2019-2020
ANNUAL UPDATE
AN INVITATION TO OUR STORY If you would have asked me last August what I thought my first year at 99 Balloons would look like, I don't think I could have ever dreamed up the year we have had! Although COVID-19 changed what our programming looked like, it has solidified our vision to create inclusive communities and continue to change the story of disability. Through the isolation that this pandemic has created, we have had to ask ourselves "What does inclusive community look like during isolation?" We have learned that the even when in-person programming isn't possible, it is the relationships that remain. It is no surprise that if the greatest commands are to love God and love others that our greatest need would be to feel seen and known by God and others.
This is what gets me really excited about the work 99 Balloons is doing and what we will be sharing with you in this Annual Update: Stories of how people experiencing disability are being seen and known, how relationships are turning into community, and, consequently, how our friends with disability are experiencing the tangible love of God. I hope you will read and enjoy these stories of change: the stories you, our friends, families, volunteers, donors, and advocates, are helping to write. Blessings,
Sarah Harriman Sarah Harriman, Executive Director
02 ANNUAL UPDATE
03
Our Work
04
rEcess
08
rEmix
10
bEfriend
12
Global Work
15
Internship Program
17
Financials
18
Activities during Covid-19
20
Final Thoughts
HOW WE ARE CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY 99 BALLOONS CREATES
TRAINING
PROGRAMMING
Engage Conference Notable Films
rEcess * rEmix * bEfriend Global Trips * Internship & Fellowship Program
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
All-In Sponsorships One-time Gifts Monthly Recurring Gifts
TO INCREASE AWARENESS & OPPORTUNITIES TO INTERACT WITH PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DISABILITY
PEOPLE START THINKING DIFFERENTLY
RELATIONSHIPS GROW INTO COMMUNITY
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING DISABILTY ARE SEEN, INCLUDED, AND VALUED IN CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES
CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY
RECESS 99 Balloons’ original program, rEcess, brings monthly respite to families around the United States, Canada, and Australia. rEcess is an important catalyst for churches and communities to gather around families experiencing disability and tangibly be the hands and feet of Christ. Children with disabilities are celebrated and known, siblings are seen and invited into community, and parents are supported and given a few hours away. It has been a long-standing tradition to claim that rEcess is the best night of the week, and month after month, it proves to be absolutely true.
ANNUAL UPDATE
06
A PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE: MANDY POCHE BATON ROUGE, LA
There have been several relationships to come from this ministry. It is an absolute blessing to our family. We have formed relationships with other families, shared resources, and offered mutual support during times of crisis and transition. We have strengthened relationships with the coordinators and volunteers of our local affiliation. They go above and beyond to provide support, love and joy for all of the families that they serve. This time of respite for my husband and myself is priceless. Without these monthly scheduled dates, we probably would not take the time to enjoy time alone and reunite. It is so important to pause the chaos of life with kids with special needs and just take time for each other. The care that they receive at rEcess is unmatched. We don't have to worry while they are there. We can just concentrate on each other. Our kids look forward to these nights as much as we do. Our two older daughters are now old enough to be volunteers. They are excited to be there each time, and they are totally bummed when they have other obligations and have to miss a night. I cannot express enough what a blessing this ministry is to our family.
RECESS NUMBERS
42 8 21
RECESS SITES
NEW SITES
SITES SERVE SIBLINGS THROUGH FOUR SQUARE
16
STATES
3
COUNTRIES
6
SITES IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
ANNUAL UPDATE
05
RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH RESPITE SEEING SIBILNGS
"IT'S A FAMILY"
SARAH NELSON DALLAS, TX
ERIK RAMON FAYETTEVILLE, AR
As a recent graduate, I look back at my time in college and some of my sweetest memories were made the first Friday night of every month at rEcess! I got to spend the last few months of serving at rEcess with the siblings. These sibs are incredible. They are the hands and feet of Jesus. They continually pour out and love their siblings that have special needs so well.
I have had the opportunity to be Sutton's buddy over the last year or so, and it has been one of the best experiences of my life. To be able to walk around the halls dancing to some Kidz Bop is one of my favorite memories through rEcess. To be nonverbal comes with plenty of challenges, but I've never met someone who can put a smile on my face faster. He has taught me how to be more patient, understanding, and above all show unconditional love.
