Prior to fi nding Evant, Michael was yet another person with a disability living in a large group setting where he was given little attention.

His needs, such as regular bathing, had been neglected. His skin and health showed this neglect, and at one point he nearly lost his life to subsequent health issues. Michael recalls that period of time as undesirable – being picked on and mistreated was the norm for Michael.

Luckily, Michael’s mother was an advocate, seeking out resources and answers to make sure her son was cared for appropriately. His mother researched tirelessly, while dealing with a terminal illness, to fi nd a place where she felt Michael would be cared for properly. She found Evant. Sandy Kidd, Residential Director, recalls a conversation where his mother said she needed to fi nd a safe home with quality care for Michael before she died. Unfortunately, only months after Michael’s move to Evant, his mother did succumb to the illness. As an organization Evant strives to provide for him in a way that would make her content in her decision to choose Evant.

Now, Michael, too, is an advocate, talking with those he meets about living with a disability and the rights he and others deserve. Michael speaks highly of his Evant home and the staff who support him. “I feel wanted and comfortable....Gretchen, the manager, is a doll. I couldn’t

get along without her.”He looks forward to visits from his twin brother and aunts. Each weekend he prefers to

spend time watching his favorite TV shows and admits to enjoying the solitude of his own room. On weekdays he attends Active Endeavors, through United Disability Services, where he likes to

listen to CDs on the stereo as he works. Michael says...‘[I live in] a nice house, try it and see how you like it!’

I am an advocate.

Evant 2009 Annual Report and

2010 Preview

I moved [to Evant] because my mother

wanted me taken care of properly.

— Michael

Prior to fi nding Evant, Michael was yet another person with a disability living in a large group setting where he was given little attention.

His needs, such as regular bathing, had been neglected. His skin and health showed this neglect, and at one point he nearly lost his life to subsequent health issues. Michael recalls that period of time as undesirable – being picked on and mistreated was the norm for Michael.

Luckily, Michael’s mother was an advocate, seeking out resources and answers to make sure her son was cared for appropriately. His mother researched tirelessly, while dealing with a terminal illness, to fi nd a place where she felt Michael would be cared for properly. She found Evant. Sandy Kidd, Residential Director, recalls a conversation where his mother said she needed to fi nd a safe home with quality care for Michael before she died. Unfortunately, only months after Michael’s move to Evant, his mother did succumb to the illness. As an organization Evant strives to provide for him in a way that would make her content in her decision to choose Evant.

Now, Michael, too, is an advocate, talking with those he meets about living with a disability and the rights he and others deserve. Michael speaks highly of his Evant home and the staff who support him. “I feel wanted and comfortable....Gretchen, the manager, is a doll. I couldn’t

get along without her.”He looks forward to visits from his twin brother and aunts. Each weekend he prefers to

spend time watching his favorite TV shows and admits to enjoying the solitude of his own room. On weekdays he attends Active Endeavors, through United Disability Services, where he likes to

listen to CDs on the stereo as he works. Michael says...‘[I live in] a nice house, try it and see how you like it!’

I moved [to Evant] because my mother

wanted me taken care of properly.

— Michael

The most important aspect of my job is to be an advocate – not

only for the people we serve, but also for the staff who support them.

Every decision made at Evant refl ects this principle. — Sandy Kidd,

Residential Director

As I help with managing the Agency’s vehicle fl eet, I am encouraged,

as I know the residents are too, with the funds and support recently made available so each of our homes could have their own vehicle, allowing residents more time in the

community. — Mike Wallace, Operations Director

EvantInc.org

My job is to use internal and external data to help improve programs, ultimately enhancing the lives of those

Evant serves. I am pleased to see continuous improvement in the abilities of staff and increased

satisfaction from the people we serve. — Loretta Armstrong, Quality

Enhancement Director

• Evant became the provider for four additional homes, including one in Portage County (a fi rst for Evant)

• Provided services to 21 new people

• Began working with a private landlord for needed replacement of some Individual Options (IO) Waiver homes

• Contracted with United Disability Services (UDS) to provide day services to those living in Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)

• Raised $25,000 through special events

• UDS contracted with Evant to provide nursing services

• Successful transition in the Nursing and Development Director positions

• Record low turnover rate for Direct Support Professionals of 39%

• Five homes had no turnover for the year

Highlights:

Nothing can replace having a job that contributes

positively to the people we serve. — Gene Woodling, Human Resource Director

What’s new in 2010?2010 has started out well – here are just a few strides Evant has made to improve the lives of the people we serve.

