EFGC 2025 Annual Report

"A Special Place for Those with Special Needs"

Our Mission Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast provides social and recreational opportunities for the special needs community of Baldwin and Mobile Counties. ​

​

501 (c) (3) non-profit

www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org

YEAR OF REPORT 2025

ANNUAL REPORT

A Message from our Executive Director and Board President Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Partners,

Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast 28788 North Main Street Daphne, Alabama 36526 251-625-8955 efgulfcoast@gmail.com www.exceptionalfoundationgc.org Facebook: TheExceptionalFoundationGulfCoast Instagram: @exceptionalfoundationgc Jennifer Flad Executive Director

As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with deep gratitude for the unwavering commitment and generosity you continue to show our mission. Because of you, we have made tremendous progress—strengthening our programs, expanding our impact across the Gulf Coast, and serving more families than ever before.

In 2025, EFGC launched new Adult Participant Programs, including our Life Skills Club, Kitchen Krewe, and introduced ceramics into an already robust art program. That would not have been possible without your support.

Looking ahead, we remain firmly focused on our vision and are excited to expand both our Summer and After School programs, to reach more school aged children than ever before. Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing beside us as we continue to create meaningful experiences and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Jennifer Flad Executive Director

Board of Directors Mr. Brad Navarre, Board President Boos Navarre Consulting Engineers Ms. Jo-Ann Irwin, Board Secretary Retired Special Education Professional Mr. Craig Dahle Retired, Legal Advisor, MCSO Ms. Britten SteinerPhelps Dunbar, LLP Ms. Janis Richmond Retired, Nurse Ms. Mary Kay WebbRetired, Medical Device Executive

The Board of EFGC is proud to continue our efforts to grow and strengthen EFGC’s impact within our community. Thanks to our generous supporters, and the hard work and dedication of our executive director and tremendously talented staff, the foundation is well positioned to achieve substantial growth in the coming years. As our services and outreach continues to grow, so does our need for financial support and personal/corporate partnerships. I encourage you to get involved, donate, and spread the message of our mission within our community. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your support of EFGC. – Brad Navarre, EFGC Board President

Members Of:

Mr. Wesley Coody C² Wealth Strategy Ms. Lisa Hastings Bryant Bank, Daphne Mr. Kenny Crow III Crow Shields Bailey 2 EFGC 2025 ANNUAL REPORT

501 (c) (3) non-profit

Program Overview EFGC offers three programs tailored to our local special needs community including a year-round Adult Day Program, a Summer Program for Children, and an After School Program.

Our Participants bring a wide range of personalities, abilities, and perspectives. Some are verbal, others non-verbal; some are introverted, others extroverted; some are fully mobile, while others use mobility aids. At EFGC, we are committed to supporting each Participant’s growth by enhancing social, behavioral, and daily living skills.

ADULT DAY PROGRAM

SUMMER PROGRAM

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

The Adult Day Program offers a 4 day per week, year-round structured daily programming for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Participants engage in a consistent routine that promotes independence, socialization, and personal growth.

The Summer Program is an eightweek program for Participants ages 10 through high school.

The After School Program provides much needed support to Participants and Caregivers with busy school and work schedules. Weekly social and recreational activities are designed to keep Participants engaged, active, and socially connected during the school year.

Participants may attend on a full-time or part-time basis.

Program Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:50 am – 5:30 pm

This seasonal program offers themed weekly activities designed to keep Participants engaged, active, and socially connected during the summer months.

Program Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:50 am – 5:30 pm

Participants are picked up directly from Daphne & Spanish Fort High Schools and transported to EFGC. Program Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

EFGC programs are designed for individuals with special needs who have independent self-help skills, can follow verbal instructions for activities, and do not require one-on-one support or direct assistance with feeding or toileting.

Art

Dance

Life Skills

Pickleball

Blacksmith Experience

Farms

Lunches

Singers Exceptionalé

Bowling

Field Trips

Movies

Special Olympics Athletics

Cooking

Karaoke

Music

…and much more!

