2024 ANNUAL REPORT
WHO WE ARE
For over 65 years, Grafton has been leading the way in delivering high-quality, person-centered care! We are proud to provide exceptional education, residential, and community-based services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and complex mental health challenges. At Grafton, we believe in creating safe and comforting environments, where both our staff and clients can thrive and reach their fullest potential!
MISSION
Creating solution-focused opportunities for individuals challenged by complex disabilities.
VISION
Grafton is committed to excellence in the delivery of person-centered care and value-added services.
VALUES
ADAPTABILITY
We respond in a quickly-changing environment. We shift our focus and react thoughtfully to new
We recognize and respect the inherent value and unique qualities of every individual. We treat everyone
We commit to doing the right thing even when no one is watching or acknowledging our actions. We We earn and build trust by taking responsibility for our statements, actions, and outcomes. We recognize our mistakes and apply the lessons learned to foster continuous improvement.
We innovate to achieve the highest quality results. We strive for continuous improvement, inspiring and
MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP
Thank you for being a part of our 2024!
As we reflect on this past year, we can’t thank our incredible staff, board members, families, and donors enough for making this a year to remember! Your collective support and unwavering commitment played a critical role in our success this year.
In the video below, our CEO, James Stewart, proudly shares some key highlights from this year and what he hopes we accomplish in the next!
As you dive into our report, we hope that you take notice of all the positive changes that have taken place this year. We have had many changes in leadership, created stronger systems for supporting our staff, coordinated many memorable events for our clients and their families, and so much more. We are proud of what we have accomplished and are eager to keep the momentum going!
https://www.grafton.org/about-us/our-team/
Thank you for your continued partnership and your support in helping us deliver life-changing care! Together, We Are Grafton!
James Stewart, Grafton CEO
CLINICAL OVERVIEW
Leading With Heart to Achieve Fidelity
We are pleased to present the highlights, adaptability, and efficacy of our Clinical Department this year. In the video below, Tania Silva, one of Grafton’s Clinical Administrators, looks back on the exciting rollout of “We Are Grafton” as well as the impact of the practice-based evidences that are utilized in the treatment of each and every client Grafton serves. We also hear from Kent Houchins, COO of Commu nity-Based Program, about how the Clinical Team is entering the coming year with a focus on fidelity, all while maintaining a trauma-informed approach, with the goal of increased outcomes for those we serve. Hear more about his experience in this field in the article below.
Leading with Heart:
How a Social Work Degree Shapes Leadership at Grafton
Read Kent’s heartfelt blog here! https://www.grafton.org/stories/leading-with-heart-how-a-social-work-degree-shapes-leadership-at-grafton/
EARLY INTERVENTION OVERVIEW
It’s never too early to make a difference!
Our Early Intervention team was hard at work this year! We are proud to report that our incredible team served over 750 infants/toddlers and their families this year located in the City of Winchester and Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Page, and Shenandoah counties. This extremely dedicated and talented team goes above and beyond and is a vital asset to our community.
If you are not familiar with our Early Intervention services, we invite you to learn more about our team’s important work in the video below from our Director of Early Intervention, Sharlene Stowers.
In addition to providing amazing services, our Early Intervention team provides great tips and resources for families. We are thrilled to share a few family tip videos below from several exceptional team members!
View tips and resources from our Early Intervention team here!
TEAM GRAFTON
Dedicated to making a difference at Grafton!
We are so fortunate to have many exceptional, talented, and dedicated employees at Grafton who are committed to making a difference. Whether you are new to our team or have built a lifelong career with us, our appreciation for you is immeasurable. You are truly the changemakers of Grafton!
This year we said goodbye to an incredible, longtime changemaker of Grafton. Terry Feagans retired from Grafton after over 40 impressive years. Terry is a true example of what Grafton is all about. Doing everything in our power to ensure our clients have the best care possible, while in our care.
Join us in celebrating a Grafton legend by watching her farewell video below!
At Grafton, our employees are deeply committed to making a real difference in the lives of our clients. The work that they do requires unwavering dedication and they strive relentlessly to create supportive and inclusive environments. Every day, I witness our team going above and beyond to deliver personalized care and education, while fully understanding the unique needs of each individual. Their commitment is rooted in resilience, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact. I am so proud to work alongside such caring and dedicated colleagues.
