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Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments
2013 ANNUAL REPORT
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDWe often refer to infancy as a critical period in
development because of the impact of early
experiences on the developing brains of infants.
The neuroplasticity of the brain is what makes
growth and development possible, and this
period is one of rampant growth and change.
It is no longer theory, but fact! Each week
new information is available to help us better
understand how these experiences are laying a
foundation for learning for each child.
It is also a metaphor for a time in the life of
families when their world has been rocked.
Teachers step in to provide guidance, counsel
and direction. Their services take many forms
from introducing families to apps that can
address early visual skills, or meeting at a park
near home for a mobility lesson. Who knew how
much fun a child could have while learning new
skills in communication, independence, social
skills and more! Teaching a parent to help their
child grow and learn is key, but supporting
families through this life-changing period is
equally as important.
We strive to deliver outstanding services for
families and work with community partners to
provide seamless and effective services. We help
our GRADS deal with powerful challenges during
their school years, with friends and others. Just
this past year, it was amazing to witness a young
client run the 5K at our Run for Sight because his
belief in himself inspires us all to believe; and
learn about another young boy who qualified
for the National Braille Challenge and took third
place at the age of 7. Their achievements are
ours as well!
There were a number of highlights in the past
year. One of our most important achievements
was identifying a roadmap for the next three
years which will add new services, start a young
friends group, build strong community outreach,
and continue efforts to assure continued funding
for Missouri First Steps services.
We couldn’t possibly take on initiatives like these
without the support of our “DGC Community.”
The blood, sweat and tears (not really, we hope)
behind the 4,000+ hours of volunteer service which
provides the engine for our special events and some
programs is staggering. We are indebted to others
who provide passion, expertise and leadership
that help us to evolve and steer into new territory.
Thanks to each and every one!
Sincerely,
Debbie Naucke Cara Brouder
Executive Director Board Chair
The mission of the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments is to help children who are blind or visually impaired reach their full potential through family-centered and specialized services and support.
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 3
Passionate about children
In addition to their expertise in the education of
children with visual impairments, the excellence in
services offered by the DGC reflects a passion for
teaching during the young years and a lifelong
commitment to learning in order to do their jobs well.
Comprehensive early intervention services are
offered for children from birth to three years old who
are blind or visually impaired and their families.
Services include education, orientation & mobility
services, and as needed, occupational, physical and
speech therapy services and assistive technology.
Services are provided primarily in the family’s home
or other community settings.
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments Braille Library
170 CHILDREN RECEIVED EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES INCLUDING:
1,885 hours of home visits from teachers
of the visually impaired
1,159 hours of home visits from
occupational, physical and speech therapists
351 hours of parent/child classes and
parent workshops
94% of the children accomplish their
individual goals
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 5
“Family capacity” is described in the Final Regulations for
the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with
Disabilities (34 CFR 303) as activities to influence families’
knowledge of their rights, to effectively communicate their
needs, and assist their children to develop and learn.
The caregiving practices of the DGC staff are intended to
provide parents with the knowledge, skills and experiences
that create competent and confident parents whose
daily life is filled with active learning, enjoyable family
experiences and assistance as needed with the unique
challenges of raising a child with a disability.
Family Support Services responds to individual requests
from family members for assistance with community
resources and parenting help on a wide array of topics.
Specialized groups connect families with each other, to
enjoy various community activities and gain knowledge
and skills.
St. Charles County
St. Louis City
Jefferson County
Other Missouri Counties
St. Louis County
Illinois Counties
257 individuals in 119 families received at least
one service throughout the year
219 hours of social work consultation
517 hours of group services, including training,
support and family activities
WHO WE SERVE
35%
23%
15% 15%
6% 6%
The fabric of life
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 7
Attainment and adventure
Becoming a well-rounded adult is an important
goal in one’s youth, and attaining such requires
growing from one’s mistakes, a healthy sense
of self-confidence, being valued by others and
much more. Instilling such behaviors and attitudes
requires experiences that teach many skills and
important values. The GRADS (Group Recreation
and Developmental Support) Program offers
group experiences where participants are taught
in a manner that addresses the unique ways in
which youths with visual impairments learn. The
experiences foster teamwork and independence,
social skills necessary to promote friendships, and
community experiences that expand their horizons.
