Children's Center for the Visually Impaired Annual Report FY18-19

Annual Report 2018-2019

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Since joining Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in 2018, I’ve had the pleasure of getting acquainted with every part of our community, from families just starting their journey with us to our blossoming alumni.

The compassion, kindness, and dedication of the CCVI community make it easy to see why – for 68 years and counting – we've been serving children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities, in communities across Kansas and Missouri.

It's an honor to lead this organization at such a pivotal time. In fiscal year 2019, we celebrated delivering a balanced budget with a $100,000 surplus for the first time in five years.

We stretched our resources to continue to provide the full complement of therapy services: speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, Braille, and Orientation and Mobility services to our students each and every day.

Our devoted teachers, therapists, staff, volunteers, and donors stand united by the belief that all children deserve the ability and resources to reach their highest potential in the sighted world. Together, we are helping create healthy and inclusive communities, and our work is more important now than ever.

Together, we are CCVI. Molly Turner Executive Director

ACCOMPLISHMENTS During the 2018-2019 school year, our expert-

We are committed to providing the best

trained staff provided life-changing education

possible education for our children – which

and support to children with visual impairments

is why we ensure each student’s curriculum

in the Kansas City region through on-site

is individually tailored to meet the needs of

programming and outreach services.

every student and family.

Families choose Children’s Center for the

Together, we are building a world where all

Visually Impaired for world-class services and

children and families can reach beyond

support that simply can’t be found elsewhere.

what they thought possible to achieve their highest potential in the sighted world.

Our teachers and therapists utilize innovative approaches through our specialized education and therapy programs to set our students on the path to future success.

OUR MISSION To prepare children with visual impairments, including those with multiple disabilities, to reach their highest potential in the sighted world.

11,824 hours

spent on preschool, early intervention, & outreach programs.

98 percent

of infants showed progress in at least 80 percent of their developmental goals.

100 percent

of braille students acquired six or more new skills.

91,250 miles

driven across Kansas & Missouri to help children and families.

95 percent

of families reported their knowledge increased after CCVI services started.

84 percent

of students acquired at least two new skills on their Socialization Checklist.

MEET CALEB

Caleb is 1 in 10,000.

He was diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve coloboma, commonly associated with CHARGE Syndrome. Children with CHARGE often experience hearing loss, balance abnormalities, and difficulty communicating.

There is currently no medical or surgical treatment for coloboma.

"After we received his diagnosis, there was this feeling of devastation," his mom, Jill said. "Will he ever read? Will he be able to play sports? Will he ever be truly independent?"

Caleb was just five months old when he began receiving services from Children's Center for the Visually Impaired.

Like many of our students, Caleb requires a unique set of therapies and support. Our expert-trained teachers and therapists work alongside Caleb to provide individualized services.

Braille instruction, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and Orientation and Mobility instruction have helped Caleb grow more confident and gain greater independence.

Jill stated, "CCVI has been with our family from the start. We are so grateful for the opportunities available to Caleb."

Caleb's family now has the confidence that he can and will thrive in a world not designed with him in mind.

"The CCVI staff at all levels demonstrated nothing but academic, professional, and caring excellence for our daughter."

- CCVI Parent

"We meet students where they are and give them the support they need to be successful. Empowering our students opens up a whole new world of possibilities for them and their families."

- Sara, Orientation & Mobility Therapist

“It’s easy to simply give up when you think the world is not built for you and your family. Children and their families are empowered to not only survive – but thrive – because of the amazing services and support of the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired.”

- Anonymous Donor

FINANCIALS August 1, 2018 - July 31, 2019

This past year was critical for the future impact of Children's Center for the Visually Impaired. We launched new initiatives and continued to fund our core programs. We strive each year to balance sustainability and strategic growth.

REVENUE Development Individual Gifts Grants Special Events Programs School District Contracts First Steps Contracts County Contracts Parent Pay Other Investment Income Miscellaneous

$2,284,590 $1,305,216 $651,169 $328,205 $2,115,025 $1,305,216 $651,169 $328,205 $101,627 $311,254 $307,633 $3,621

EXPENSES Program Services Administration Development Fundraising 8%

$3,332,499 $471,778 $390,122

TOTALS Total Revenue Total Expenses Net Total

Administration 12%

80% Programs 80%

Because of individuals and organizations who made generous donations in Fiscal Year 2019, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired was able to empower and educate students while preparing for future success.

$4,710,869 $4,194,399 $516,470

of our total expenses in FY19

directly funded programs that help our students learn, grow, and thrive. At Children's Center for the Visually Impaired, your money goes a long way toward changing lives.

The impact of your financial support could be as simple as a braille book for a student learning to read or as complex as sending a teacher to advanced training, allowing them to better serve our students who are blind or visually impaired with multiple disabilities. Thank you for your generosity.

A LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR It has been my honor and privilege to serve as Children's Center for the Visually Impaired's board chair during this period of transition.

We welcomed our new Executive Director, Molly Turner in 2018, and she hit the ground running. Molly has developed relationships with families, volunteers, donors, and community members in just a short period of time. These relationships will carry the momentum of Children's Center for the Visually Impaired into the next decade and beyond.

This past year was critical for the future impact of Children's Center for the Visually Impaired, launching new initiatives and continuing to fund our core programs. Like every year, we strive to strike a balance between sustainability and strategic growth.

Together, we take a step toward building a better, more inclusive world for our students and families.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do to support the important work of Children's Center for the Visually Impaired, and we look forward to working alongside you again in the coming year.

Lisa Chase Board Chair

WAYS TO GIVE Make a difference by being the difference.

Host a Pop-Up Our supporters are as generous as they are creative. Work with your favorite local restaurant or shop to plan a pop-up event to raise awareness and generate support.

Donate Online On the go or at home, our online link is always available: bit.ly/CCVI1819

Create a Facebook Fundraiser Whether in honor of your birthday, anniversary, or just because, click "create" on your Facebook header and find "CCVI" on the fundraiser list.

PENCIL US IN FOR 2020 APRIL 26 32nd Annual Trolley Run JUNE 25 Visionary Luncheon OCTOBER 16 Illuminate For more information, visit: ccvi.org/events

Let's stay in touch www.ccvi.org

@CCVI1952 @CCVI1952

3101 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111