EFGC History The Exceptional Foundation was founded in Homewood, Alabama, in 1999 with a mission to support individuals with special needs. In 2011, the Exceptional Foundation of the Gulf Coast (EFGC) was established, marking an important milestone in the organization’s growth. Since then, the Exceptional Foundation has expanded across the Southeast, including a location in Auburn. While each affiliate serves its local community, all share a common commitment to empowering individuals with special needs through meaningful programs, inclusion, and opportunity. Together, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

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Impact & Outcome EFGC programs are designed to promote independence while strengthening social and life skills through consistent, hands-on, and supportive programming.

Independence • Social Skills • Life Skills 2025 Program Impact

265

50

Participants & Families Served

Average Daily Attendance

Individuals and families supported throughout the year

Participants served during daily programming

22

80

Individuals served through our Summer Camp program

1:10

Staff-to-Participant Ratio in the Adult Day Program Maintaining safe, supervised group environments

1:6

Field trips and community outings throughout the year

Staff-to-Participant Ratio in the Summer Program Supporting safe, structured, and engaging summer experiences.

The Exceptional Foundation has been a positive impact for my daughter. It has helped her socially, build independence, and experience new opportunities she might not otherwise have. Most importantly, it brings her joy. We are grateful for the support and sense of community the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast provides.

My daughter, Carrie, has been attending EFGC for seven years! She has enjoyed the art, crafts, games, field trips and the community involvement in various things.

She always feels safe and loves the staff and their watch care. EFGC is the place to be!!

-Angela Melson

-Helen Underwood

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Staff and Volunteers

EFGC Staff gathered in support of our mission.

Staff & Volunteer Impact Our Staff participated in ongoing professional development throughout the year to strengthen program quality, enhance participant safety, and support meaningful engagement.

Trainings Completed UCP Training – Specialized care and support techniques First Aid & CPR Training – Emergency response and preparedness

Volunteer Involvement Volunteers play a vital role in supporting EFGC programs and creating meaningful experiences for Participants throughout the year.

Quarterly Volunteer Days

Domestic Violence Training – Safety awareness and understanding

Community Volunteers, including the Vulcan Group, dedicate time each quarter to lead activities, games, and special experiences for participants.

NonProfit Times- Online professional development courses in marketing and nonprofit management

Tuesday Art Volunteers

ALDOT Training – Transportation safety and compliance Cary Center Nonprofit Training – Organizational development and capacity-building for nonprofit programs GrantStation – Online training courses focused on grant writing Team Effectiveness – Personality-based assessment focused on communication and team dynamics

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A dedicated group of volunteers supports weekly art programming, encouraging creativity while helping participants create artwork for the EFGC gallery store and Exceptional Arts fundraiser.

Monthly Cooking Program Volunteers A core group of volunteers supports participants during hands-on cooking program sessions, supporting life skills development in the kitchen.

Summer & Event Volunteers Seasonal volunteers, including members of the National Charity League, support summer programming and assist during special events throughout the year.

Signature Fundraising Events An Exceptional Evening An intimate, four-course dinner experience featuring a custom menu prepared by a local chef and thoughtfully paired wines. This year’s event was hosted at the Fairhope Inn, bringing together supporters for an unforgettable evening in support of the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast and our George S. Lee Scholarship Program.

Presented by: Blue Water Millwork Net Amount Raised: $19,415

Exceptional Golf A traditional four-person scramble tournament typically held at Lakewood Country Club. The event features classic contests such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and best overall score (handicap adjusted), followed by food and fellowship to conclude the day.

Presented by: Lennar Homes Net Amount Raised: $26,873

Exceptional Arts A lively evening of food, drinks, and creativity featuring a live auction of one-of-a-kind art pieces created collaboratively by local artists and EFGC Participants.

The event also includes an art shop showcasing Participant artwork from our art program, along with a curated selection of EFGC merchandise. This year’s event was held at The Venue in Fairhope and catered

by Jo & Co. Fairhope Catering.

Presented by: Boos Navarre Consulting Engineers Net Amount Raised: $87,353

Exceptional Arts Artists We are grateful to the talented artists who share their time & abilities with out Participants

Allison Ashurst

Annie Neill

Amber Myrick

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Brooke Davis

Alyson Jackson

Carrie Jackson

Bruce Larsen

Ricky Trione

Nancy Raia

Scarlett Malone

Ragan Windsor

2025 Financial Summary EFGC 2025 Revenue Sources

Impact 100 Baldwin County awarded $103,000 to fund the purchase of a new bus for Participant field trips!

