High Hopes 2023 – 2024 Annual Report

2023–2024 Annual Report HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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High Hopes fosters a vibrant community where horse and human interactions improve lives.

Empowering Futures As we reflect on these past twelve months at High Hopes, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community that has rallied around our mission. Our fiftieth anniversary year has been a pivotal one and we are proud of the growth, innovation, and resilience demonstrated by our team, participants, and volunteers.

Our theme in 2024, Empowering Futures, is a testament to our commitment to building a strong foundation for the next 50 years. Our strategic priorities guide us in this endeavor, ensuring that every step we take today brings us closer to an even brighter tomorrow. From nurturing talent within our team to creating lasting partnerships, expanding our programs, and securing the safety and well-being of our herd and campus, we are deeply focused on fostering sustainable growth.

Together, we are laying the groundwork for a future where hope and opportunity continue to thrive at High Hopes.

We are honored to walk this journey with all of you and look forward to the exciting developments ahead as we continue to empower futures and foster hope.

With heartfelt thanks.

Peter Watt Board Chair

Missy Lamont Executive Director

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Empowering Growth At High Hopes, our strength lies in our people. This year, we’ve seen remarkable growth in our staff, not only in welcoming new faces but the depth of their commitment to our mission and their eagerness to innovate. We prioritize creating an environment where team members feel empowered to learn, grow, and lead. This supportive atmosphere allows individuals to thrive and make an impact in our community.

Mike Fox exemplifies this journey in growth. With a diverse background in the outdoor industry, including roles as a Ski Patroller and Outward Bound Instructor, Mike has a wealth of experience in leadership, safety, and program management. After joining High Hopes as a contractor, his dedication and meticulous attention to detail earned him the role of Property and Facilities Manager, where he plays a vital role in maintaining our campus safety, functionality, and natural beauty. His recent completion of equine first aid training and active involvement in preparing for our PATH Intl. reaccreditation, are just a few achievements that demonstrate his commitment to our mission.

Mike's story illustrates the powerful impact of investing in staff development. His journey of personal growth, paired with his unwavering commitment to the High Hopes mission, underscores the benefits of cultivating leadership from within. As we empower our staff, we strengthen our entire community, fostering a culture of resilience and transformative learning that benefits everyone involved.

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HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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Cultivating our Future Volunteerism plays a vital role in our community, and there is no denying the changing landscape that surrounds us. In a world that is rapidly evolving, our commitment to fostering a culture of giving remains a priority. Volunteers have long been the heart of our organization, and their dedication has been instrumental in driving our mission forward. Yet, as we see "volunteers needed" signs pop up across our small town, we recognize the need to adapt our strategies to engage both seasoned supporters and new faces alike.

Our volunteers are truly amazing, selflessly contributing their time and talents to enhance our programs and services. As we look to the coming year, we are eager to innovate our recruitment strategies, ensuring we attract a diverse group of volunteers. We are equally committed to nurturing our current volunteer force, providing them with the resources and recognition they deserve, and fostering an environment where their voices are heard.

We encourage our current volunteers to share their ideas and feedback as we explore new ways to promote volunteerism. By cultivating an inclusive atmosphere where suggestions are welcomed, we can build a sustainable volunteer network that thrives on collaboration and creativity. Together, we will not only honor the tradition of volunteering that is the foundation of our community, but also ensure that it continues to flourish in the years to come.

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HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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Champions of Hope As we reflect on the journey of our therapeutic riding horse, Vixen, we are filled with gratitude for her service at High Hopes. After more than a decade of service to our riders, Vixen will be leaving our farm to live in a new home where she will have plenty of pasture to roam, companions to share her days with, and, most importantly, endless love and attention.

Vixen has touched the hearts of many, providing comfort, support, and joy to those who have had the privilege of working with her. Her quick but steady gait and unwavering patience made her a vital part of our therapeutic riding program. As she steps into full retirement this Fall, we want to honor not just her contributions, but the commitment we hold for all of our horses.

With each retirement, we are reminded that many of our horses are aging, and we are committed to ensuring that they all receive the care they deserve, both in their working years and after they retire. Our dedication to our horses is a lifetime commitment.

Your continued support is vital in helping us advocate for the well-being of every horse at High Hopes. As we celebrate Vixen and her legacy, we invite you to join us in honoring the extraordinary lives of our equine partners, ensuring they receive the care they have earned. Here’s to Vixen and all the horses who have given us so much hope!

