BiG Annual Report 2023

Annual Report 2023

A M E SSAG E F R O M O U R

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

LUKE ELLIS

what went through David’s mind when God told him, “You’re not going to build the Temple.” God brought David out of the fields shepherding sheep to shepherding all of Israel as king, and after that entire journey, David expressed his desire to build a “forever home” for the Ark. God reminded David of His presence and His covenant, and lastly that David’s son Solomon would be the one who built the Temple. We learn that David then does all he can to prepare for the Temple to be built but dies before its completion.

This story of David being called, challenged, equipped, promised, and promoted by God while never living to see his dream built reminds me of the broader story of BiG, but also all of us individually. I think of BiG’s humble beginnings: Like David in the field as a shepherd, our first Citizens planting and growing sunflowers. I think of the many trials we have faced as an organization and how God sustained BiG through them.

I think of the “only God” successes we have achieved, namely launching BiG across the nation and the very recent opening of Grace Place.

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However, I want to distill this back down to you, the reader. Like David, I wonder if God ever whispered to Gracie, “I have been with you all your life. You are a woman after my own heart. And while I know you’ve dreamt of a home for you and your friends, I will call you home before it is built.”

For those of you locally, you will no doubt know the name Barbara Brightwell.

Barbara was the person who convinced the who’s who of Georgetown to get on buses with Erin to go learn about this place called “Brookwood” all those years ago.

Did Barbara know that while integral to BiG’s success, she wouldn’t see the first Citizens move into Grace Place? I think they, like David, felt the calling that surpassed the need to see the result. Thousands of people have or will have contributed to BiG, but they will never see the impact of that contribution. It is often said in the halls of BiG, “What we’re working on should outlive all of us.” As we launch Grace Place, a dream 30+ years in the making, our sights are not set on the completion of the next phase; our eyes are fixed on decades from now, the men and women we’ll never meet who will call Grace Place “My forever home.” Thank you for joining us in this incredible mission, and praise God for all He has done in and through BiG.

Luke Ellis

CONTENTS the big challenge

4

the big difference

5

financial review

6

donor thank you

7

impact report

8

volunteer report

9

citizen enterprises

10

founder’s message

12

grace place update

14

contacts

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BOARD barry smitherman - board chair erin kiltz john kiltz lou bail tim curtis linda hutcheson knebel ashley morgan pj stevens alan stewart

BiG LEADERSHIP luke ellis executive director erin kiltz founder julia byars residential program director amber degollado director of human resources jennifer fagan vocational program director

to change the way the world views adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing a vocational and residential community that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging and validates dignity and respect.

abby foster director of mission advancement anne muilman replication josh parker director of operations sarah richardson controller

BiG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funded through a combination of revenue from tuition, Citizen enterprises and donations from individuals, churches, foundations, businesses and civic organizations.

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THE CHALLENGE The public education system equips children with special needs with the skills necessary for a successful transition to life after graduation. However, once these children become adults and graduate from high school, there are few places in society for them to continue to learn, grow, and contribute. When the skills they have acquired over twelve years of education are not utilized, often they will regress in behavior and experience depression. With 1,144,453 people with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) in Texas alone, the problem is acute and real.

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE BiG’s mission is to provide an innovative vocational and residential community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who we call Citizens. The pursuit of our goal begins with our program. We provide opportunities to enrich the lives of our Citizens with continued learning, self-expression through the arts and movement, and meaningful social interactions with their peers, job supervisors, and volunteers from the Georgetown community.

BiG is dedicated to nurturing the inherent talents of every Citizen so they may experience the dignity and satisfaction of purposeful work. Program supervisors offer personalized and adaptive training to ensure our Citizens excel in their job responsibilities.

Our goal is that every individual experiences genuine appreciation and significance as they contribute their unique talents and skills to BiG each day.

