GROWING UP

2013/2014 Annual Report

Our organization has taken on many changes throughout our history. One of the more significant changes occurred when we first opened our new facility at 1750 Big Bend Blvd. In between the bold expansions some of the incremental changes can go largely unnoticed until we step back and look with afresh perspective. We are, indeed, growing and improving!

While the growth and development in the children served by the Center certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, organizational growth has been largely addressed by a devoted staff that does what it takes to address the needs of our community. They simply squeeze a few more families into their caseloads, take on a few more tasks and tweak services to facilitate improved outcomes.

This year, however, two exciting new services were launched: vision screening and low vision evaluations. The new Vision Screening service actually expands upon the free preschool vision screening that has been offered by dedicated volunteers for 30 years. Bringing state of the art equipment to screen infants, 6 months old to 3 years, vision screening can prevent blindness and enhance earlier identification of visual impairments. In partnership with University of Missouri-St. Louis, College of Optometry, Low Vision Evaluations for children under 3 years old will be instrumental in addressing low vision aides that can enhance visual function.

The year opened with a new Three Year Strategic Plan in place, but behind the scenes the board and staff began a deeper assessment

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.

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

of major service needs and gaps within our community as well as agency infrastructure necessary to advance priorities. Information technology was our first focus. Volunteers play a vital role in all aspects of the Center’s operations, and because of that a Young Friends Group was launched in an effort to assure continuity of volunteers in the future.

That wasn’t all! The first Open House for Legislators was held on White Cane Day. “Feel the Beat”, a GRADS musical performance at STAGES will be considered the highlight of the year by many, and the year ended with the installation of a beautiful Light Garden in our Play space. One again, as we reflect on this past year, we are humbled with the incredible individuals who supported our efforts, smile when we see your name on the list and just hope that you know the depths of our appreciation!

Debbie Naucke Executive Director

Cara BrouderBoard Chair

This Year’s Success

1714000 HOURSRECEIVED NEARLY

FROM OUR DEDICATED STAFF

infants & toddlers

2,022 hours of home visitsTEACHERS OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND ORIENTATION & MOBILITY SPECIALISTS

1,452 hours of home visitsOCCUPATIONAL, PHYSICAL & SPEECH THERAPISTS

303 hours of of parent/child classes and workshops•BUDDY BUILDERS •PARENT UNIVERSITIES

We are Growing!

96% of children accomplished or made progress

on their individual goals!

Learning is an ongoing lifelong process for everyone, and learning during the first three years of life is especially critical. Young children who are sighted acquire much information through observation and imitation of others. When a child is born with limited or no vision, they must be taught information that other children would learn by watching.

Early Intervention services take place in home or community settings withfamilies and care providers to help them learn how to create rich and stimulating learning environments throughout everyday experiences androutines. These will be the places where children feel safe and secure, and can begin to explore the world and discover their place in it.

There are thousands of early experiences that make up the growth anddevelopment during these wondrous early years!

The early years…

Delta Gamma helped shape not only Jackson’s life, but ours as well. With their help, we were able to provide Jackson the support he needed to excel. You never know how much vision you use to get through a day, until you have to be someone else’s eyes, and because of Delta Gamma, I can be the eyes Jackson needs. We are and will be forever grateful for the love and support they showed our family at a time when we needed it the most. Delta Gamma is not just an organization to us anymore, Delta Gamma has become a part of our family.

EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

— Amanda Piazza

This past year...

HOURS OF GROUP SERVICESincluding training, support and family activities

263INDIVIDUALSreceived at least one service

throughout the year

in 137 families

1091

302of individual social work CONSULTATION

HOURS

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

The family life cycle…

It goes without saying that navigating parenthood is both joyous and challenging. For all young children, and especially for children who areblind or visually impaired, family support and nurturing is essential. The Family Support Coordinator is available to answer questions, provide opportunities to connect families, and host learning opportunities on a variety of topics.