Learn more about supporting our current and retired herd: https://highhopestr.org/about/our-horses/

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HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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Transforming Lives through Innovation We often speak of change in a negative light. We push back against its uncertainty and its inevitability, stagnated by the fear of failing. And yet change is inevitable; one of the few things in life of which we can be certain. There is no doubt that High Hopes has experienced tremendous change over the last 50 years, and from this change has come the inception of many innovative programs.

We are dedicated to continuously evolving our programs to better serve the everchanging needs of our community. Your

Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder of the nervous system. It is invasive, impacting the daily lives of those living with the diagnosis. On a winter day in February of 2024, High Hopes held an open house for a fledgling program, designed to combine the horse-human connection and the physical movements involved in grooming and leading, to benefit individuals with Parkinson's disease.

support drives this innovation, opening

The program is a dynamic product of collaboration with a past instructor, who is both versed in the benefits of Equine Assisted Services, and who herself has a Parkinson's diagnosis. It has been nothing short of inspirational to witness the program develop – from inception, to pilot stages, and now part of High Hopes' academic offerings.

So as the seasons change, one of the many beautiful constants here at High Hopes is the Parkinson's Program and the faces of those who are impacted by its benefits.

– Amara Alpert, Program Manager

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HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

doors to new opportunities that foster inclusion, empowerment, and lasting impact. Together, we create life-changing opportunities.

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A Haven for Hope This spring, our team has been dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment for our participants and equine partners. The well-maintained pastures, inviting barn, and thoughtfully designed spaces are the foundation of the transformative experiences we offer to participants, volunteers, staff, and horses alike.

Since spring, our team has undertaken several key projects to enhance our campus. One significant initiative was transforming the Bacon Shed, previously a shavings barn, into a two-sided run-in shed. This renovation allowed us to create two additional paddocks, providing more flexibility for pasture rotation and making space for new trial horses joining our herd. Additionally, we upgraded our entire electric fence system and completed a major tree removal on the sensory trail, ensuring safer, more accessible paths for both participants and horses.

These improvements reflect our commitment to fostering a campus that supports growth and sustainability.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue enhancing High Hopes as a nurturing space where hope thrives. Planned improvements include increasing accessibility, strengthening safety protocols, and upgrading amenities for both participants and horses. As our campus evolves to meet the needs of our community, we remain committed to preserving the natural beauty that makes High Hopes a haven of hope.

$1,268,000 new gifts and pledges to support current operations $250,000 new planned gifts to support our future $103,000 distributions from donoradvised funds 1,014 donors 600 guests and $500,000 raised at 50th Anniversary Gala 150 guests at Founders Day

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This Year at High Hopes 5,637 Services Provided 1,330 Therapeutic Riding Services 1,632 Therapeutic Ground-based Horsemanship Services 1,225 Special Programs, Field Trips & Summer Camp Services 1,450 Community Outreach Services 282 Participants in Therapeutic Programs 160 Training, Education & Professional Leadership 127 Acre Farm Protected from Development 30 Acres of Pastures

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3 Miles of Riding Trails

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

18 Instructors 20 Horses 336 Volunteers 10,535 Hours Donated 93% Percentage of Workforce Served by Volunteers

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Annual Giving High Hopes greatly appreciates the individual donors who have invested in our mission.

Scan QR code for a complete list of donors, or please visit: https://highhopestr.org/about/annual-reports/2023-2024-individual-donors/

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HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

Foundation Giving The Allan Louis Loeb Foundation Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Chelsea Groton Foundation Chichester duPont Foundation, Inc. Citizens Charitable Foundation Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc. The Edward and Mary Lord Foundation Erwin C. Bauer Charitable Trust Gardiner Family Foundation Greater Hartford Community Foundation, Inc. Kitchings Family Foundation Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc. Madison Rotary Foundation The Michele and Agnese Cestone Foundation Nordson Corporation Foundation Old Saybrook Rotary Club Foundation Oliver-Hoffman Foundation Pine Bar Cornerstone Foundation Rotary Club of Deep River Rotary Club of Guilford Connecticut The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven The Equus Foundation, Inc. The Louise H. & David S. Ingalls Foundation The Madison Foundation The SPOUT Foundation The Westbrook Foundation Thompson Family Foundation Wireless Zone Gives

