the needs of individuals and
families
experiencing
disability
before
my
involvement with 99 Balloons. This is a huge gap in
most
helping
profession
training
programs,
including the one that I lead. I am so excited that is about to change! After collaborating with 99
Balloons
we
were
able
to
add
a
course
specific to the helping profession and disability. Beginning in the fall of 2021, students within the Family and Human Services Department at John Brown University will have the opportunity to take this course. It is my hope that my students will grow in their understanding and knowledge of disability, become more inclusive, and take the step
to
get
disability!
involved
in
changing
the
story
of
11
99 BALLOONS
JOSH AND EMILY RICHARDSON:
Seasons with 99 Balloons We came to know 99 Balloons as newlyweds when I was
recruited
However,
to
volunteer
pediatrics
specialty,
and
medically
fragile
and
frankly,
I
at
rEcess
disabilities was
as
a
were
not
my
by
the
confronted
our
intimidated
participants.
We
nurse.
personal insecurities and fears and volunteered with 99 Balloons because we loved the inclusion story and the broader vision for the Kingdom. Our rEcess leaders gently and graciously educated us with their expertise and knowledge. We learned about inclusion and how to come alongside families to offer encouragement and support.
Over the past 15 years, our contributions have changed based on our season of life - financial donors, annual banquet attendees, on-call volunteers. Most recently our family of five has reached a season where we are all
able
to
contribute
to
the
vision
of
99
Balloons
financially and by volunteering at rEcess. My kids have built authentic friendships at rEcess while I volunteer as a nurse and Josh shoots hoops and runs laps with his buddy. Transparently, there are weeks where we feel exhausted and by Friday night we're ready for a break. But rEcess breathes life into us and the Father always meets us in an outpouring of love, laughter, and connection. Our kids love Friday nights at rEcess and are learning to model empathy and inclusion for kids their age with differing abilities. rEcess is a sacred place filled with mutual blessing, so whatever season you
are
in,
understand
embrace the
unique
the
role
value
of
you
can
physical
play,
but
presence,
because in the friendships and laughter is where the richest blessings live.
12
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
JOSH FOHNER:
908 Miles of Hope
On September 27, 2016, Josh Fohner was struck by a vehicle as he biked home from his
morning
Colorado. fractured
workout
He
in
suffered
vertebrae,
fractures,
and
a
a
Buena
Vista,
broken
neck,
multiple
severe
facial
traumatic
brain
injury. He was in a coma for 15 months. Since then, Josh has experienced amazing progress in recovery. He is cognitive, able to
communicate
communication ambulate
his
with device,
the
use
and
chair
using
head
two
years,
Josh
of
able
a to
and
knee
has
been
switches. For
the
past
preparing challenge:
for
his
riding
908
greatest miles
on
physical his
YUMI
bike purchased with help from 99 Balloons from
Buena
Vista,
Colorado
hometown in Springdale, Arkansas.
to
his
13
99 BALLOONS
"In every life there is always hope."
"Along
interesting
beginning to take steps. These developments were
people. We traveled along low traffic density roads
something doctors told us was next to impossible,
through
towns
especially 4 1/2 years post-injury.
were
of
11
the
road
us
we
with who
met
very
all
small
made
the
kinds
of
populations. entire
There
journey
with
another two-dozen joining us at some point on the
We believe that every life is a gift from our heavenly
main tour. The ride ended with what we called the
Father no matter what the cicrumstance because in
Ride For Hope. It was the final leg of the journey
every life there is the potential to change the hearts
and
of others.
close
to
150
riders
rode
the
Razorback
In every life there is always hope.
Our
Greenway for the final stretch from Bentonville to
prayer is that others who are facing challenges in
Springdale.
their lives might discover this truth and set a course to reach their Divine potential, 'for you are fearfully
Over the course of Josh’s training for the ride as well
as
the
ride
itself,
Josh’s
ability
to
and wonderfully made!'
maintain
cadence increased dramatically. The strength in his
Thank
lower quads has also increased. The combination
Josh's YUMI bike.
of these two developments has Josh at a place where he can almost stand on his own and is
into
you,
Josh's
enough."
99
Balloons,
dream,
for
helping
us
purchase
99 Balloons was the first to buy and
we
cannot
thank
you
-The Fohners
all
14
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
ANNA AND JORDAN
Friendship to FaceTime Several years ago, the Brill family, together with friends, started a bEfriend group. The Brills have a daughter with disabilities, which led them to spend significant time thinking about what her life will look like as an adult. Ashley Brill wondered, “Where are the adults that are like her? They’re nowhere. One of our fears is that she will disappear, and we want to know that when she’s an adult there are inclusive communities for her."