In the blink of an eye, it is time for “graduation” from early intervention and a new phase in family life. Starting preschool is a big step in the growth and development of children and a big step for their parents. We continue to support families as they adjust to this and other changes in family life. As challenges arise, the Delta Gamma Center is simply a phone call away.

WHO WE SERVE• St. Louis City 14% • St. Louis County 42%• St. Charles County 14% • Jefferson County 6%• Other Missouri Counties 4% • Illinois Counties 20%

This Year’s Growth

2,275HOURS OF GRADSGROUP SERVICES

58YOUTHSparticipated in the

GRADS Program

GRADS PROGRAM

Growing and changing…

There is simply no substitute for life’s experiences in the development of one’s own identity, self esteem and independence. The GRADS Program offers a range of experiences for youth, ages 3 through high school, including a tandem cycling team. Our goals for each GRAD participant include:

Social Skills – developing friendships, working as a team, learning appropriate social etiquette, including how to join a group, maintain conversations, talk about one’s abilities and disabilities and understand personal space.

Independence – activities are offered with encouragement to try and demonstrations on adaptations from board games with friends to out-of-town trips without parents - opportunities abound to learn important life lessons.

Community Participation – experiencing the increase in confidence and joy that comes from facing a wide range of challenging activities such as climbing, kayaking, cycling, yoga, performing arts, or a lunch out with friends (Braille menu included).

Annie started with the Delta Gamma Center when she was five months old and has participated in all of the programs, including GRADS. As parents, we have seen first-hand the positive impact these programs have had for both Annie and us. With the help of Delta Gamma Center, Annie is fully prepared to go to college in the fall. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers that have touched our lives!

— John and Libby Donnell

Outreach Services

A dramatic play space LIGHT GARDEN

2070CHILDREN [ages 6 months to 5 years]

received vision screening services

• information & referral• ability awareness• community presentations• tours for medical residents

3900

1073 individualsreached through

NUMBER OFVOLUNTEERS

692VOLUNTEERHOURS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

It takes a village…

In order for children to be able to successfully interact with others, they need the opportunity to participate in the same activities. This requires community awareness, changing attitudes, opportunities and adaptations to some activities.

Our community is large and visual impairment and blindness is rare, so the challenges are great. Community outreach efforts include training for primary referral sources, blindness prevention through free vision screening, educational materials for targeted groups, ability awareness in schools and more.

Our formal and informal network of supporters is large, diverse and important to creating a welcoming community for children with visual impairment.

Visionary Award — Nancy Hotz CaverlyShining Light — Cara Brouder

Professional Service Award — Michael Chiodini

Volunteer Service Award Nikki Bizzle, Karinna Lozano, Tracy McFarland, Jennifer McFarland, Lisa Marquard

Community Service Award LHM - St. Louis Union Station, Cockriel & Christoferson, Lions Club-District M-26,

McCarthy Building Companies, Rock Hill Quarries

A SPECIAL SALUTE FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE:

Special Events

SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEE

TREE LOT Blair RudertHeather Backes

RUN FOR SIGHT Natalie Morrison HooverKatie Hunter

HOLIDAY HOUSE Georgia RelichSheryl Breadman

EYE FOR STYLE Betty SmithJoann Clay

62ND ANNUAL SHINING LIGHT TREE LOT

2014 RUN FOR SIGHT

2013 ROLIDAY HOUSE

3RD ANNUAL EYE FOR STYLE

MAJOR BENEFACTOR$5,000 +John and Libby Donnell*Tina & Andrew MillerMimi Ravarino

VISIONARY$1,000 - $4,999Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C.

BarksdaleMr. and Mrs. William

BascomJames and Catherine BergesMelissa and Patrick

BrueggemanJay and Deirdre EpsteinPeter and Susan FraneDr. Steven GoodrichMr. and Mrs. Michael GrieseMrs. Mary Kay HaysMr. Timothy HenkelMrs. Doralee KatonahDr. and Mrs. Gregg LuederLisa MarquardMr. and Mrs. Barry MillerMrs. Marie OettingCarol RostMr. Harry ScottNanne B. SimondsMrs. Betty SmithDr. and Mrs. Allen SofferJean StemmlerButch and Carol WelschDrs. Chris and Lisa Wilson

SHINING LIGHT$500 - $999Dr. and Mrs. Laurence AvinsMr. and Mrs. Larry BardenMr. and Mrs. Ernest BehnkeMrs. W. Wesley BurtonJoseph ByrneMr. and Mrs. Michael W.

