IndependenceFirst’s A n n u a l
Report
Review
OUR WORK, OUR COMMITMENT TO INDEPENDENT LIVING, DISABILITY AWARENESS AND ADVOCATING FOR CHANGE.
2009
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COUNTY OF CONSUMERS 83% OF THE PEOPLE WE SERVE LIVE IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY. 15% LIVE IN WAUKESHA, OZAUKEE, AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES. 2% UNKNOWN / UNREPORTED
TOTAL CONSUMERS IN 2009: 979 INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED IN-DEPTH
INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES 1255 RECEIVED PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES IN THEIR HOMES 4808 OBTAINED OTHER INFORMATION & REFERRAL SERVICES
Age of Consumers
24% o v er age 60 53% age 20-59
20% under age 19
3% unknown
59% are female; 41% male
Race/ Ethnicity
White/ Caucasian 48%
1% other
Disability
43% African A American
8% Hispanic/Latino
23% Multiple Disabilities 1% Vision 2% Hearing 4% Mental/ Emotional
17% Cognitive
52% Physical
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR Dear Friends, At IndependenceFirst, we pride ourselves on being the “First” resource on access and independent living for the four-county metro Milwaukee area. In 2009, we took some big steps to reinforce that commitment. In June, we opened a new satellite office in Milwaukee’s central city. This office, located in the Cherry Court housing complex on N. 24th Street, provides culturally-sensitive support services to central city residents with disabilities, with an emphasis on youth and those who have been victims of violence. The Central City Satellite office is now the fourth of our outreach offices. Others are located in Waukesha, Grafton and West Bend. In October, after three years of careful planning, IndependenceFirst moved our main headquarters office to 540 South 1st Street. We required more office space due to an increase in staff and services over the past ten years. Equally important, the location and renovated building offer enhanced accessibility for both consumers and staff. The new site offers better access to transportation services and ample accessible parking. The building incorporates many universal design features such as: • no step, no threshold entry • access to the automatic door via waist level hand-plate or footrest level kick-plate • reception station with multiple counter levels to facilitate standing and seated guests • meeting rooms with height-adjustable tables and chairs and a video phone for people who are deaf • workroom with wheelchair accessible copier, 360 degree circulation around work tables and base cabinets with pullout shelving • accessible workstations for staff and guests • carpets and laminate floors outlined in brown for way-finding
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• rest rooms with no door entry, accessible stalls with automatic flushing, touchless dispensers and accessible counters • accessible kitchen and bathroom that can be used for skills training In this expanded, technically advanced facility that is easier to locate, access and maneuver through, IndependenceFirst can provide more efficient and effective services to the thousands of individuals with disabilities we serve each year. We also hope this state-of-the-art facility will be used as a model for local businesses to emulate as they improve their workplaces to accommodate their own employees and clients with disabilities. We welcome your calls to arrange a tour. In 2009, IndependenceFirst provided in-depth services to 2,234 people with disabilities. An additional 4,808 received information and referral services. Some highlights and program outcomes are included in this report. Our continuing growth, especially in an economically challenging time, is a tribute to a committed Board of Directors, a hardworking staff, dedicated volunteers, allied community organizations and the financial support of corporations, foundations, contractors and government agencies. All of our major donors are listed in the final section of this annual report. We thank you all. Sincerely,
John Mitchell Board Chairperson
Lee Schulz Executive Director
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IndependenceFirst
POWER LUNCH presented by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation:
IndependenceFirst’s annual special event, had approximately 800 business leaders and persons with disabilities in attendance to learn about the untapped potential of people with disabilities as a workforce, marketforce and group that contributes to the diversity of our community. Little People, Big World star Amy Roloff was the featured speaker.
DONOR FOCUS NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FOUNDATION has been the presenting sponsor for the independencefirst power lunch since its beginning 8 years ago. this well-attended leadership lunch event highlights the untapped potential of people with disabilities as a work force, market force and group that contributes to the diversity of our community.
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OUR DONORS Appreciation for 30 years of support and service.
Grants/Contracts
2008 POWER LUNCH Major Sponsors
Gifts $1000 and over $500-$999
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$100-$249
$250-$499
$50-$99
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Tribute Gifts
2008 Power Lunch
Computer Recycling
Other