Stephanie Dixon, Chief HR Officer
As I was moving away from my family for the first time as a young twenty-something when I came to Grafton to work with children with autism, I never imagined I would still be here almost 39 years later. Not only did I discover my passion for this line of work, but many of my colleagues have become close personal lifetime friends. At Grafton, I found my forever work family, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Pamela Martin, Lead Training Support Manager
Grafton has made it possible for me to learn new skills centered specifically around teaching children with multiple disabilities, especially autism. Grafton has also made it possible for me to go back to school to receive my MAT: Special Education.
Susan Krawczyk, Teacher
Grafton Understands long-term success of clients and staff. This helps to bridge the gap between the two in a successful way.
Tyler
Satterfield, Teacher
Grafton is a place where every child is going to be surrounded by people who care about them and love what they do. There’s a lot of happiness here!
Kiara Johnson, Residential Instructor
LIFE-CHANGING OUTCOMES
Miller Family Sons Thrive at Grafton
This year we had the pleasure of sitting down with Corry and Jeremy Miller, the parents of two Grafton students. We were so moved by their love for their sons and how they have seen them blossom since being enrolled at our Ruth Birch School. Their appreciation toward all of our staff who have played a role in their success was heartwarming.
In the video below, you will not only hear powerful testimonies from the Miller’s, but you will also hear from a few of the staff who made a difference in their lives and what it has meant to them seeing Mason and Charlie succeed.
At Grafton, exceptional outcomes are possible thanks to the involvement of our students, families, and incredible staff!
All teachers have it hard but the teachers at Grafton are special kinds of people.
Jeremy Miller, Parent
AN IMPACT FOR A LIFETIME: NEW BUILD
A family’s generosity will leave a lifetime impact at Grafton!
This year we hit a new milestone at Grafton. Thanks to the incredible generosity of the DeMuro family, remarkable work by Utica Contracting, Inc., and tireless efforts from members of our Grafton team - a dream became a reality. It warms our hearts knowing that this new, state-of-the-art home will forever change the lives of Grafton clients and give them the home that we all wish our loved ones could have. We can’t thank the DeMuro family enough for their generous donation that will impact lives for decades!
We invite you to watch our mini documentary about this groundbreaking milestone!
Interested in reading more? Check out our blog post from last year’s ribbon cutting ceremony!
New Home for Grafton Provides Bright Future https://www.grafton.org/stories/new-home-for-grafton-provides-bright-future/
CREATING CHANGE ACROSS THE WORLD
What a terrific year for Ukeru Systems. When I think about the fact that our customer base grew by 65% in one year, it hits me that we are no longer just delivering a training. Ukeru is now a movement. The momentum is building through the passion of the incredible Ukeru team, paired with the commitment of customers far and wide. Customers, parents, legislators, advocacy groups, etc. have been sharing the Ukeru messages and it’s paying off. Mindsets are changing and the use of restraint and seclusion is decreasing. There’s so much more to do and we stand ready to continue this important work….with you!
Kimberly Sanders,Chief Operating Officer, Staff Training; President, Ukeru Systems
Ukeru is being utilized by over 800 schools/organizations across the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
Ukeru’s Marketing Team exhibited and/or presented at 8 conferences this year.
We were thrilled to feature several case studies this year ranging from schools, residential providers, psychiatric treatment facilities, a hospital, and so much more! You can view those incredible success stories here https://www.ukerusystems.com/who-we-serve/case-studies/
Ukeru’s podcast, The Mindset, released several episodes featuring many incredible guests! We invite you to change your mindset with us and listen here! https://www.youtube.com/@ukerusystems6001/podcasts
This has been a year of growth in regards to customer base, awareness, and connections. We met in-person with Assistant Secretary Glenna Gallo of the U. S. Department of Education, representatives of the U. S. Office of Civil Rights (OCR), representatives of MABE (Maryland Association of Boards of Education) Insurance Programs Workers’ Compensation Fund, various State Boards of Education and Department of Human Services divisions.
https://www.youtube.com/@ukerusystems6001/podcasts
The Ukeru team grew substantially in FY24, adding several new team members to improve internal processes, customer service efforts, and the training experience. View our team here! https://www.youtube.com/@ukerusystems6001/podcasts https://www.ukerusystems.com/who-we-serve/case-studies/
Individuals Served
754 Infants & Toddlers Children & Adolescents *across all service lines
562 (up by 227 from last year)
Numbers are for all of our 4 regions: Berryville, VA, Richmond, VA, Winchester, VA, and Cold Spring, MN
8.3%
Grafton has an 8.3% average Employee Growth rate over FY23 and FY24. Employee growth rate is a metric that measures the percentage change in a company’s workforce.