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THERE ARE

1,144,453 PEOPLE WITH AN INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY IN TEXAS

OF ADULTS WITH IDD

95% ARE UNEMPLOYED IN TEXAS

B i G E M P L OY S

90+ ADULTS WITH DISABILIT IE S

78% Increase

Meaningful Friendship

52% Increase

Loving Community

Citizens discovered friendships with peers who share interests and want to spend time with them.

Citizens reported having a loving community where they feel that other Citizens and staff care deeply for them.

39% Increase Citizens reported having multiple opportunities to lead and influence other Citizens.

37% Increase

Independence

Citizens required less assistance from staff and other Citizens. They began working independently and taking responsibility for their assigned tasks.

35% Increase

Unbridled Joy

Citizens showed measurable improvement in overall mental health and quality of life.

IMPACT AND LIFE

T R A N S F O R M AT I O N In 2020, BiG began an academic research study of 82 Citizens in partnership with Donald McLachlan, Research Study Consultant and Managing Director of SilverQuest Consulting Group. In this study, the lives of Citizens were evaluated over three years to determine and measure changes in their overall quality of life.

The study methodology utilized qualitative (Focus Groups) and quantitative (Psychometric Survey) data approaches. We are thrilled to have concrete data to support what we believed all along: honoring each of our Citizens and their fullness of humanity as God’s children changes lives for the better.* *Details of study methodology and results are available upon request.

SO IN

WE, THOUGH MANY, FORM ONE BODY, AND EACH MEMBER WE HAVE DIFFERENT GIFTS,

TO ALL THE OTHERS, ACCORDING TO THE

GRACE GIVEN TO EACH OF US.

ROM 12:4-5

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FINANCIAL REVIEW F I S C A L 2 0 2 3 O P E R AT I N G B U D G E T : $ 4 , 2 7 7, 0 0 0 * REVENUES

11% 19%

TUITION 2%

RESIDENTIAL FEES BiG CAFE & BIG SHOP SALES

2% 21%

GOLF BENEFIT & ART AUCTION PUBLIC SUPPORT GRANTS FOR OPERATIONS

17%

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

28%

EXPENSES

9% 7% VOCATIONAL & RESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION FUNDRAISING

84%

*Financial information for fiscal year ending 7/31/23.

Audited financial statements available upon request.

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DONORS Saying thank you to our generous supporters does not feel like enough. Each and every gift ensures a change in the way the world views adults with disabilities. We are filled with gratitude for the contributions you made this year. Your gifts allowed us to say “yes” to more scholarships, forever homes for our Citizens, and operational costs that keep the vocational programs running.

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IMPACT REPORT REPLICATION

GRACE PLACE MOVE-IN

The BiGger Community just celebrated one year of partnership and what a year it has been! We are so blessed to be able to share the BiG model with others. BiG’s impact is now being shared in seven states across the country! It is our dream that there would be communities like BiG in every state and that our replication partners would in-turn, replicate in their communities. Our hope has always been for BiG to be the model, not the exception. We want to set the standard for how we celebrate and empower adults with special needs. We hope to add another five prospective Replication Partners in the Spring of 2024 from PA, NJ, TX, MN and NE.

In July of this year, the first Citizens of Grace Place moved into the Women’s Residence! This was followed by Citizens moving into the Men’s Residence the next month. This long-awaited milestone came with much prayer and great joy as we finally welcome Citizens to their forever homes. December marks the move-in for Tiny Home Village residents and the launch of a “never been done before” model that BiG is excited to pioneer!

N AT I O N W I D E B i G R E P L I C AT I O N S I T E S E M P L OY

100+ ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES 8

EVENTS Our incredible supporters turned out in force this year! The Annual Art Auction and Golf Benefit combined raised more than $2 million for BiG Citizens. Support from these events helped complete funding for Phase II of Grace Place, increased tuition assistance for the BiG vocational program, and bolstered the Welcome Home Fund to ensure our Citizens can call Grace Place home for a lifetime.