With
this
in
mind,
the
Brills
began
building
friendships through bEfriend. Ashley gladly shares, “I tell people all the time, it's the most fun thing we do – it’s just been one of the sweetest gifts.”
The Brill family began to connect with Jordan through bEfriend. Jordan, an adult with disabilities, was timid at first, but jumped in bravely. However, shortly after, Covid forced their bEfriend group to continue via Zoom. At this time, one of the Brills' daughters, Anna, began to FaceTime Jordan regularly. Starting off with once or twice a week, Jordan and Anna regularly spent time giving each other tours of their bedrooms, sharing movie recommendations and talking about their days. Together with their moms Jordan and Anna have done girls’ nights over Zoom, played games like “Would you rather…”, and just enjoyed friendship. “Anna enjoys Jordan, and Jordan enjoys Anna,” Anna’s mom states, adding that it’s been a strange positive result of Covid for their family - a lack of ability to see each other put on the pressure to interact more intentionally.
As school has picked back up for Anna, their FaceTime interactions have become less frequent, but the Brill family and their bEfriend group are thankful to once again be meeting outside and in person. Their hope is to have monthly casual and fun activities, as well as an intentional meal together where they can pray, share scripture, and encourage each other, further sharing the gift of friendship.
99 BALLOONS
15
“I tell people all the time, it's the most fun thing we do – it’s just been one of the sweetest gifts.”-Ashley Brill
16
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
What a year! Even though this year was unusual, it was still full
of
important
events
in
the
life
of
99
Balloons.
We
moved
in
to
our
new
office
space
and
sensory room at 101 W Mountain, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
We are loving it!
A huge thank you
to the individuals and companies who invested in our sensory room.
99 Balloons underwent a complete rebranding and website redesign.
There were 59 respite events held last year in the U.S., Canada, and Australia. new
rEcess
sites
in
Pennsylvania
We added and
Texas,
with 7 more launching in the upcoming months.
Over $15,000 in sponsorships were paid out to our global partners in four countries in Africa, Asia, and North America to provide community care and education for children experiencing disability across the globe.
We purchased technology that will better serve our rEcess and bEfriend sites and serve as a "one stop shop" for all our volunteers.
Matt, Sarah and Rebecca were able to speak at three conferences, virtually and in person.
99 BALLOONS
17
Financial Update Income vs. Expense
Distribution of Funds Administration
$414,471
Income
15%
Fundraising
$423,694
Expense
Net Income
8%
-$9,224
Programming 77%
99 Balloons Program Locations
rEcess bEfriend
ANNUAL UPDATE 2021
18
A Look Ahead We are excited for what the next year holds for 99 Balloons and want to give you a sneak peak into our plans!
Now
that
we
database
in
have
our
new
place,
WE
ARE
technology READY
and
TO
LET
BEFRIEND LOOSE! We are looking forward to adding to our current sites in Arkansas, Missouri and Oregon. Thank you, Tebow Foundation, for investing in this important work.
Our brand new training platform, Equip, is in production
thanks
Collective. learning
We
to
will
a
be
management
grant
from
releasing system
it
Legacy
in
later
a
this
new year.
Anyone can work through Equip training and become
more
educated
on
how
to
become
more inclusive or begin a 99 Balloons program.
Through Equip, we are also in the process of developing training involved
in
and curriculum for those
disability
work
globally.
We
are
cultivating new partnerships and are excited about the possibility of creating 99 Balloons Global Communities in the future.
We launch our very first Engage Labs cohort this fall.
Our
cohort
members
will
connect,
receive personalized training, and provide the next
generation
of
mentors
for
disability
mentors and nonprofit leaders.
We
are
thrilled
to
welcome
member, Madeline Huisjen.
a
new
staff
She comes to us
from Jill's House in the Washington D.C. area and will be helping with our communications and other administrative tasks.
Final Thoughts Thank you for joining with us at 99 Balloons as we seek to change the story of disability! We believe- with you on our team- our best days and greatest impact is yet to come. Our message and work is a timely one for a weary and divided world:
There is no "us" and no "them" We need each other. Our worth does not derive from anything we have done, but by our being made in the image of God.
Matt and Ginny Mooney Founders
To learn more about 99
Balloons
ongoing
and
work
create
everyone
so
can
life
our
that
live
a
within
relationships, out
to
inclusive
communities
full
our
check
website
at
www.99balloons.org.
If
you
would
support
our
like
to
ongoing
efforts to change the story
of
disability,
please
visit:
www.99balloons.org /donate.
MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 10934 Fayetteville, AR 72703
www.99balloons.org
