2021 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT

LOVE EACH OTHER

2021

Directors Foundation is now in its seventh year of operation and continues to impact lives by contributing to charities that minister to and support people.

L ET TE R FROM T HE PRESIDEN T Each year brings challenges to non-profits. In 2020, COVID-19 all but shut down charity operations, and many organizations were left scrambling to not only find dollars to pay for staff salaries and necessary bills, but also how to adjust programming to include social distancing and masking. Charities were forced to innovate and do business in a new and effective way.

Some met the challenge head-on and thrived while others struggled and missed the mark.

In 2021, the year started out strong due to the relaxation of most state and national COVID mandates. We saw charities once again excited to offer programming in a more familiar and relational way. However, with the rise of a new COVID variant in the winter months, mandates were once again imposed, and charities began to cancel fundraising events and in-person programming. In large part because of COVID, charities continued to need funding in 2021. Directors Foundation (DF) stepped up to meet the need and helped more charities and more people than in previous years. It’s a blessing we had the means to make a difference.

In fact, Funeral Directors Life, the sole business supporter of Directors Foundation, adopted a philosophy in 2021 that speaks to the mission of the foundation: Love Each Other or L-E-O. Matthew 22:37 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”

That’s the most important commandment! Then, in the very next verse, Jesus said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In other words, love others as you want to be loved. Through diseases, mandates, disrupted

programming, and the unknown, we should focus on simply loving people. Directors Foundation has done that well, and as a result, people’s lives have been changed.

In the L-E-O spirit, we stayed true to our funding commitment to our partner charities, even knowing that their services would be limited. Additionally, we brought on several new partner charities, which allows us to meet even more needs in the community.

Even as our local engagement grows, we remain committed to global missions as a form of outreach. In July 2021, we coordinated a mission trip that allowed 32 volunteers to travel to Costa Rica where they built brand-new homes for two families. What an incredible picture of how the body of Christ works together – joining talents and desires to provide something greater for those in need! I look forward to future life-changing projects with Directors Foundation.

The growth we’ve seen is really incredible, and while 2022 will bring its own challenges, we know that “loving each other” can make a big difference in the lives of those in need. I look forward to seeing what this next year brings and how God uses Directors Foundation to fulfill His purposes and love on His people.

KRIS SEA L E President and CEO Directors Foundation

2021

YEAR IN REVIEW

1,500

668 KIDS CLUB

Six hundred and sixty-eight children from 506 families were served through after-school and summer programming that centers around Jesus, fun, and fellowship.

PREGNANCY RESOURCES OF ABILENE

Fifteen hundred clients were served through counseling, pregnancy tests, ultrasound services, educational classes, professional counseling, and/or adoption support. Forty babies lived because their mothers chose life for them!

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS

DF donated to the Lynay Scholarship, which ensures that ACU students receive an affordable, quality education.

In 2021, heartbreaking events occurred, including the death of their executive director in a car crash. DF stepped in to provide emotional and financial support that helped sustain one-on-one relationships that will ignite the biggest possible future for area youth.

LOVE & CARE MINISTRIES

More than 400 homeless and hurting people were helped on a daily basis. HIS Food Pantry, HIS Dining Room, and HIS Quiet Place met the needs of adults and families, and the Care Pack program provided weekend meals to children who qualify for the reduced lunch program.

17

HENDRICK HOME FOR CHILDREN

Seventeen students received funding for education beyond high school.

GLOBAL SAMARI TAN

ABILENE HERITAGE SQUARE PROJECT

This is a new renovation project at the heart of Abilene that will create a local draw for learning, teaching, meetings, and community gatherings.

DF funded operational preparedness initiatives, such as upgraded technology, increasing supply chain, and expanding the business plan.

3,000+ Christmas care packages were given to prisoners.

JEWISH MISSIONS

DF supported dental clinic and medical costs, elderly home visits, hot meals, financial training, humanitarian aid, congregational planting, and leadership development.

BIG COUNTRY COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES

Forty-nine percent of the organization’s funding comes from local business and individuals. DF funding makes it possible to recruit and train new volunteers who will ultimately handle the increased caseload of children served.

Two deserving families in Liberia, Costa Rica, received homes built by volunteers.

ABILENE POLICE FOUNDATION

This organization exists to support the families of Abilene police officers who are navigating unexpected expenses, such as pregnancy well-visits, funeral expenses, down payments on surgical procedures, and more.

2,000+ RIDING HIGH MINISTRIES

More than 2,000 people attended a presentation where God’s heart for his people was illustrated through the way a cowboy works with a wild horse – with patience and kindness.

HENDRICK HOSPICE CARE

INDIA MISSIONS

More than 55 uninsured/ under-insured patients and families received financial support for end-of-life care during their stay, and close to 1,300 patients were served with hospice programming.

DF funds supported food distribution, community water solutions and development, rescue for victims of trafficking, and vocational skills training for under-privileged women.

CHILDREN’S GRIEF CONNECTION

The Hearts of Hope Grief Camps continued via Zoom and in person when COVID-19 mandates were lifted.

ABILENE YOUTH SPORTS AUTHORITY

AYSA conducted a large number of Firm Foundation programs, summer events, camps, tournaments, coaching clinics, late night basketball leagues, and open gym times for the youth in the Big Country and within a 200-mile radius of Abilene.

2021 money expended

Christian Ministries: $352,700

Youth Sports: $100,000

Children’s Projects: $110,000

Abilene Community: $150,000

School Projects: $60,000

Misc.: $195,213

National Charities: $27,500

TOTAL: $995,413

Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.