• Evant will be moving two of its homes to homes that better accommodate the needs of the people.

• Nearly $50,000 has been raised as of August 2010.

• Evant has been privileged to receive a financial gift after the passing of Doris Daly. Evant is extremely thankful for this gift and its sentiment.

• The Board of Trustees decided to use all funds raised between September 2009 and February 2010 to purchase five vehicles so that each home has its own. The people Evant serves are enjoying their increased time in the community.

• Evant partnered with Bricco in downtown Akron during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to raise awareness of services and raise funds to support people with disabilities.

• Staff and friends raised $800 for the ANCOR Foundation – an organization that advocates for better salaries for Direct Support Professionals – through a Walk N’ Roll. More than 100 individuals participated.

• Turnover continued to be low and Evant experienced no turnover in the month of February – the first time in over 20 years since records have been kept.

• Evant welcomed three new board members:Brandilyn Fry, Nancy Markle and Roy Schenz.

• October 30, 2010 Evant will partner with the Akron Civic Theatre to produce a macabre masquerade party themed after Edgar Allan Poe’s Masque of the Red Death.

Information for AdvocatesThis year legislation was passed to phaseout the use of the acronym MR (Mental Retardation) which was replaced with ID (Intellectual Disabilities). Today, ID/DD or DD (Developmental Disabilities) is commonly used to identify the former term MRDD.

Person-fi rst language is a philosophy developed in the 1980s to discourage dehumanization of people with disabilities. Evant encourages the use of person-fi rst language to promote the ABILITIES of the people we serve. Here are a couple examples of person-fi rst language.

Derogatory: “Is disabled”Person-fi rst: “is a person with disability”

Derogatory: “is retarded”Person-fi rst: “has an intellectual or

developmental disability”

2251 Front Street, Suite 200Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221-2578330.920.1517 phone330.920.1016 faxwww.EvantInc.org

Evant 2009 Annual Report and

2010 Preview

I am an advocate for people with disabilities. As the Board President, I work to assure Evant provides the BEST residential supports for the people we serve. This year, Evant had a couple of developments which greatly impacted the organization’s ability to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

Evant opened four new homes in 2009, bringing our grand total of family-style homes to 30 in Summit County, and one in Portage County. At the end of 2009, Evant had the capacity to serve 139 individuals residentially. As a parent of a person with a disability, I can say that Evant offers quality residential services.

In fundraising news, Evant hosted a murder mystery gala that raised over $13,000 net. I was very privileged to be able to help Evant raise funds for this event, and thank all those who supported it.

I hope you will be an advocate for people with disabilities and spread the word about Evant and the excellent services it provides.

Sincerely,Bill

I am passionate about Evant’s services and providing

the people we serve with outstanding residential support. — Bill Frantz,

Board PresidentI am an advocate for people with disabilities. As the

Executive Director, I’ve worked at Evant for more than 20 years to improve the quality of residential services for people with disabilities.

People who once may have shared a living space with 20 or more housemates in an institutional setting, now live in homes with an average of 3-4 peers. Many of these people are their own guardians and often play a role in advocating for themselves. Each person at Evant is educated on his/her rights, participates in team meetings and generally let us know his/her preferences for how he/she want to live his/her life.

The people we serve have made great achievements as a result of positive behavioral supports and individual attention which they receive living in Evant-supported homes!

I see my work like that of an orchestra conductor, utilizing the strengths of a variety of people to make beautiful music – or in this case – providing outstanding residential support for people for whom I care deeply.

This year Connie Willey, Evant’s Nursing Director for 18 years,retired. It was diffi cult to see her go. Evant was extremely fortunate when Cathy Ceccio accepted the position of Nursing Director as 2009 ended. We look forward to working with her on current and new endeavors.

I am proud to say that the quality of services available today has continued to improve as the years have progressed. Evant strives to continually improve and assure that the highest of standards are not just met, but exceeded.

Regards, Sherry

Evant is determined to improve the lives of

people with disabilities. — Sherry Gedeon, Executive Director

I am an advocate. My personal fulfi llment comes from my work as a development strategist. I work with philanthropic individuals, community and family foundations, corporations and other nonprofi ts to obtain fi nancial and physical resources to improve the lives of the people we serve.

Unlike the “sell, sell, sell” mentality of the past, I take the approach that people are compelled to recognize and respond to value. This value may be recognized through a mutually-benefi cial partnership, carrying the legacy of a family and/or its foundation or support from families who wish to thank Evant for caring for a loved one.

