2010 Annual Report Celebrating our first year of impacting children and families Investing in children and families 7086 8th Avenue Jenison, MI 49428 courtesy of Lisa Lenderink Photography Board Members: Mission Statement: Family Hope Foundation invests in children with special needs through family support, engaging community experts, advocacy through collaboration and financial assistance to provide access to therapies. Lara Kitts Chair Ada Jane Eppard Vice Chair Holland Sondra Stegenga Secretary Holland Sarah Vander Baan Treasurer Ada Note from the Chair Lara Kitts Dawnel Antrup Holland Peg Beall Spring Lake Greg Gill Grand Rapids It truly is inspirational to see Family Hope Foundation grow from an idea in the minds of few, to a fully operational organization, creating change in the lives of many children and families. I am inspired by the volunteers on our Board of Directors, who give their time for their belief in our mission. I am inspired by the generosity of the community, who have embraced us and supported June Gothberg Battle Creek us through dollars and partnerships. But, most of all, I am inspired by the many children and families Steven G. Johnson Port Sheldon motivation for me to do more, to give more. Kim Koele Holland Brenda Pavlak West Olive Michael Rios Grand Rapids Jamie Rockhold Hamilton who I have met in the last year…their tenacity, determination, love and their hope for the future are I feel proud to be a part of an organization that is so committed to its mission. In our first year of operation, with no paid staff or overhead to fund, our Board of Directors made a commitment to you that we would fully fund all operating expenses of the organization. I am very proud to report to you that we fulfilled that commitment. I am also pleased to announce that we have pledged that again for 2011! I am extremely thankful for the generosity of the community. From the individual donor, who put their trust in a new organization, to our therapy partners, who embraced our idea for collaboration with open arms, to the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area and The Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation, who believed in our mission enough to fund our grant proposals Johnnie Tuitel Grand Rapids generously in this difficult economic climate. Yesenia Tuleja Holland I am hopeful as I look at what the future holds for Family Hope Foundation. I am encouraged to Lisa Van Der Kolk Zeeland Lee Westervelt Jenison work hard for the children of West Michigan, to bring them supports that are missing in the system in order to help them reach their full potential and help their families strengthen and be filled with hope again. In this report, we share some stories of families who now have their hope renewed and their focus on the future for their child once again. On behalf of all the families we have touched, thank you for your belief in our mission, but mostly, thank you for believing in their children. Contact Information: 7086 8th Avenue, Jenison, MI 49428 2 2 | 616.780.3839 | www.thefamilyhopefoundation.org Grant Brings Family’s Dreams Back into Focus Building a Bright Future The Kolenda family received a grant to help finance their daughter Grace’s Occupational Therapy at the Center for Childhood Development. Grace is seven years old and has Down Syndrome. The Kolendas share their story and the importance of a dream. The Kolenda family A few months after Grace was born, my husband Steven and I made a commitment to invest in our daughter’s early years of life. Our hope was to give her a solid foundation and provide her the skills and confidence to embrace future learning. This translated into weekly sessions of Speech, Occupational and Physical therapy. We quickly learned how much potential was inside our little girl. What a joy it was to see her making progress and reaching the developmental stages all children move through. Little by little, year-by-year, Grace gained strength and learned new skills. At the same time, Steven and I gained courage and confidence as parents. The relationship-based therapy gave us tips and the encouragement we needed in our journey. Grace’s therapy reduced our stress and provided our family with tools to relate to each other better. It helped strengthen our family. Grace’s world continued to expand as she entered school full-time. She was working with an excellent staff and therapists to sharpen her school skills. However, as we looked ahead at the academic requirements for the next few years, we realized we were entering a new phase with new challenges. We were scared, but determined to help our daughter succeed. We knew how crucial it would be to continue to develop and strengthen Grace’s abilities. We made a commitment to continue private therapy. In January of 2009, Steven lost his job. By the third month of being unemployed, we had to cut back considerably on Grace’s therapy. Not long after, we had to stop altogether. As painful as the decision was, we knew it was necessary until we could get back on track financially. Ten