BytnarTeresa W. CrosslandSherry DiTurnoPatrick and Joan DugganMary DunnMr. and Mrs. Kenneth FialaMr. and Mrs. Joseph E.

Gallagher

Joan GrossmannJoyce M. HanksDorothy HanpeterMr. and Mrs. Bill HansenJanet HaysPeter M. Hofmann and Neha

N. AminLaban JacksonWilliam and Debby KeenanDhananjay KokateMr. Craig MaitlenMr. Kenneth R. MaresMr. and Mrs. Bill J. Naucke*Mark and Cathleen ReifsteckCarol and David RoodmanMrs. Gretchen H. RossMr. and Mrs. Malcolm RoyseSally and Terry SchnuckAnn and Mark ShapiroMs. Jane SmithBeth Stohr and Charles

BrennanMr. and Mrs. Daniel SullivanMarian E. ThomasMr. Tyler TrussellDiana Beckman and Charles

WalchValerie and Stan WalchMike and Alice WaltherKim WennerbergMr. Stanley WinklerJane and Charles Wright

BEACON$250 - $499Ms. Heather BackesMr. and Mrs. Bruce BallewTina and Dale BauerMrs. Donald BehrensMr. and Mrs. Barry BellSheryl Breadman and Eli

Montague*Cara BrouderKathleen M. Carr and Dick

SuttonKristin and Todd CharowCassandra CookeAlex CoxEllen CusumanoKate Denner and Charlie

Brooks

Mr. Thomas DunnMr. and Mrs. David FleisherMs. Anne Grossmann and

Brandon BlakeyMr. and Mrs. Albert W.

Gruer Jr.Eleanor HoefleMr. and Mrs. John HuhnStacey HutchensJoyce InmanGreg JacobLissa JohnsonMr. and Mrs. George

JohnsonBarbie and Addison JostMr. Jason KatonahMr Jeremy KingmaDr. and Mrs. Frank KrewetJennifer and Scott LaPrestaTimothy and Mary LeahyThe Hon. and Mrs. Stephen

LimbaughKaren MarshallMrs. Mary Ann MastorakosPaul McGeeNicholas and Martha

McGeehonPatti McKelvey and Don

HellmannMr. and Mrs. Charles

MillikenMrs. Robert RavensbergMs. Georgia RelichMr. and Mrs. William I. RuheMissy and Mike RutherfordKevin SchoppDavid R. SmithNancy SpewakJarona StevensMrs. John StevensDr. and Mrs. Lawrence

TychsenMrs. Danielle UyMimi and Jim VatterottMs. Susan VentBeth and Frank VlasatyMr. and Mrs.† Spencer C.

Wolling Barbara Zielinski

ANCHORS$100 - $249Mr. and Mrs Enrique Aguilar Barbara AndersonRachel S. AndersonDr. and Mrs. John P.

Atkinson Mr. and Mrs. Robert

AumillerMr. Milt BakerMrs. Ann BeckemeyerMr. and Mrs. Ron BellJeanne M. BelleMr. and Mrs. Van Lear Black,

IIIMr. and Mrs. John BrownThomas L. BrownMs. Diane BuhrBarbara CallananMr. and Mrs. Michael

ChehvalMr. J.W. ClampitteJoann ClayMrs. Dale DendtlerCarl and Jeanne DeutschMs. Meghan DevereauxMr. and Mrs. Derick