Though these sibs may be younger, they are mature, compassionate, honest, and so generous. The way that these sibs talk about their siblings with disabilities is an amazing thing to listen to. They find the good in it all! Although we know some days could be harder than others, I admire the way that these sibs respect their brothers and sisters that have special needs.
As I was thinking through how this ministry has blessed me, I immediately thought of the joy, love, and friendship. However, it goes much deeper than that; it is a family. There are very few things in this world that can turn a horrible week or month into such a great night.
DID YOU KNOW? 99 Balloons has curriculum just for siblings. It is called Four Square and is used by 21 of our rEcess sites.
ANNUAL UPDATE
07
RECESS RELATIONSHIPS DIDN'T STOP DURING COVID-19. TAKE A LOOK AT A FEW WAYS OUR SITES CONTINUED TO MAKE RECESS THE MOST FUN NIGHT OF THE WEEK! Live Performance on Zoom by Elsa - Canada rEcess Parade - Little Rock, AR Homework Help from rEcess - Davis, CA Scavenger Hunt - Fayetteville, AR Sensory Toys & Meal - Brentwood, TN Sidewalk Chalk Event - Rogers, AR Toronto Blue Jays Entertainment - Canada Socially Distant Snowcones - Bentonville, AR rEcess Home Delivery Kits - Houston, TX Pizza and Ice Cream Delivery - Dallas, TX
CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY
REMIX "rEmix focuses on creating and fostering relationships between typically and atypically developing teens, but really it is a Friday night that teens get to laugh, cut loose, and be themselves. rEmix is a picture of God making room at the table for everyone.
...rEmix is important not just for students, but for adults too. It is important to build friendships that aren't based off of actions or what one can do for each other but to be oneself and be confident in who God made you to be. I am overjoyed when I see students outside of rEmix going to events together, sitting together at church, or hanging out without leaders. They are fostering REAL relationships that are lasting." -Michaela Jones
ANNUAL UPDATE
09
CHANGING THE. STORY OF DISABILITY
BEFRIEND 99 Balloons’ newest model of ministry, bEfriend, brings community and mutual relationships to adults with and without disability. bEfriend is a relational model of ministry for typical adults and adults experiencing disability which includes 1-1 pairing in friendship. In our first year, we see the profound impact of bEfriend simply because people choose to gather together with the purpose of getting to know one another. Our society does not lend itself to naturally form friendships between typically developing adults and adults experiencing disability. Because of this, it often leaves our adult friends experiencing disability isolated and alone. bEfriend is the bridge that brings adults with and without disability together with the sole intent of building mutual and meaningful friendships.
ANNUAL UPDATE
11
I love Carolyn because she has a warm and loving heart. She is outgoing, and we became friends as soon as we met. She is funny, and I love her laughter. She is joyful and fun to be with. We have gone to lunch together and saw a Broadway play. She is a good and supportive friend to me, and I love her. Carolyn loves Jesus, and it shows in the way she treats people. We always have a blast together at our bEfriend nights! Chelsea Durham
How to Start a bEfriend:
Education
Invitation
Gather
99 Balloons provides training for all
Invite adults with and without
Plan a monthly gathering for
future bEfriend participants.
disability to join your bEfriend
everyone to connect and build
community.
friendships.
Visit www.99balloons.org/befriend to begin your own story of inclusive community.
CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY
GLOBAL WORK 9 out of 10 children experiencing disability globally do not attend school. To change the story of disability globally, 99 Balloons has created a sponsorship program called All-In to help children in Haiti, Uganda, Nicaragua, and Southern Asia attend school. Providing these children the opportunity to go to school provides more than education, it provides community. While we were only able to send one team this year due to COVID-19, our global trips provide training from therapists and teachers to equip our global partners.