months later, Steven was employed again, but our emergency fund was drained. We were devastated “ when we had to stop Grace’s therapy because we knew it would mean set backs and delays at a critical time in her development. The grant allowed us to renew our commitment to Grace’s potential. It is a gift we cannot fully translate into words. ” Can you imagine the joy we felt when we received news that Family Hope Foundation was granting funds towards Grace’s Occupational Therapy? We received the news last spring, but Steven and I still get emotional talking about it today. We found an organization that believed in our hope for our daughter. Family Hope Foundation understands the emotional and financial strain that comes with helping a child with special needs. Today, Grace is an enthusiastic first grader. She enjoys her new independence of going to school full-time. She’s learning new words and working on homework with her dad. This stems from the invaluable partnership we have built with Occupational Therapist, Elise Dirkse, at the Center for Childhood Development. The improvement and growth we have seen in these last few months is so exciting. Our family is so appreciative of the grant we received from Family Hope Foundation. The grant meant the difference between our daughter continuing to develop her skills or experiencing set backs during her fundamental years. Thank you for believing in Grace and making this dream a reality for so many families. Grace with mom (left) and therapist Elise Dirkse Elise Dirkse is an Occupational Therapist at the Center for Childhood Development. She works with grant recipient, Grace Kolenda, to help ensure she is successful in all areas of her life. One of the characteristics of Down Syndrome, in varying degrees, is low muscle tone. This is a significant challenge for Grace. She has very low tone, which affects every aspect of her body, from digestion and articulation, to coordination and balance. For Grace, this means the daily tasks of getting dressed, tying shoes, holding a pencil, or printing, are especially challenging…but her potential and determination are definitely there. Through play-based therapy sessions, we’ve set goals and are focused on building Grace’s core strength, so her fine and gross motor skills can continue to grow and develop. It’s been exciting to see steady improvement and significant gains! Grace works hard and has so much drive. Her balance and coordination are improving; she can now dress herself with minimal assistance, and can legibly print her name. During her time with me she helps plan our activities and initiates play. It’s encouraging to see her attention and focus growing, especially as the tasks become more intricate. Through our sessions, she is gaining confidence. Low muscle tone will always be a challenge for Grace and will always require work and effort. The therapy Grace is receiving is providing the support and direction Grace and her family need as she progresses through school and through life. She is growing more self-reliant and is developing important life skills. It is wonderful to see how far Grace has come through therapy and even better to know she will go so much farther! 3 3 2010 Family Hope Foundation Grant Recipients Jason Louden John Davidson Delilah Parsons “ No words are wo Waylon Parsons “ This grant is more than helpful...it is a blessing. ” Nathan VanDyken Your support brings opportunity… Your support brings hope... Your support changes lives… Thank you! “ Family Hope Foundation has opened a new door. ” Elaina Parks Logan Fleury Emileigh Chandler “ Thank you for the priceless investment you are making in our lives! ” Wyatt Lippert 4 4 Isiah Briones Joseph “ We are thrilled to have this foundation acknowledge our needs. ” James Etcher Ellie De Jonge Jack Kugler Alexei Salazar orthy of expressing our gratitude for Family Hope Foundation. ” Andrew Louden “ Thank you Family Hope Foundation for giving us the peace to be a family again.” Talan Krutel David Kuyt h Boutell “ You may never fully know how much this means to us.” Keagan Curtis Logan Thompson Tobias Franklin Kaden Blane 5 5 Easter Seals – Michigan, Inc. and Family Hope Foundation Partners for Success The mission of Easter Seals is to create solutions that change the lives of children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their families. Children with special needs find proven, best practice services designed to meet their individual needs when they come to Easter Seals, and we are proud to be a Community Partner with Family Hope Foundation in this process. Every parent has a great desire to see their child succeed. Organizations like Easter Seals and Family Hope Foundation stand firm in their belief and commitment that every child should have equal access to programs and services and we are working hard to reach out to all children in need. Family Hope Foundation’s mission of providing financial support through grants is giving children with special needs an opportunity to access life-changing therapies, like the services offered at Easter Seals. Jalon and Jaylin Wilkins are 2010 recipients of a Family Hope Foundation grant. Both boys have been diagnosed with Autism and have been coming to Easter Seals for Occupational Therapy. After just a few short weeks of therapy, both boys have increased attention spans, gained greater attention to detail with fine motor coordination skills and demonstrate a better ability to listen and follow directions. In January, they will both start Speech Therapy at Easter Seals to improve their limited speech. 