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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Corporation Giving 745 Osteria A Good Home ADP Alchemi Wealth Alexion Pharmaceuticals Matching Gifts Program All American Waste, LLC All Pro Automotive Alternative Business Accommodations Amelie Michel, LLC Andre Prost, Inc. Ashlawn Farm Coffee Ashleigh’s Garden Ashley Nielsen Studio Atlantic Seafood Atlas Outdoor Living Ballek’s Garden Center Berlin High School Big Y Black Hall Outfitters Black Hawk Fishing Bongo Ron’s Cigar & Lounge Bouvier Insurance BrandTech Scientific, Inc. Burnett’s Landscaping, Inc. Cash True Value Chapter T Connecticut PEO Sisterhood Charter Oak Credit Union Cheslea Groton Bank Clinton Country Club Coastal Valley Veterinary Services Coffee’s Country Market Coldwell Banker Realty Connected Systems, LLC Connecticut Club Managers Association Connecticut Dressage Association Connecticut Orthopaedics in Essex

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Cortland Park Cove Landing Marine, Inc. CT Office of the Comptroller Detail Freak Deveaux Lawn & Landscape Dime Bank DirectClean Dominion Energy Dreamscapes Marketing + Design Duncan Downie’s Septic & Excavation Durham Equestrian East Haddam Fishing and Game Club Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Essex Coffee & Tea Company Essex Indoor Golf Essex Marine Group Essex Savings Bank Essex Tiki Tours Eversource Exencial Wealth Advisors Finkeldey’s BMJ Fit Focused Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant Flatwoods Farm Four Mile River Farm, LLC. Friendship Rose Caribbean Schooner LTD Fromage Fine Foods & Coffees GCE International Giordano Restoration Grand Prix Equine Grand Wine & Spirits Guilford Savings Bank Gull Associates Hall Communications, Inc. Highclere Castle Gin Homeward Collective Hotel Santa Fe Ice Cream Emergency

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

Corporation Giving continued

Il Pomo D’oro J. Alden Clothiers Jansky’s Rubbish K Blake and Company KC’s Contemporary Clothing KDM Kitchens LLC Killingworth Lions Club Kingsville Grower Nursery Kitch & Essex Merchantile Kiwanis Club of New London La Marea Ristorante Lake of Isles Lawrence + Memorial Hospital Laysville Center Hardware Liberty Bank Mac’s Pizza & Kitchen MAR Floral MassMutual Financial Group

Matunuck Oyster Bar Microsoft Community Affairs Middlesex Health Mitchell Farm Equine Retirement, Inc. Mohegan Tribe Monte Financial Group, LLC. Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley Gift Musical Masterworks Mutual of America Financial Group Nautilus Architects New England Power Equipment New Life Essentials LLC Nicola, Yester & Company, P.C. Noah’s at 63 Main Nori Northern Trust Northwest Community Bank Novak Brothers Landscaping Nyman Jewelers Old Lyme Country Club Old Lyme Hardware Old Lyme Inn Old Lyme Landscape Old Saybrook Middle School Olive Oyl’s Carry Out Cuisine Olympus Partners One North Main Otis Elevator Company Overabove, LLC Pasta Vita Paulson Training Programs, Inc. Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program Pfizer, Inc. Polished Medspa Pough Interiors Power Posse Productions Principle Wealth Partners

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Privé Swiss RADeCO Inc. Refine Medical Aesthetics Rehab Concepts Physical Therapy Re-Unique Reynolds’ Subaru and Reynolds’ Boats Richard Freeman Fine Jewels Riggio’s Garden Center Ring’s End River Valley Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Robinson+Cole LLP S.D. Hallahan Housewright, Inc. Salem Stone Design Salon Pure Santa Fe Opera Savour Cafe Saybrook Hardware Saybrook Home Saybrook Point Resort & Marina Sennheiser Electronic Corporation Shagbark Lumber & Farm Supplies Shoreline Alfresco Shoreline Eye Group Shoreline Ladies Golf League Solari Brothers Carting Stanley Black & Decker Stonington Vineyards

Sugarapple Inn Sullivan Financial Advisors Sweet P’s Taylor Rental | Party Plus The Black Seal The Brushmill by the Waterfall The Bubbly Burro The Buttery The Chocolate Shell The Claremont Sales Corporation The Ear Inn The Essex The Griswold Inn The Hangry Goose The Hartford The Herb Chambers Companies The Ivoryton Playhouse The Kate The Light House Voc-Ed Center The Ocean House The RiverLane The Rolling Tomato The Spring Wellness The Study at Yale Town of Clinton Travelers Community Connections Treasures United Parking LLC Valenti Auto Group VFW Post 1467 VFW Post 4608 Village Wine & Spirits Waterford High School Waterview Landscaping William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Wolf Tree Landscape Architecture, LLC Xela Communications