GRADS offers fun, community-based groups for
youth of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
The groups include monthly meetings, special
projects and summer challenge trips,
plus a seasonal tandem cycling team
that rides weekly.
47 youths participated in the GRADS program (unduplicated)
2,045 hours of GRADS group services
2013 Trip Destinations:
Angel Island, California Breckenridge, Colorado
OUR CHAMPIONS A Special Salute for Outstanding Service:
Shining Light Award Joe Toohey
Visionary Award Ruth Spence NelsonGretchen Ross
Professional Service Award Greg Barth, Photography Jim Rooney, Mercy Optical
Volunteer Service Award Heather Backes Bill Hansen Scott LaPresta Blair Rudert Scott Swartzbaugh
Community Service Award Mimi Ravarino St. Louis University, Delta Gamma Chapter
91% of GRADS members made improvements or accomplished their goals of increased independence, social skills and communityparticipation
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 9
Due to the vision that a group of Delta Gamma
alumnae from Washington University had sixty-two
years ago, our community friends have helped
hundreds of children and their families in reaching
their dreams this past year. From leadership and
wisdom, expertise with art projects and design
services, converting books into Braille for babies,
financial support, cheering on runners at the Run
for Sight, leading our GRADS on tandem bike rides,
committee service, volunteering with our programs,
and much more, our community friends have, often
unknowingly, allowed so many dreams to be fulfilled.
We deeply appreciate our community of donors who
have a hand in making each and every hour of service
possible for a child. To our Board of Directors and
Committee Chairs for board and fundraising events:
we have strength and security in ways that we cannot
achieve alone because of your leadership.
SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEE Blair Rudert Shining Light Tree Lot Chairperson
Katie Hunter Run for Sight Chairperson
Georgia Relich and Sheryl Breadman Holiday House Co-Chairs
Jennifer LaPresta and Courtney Rakers Ride to Unite Co-Chairs
Betty Smith and Joann Clay Eye For Style Co-Chairs
SPECIAL THANKS FOR GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND 2e Creative
Lighthouse for the Blind – St. Louis
McCarthy Building Companies
Strategic Technology Group, LLC
1,782 preschool children received
vision screenings
450 volunteers provided over
4,000 hours of service
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 11
MAJOR BENEFACTOR ($5,000+)
Tina and Andrew Miller
Mimi Ravarino
Mr. and Mrs. David Spence*
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tschudy
VISIONARY ($1,000–$4,999)
Anonymous
James and Catherine Berges
Steven M. Cockriel
Gaea DeWalt
Jay and Deirdre Epstein
Denise and Paul Faus
Peter and Susan Frane
Dorothy Hanpeter
Mrs. George Hays
Lucas Kendall
Dr. and Mrs. Gregg Lueder
Ms. Dorothy Maxwell
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Nelson
Mr. Harry Scott
Nanne B. Simonds
Amy and Deck Slone
Mrs. Betty Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Allen Soffer
Jean Stemmler
Doug and Carol Tracy*
Butch and Carol Welsch
Drs. Chris and Lisa Wilson
SHINING LIGHT ($500–$999)
Dr. and Mrs. Laurence Avins
Jill Beitel*
Mr. and Mrs. Guy Blase
Mrs. W. Wesley Burton
Joseph Byrne
Joann Clay
Teresa W. Crossland
John and Libby Donnell
Liz Dorr
Patrick and Joan Duggan
Mary Dunn
Gary G. Grindler
Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Gruer Jr.