Each year Evant develops a plan to enhance its fundraising capabilities. In 2008, Evant began hosting events to build public knowledge about the organization and its services. We also worked to build strategic alliances which enhance our positive impact on the people we serve.

Fundraising and marketing work helps me make a difference in the lives of people. Your support of time, talent and/or treasure helps Evant do this as well. Please consider getting involved and making a charitable contribution today!

Thank you.Chase

My goal is to obtain fi nancial and physical resources

to enhance the lives of the people we serve. — Chase Horn,

Development Director

Board List:William G. Frantz, PresidentTracie J. Kinaitis, Vice PresidentDale A. Ruther, TreasurerR. William Naples, SecretaryHoward S. Robbins, Past PresidentKaren D. Adinolfi , Esq.David A. George, Jr.Adarsh E. Krishen, M.D.Jan K. Manes, Ph.D.Robert E. Norman, M.D.

2009 Funding Sources – $9,759,189

Professional Services$62,000

1%

Fundraising$55,1641% Interest and Other

$125,5751%

Medicaid ICF$5,084,12651%

Medicaid I/O Waiver$3,363,118

34%

Resident Fees$744,503

8%

Consortium$151,260

2%

Summit DD$173,443

2%

2009Expenses – $9,829,468

Residential and Nursing Personnel $6,209,75863%

Fundraising$77,7971%

Depreciation$186,0152%

Administrative Expenses$419,481

4%AdministrativePersonnel$762,892

8%

Program Expenses$2,173,525

22%

2009 Evant DonorsTodd and Carmie Stein Family Philanthropic Fund – In honor of Alex and Judy Newman’s birthdays and Lauren Newman’s Bat Mitzvah

$250 - $499Jeffrey Hinson – Marguerite D’Amicone Memorial

Robert Mercer

R. William Naples

Peg Naples

Mary Rebecca Babcox Trust

Frank & Melinda LaRose

Richard A. Millisor, Millisor & Nobil

Stephen & Jane Comunale

Aaron & Rana Lepp

$100 - $249Meredith Korner – Corporate Plans, Inc.

Marianne LaRose

Robert & Judy Wilson

David & Shirley Levey

Mark & Nancy Shapiro

Jeff & Nancy Markle

Joe Valvo & Tami Goson

Joan Palmer Atkian

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs

Beverly Mears, Tel-Com Systems of Ohio

Todd & Allison Breaux

SS&G Financial Services, Inc.

Michael Kura

Roger & Judy Read

Beth Sanders

Richard May

Karen Adinolfi

Jackie Dillard

R.J. Nemer

Craig Marshall

David & Nancy Koly

Dave & Nancy Murray

Douglas & Judith Soeder

Dr. Maria Papich-Forsyth

Robert Berk

Dorothy Allyn

Tracie & Eric Kinaitis

$0 - $99Jim & Marian DeVoe

Dr. Ruth & Gene Friedman

Steve Marks

Dr. Edward T. Marshall, DDS

John & Kathleen Negrelli

Nick & Maureen Katanic

James Osherow

Richard & Alita Rogers

Christopher & Anita Sears

DJ & Ann Towell

Mary Vaccaro

Lewis Zimmerman

Connie Willey Tribute Chase Horn

Jerry Willey MemorialSherry Gedeon

Gloria Williams

Paul Kissner

Gilbert Eichler

Debbie Raack

Bob Breznai

Lillian Carter

In-Kind GiftsAkron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Akron Civic Theatre

David George, Jr.

SmileyHanchulak Marketing Communications

Bill Naples

Loretta Armstrong

Jacquie Harris

(If for any reason a contribution was omitted from this list we sincerely apologize. Please contact Chase Horn, Development Director at 330.920.1517 to help us correct our records).

$5,000 +Babcox Family Foundation

$2,500 - $4,999Johann Fatemi

Bill & Jennifer Frantz

Janet Hannaford

Gary & Maureen Iler

Michelle Manning

Lloyd L. and Louise K. Smith Foundation

$1,000 - $2,499Bill & Patty Babcox

Berry Plastics

C.H. Robinson Company

Council of Italian America

GAR Foundation

David George, Jr.

Dr. Jan & Bruce Manes

Sandridge Food

Wells Fargo

$500 - $999KeyBank Foundation

Anna & Howard Robbins, Esq.

Roetzel & Andress, L.P.A.

Dale Ruther

Sterling Jewelers, Inc.

Bill Zell – ZellMed Solutions, An Omnicare Company