DriemeyerMr. Thomas DunnMr. and Mrs. Rick EbertJon and Kathleen EdwardsMr. and Mrs. Horst B. EngelMr. Joseph R. EnrightDavid and Janice EpsteinJane and Shane FairbanksMrs. Laura FairbanksMr. Ralph FournierNancy and Walter GalvinMr. and Mrs. Joseph GazzoliJ.F. GerardJoan GoodsonMr. Randall GrahamMr. and Mrs. Sean Graham Georgene F. GrimmMr. and Mrs. Curt HaffnerMr and Mrs Robert HarperMs. Darlene HarrisonMr. and Mrs. James

HershfeltMr. John Hessler

Brett HiggsTroy HiggsMr. and Mrs. James HillMr. and Mrs. Joseph

HoffmannMrs. Heather Letica HovisMr. Allen A. IrwinMs. Kitty JacobsGenevieve JesseeDoug and Heather KoepkePat and Sam KogosMr. and Mrs. John KoppeMr. David KreherDiane M. KroupaCarol M. LaneMr. Lance LeCombMrs. Carole LessMarilyn A. LevyJanice LoudonRobert and Betty LumleyDr. Karen LynnJennifer MarquartScott and Annabelle

MarshallMrs. Dorothy MaxwellMr. and Mrs. Edward P.

McSweeneySandra MellyMr. and Mrs. Charles MeyerMrs. Henry MitchellMs. Meryle MoldaneBarbara MooreChester and Elaine MooreMr. Tom MorganHazel M. MorrisMr. and Mrs. Ramon MountMrs. Joyce MundyDrs Martin Nager and

Denise ShapiroMr. and Mrs. Jerome O’NeilMr. and Mrs. Timothy O’NeilMr. and Mrs. James O’SheaMr. and Mrs. Gerald PartlowMr. and Mrs. D. Glenn

PenningtonMs. Kathy PossRoger and Linda ProvowMr. and Mrs. Scott QuigleyMr. and Mrs. G. William

ReevesMr. and Mrs. Dan Reifsteck

OUR SUPPORTERS

* Capital Campaign Gift† Deceased

2013 ROLIDAY HOUSE

Sally J. RiggsMr. and Mrs. Jim and Sue

RoeschBarry RudertBlair RudertMargaret B. RussellMrs. Kathy SaitzNancy SchlueterMs. Margaret SchneringMartha SkinkerMs. Connie SmithMr. Roy SnyderMrs. Barbara SprickLucie SpringmeyerJulie SteiningerKenneth and Carol StilleyDan and PatBob and Virginia TemmMr. Mark A. ThompsonMike and Elizabeth TrimbleMr. and Mrs. William TylerLisa VecchioMr. and Mrs. Stephen

VredenburghJean and Donald WaldemerMr. and Mrs. Peter J.

WazlawekMrs. Jane WebsterDeborah J. WellsMr. and Mrs. Carl Westin, Jr.John W. Wynne

FOUNDATIONS ANDCORPORATIONSArch Coal, Inc.Boeing Employee’s

Community FundBoeing Gift Matching

ProgramClifford Willard Gaylord

FoundationDelta Gamma FoundationE. Reuben and Gladys Flora

Grant Charitable TrustEnergizer Battery Co., Inc.Fischer-Bauer-Knirps Fdn.George Von Hoffmann

FoundationGreater Saint Louis

Community Foundation

John Thomas NKH Foundation

Jordan Charitable Foundation

JST Charitable FundLighthouse for the Blind-

St. LouisMicrosoft Matching Gifts

ProgramMimi Fishman FoundationMonsanto FundPura Vida BraceletsThe Saigh FoundationSt. Louis Blues 14 FundSt. Louis Christmas Carols