Joyce M. Hanks
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Harmon
Janet Hays
Peter M. Hofmann and Neha N. Amin
Susan Horseman
Mr. and Mrs. John Huhn
Maureen Killoran
Dhananjay Kokate
Mr. Kenneth R. Mares
Lisa Marquard
Karen Marshall
Michael Miner
Mr. and Mrs. Bill J. Naucke
Mr. and Mrs. Lyn Pankoff
Roger and Linda Provow
Mark and Cathleen Reifsteck
Carol Rost
Ann and Mark Shapiro
Marian E. Thomas
Joseph M. Toohey
Diana Beckman and Charles Walch
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Winkler
Larry Woodruff
Jane and Charles Wright
BEACON ($250–$499)
Mary Amann
Ms. Heather Backes
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ballew
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Barden
Dale Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Behnke
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Bell
Cara Brouder
Jake Buhnerkempe
Kathleen M. Carr and Dick Sutton
Kate Denner and Charlie Brooks
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Fiala
Terence Finan
Brian and Erin Geary
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Gilbert
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hansen
Eleanor Hoefle
Mr. Allen A. Irwin
Greg Jacob
Barbie and Addison Jost
Janet Keierleber
Louis and Dolores Kempfer
Catharine Kennedy
Brett D. Kincade
Bill and Dorothy Mill
Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Mount
Mrs. Joyce Mundy
William Nye
Adele K. O’Neil
Matthew Parker
Tonya Paulus
Charles Pecher
Gale Quentzel
Carmina Quiroga and Adrian Zepeda
Mrs. Robert Ravensberg
Ms. Lynn Ricci
Carol and David Roodman
Mrs. Gretchen H. Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Royse
Kevin Schopp
Dorothy H. Schulz
Ms. Natalea Simmons
David R. Smith
Ms. Jane Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Brick P. Storts IV
Mrs. and Mrs. William H. Tyler
Mrs. Danielle Uy
Richard Waddle
Deborah J. Wells
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer C. Wolling
Barbara Zielinski
ANCHORS ($100–$249)
Ms. Joyce Abel
Peggy Abeln
Karen Adams
Janet Alexander
Jill Allen
Barbara Anderson
Karen Aquino
Becky Arendt
Judith Bachman
Melvin C. Bahle
Robert Barley
Cheryl Bartnett
Kathy Bauer
Gina Bauman
Mrs. Ann Beckemeyer
Carla Beckerle
Aimee Bergan
Joe Berry
Sara Bevins
Louise Geary Billingsley
Dayna B. and Timothy C. Bischof
Maryl Blackwell
Rebecca Blair
Joan Bone
Carol Branson
Sheryl Breadman and Eli Montague
Karen A. Brehm
Sandy Brockman
Patty Brooks-Gibson
Ann-Marie Brown
Mr. and Mrs. John Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Buechler
Christopher J. Burnes
Andrew Burton
Sheila Burton
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bussen
Larry Byars
Susan Cahill Schmidt
Mary Calzaretta
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Canter
Heather Capallo
Janice Carriger
Heather Carson
Amanda Casey
Dr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Cavanaugh
Kristin and Todd Charow
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chehval
Sara Clark
Kimberly Classen
Barbara A. Conrad
Rebecca Cook
Cassandra Cooke
Christian Cooley
Alex Cox
Annette Croghan
Stacey Crossley
Tina Crouppen
June Crowther
Dr. and Mrs. Oscar Cruz
Linda Dalton
Mary Danforth
Ms. Kathleen Danner
Ellen Dauber
Adrienne Davis
Kathleen Davis
Rene DeFiore
Ms. Mary Deibel
Susan Deneault
Margaret DeYoung
Dr. and Mrs. Jason A. Diaz
Mrs. Daniel Diehl
Ann Dioneda
Ellen Dolan
Ms. Barbara L. Donnell
David and Christine Donnelly
Sue Dorcey
Phil and Cathy Douglas
Jenny Douthitt
Matthew DuBois
Russell W. Duke
George Edinger
Stephanie Ellis
Mr. Joseph R. Enright
Bryan Eovaldi
David and Janice Epstein
Bill and Jan Erdman
Susie Fandos
Margaret Farrell
Robyn Feezel
Martha M. Fields
The Finneys
Jane Fisher
Carla Fitzpatrick
Lloyd Forester
Chuck Forthaus
Ms. Kelly Foster