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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50th Anniversary Gala Event Sponsors All American Waste, LLC All Pro Automotive Artemisia, Inc Ashlawn Farm Coffee Bouvier Insurance BrandTech Scientific, Inc Carefree Boat Club Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Chelsea Groton Bank Coffee’s Country Market Connected Systems, LLC Connecticut Orthopaedics David Adams | Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Dime Bank Direct Clean Service Solutions Dominion Energy Dreamscapes Marketing & Design Duncan Downies Septic & Excavation LLC Essex Marine Group Essex Savings Bank Eversource Energy Foundation Exencial Wealth Advisors Finkeldey’s BMJ Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant Franklin Organic Mushrooms, Inc Grand Prix Equine Grand Wine and Spirits Guilford Rotary Club Guilford Savings Bank in partnership with The Community Foundation of Middlesex County Gull Associates Hall Communications, Inc Hugh & Saskia Evans Jamie Childs | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Jansky’s Rubbish

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K Blake and Company Kim and Angus Grant Kiwanis Club of New London Liberty Bank Maddy Mattson | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Middlesex Health Nautilus Architects Northern Trust Novak Brothers Landscaping Overabove Pasta Vita Old Saybrook Power Posse Productions Principle Wealth Partners Reynolds’ Subaru and Reynolds’ Boats Ring’s End River Valley Periodontics & Implant Dentistry Robinson+Cole Roger Parkman Saybrook Home SD Hallahan Housewright, Inc. Shoreline Eye Group Solari Brothers Carting Sperry View Farm Sullivan Financial Advisors Taylor Rental Party Plus Ted Schaaf | Citizens Private Client The Bauman Family Foundation The Black Seal The Bubby Burro The Buttery The Chocolate Shell The Claremont Sales Corporation The E-List The Herb Chambers Companies The Mohegan Tribe The RiverLane The Rolling Tomato Tizzy Bannister Valenti Auto Group Waterview Landscaping, LLC William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Wolf Tree Landscape Architecture

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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In Honor of: Amara Alpert Ray Beaudry Jane and Keith Bolles Allison Bond Donna Bourn Cole Brodeur Pat Carta Patti Cavaliera Churro Patti Coyle Peter Curley and Elaine Gordon Kimberly J Dreier Mary Dunn Ed and Mary Jane Fegan Lauren Fitzgerald Lori and Bruce Goldstein Matthew Gordon High Hopes Staff Ryan Keenan Robin Kelly Rachel Kushel Missy Lamont Marge Lenda Sandy Mulligan Gail Musante Joan Nichols Dominique Plummer Jeff and Holly Ridgway Janet M. Romanowski Ronald and Janet Romanowski Fran Rowlenson Matthew Sarti

Matthew, James and Andrew Scotella The Curley-Scotella Family Lilly Shapley Sheila Siborg Greg Smith Kitty Stalsburg Eunice Stephen Colleen Sullivan Val Evan Visgilio Maris Wacs Warrior Holly Webb John and Deborah Welles Julia Whalen Tommy Willis Barbara Willkens and Wilhelm Meya

In Memory of: John Asselin-Connolly Keith Berger Paul & Jean Berger Natalie Bieber Sheila Blair Rosalie Sellar Brainard Roland “Lee” Brown Candy Nancy Cash Joanne Centola Charmer Julian Colelli Chris Coyle Joseph Curley

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John Duncan III Paula Marie Dutka Joseph W. Elnisky Ralph Eno Danielle Fogle Allen Gordon Sis and Lytt Gould Ashley Key Margaret Lewis Jill Manning Smith Dan Marderosian Donald Morrell Richard Morrow Lloyd L. “Mike” Moyer John Poer Susan Qua Lauren Ramseyer Don Rankin David Regan Sapphire Dianne Saunders Karen Schwarz Jane Scott Knowlton Jordan Siborg John “Bill” Small Roger Smith Bill Tweed Ann Marie Tyler Dr. Jackie Walsh-Carmona James White Anna M. Williams

