A Message from our Executive Director and Board President
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
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
Mr. Wesley Coody C² Wealth Strategy
Ms. Lisa Hastings Bryant Bank, Daphne
Mr. Kenny Crow III Crow Shields Bailey
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Partners,
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
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
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
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.
Participants may attend on a full-time or part-time basis
Program Hours:
Monday–Thursday, 7:50 am – 5:30 pm
SUMMER PROGRAM
The Summer Program is an eightweek program for Participants ages 10 through high school.
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
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
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 are picked up directly from Daphne & Spanish Fort High Schools and transported to EFGC
Program Hours: Monday–Thursday, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
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.
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.
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
265
Participants & Families Served
Individuals and families supported throughout the year
22
Individuals served through our Summer Camp program
2025 Program Impact
Average Daily Attendance
Participants served during daily programming 50
80
Field trips and community outings throughout the year
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.
-Angela Melson
Staff-to-Participant Ratio in the Adult Day Program
Maintaining safe, supervised group environments 1:10
Staff-to-Participant Ratio in the Summer Program
Supporting safe, structured, and engaging summer experiences. 1:6
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!!
-Helen Underwood
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
Domestic Violence Training – Safety awareness and understanding
NonProfit Times- Online professional development courses in marketing and nonprofit management
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
Volunteer Involvement
programs and creating meaningful experiences for Participants throughout the year.
Quarterly Volunteer Days
Community Volunteers, including the Vulcan Group, dedicate time each quarter to lead activities, games, and special experiences for participants.
Tuesday Art Volunteers
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 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 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 Artists
We are grateful to the talented artists who share their time & abilities with out Participants
Allison Ashurst Annie Neill Brooke Davis Carrie Jackson Ricky Trione Scarlett Malone
Amber Myrick Alyson Jackson Bruce Larsen Nancy Raia Ragan Windsor
2025 Financial Summary
Impact 100 Baldwin County awarded $103,000 to fund the purchase of a new bus for Participant field trips!
REVENUE EXPENSES BALANCE SHEET
EFGC’Soverallfinancialhealthimprovedsignificantlyin 2025followingthreeyearsofadecliningbalancesheet. Thisgrowthwasdrivenbysignificantincreasesincharitable giving,beingselectedasanImpact100BaldwinCounty Recipient,strongerfundraisingefforts,andonlymodestly risingexpenses.Thesuccessof2025positionsEFGCto continueexpandingourservices,capabilities,andnumber ofParticipantsweserve.
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
Provided operational funding to support EFGC’s day-to-day programming
2025 Donors
Corporate Sponsors
Businesses, Foundations, Organizations
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
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.
Individual Donors
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
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