Mrs. Robert Frane
Tammy Free
Jane Frick
Barbara Fricke
Kathy and Robert Fulstone
Gretchen Gannon
Robert Gartner
Matthew Gehbauer
Pamela K. Gehbauer
Tyler Gehbauer
Leigh Gerard
Ann Geraty
Wendy Geraty
Mrs. Charlotte M. Gianino
Karen Gibbons
Melissa Gibbs
Mary M. Gleason
Trish and Tom Goldberg
Abbey Goldin
Dr. Steven Goodrich
Anne Goodwillie
Margaret Gragnani
Georgene F. Grimm
Karen Grossman
Edward A Grossmann
Ian Guthrie
Amanda Hammel
Ms. Darlene Harrison
Christy Henry
Mr. and Mrs. James Hershfelt
Josh Hess
Nathan Hess
Karen Hetzler
Leslie and Jeff Higgs
Mary Hill
Kati Hinkle
Susie Hizar
Leeny Hoffman
Natalie Hoffman
Matt and Meghan Holbrook
Amy Holland
Julie Holland
Maggie Holloran
Susy Holmes
Betty Horn
Karen Hubbs
Lynda Hulett
Toni Hunt
Stacey Hutchens
Sarah Igoe
Jen Ivanovich
Mary E. Jarrell
Ms. Katie Jeshuran
Genevieve Jessee
Dr. and Mrs. David Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. George Johnson
Anne Judge
Kay Kaiser
Ms. Leanne Karapita
Diane Kavanaugh
Holli Keenan
Elaine Kelly
Teresa Kelly
Patricia Kendall
Tom Kernell
Kathy Kilo Peterson
Angie Kimes
Chris Kohring
Amanda Kopff
Mark Kramer
Leslie Kreilich-Robertson
Katie Krobath
Larry Krodinger
Mr. Lester Krone
Karen Lane
Forrest Langenfeld
Jackie LaVigne
Jane LaVigne
Nancy M. LaVigne
Vera Lebedeva
Karen Leeker
Cindy Leonard
Marilyn A. Levy
Cathie Limbaugh
Mr. and Mrs. D. Michael Linihan
Mark Livingston
Martha Lohmeyer
Tracey Ludbrook
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Lundt
Christopher Maddock
Anthony Malle
Patty Mantovani
Julie Margiotta
Mitchell and Karen Margo
John and Cathy Marino
Jennifer Marquart
Patti A. and Richard H. Marriott
Scott and Annabelle Marshall
Mr. and Mrs. John McAllister
Mr. and Mrs. Philip McDermott
John and Constance McPheeters
Mr. Daryl Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Milosovich
Mrs. Henry Mitchell
C M Mitchell-Bromfman
Lori Moats
Barbara Moore
Chester and Elaine Moore
Jeffrey P. Mortland
Matthew Mueller
Cathy Murch
Charlie Nester
Amy Nichols
Maryjo Nordmann
Maureen O’Brien
Karen O’Rourke
Mr. and Mrs. James O’Shea
Cara O’Hara
Karla Olson
Mrs. Carol Oppenheim
John Otts
Anne Page
Mr. and Mrs. James Pandjiris
Betsy A. Papageorge
Ms. Barbara Paulus
Joshua and Anslie Perkel
Amanda Piazza
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Pieper
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Reeves
Linda and Tom Reinhardt
Beverly M. Rezneck
Brent Rich
Kim Ridder
Ms. Lorraine Riffle-Hawley
Sally J. Riggs
Michael R. Riley
Jennifer Roberts
Michael Roberts
Mary Robichaux
Mr. and Mrs. Jim and Sue Roesch
Darryl A. Ross
Margaret B. Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brown
Missy and Mike Rutherford
Jennifer Schaefer
Mrs. Eileen Schless
Janet Schwarze
Paula A. Seward
Mr. and Mrs. David Shulman
Ms. Connie Smith
Ms. Jennifer Smith
Art Sordo
Earl Spiller
Mrs. Barbara Sprick
Lecie Steinbaum
Julie Steininger
Clara H. Steinlage
Claire Straight
Charles Stroud
Dawn Sturmon
Mickey Tabor
Laurie Teachout
Bob and Virginia Temm
Mr. Mark A. Thompson
Tracey Thomson
Pam Toder
Mike and Elizabeth Trimble
Dr. Lawrence Tyschen
Mimi and Jim Vatterott
Peggy and William Vickroy
Mr. and Mrs. Dezmon Vitale
Phillip Vitale
Mr. and Mrs. Philip von Gontard
Les Wagner
Valerie and Stan Walch
Jean and Donald Waldemer
Ms. Tiffiny Weidner
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Westin, Jr.
Chris White
Mary White
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wood
Glenn Woodruff
Gordon Woodruff
Jimmie and Joy Woodruff
Kimberly Woodruff
Bridget and Doug Young
Stuart and Kathy Zimmerman
Stacy M. Zobrist
FOUNDATIONS and CORPORATIONS
AT&T
Boeing ECF
Cardinals Care
Carney’s Kids
Catholic Health Association
Chesterfield Lions Activity Fund
Concord Village Lions Community Services Foundation, Inc.