*A positive number can indicate the ability of the organization to attract and grow its workforce.
45%
Grafton has a 45% Internal mobility rate for FY24. 45% of our headcount were promoted or transferred to different opportunities within the fiscal year.
* Internal mobility is a metric that measures the ability of employees to advance their careers by moving to new roles or functions within the organization.
33.50%
FY24 Voluntary Turnover Rate is 33.50%, down from 35.59% in FY23
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Grafton School Statement of Financial Position
Investment in subsidiaries, net
Land, buildings and equipment, net $7,083,893 13,149,000 11,079,673 3,290,430 4,370,056 206,060 25,844,816 $3,847,535 13,402,476 7,628,846 4,435,095 4,198,992 198,059 25,571,439
$59,282,442
Accrued expenses and other liabilities Notes and bond payable $6,586,793 7,418,928 95,235 $6,387,432 7,999,291
$14,100,955 $14,454,748
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
As with many organizations, the impact of balancing the ever-evolving and highly competitive labor market with the historically slow, and often stagnant, growth of reimbursement rates is a top focus for Grafton. During this year changes in reimbursement rates for many of Grafton's core services allowed for reinvestment in and growth of Grafton's workforce, which, in turn, increased the number of individuals and families Grafton served. Looking forward, Grafton's strong financial position will continue to be a solid foundation upon which to support continuous investments in program quality as well as advancements in physical and technological infrastructure.
Angela Brown, Chief Financial Officer
Grafton School Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets REVENUES
2023 2024
Program service fees, net Contract program revenue Contributions and grants Other revenue
TOTAL REVENUES $73,552,142 $58,390,345
EXPENSES
Salaries and benefits Program operations
Non-operating expenses
TOTAL EXPENSES
$53,017,372 13,402,311 2,783,002 $45,083,390 11,882,178 2,776,717 $66,854,501 166,790 2,340,198 4,190,653 $52,861,386 859,705 2,001,052 2,668,202
Nonoperating gains (losses) and Other changes in net assets $69,202,685 $59,742,285 $1,745,823 $1,386,277
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $6,095,281 $34,337
Special Programs Leave A Special Impact OUR PROGRAMS
Did you know that when you donate to Grafton you are supporting the funding of creative and innovative services? Services such as music therapy, art therapy, library services, and horticulture education are services that we feel are extremely important at Grafton. Unfortunately, these services are not currently reimbursable services. These services bring so much value to our clients, and we are so proud to be able to offer them.
We are thrilled to share a few videos below of the innovative programs that your donations support.
Notes of Success: Music Therapy Returns to Berryville
This year was extremely instrumental for Berryville! Berryville’s music therapy program was revived with the addition of their new Music Therapist, Milo Levine. We are excited to see Milo’s ideas for the program be brought to life!
Berryville Horticulture Spotlight
Did you know that our Berryville campus has a beautiful greenhouse? In this video, you will see a glimpse of this magical place that is so special to our staff and clients.
OUR DONORS
Grafton would like to express our deepest gratitude and recognize the incredible generosity of the following individuals, corporations, foundations, and others who have graciously supported our mission.
Organizations
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
Catoma Baking Projects
Frontstream Donation
Herbert Family Trust
Angela L. Brown
Angela Tinsman
Anne Roach
Beth Linares
Brian McCarthy
Christine Conwell
Denise Rahn
Eileen Bonner
Ellen Seidt
Gemma Brooks
James Stewart
Jerry Partlow
Kiwanis Club of Winchester
Network for Good The DeMuro Legacy Fund
United Bank Parkeast
Individuals & Families
John S. Zeiter
Joyce Hammond
K. Lonergan
Kate Maguire
Kathy A. Cresegiona
Kent Houchins
Kim Biancheri
Kimberly Sanders
Laura Ford
Lisa Morledge
Margaret Ogden
Mark Terry
Mary Jane Kabosius
Mary Sullivan
Maureen Jenkins
Moises Cardenas
Nate Williams
Patricia Boback
Patricia Bonanni
Rhonda Richardson
Rosemarie Maribello
Rosmary Lynch
Sharon Foltz
Susan Jones
https://www.grafton.org/how-we-do-it/donate/