ANNUAL UPDATE
13
CHANGING THE STORY GLOBALLY FINDING THE WORK SHE WAS MADE FOR ERIN DOUGHERTY CONWAY, AR
The global work that I've been a part of through 99 Balloons has blessed me personally through the relationships that I've been able to make! It is so rewarding to return to Southern Asia and see so many familiar faces. Every trip, I am excited to once again engage with these friends and encourage them in the work that they are doing. I continue to participate in these global trips because I want the whole world to know the value that every person has as an image bearer of God. If I were to tell a stranger about 99 Balloons, I would tell them that this ministry changed the course of my life. I knew that I wanted to be a physical therapist, but it wasn't until I started serving with 99 Balloons that I found the work that I was made to do!Â
ALL-IN NUMBERS
40
4
SPONSORSHIPS
COUNTRIES
VISIT WWW.99BALLOONS.ORG/ALL-IN TO SPONSOR A CHILD AND CHANGE THE STORY OF DISABILITY GLOBALLY
ANNUAL UPDATE
14
Many people in our area believe that special needs children are cursed or evil. However, having 99 Balloons' support, educational services, and training has been essential in changing the perception employees have toward these students. --Haiti--
This year we were able to have a team come out and visit, and we were so blessed to have a pediatric physiotherapist come along with that team. It is immensely valuable to have experts like that come and take the time to work with our children and families as well as train our staff. We love that 99 Balloons is passionate about training and equipping. Their teams train in a way that our staff can continue to use best practices even when the team isn't here. --Uganda--
We seek to enroll all our children with disability into mainstream schools and have benefitted from the resources and support provided by 99 Balloons. Though we do have many challenges, we have been able to enroll 45 children with disabilities into mainstream schools. --S Asia-It was refreshing to have a group of people that is doing things that we dream of be able to come and share their stories and teachings. The conference was a success thanks to the willingness of your hearts to serve. --Mexico--
CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY
INTERNSHIP & FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM For the past three years, 99 Balloons has invited 8-10 college students to spend a year learning from and serving alongside our team through our internship and fellowship. We provide a unique experience for those interested in a biblical worldview of disability as well as the hands-on experience in the non-profit space. Local professionals, parents, and the 99 Balloons staff share their expertise, experience, and perspective with the fellows and interns to give them a broader perspective on individuals and families experiencing disability. This year, we hosted two interns and six fellows from the University of Arkansas. Our fellows and interns dedicated hours to serving our local community in Fayetteville through rEcess, bEfriend, relational ministry, and community events. This program is invaluable to 99 Balloons, and we are grateful for the opportunity to pour into the next generation of leaders who will continue to change the story of disability.
ANNUAL UPDATE
16
MEET A FELLOW AND INTERN
GRACE COOKSEY
RYLEE ATKINS
Being a 99 Balloons fellow allowed for opportunities to be poured into and opportunities to pour out to families and individuals with disability.
I have created some of the most enriching and meaningful relationships through 99 Balloons that have allowed me to see Christ’s love for me in so many different ways. I have been able to serve alongside some of my best friends and make new friends as well.
Throughout the fellowship, I had the opportunity to serve the siblings at rEcess. When they walked into rEcess, I could almost see a weight being lifted off of their shoulders. While they love their siblings, they enjoy having a night to experience the joys of just being a kid. During my time in the 99 Balloons fellowship, I learned the importance of engaging in a diverse community and the way that community and friendship can shape you.
One relationship in particular is with the Brill Family. I have had the absolute honor of serving and being a part of this family's life for the past two years. Paulina Brill has easily become one of my most cherished friends. Seeing her accomplish goals and be cared for and loved on so well by her family fills up my heart daily. For a family like the Brills to allow me into their home and the opportunity to learn from them has made my college experience so valuable.
2019-2020 FI NANCI ALS Income vs. Expense
$330,087
Income
$292,654
Expense
$37,433
Net Income
$0
$100,000
$200,000
How the money was used:
$300,000
$400,000
Administration 13%
Administration: $38,723
Fundraising 16%
Fundraising: $47,302
Programming: $206,639
Programming 71%
CHANGING THE STORY OF DISABILITY
99 BALLOONS DURING COVID-19
99 Balloons' programming looked drastically different during COVID-19. However, our commitment to providing training, programming, and investment opportunities here and across the globe was as strong as ever. Relationships and community can still exist, even during a pandemic.
Hidden Disabilities with Joi McGowan
FINAL THOUGHTSÂ MATT AND GINNY MOONEY
What a year it has been!! It is our hope that in this unique time, the message of 99 Balloons will ring louder within the ears of our culture. Having endured a short season of social isolation, I believe that they will agree with us- social isolation is not the way that humans were created for life in this world. God has created us for relationships. By your partnership with 99 Balloons, we are reminding the world that so often our adult friends with disability as well as families experiencing disability are overlooked. Our stateside and global efforts are single-mindedly focused on inviting those with disability into relationship. We will champion and develop on-roads to community until all of us are offered an invitation to the table. Our work is needed more than ever. We are posed to expand and grow our impact in days ahead. We need your continued prayers and partnership.
Matt and Ginny