Assoc.Strategic Technology Group,

LLCStupp Bros. Bridge and Iron

Co. FoundationThe Cardinal Foundation

of OhioThe Cup, LLCThe Pott FoundationThe Tilles FundUnion Pacific Fund For

Effective Giving - Matching Gifts Prog

United States Association of Blind Athletes

Variety The Children’s Charity of St. Louis

Verizon - Matching Gifts Program

CIVICORGANIZATIONSAlpha Epsilon of Delta

Gamma 100th Anniversary

Beaufort Lions ClubBrentwood Lions ClubChesterfield Lions Activity

FundConcord Village Lions

Community Services Foundation, Inc

Congregation B’Nai AmoonaDistrict 26M2 Lions Eye

Foundation

Fenton Lions ClubHarmony Lions ClubKnights of Columbus -

Webster Groves Council #2119

Lions Club of Webster Groves

Lord of Life Lutheran Church Preschool

Maplewood Lions ClubMeramec Heights Lions

ClubSalem Methodist PreschoolSt. Louis Southside Lions

ClubSt. Mark Presbyterian

ChurchSt. Paul’s Evangelical ChurchWildwood Area Lions Club

“With the foundation built at Delta Gamma Center, I have the tools to believe that, in life, success is the standard, not the exception.”

— Andrew Santorius

SPECIAL THANKS FOR GOING

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Lighthouse for the Blind – St. LouisMcCarthy Building Companies

Strategic Technology Group, LLC

BOARD OF DIRECTORSExecutive CommitteeCara Brouder, Board ChairDanielle Uy, Vice-Chair of Administration/SecretaryJeff Yount, Vice-Chair of FinanceLisa Marquard, Vice-Chair of Resource and DevelopmentLissa Johnson, Vice-Chair of Programs and ServicesTracy Polansky, Vice-Chair of Public Relations

DirectorsHeather BackesBeth BellJay ByrneMarkus CickaJay Epstein, M.D.Jeremy KingmaScott LaPresta

Jenna LolliMartha Leader McGeehonTim RoganBlair RudertLisa SullivanBeth Vlasaty

STAFFAdministrationDeborah Naucke, Executive DirectorCassandra Cooke, Director of DevelopmentStacey Hutchens, Development AssociateSharon Niethe, Office ManagerTom Meyer, AccountantFlora Robinson, Facilities/Assistant

ProgramDebbie Chapuis, Family Support Services CoordinatorNoreen Conte, Vision Screening CoordinatorLaura Cooper, Teacher of the Visually ImpairedNancy Crawford, Physical TherapistKaren Eckert, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Orientation

and Mobility SpecialistPatti Hamill, Physical TherapistBrandi Hotop, GRADS Program FacilitatorDanny Hurwitz, GRADS Program CoordinatorJulie Johnson, Teacher of the Visually ImpairedChristine Krekow, Speech TherapistBecky Lambert, Teacher of the Visually Impaired,

Orientation and Mobility SpecialistCalla Massman, GRADS Program FacilitatorBamidele Otemuyiwa, Data EntryLisa Rohr, Early Intervention Program CoordinatorMargaret Russell, Occupational TherapistJo Russell-Brown, Teacher of the Visually ImpairedPatti Seagraves, Occupational TherapistLindsay Wayne, Teacher of the Visually Impaired

)

TOTALEXPENSES

TOTALREVENUE

Contract/ Government Grants $ 281,018

Special Events (Net) $ 128,906

Contributions $ 378,760

Investment Income $ 91,672

United Way $ 73,561

Bequest $ 127,052

Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments (Net) $ 418,229

Net Assets Released from Restrictions (Capital Campaign) $ -

Publications $ -

TOTAL REVENUE $ 1,499,198

PROGRAMS

Early Intervention $ 577,629

Family Support $ 111,836

GRADS $ 112,279

Outreach $ 82,412

TOTAL $ 884,156

Management/General $ 96,666

Development/Fundraising $ 150,117

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,130,939

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted $ 6,548,909Board Designation $ -Temporary Restricted $ 221,931

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATAFinancial summary was condensed from the Delta Gamma Center FY 13/14 audit by Zielinski & Associates.

1750 S. Big Bend Blvd. | Richmond Heights, MO 63117p. 314.776.1300 | e. info@dgckids.orgwww.dgckids.org

LIGHTHOUSE

for the BLIND ST. LOUIS, MO.