2010 was a tough year for our economy, and many of our friends and neighbors were hit hard. Each year the number of children in need of our services increases, and the current economy makes affording these services a challenge. Our hearts go out to all children, especially those with a disability, and to the parents who dream for them. By working together, we can help make those dreams come true, one child at time. Thank you, Family Hope Foundation, for all you do! Jaylin Wilkins with his therapist at Easter Seals (Photo courtesy of T.J. Hamilton/ The Grand Rapids Press) Brent Wirth President/CEO Easter Seals – Michigan, Inc. , Dear Family Hope Foundation g the explain the joy I had openin to in beg to re whe w kno ’t I don wing that nt. I had tears of joy kno gra the of me ing orm inf letter y so able to receive therapies the be l wil en ldr chi my of h now bot ism. parent of two boys with Aut gle sin a am I d. nee and e deserv trying and the financial strain of es tim at ng ngi lle cha so is This out of ts for the boys took the joy men pay h bot e hav I e sur e to mak coming to therapy. to ul I am for the opportunity tef gra how s res exp ’t can Words a special hope helps when caring for of bit Any nt. gra the e receiv was ul and honored that my child nkf tha y ver am I ld. chi needs e begun to therapy and now they hav ng goi e lov h bot y The . chosen for giving e again, thank you so much Onc ng! goi are we n whe asking us this opportunity! Sincerely, Tenika Wilkins 6 6 Jaylin Wilkins Jalon Wilkins Building Hope for the Future It is exciting and heartwarming to be part of a new organization that has accomplished so much in its first year of operation. Family Hope Foundation has provided grants to 30 families, formed community partnerships with nine West Michigan therapy providers, and has connected with hundreds of people and organizations through our mission and work! As we begin 2011, the Board remains committed to growing our mission and reaching even more families. The need in our community is great and it is critical we plan now for the future of our organization. Family Hope Foundation’s Board of Directors, with careful consideration and discussion, has established an endowment fund with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area. Building an endowment will add strength to our organization and will ensure we can continue to support children and families long into the future. “It’s refreshing to see Family Hope Foundation’s Board of Directors incorporate an endowment into their plans from the early stages of their development. By looking ahead they are ensuring that resources will be available to families and their children for years to come.” Janet DeYoung Executive Director Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland Area The Board of Directors has made a commitment to set aside ten percent of all contributions received in 2011 to initiate the endowment project. Perhaps you are interested in knowing how you can specifically support our endowment effort? It’s easy to make a gift… Make Check payable to: Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland Area 70 West 8th Street, Suite 100 Holland, MI 49423 Designate “Family Hope Foundation” on the memo line Donations can also be made electronically at www.cfhz.org Making your gift directly to the Community Foundation provides great tax benefits. Your dollars go further through a special Michigan Community Foundation’s Tax Credit. As a Michigan resident, the Community Foundation Tax Credit may be claimed in addition to other state tax credits. Single filers may claim gifts up to $200 Married couples may claim gifts up to $400 We are truly excited about our future and the impact our mission makes on children and families in our community. We are committed to bringing hope… to creating opportunities for children with special needs long into the future. It’s exciting to take this next step and provide for the future of our organization. Please join us in this endeavor so together we can ensure all children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. 