Crawford Taylor Foundation
CVS Caremark Corporation
Dana Brown Charitable Trust
Delta Gamma Foundation
E. Reuben and Gladys Flora Grant Charitable Trust
Emerson Charitable Trust*
George Von Hoffmann Foundation Inc.
J.A. Glynn and Company
Jordan Charitable Foundation
JST Charitable Fund
Lighthouse for the Blind- St. Louis
Microsoft
Mimi Fishman Foundation
The Saigh Foundation
St. Louis Christmas Carols Assoc.
Stupp Bros. Bridge & Iron Co. Foundation
The Cardinal Foundation of Ohio
The Pott Foundation
The Tilles Fund
United Way of Greater St. Louis
US Association for Blind Athletes
Variety The Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Verizon Foundation
Webb Foundation
West County Ophthalmology, Inc.
CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS
Beaufort Lions Club
Columbian Charities of Missouri, Inc.
Congregation Temple Israel Nursery School
Delta Gamma Fraternity - Eta Theta Chapter
District 26-M2 Lions Eye Foundation
Harmony Lions Club
House Springs Lions Club Inc.
Lions Club of Webster Groves
Lions District 26-M2
Lord of Life Lutheran Church Preschool
Maplewood Lions Club
Our Lady of Snows Catholic Mission
Salem Methodist Preschool
Southside Lions Club
St. Paul’s Evangelical Church
Webster Groves Lions Club
Wildwood Area Lions Club
Fiscal Year: July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013
* Capital campaign Donors
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 13
REVENUESContract/Government Grants $ 251,570 Special Events (Net) $ 132,934Contributions $ 369,651Investment Income $ 79,482United Way $ 70,996Bequest $ 121,329Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments (Net) $ 244,076Net Assets Released from Restrictions (Capital Campaign) $ – Publications $ –
TOTAL REVENUE $ 1,270,038
EXPENSESProgram Early Intervention $ 552,705 Family Support $ 158,215 GRADS Trips $ 23,972 Outreach $ 62,985 TOTAL $ 797,877Management/General $ 85,211 Development/Fundraising $ 117,449
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,000,537
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONNET ASSETSUnrestricted $ 6,288,040Board Designation $ – Temporary Restricted $ 114,541Permanently Restricted $ 31,218
TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 6,433,799
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 6,497,086
Note: Financial summary was condensed from the Delta Gamma Center for Children with
Visual Impairments audit done by Zielinski & Associates.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Cara Brouder, Board Chair
Danielle Uy, Vice-Chair of Administration/Secretary
Melissa Brueggeman, Vice-Chair of Finance
Lisa Sullivan, Vice-Chair of Resource and Development
Lissa Johnson, Vice-Chair of Programs and Services
Tracy Polansky, Vice-Chair of Public Relations
STAFF
Administration
Deborah Naucke, Executive Director
Cassandra Cooke, Director of Development
Stacey Hutchens, Development Associate
Sharon Niethe, Office Manager
Tom Meyer, Accountant
Flora Robinson, Facilities/Assistant
DIRECTORS
Heather Backes
Beth Bell
Jay Byrne
Dr. Jay Epstein
Brent Jackson
Jeremy Kingma
Scott LaPresta
Martha Leader McGeehon
Ed Maglasang
Lisa Marquard
Tim Rogan
Blair Rudert
Charles Walch
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Design by 2e Creative
FISCAL YEAR 2012/2013
Program
Debbie Chapuis, Family Support Services Coordinator
Nancy Crawford, Physical Therapist
Karen Eckert, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Patti Griesbaum, Occupational Therapist
Patti Hamill, Physical Therapist
Danny Hurwitz, GRADS Program Coordinator
Julie Johnson, Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Christine Krekow, Speech Therapist
Becky Lambert, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Calla Massman, GRADS Program Facilitator
Bamidele Otemuyiwa, Data Entry
Margaret Russell, Occupational Therapist
Lisa Rohr, Early Intervention Program Coordinator
Jo Russell-Brown, Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Lindsay Wayne, Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments 2013 Annual Report Page 15
1750 S. Big Bend Blvd.
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
p. 314.776.1300
WWW.DGCKIDS.ORG