VOLUNTEER IMPACT Each year we have multiple volunteer groups from churches and organizations who come and serve together on various projects. From deep cleaning buildings to assembling furniture and building garden beds, these groups work together as teams to bless BiG. We want to express our deepest gratitude for the invaluable contributions of each volunteer. Their dedication and selfless efforts are the heartbeat of our mission and their passion and commitment resonate in every program, event, and initiative.

Thank you for being the driving force behind the success of BiG and for making a meaningful impact on the Citizens.

OVER

7,000+ VOLUNTEER HOURS

738 MOST HOURS BY A SINGLE VOLUNTEER

volunteers

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C I T I Z E N ENTERPRISES light

Dog Treats ●Resin Charcuterie Boards Resin Earrings ●Soaps Shower Steamers

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1903 University Ave Austin, TX 78705

● ● ● ● ●

Pottery Greeting Cards Jewelry Pies Laser Engraving Flower Frames

Fudge Room Spray Spices Cookies Candles Honey Lip Balm

905 N. Church Street Georgetown, TX 78626

1525 W. University Ave Georgetown, TX 78628

changing the way the world views adults with disabilities.

BiG has a vision of an inclusive, empowering world for adults with disabilities. This marks a paradigm shift in the way that society typically views these individuals. BiG seeks not only to transform the lives of our Citizens and their families, but also to transform the way that our community accepts, views, and interacts with those who may be differently abled.

512.688.5004 512.688.5004

BiGisisa 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization BiG 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

bigtx.org

bigtx.org 905 N. Church Street Georgetown, TX 78626

A MESSAGE FROM OUR

ERIN KILTZ Dear BiG Friends: As I begin this letter, I come to you with a heart full of gratitude, joy, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Have you ever longed for something so intensely that every passing moment feels like a small eternity? A dream so significant that it becomes central to shaping your purpose and direction in life? For me, the dream was Grace Place, a haven for those with special needs, a vision born the moment Gracie came into this world.

The journey has been a tapestry of hope, faith, and perseverance. Every day brought challenges, but also the unwavering belief that this dream was meant to be realized. As a mother, the miracle of bringing my own children into the world has been one of my greatest joys, but the fulfillment derived from seeing Grace Place become a reality is profound. One of the greatest fears of a parent of those with special needs is what will happen to their son or daughter when they are no longer able to provide care. Seeing this greatest fear relieved and hope restored is one of the greatest joys of my life.

There are no words but a resounding Hallelujah! Only God could write such a redemptive story. There are so many to thank for the selflessness and generosity that made this vision a reality. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. Please know without a doubt that you are part of the fabric that has created a life-giving future for our Citizens. Their respective families never thought a home like Grace Place would be possible for their children. I hope it gives each of you deep satisfaction knowing you helped make Grace Place a reality!

this is

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psalm 118:23

Welcome Home

from

black and white to

2019 BiG WELCOMES FIVE CITIZENS INTO PILOT RESIDENTIAL HOMES.

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2021 GOD PROVIDES 127 ACRES IN WEIR, AND BiG BREAKS GROUND ON OUR FIRST TWO HOMES AT GRACE PLACE.

“

FROM THE BEGINNING, GRACE PLACE HAS BEEN MY HEARTBEAT AND VISION.

AN ANTIDOTE TO FEAR , PROVIDING ASSURANCE OF A HOPE AND A FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

”

FOUNDER

2022

2023

BiG BREAKS GROUND ON THE TINY HOME VILLAGE AT GRACE PLACE.

BiG CELEBRATES THE COMPLETION OF TWO RESIDENTIAL HOUSES, TINY HOME VILLAGE AND CLUB HOUSE WITH GRACE PLACE’S GRAND OPENING.

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905 N. Church Street Georgetown, TX 78626

CHANGING T H E WAY T H E

VIEWS ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES.

bigtx.org PARTNER VOLUNTEER GIVE SHOP REPLICATE

info@bigtx.org

512-943-8430 SHOP HOURS

Mon – Sat: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

CAFÉ HOURS

Mon – Sat: 8:00AM – 2:30PM