REVENUE

EXPENSES

Program Fees

$

302,640

Direct Services

$

Fundraising

BALANCE SHEET

Operating Expenses

$

186,461

Operating Income

$

36,256

48,197

Supporting Services

$

448,033

Changes in Net Assets

$

38,748

$

133,641

Direct Services

$

43,407

Net Assets – Start of 2025

$

25,570

Charitable Giving

$

111,797

Fundraising

$

28,250

Net Assets – End of 2025

$

64,318

Grants

$

146,132

TOTAL REVENUE

$

742,407

TOTAL EXPENSES

$

706,407

EFGC’S overall financial health improved significantly in 2025 following three years of a declining balance sheet.

This growth was driven by significant increases in charitable giving, being selected as an Impact 100 Baldwin County Recipient, stronger fundraising efforts, and only modestly rising expenses. The success of 2025 positions EFGC to continue expanding our services, capabilities, and number of Participants we serve.

Grants Alabama Knights of Columbus

Provided funding in support of the EFGC Youth and Summer Program.

Alabama Power – Power to Play

Awarded grant funding for the Exceptional Players Theater Program.

BCBS – The Caring Foundation

Provided funding to support EFGC’s Special Olympics Program.

The Bedsole Foundation

Awarded grant support for the Exceptional Players Theater Program.

City of Daphne

Provided operational funding to support the ongoing programs and services of the Exceptional Foundation Gulf Coast.

The Daniel Foundation

Awarded funding for the EFit Program, supporting health, wellness, and physical activity initiatives for Participants.

Fairhope Elks Lodge #1879

Provided funding for the EFGC Transportation Program.

Impact 100 Baldwin County

Awarded funding in support of the EFGC Youth and Summer Program and the purchase of a new vehicle for the Transportation Program.

St. Paul’s Thrift Store

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Provided operational funding to support EFGC’s day-to-day programming.

2025 Donors Corporate Sponsors

Businesses, Foundations, Organizations

Individual Donors

A&P Outpost, LLC Bay Shore Charities, Inc. Bayside Academy Community Engagement Class Brown Financial Advisory Bryant Bank Chicken Salad Chick Daphne Colony Animal Clinic Compro Services, LLC Crow Shields Bailey PC Daphne Utilities Eastern Shore Eye Care John A. Robertson Insurance Kia of Daphne Lad Drago State Farm MDH Foundation Services Phelps Dunbar LLP Publix Charities River Bank & Trust St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Daphne Terry Thompson Chevrolet The Bindon Family Fund Tonsmeire Foundation Walmart #934 Daphne

Marjorie Ballantyne Rebecca Black Mark Clodfelter Mark & Becky Costlow Kenny & Mary Hannah Crow Craig & Lisa Dahle Paige Dawson Garland & Candy Faulk Scarlett Fountain Geoff & Anne Frost Kennedy Barbara Garner Jim & Alice Gordon Richard S. Hanscom, Jr. Alastair & Edith Henry Steve & Jan Henninger Gary Johnson Lee Johnson Hobart R. Key McDaniel Family Ken & Linda McNamara Brad & Erica Navarre Mendi Niblett Michael & Debbie Quinn Janis Richmond Ronald P. Scott Robert Seaborn Carol A. Sekas The Silvernail Family Valerie Stickney Jordan Watkins Glenn & Mary Kay Webb Grady & JoAnne Wood Valerie Wooley Donny Wright Jeanne Wright

In-Kind Gifts Chicken Salad Chick Daphne Elisabeth Hayes Creative Collective Fairhope Brewing Company Irwin Contemporary Art Kind Café Lyons Share MB Greene National Charity League Nothing Bundt Cakes Daphne Pickleball Pep Rally SOHO Events and Rentals The Venue in Fairhope Vulcan Inc.

The above list recognizes individuals and organizations who contributed to our work throughout 2025. We strive for accuracy in acknowledging our supporters and regret any unintended omissions or inaccuracies.

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