HIGH HOPES THERAPEUTIC RIDING 2023–24

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Sis and Lytt Gould Society Matthew Abrams* and Dr. Barbara Abrams Anonymous (4) Mary Bell Barbara Benjamin Jane and Keith Bolles Eleanor L. Bonfonte Gary F. Borla John M. and Athana K. Catlett Hannah M. Childs James M. Childs Susan K. Childs Susan Chodorov and Robert Crane Judith D. Cohen Marge Curtis Elizabeth David* Janie Davison* Elizabeth Doering Emily T. Fisher Sherley and Michael Furgueson Katharine Howe Gildersleeve Hon. Elaine Gordon and Peter J. Curley Cheryl Heffernan

Joanne M. Ives Frank Jarrabeck and Francis Cowgill Judith* and Richard Lightfoot Barbara McGhie* Sandra Mulligan Margaret C. and Earl J. Mummert Penny Nelson John and Heidi G. Niblack Susan Peacock Gail M. Peck* John and Lee Pritchard Jeffrey and Holly Ridgway Linda Rogers Karen Schwarz* Petra B. Shearer* Matthew C.* and Cheryl F. Sheridan Roger* and Marcia* Smith Steve Smith Kitty Stalsburg and Rob Hageman Anthony C.* and Sandy Thurston Debra Tietjen-Smith *deceased

Sis and Lytt Gould Society recognizes donors who have established a planned gift. These meaningful intentions ensure High Hopes can deliver on our mission for years to come. The Legacy Garden overlooking Hartman Pond is a tranquil place celebrating members of the Society.

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The Herd

Staff

Trustees

Abe Arthur Blessing Centos Chip Churro Lucky Lulu Mia Misty Nifty Onyx Penny Petra Rolex Savannah Warrior Val Vixen

Barbara Abrams Amara Alpert Beth Atherton Marci Bender Lily Bensko Trudy Burgess Jessica Caron Karen Castelli Audra Chmiel Kathy Christensen Chris Clarke Jenn Dube Megan Ellis Mike Fox Claire Gadrow Carolyn Jagielski Jordan LaJeunesse Nicole LaJeunesse Missy Saracino Lamont Nicole Makos Dawn Nelligan Lesley Olsen Juanita Paris Mykenzie Parker Hayley Plas Kim Severance Ava Swartz Juli Yudkin

Peter Watt, Board Chair Sarah Hill Canning, Vice Chair Gary Rogers, Vice Chair, Development Natalie Yonker, Treasurer Landon Potts, Secretary

In loving memory of: Addie, Al, Joe, Neon and Teddy

Chris Berger Liz Doering Mark Fader Beth Garrity Sarah Kitchings Keenan Todd Machnik Margaret (Mac) Mummert Priya Tandon Greg Varga Wendy Visgilio Maris Wacs Barbara Willkens Exiting Trustees: John Catlett Jackie Kangley

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Ages of our Participants by Percent 11 to 18 – 28% 19 to 50 – 26%

6 to 10 – 30% 51 and older – 16%

Home Locations of Participants All Other

Middlesex County – 20%

New Haven County – 14% New London County – 55%

Hartford County – 4%

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Equine Assisted Services MOUNTED 50%

CARRIAGE 10%

HORSEMANSHIP 41%

Primary Declared Diagnosis COGNITIVE 40%

PHYSICAL 14%

EMOTIONAL 12%

NOT DECLARED 34%

Volunteers: Length of Service 80% 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Volunteers 8–86 years old

6–10+ 4–5 1–3

1–3 years

4–5 years

6–10+ years

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Statement of Financial Position YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2024

Assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents

$120,899

Pledge and Other Receivables

200,783

Prepaid Expenses

8,400

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

$330,082

Property and Equipment – Net

$1,442,400

LONG-TERM ASSETS Investments

6,518,841

TOTAL LONG-TERM ASSETS

$6,518,841

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 8,291,323

Support and Revenue Corporate Support – 20%

Foundation Support – 14%

Earned Revenue – 15%

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Contributions from Individuals – 51%

Liabilities Net Assets Support andand Revenue CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and –Accrued Corporate Support 20% Expenses Note Payable

$102,765 5,204

Foundation Support –LIABILITIES 14% TOTAL CURRENT

Contributions 30,117 from Individuals – 51% $138,086

NET ASSETS EarnedRestrictions Revenue – 15% Without Donor

$2,329,975

With Donor Restrictions

5,823,262

TOTAL NET ASSETS

$8,153,237

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$8,291,323

Advance Fees for Services

Functional Expenses Fundraising – 21%

General and Administrative – 9%

Program – 70%

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36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371 Phone 860-434-1974 www.highhopestr.org