PH ILIPPIANS 2 :4

Costa Rica MISSION PROJECT HIGHLIGHT DF launched its seventh mission trip, this time partnering with Youth with a Mission (YWAM), Funeral Directors Life (FDLIC), and Vital Seed Ministries. Thirtytwo volunteers gave their time and expertise to help build homes for two families in Liberia, Costa Rica.

The project started in the winter of 2020: choosing the families, gathering supplies, securing YWAM support and expertise, and training up the volunteers.

Construction started when the YWAM team helped the families clear the land and pour concrete slabs.

Then, our volunteers came and spent three days building the home itself. The homes were life-changing for the families as they not only gave them a place to call home (one that won’t wash away with seasonal

torrential rains), but they also remind the families that if this unthinkable thing can happen, anything can happen!

Both homes were outfitted with additional items, such as children’s school clothing, kitchen items, bedroom furniture, a dining room table, towels, bedding, and an abundance of food!

The mission trip was DF’s third to Costa Rica, and the second straight year of serving the wonderful people of Liberia. In spite of the ongoing impact of COVID, our volunteers believed God would pave the way. And He did!

WHEN VOLUNTEERS WERE ASKED IF THEY FELT LIKE THEY MADE A DIFFERENCE, WE HEARD THESE COMMENTS:

“I had no idea people lived in such dire situations.”

“It’s a great feeling to see your hard work be so appreciated.”

“I’ve never done mission work. What an incredible feeling to know I made a difference.”

“Coming together as a team was so much fun! I got more out of the build than I think the family got!”

“Going [on this trip] put in perspective how spoiled I am. These families walk or bike everywhere on dirt roads. I have a car. These families pour water from a barrel for a shower. I walk into a tub and turn on a faucet. These families live on a dirt floor with bugs, and when it rains, [the water] washes their floor away. They are constantly diverting water away from their belongings. I have a roof that doesn’t leak over my head. What an eye-opening experience!”

Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have because God is pleased with these kinds of sacrifices.

HEBREWS 13 :16

T H E G IVI N G TREE HIG HLIG HT

The Giving Tree campaign encourages donations and spotlights the organizations and charities DF supports. It is an opportunity for those involved in the DIG companies to remember and honor their loved ones and families by raising money to support others in the community. One hundred percent of donations go to charities supported by Directors Foundation, including the annual mission trip to Costa Rica! Thank you to all who contributed. Lives will be changed!

MORE THAN $8,000 RAISED THROUGH THIS YEAR’S EFFORTS. Contact Nadene Smith at nadene.smith@funeraldirectorslife.com to learn how you can support Directors Foundation.

M ISSIO N STATEMEN T

Directors Foundation’s mission is to be the best, most-respected partner to like-minded non-profit organizations in order to promote the cause of Christ and be His hands and feet in a lost and hurting world.

BOARD MEMBERS 1

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N a de n e Sm i t h Executive Director of Directors Foundation

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Addiso n Te mpl eton Executive Vice President of Administration

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To dd Carlso n Executive Vice President of Sales & Chief Sales Officer

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L isa Davidson Principal & Chief Operating Officer - Parkway Advisors

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Dwayn e McGraw Executive Vice President & Chief Actuary

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Te rr y Gro ban Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

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Te rri B an n ister Executive Vice President of Learning and Development

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Th e ro n H o lla d ay President & Chief Executive Officer - Parkway Advisors

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Pau l Love la ce Executive Vice President of Corporate Development

4

Kris Sea le President & CEO

5

1

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10 Dawso n Ro d ri g uez Executive Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer

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13

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J e ff Stewar t Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

12 Ro b e r t H am i l DIG Board Member 13 Pat B axte r Volunteer

WHO WE SUPPORT Abilene Christian University

Hendrick Home for Children

Abilene Heritage Square

Hendrick Hospice Care

Abilene Philharmonic

High school and university projects

Abilene Police Foundation

Central India Christian Mission

Abilene Youth Sports Authority

Kids’ Club @ the Park

Alzheimer’s Association

Kiwanis

Baylor University

Love & Care Ministries

Beltway Church: Afghanistan Relief

March of Dimes

Ministries

Messianic Jewish missions

Ben Richey Boys Ranch

Middle East ministries

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Paramount Theatre

Camp Able of Buffalo Gap

Pregnancy Resources of Abilene

Camp Courage/Club Courage

Project Graduation events

Cancer Services

Prison ministries

Children’s Grief Connection

Riding High Ministries

Christ Community Church: Kentucky

Texas Tech School of Nursing

Tornado Victims

Various mission projects

Community Foundation of Abilene

Vital Seed Ministries

Court Appointed Special Advocates

Wylie Bulldogs Education Foundation

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

YMCA

Global Samaritan

This is my commandment: love one

O N GO ING GOA LS ACCOUNTABILITY:

Directors Foundation’s website is active and viable and helps keep the foundation accountable by: • Highlighting partner non-profit organizations in an effort to drive web business to them and give them needed social media exposure • Publishing Annual Reports • Emphasizing service opportunities for mission trips • Facilitating quarterly DF Board meetings to discuss finances and funding opportunities, hear impactful stories, and ensure accountability and viability of the foundation PARTNERSHIP:

• We continue to reach out to partner organizations in an effort to build a close relationship with their staff. Understanding the vision and heart of the people involved helps us make future funding decisions.

• Directors Foundation considers the shareholders of Directors Investment Group, Inc. and other key constituents to be important partners and makes intentional efforts to keep them informed through written information in the Directors Investment Group ROI Newsletter, marketing the acceptance of memorial gifts, and sharing printed copies of the Annual Report.

another as I have loved you.

- JOHN 15 :12

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