2010 Donors Tony and Erika Abbo Amru Albeiruti Greg Alburtus Bobby and Vicki Alsteen Trey Andrews and Rachel Mugg Anonymous Matt and Dawnel Antrup Mike and Karen Bader Chris Bart Gary and Bev Bashore Jim and Peg Beall Jon and Dee Bechtel Amanda Bell Jeff and Ruth Blahnik Jim and Linda Blain Joey and Lori Blakeney Steve and Linda Boeve Clarence and Trina Bolt Dan and Kate Bolt Phyllis Boman Greg and Annette Bomers Scott and Sarah Bosma Judson and Kirby Bradford Darrick Brown Lance and Michelle Brown Paul and Marcia Brown Pearl Brown Teresa Buist Becky Cain Betty Carlson Mike and Wendy Cheek Glen and Sue Cherup Community Foundation Holland/Zeeland Area Anne DeBow Tom and Sue Den Herder Marian Deur Aaron and Rachel DeWitt Donald and Minnie DeWitt Gary and Joyce DeWitt Jack and Marlies DeWitt John and Barbara Duiven Garry and Kay Eppard Phil and Jane Eppard Ed and Joan Fuder Michale Gabriel Dick and Sam Gauthier Don and Silvia Gill Greg and Nicole Gill John and June Gothberg John and Kelly Haradon Bob and Nancy Haveman Gene and Mary Heideman Jeff and Nancy Helder Terry and Ruth Hofmeyer Jeff and Anna Hurley Karl and Julie Ieuter Norman and Shirley Japinga Bill and Chris Jenkins Steven and Kerry Johnson Bette Jones Bill and Judy Jones Lynn Kitts Nate and Lara Kitts Joe and Jen Kivi Tom and Pam Knapp Carey and Kimberly Koele Warner and Bonnie Kugler Charles and Bea Kulier Jon and Martha Kuyten Joe and Courtney Lampen Eric and Jill Landman Mike and Laurie Larder Sandy and Anne Lipsey John and Vicki Litwin Molly McDonald William and Deborah McDonald Dan and Nancy McVickar Stephen and Lisa Metzger Mugg Kim and Kevin Meyer Betty Miller Jack Miller Sam and Ada Morehead Carol Mugg Tom and Monique Mugg Wally and Dianne Mugg Larry and Karen Mulder Roger and Bev Mulder Todd and Dawn Mulder Dick and Susan Muzzy Tom and Prudy Nelson John and Eileen Nordstrom Nancy Nordstrom Mike and Sandy Oosterbaan Jeff and Peg Padnos The Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation John Parolini Mark and Brenda Pavlak Merri Lou Perkins Pfizer Roberta Poest Beth Post Jerrald and Elise Redeker June Reimink Michael and Lisa Rios Blaine and Jamie Rockhold Eric and Jennifer Rockhold Rich and Jan Rockhold Matt and Deanna Rodriguez Arlene Rylaarsdam Julie Sanders Steve and Anne Scholler George and Marge Slater Fred and Rosemary Sotok Jeff and Lee Ann Sotok Jim Stawicki Karl and Sondra Stegenga Bob and Deb Sterken Don and Nicole Strabbing Nancy Taylor Annette Tuitel Johnnie Tuitel Dan and Yesenia Tuleja Elmer and Kathy Van Der Kolk Jon and Lisa Van Der Kolk Dick and Pam Van Dorp Dave and Nancy Van Dyke Jerry and Betty Van Wyngarden Gabe and Sarah Vander Baan Bill and Abby Vanderbilt David Vasquez Henry and Mary Venema Cornie and Cher Versendaal Shane and Amy Vorac Walker AMBUCS Lee and Ann Westervelt Mark and Jane Wheaton Bill and Norma Wood Bob and Shayne Wuerfel Dwight Wyngarden Mitsuko Yoneyama George and Joan Zuidema In-Kind Donations 1 Plus 1 Therapy, LLC Conductive Learning Center Crown Moters Grayson DeYoung Easter Seals Edward Jones Franciscan Life Process Center Gothberg Evaluations Richard Howard Indian Trails Camp Kasidee Karsten Kristin Kimm, LMSW Lisa Lenderink Photograpy John Nordstrom Blaine Rockhold Dan and Kat Schulte South Shore Speech The Center for Childhood Development Jon and Lisa Van Der Kolk Warner Norcross & Judd Jane Wheaton Family Hope Foundation began its first campaign in February 2010. Those donating a gift of $1,000 or greater are recognized as Charter Donors, the founding members of our organization. If you find an inaccuracy in this donor list, please accept our sincere apologies and notify Jane Eppard at [email protected]. 7 7 2010 Financial Summary $60,617 All Operating Expenses for 2010 were covered in full by Family Hope Foundation’s Board of Directors. $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $25,076 $30,000 $8,935 $20,000 $10,000 $0 2010 Donations Funds Issued for Grants Grant Application 2010 Evaluation Results Funded Demographics: Disability No: 50% Yes: 50% Demographics: Age range 1 – 19 years Average age 5 years 7 months Physician requested therapy – 65% Families with any insurance coverage for therapy – 15% Demographics: Location of Applicants City* Percent Grand Rapids 25.81% Holland 9.68% Hudsonville 6.45% Ada 4.84% Caledonia 4.84% Grandville 4.84% Hamilton 4.84% Wyoming 4.84% *Cities with less than 4.84% included Belleview, Belmont, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Delton, Dorr, Hastings, Kentwood, Muskegon, Newaygo, Portland, Richland, Walker Westminster, and Zeeland. 8 Operating Expenses Number of respondents with multiple disabilities 40.32% Disability* Percent Autism Spectrum / Asperger’s 35.48% Sensory Processing 20.97% Speech and Language 19.35% Cerebral Palsy 17.74% ADHD 12.90% Developmental Delays 8.06% Psychological Disorders 6.45% Auditory/Hearing 4.84% *Disabilities less than 4.84% included: Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, OCD, Epilepsy, genetic disorders, blind/low vision, Deaf/hard of hearing, Dysphasia, and social delays. Demographics: Therapy Requested Number of respondents with multiple therapy needs 29.03% Therapy Request* Percent Occupational 40.32% Speech and Language 35.48% Conductive Education 12.90% Behavioral 6.45% Sensory 6.45% Floortime 4.84% Music 4.84% *Therapy requests less than 4.84% included: ABM, Auditory Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Handwriting without Tears, Massage Therapy, and Physical Therapy.