All About Autism, Inc.

Transcription

1 All About Autism, Inc. General Information Contact Information Nonprofit All About Autism, Inc. Address Metcalf Avenue, No. 301 Overland Park, KS Phone (877) Website Facebook facebook.com/allaboutautism.org/ Twitter twitter.com/allaboutautism1 1

2 Mission & Areas Served Statements Mission Statement To improve the lives of those affected by the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Empowering individuals and connecting them with resources so every child reaches their fullest potential. Background Statement All About Autism is a non-profit organization that helps families in our community create a better life for their child with an autism spectrum disorder by connecting them to events, resources and education. All About Autism s driving goal is to empower individuals and families. All About Autism was created to help families navigate what can be a confusing, frustrating, and frightening experience for someone starting the journey to find information and services for their loved one. The organization was founded in Overland Park, Kansas in 2015 out of one mother s tireless efforts to do all she could to help her child overcome his disabilities and to simply fit in with the world around him. After years of therapy, her son significantly improved and it became her mission to utilize not only her extensive knowledge of how to navigate autism services, but also her twenty plus years of corporate business and technology background, to share the information she gathered in her journey with others in the hope that her hard work would benefit them as well. With early intervention, there is a significantly higher probability of success for the affected individual. By getting people connected to resources as well as others in the same or similar circumstances, it drastically reduces the time spent searching for information and services. This shortens the time between diagnosis and the initiation of therapy and services and creates more time to engage in those services. The more opportunities the individual with autism has, the better the chance for higher lifelong functionality. All About Autism provides information on those types of opportunities and relies exclusively on proven solutions and established organizations to ensure that we direct users to the very best available resources. Impact Statement 2016 Accomplishments 30,000 visits (15,000 unique) to the allaboutautism.org portal in This resource provides parents and caregivers with a "one-stop" location that helps them more efficiently access information and resources about available therapies, education, services, conferences, camps, and community activities. Sixteen iconic business and/or well-known organizations host our Community Connection Point booths throughout Kansas City. Awareness of opportunities drives participation in events and services which justifies more of the same. All About Autism has 75 partner organizations. We promote an average of 30 events a month on our on-line calendar and showcase resources in the 18 county area. 90% of families surveyed indicated that as a result of the online portal "I connected to at least three things I could actually do." 2017 Goals: Provide event specific, therapist-created "free" tools that can be used immediately to ensure access for all socioeconomic levels, whether actively participating in services or on wait lists. Partner with volunteer and nonprofit organizations focused on serving those with diverse abilities to help create fidget toys that can be distributed at All About Autism Community Connection booths. Having volunteers with diverse abilities pre-assemble these giveaways not only helps them support others, but also maximizes our ability to serve more families. Help families of all socioeconomic levels increase their awareness of organizations that offer low and nocost autism spectrum friendly events at local attractions. This ensures access and meaningful participation in social outings, and justifies the need for more such events. 2

3 Needs Statement 1. Staffing/Consultants Executive Director - Provide overall strategic and operational responsibility for staff/independent contractors, programs, expansion, and execution. Community Education Specialist- Provide education and logistical support in the community leading to earlier intervention and individual action plans. Resource Development - Focus on building partnerships and identifying additional needs. Focus on vetting and adding more organizational partnerships, as well as developing tool-kits and education. 2. Funding for Supplies Booth costs for Community Connection Points Sensory-friendly items for families to try (e.g. noise reduction or reducing headphones, weighted blankets, kinetic sand, etc.) to introduce low-cost therapeutic aids that families that utilize to enhance quality of life. Educational materials including our organization's flyers and life trajectory worksheets, as well as therapistcreated materials showcased at specific events. 3. Operational costs directly expended on the online Portal of Events, Resources, and Educational Opportunities. CEO/Executive Director/Board Chair Statement Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder affecting all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) statistics consistently show an increasing incidence over time: In in 500 individuals were diagnosed with Autism; in 250; in 150; in 110; in 88; and in in every 68 children diagnosed, 1 in every 42 boys. Our cause is one which directly impacts the community now and will only continue to increase into the future. Most importantly, we have the opportunity to change the lives of children so that when they are adults, they have a greater probability to be self-sufficient and productive community members. Statistics have shown over and over again that evidence based therapies can provide incremental dramatic improvements. In comparison to so many other disorders, there is a tremendous amount of hope with Autism therapies and services because they show real results. Dollars used to fund those therapies and services make a real difference. All About Autism is unique because we provide resources and connection to Kansas City-based (and surrounding area) organizations and events in one place. Many of these organizations offer low or no cost professional speakers and services to individuals and families. Families gain comfort in knowing that there are many high quality local organizations to help them on their Autism Journey. In many cases, this helps give them the strength to move forward and empowers them to take action. All About Autism is positively changing the landscape of navigating autism services in Kansas City and the surrounding communities. In addition to effectively reaching so many, we are creating more synergies with the existing autism organizations. The message conveyed is: We are stronger together than individually. Kansas City and the surrounding areas are very fortunate to have so many of the critical services and needs already in place, but not one organization has it all. By building the missing link and bringing all of this information into one clearinghouse, it demonstrates that, together we can make a difference. Service Categories Autism Areas of Service Areas Served 3

4 Areas KS - Johnson County KS - Wyandotte County KS - Wyandotte County Urban Core MO - Clay County MO - Eastern Jackson Co MO - Jackson County MO - Jackson County Urban Core MO - Liberty MO - Platte County KS - Atchison County KS - Franklin County KS - Johnson County KS - Leavenworth County KS - Wyandotte County MO - Buchanan MO - Cass County MO - Clay County MO - Clinton MO - Jackson County MO - Lafayette MO - Platte County MO - Ray 4

5 Programs Programs Online Directory of Events, Resources and Educational Opportunities Description Category All About Autism, Inc. provides an Online Directory of Events, Resources, and Educational Opportunities in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. Events: Go to Events, month or list, to see what is happening in the coming days and weeks. Click on the map to bring up a location and details. Link directly to the provider to see what else they have to offer, make reservations, or contact them for more information. Click on KIDS, TWEENS, ADULTS, FAMILY, PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS, or COMMUNITY to view more Events in that same category. If looking on behalf of someone else, click on an or social media icon to send it directly to them. Resources: Our Resource section presents the opportunity to connect directly to an organization based upon location or specific need. You can widen or narrow a search based upon multiple criteria including: Life stage, area of assistance, specific need and/or zipcode. Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines, General/Other Diseases, Disorders & Medical Disciplines, General/Other Population Served People/Families with People of Developmental Disabilities,, Short-Term Success More than 15,000 unique visitors to our online portal, with a year-overyear increase of the number of people searching on events. An increase in followers on social media (currently 153). 75 community partner organizations. Long- Term Success Increase access to information, events, education, and resources that help individuals touched by autism spectrum disorders develop skills, enhance treatment outcomes, and learn about opportunities to engage in the community and promote independence. We seek to expand the continuum of care for families touched by autism spectrum disorders and provide a 24/7 resource that they can access at their fingertips. Whether it is a family with a new diagnosis seeking information as they wait for their first appointment with a therapist, or a family that is simply looking for additional resources (for themselves or their child) to enhance social/communication/behavioral skills to compliment treatment-all About Autism can provide connections and information that can help improve a family's quality of life. Program Success Monitored By Our success is measured in many different ways including: Website analytics (page visits and unique visits) Number of organizations providing information about events and resources Number of followers on social media (twitter, Facebook, etc.) Testimonials from parents 5

6 Examples of Program Success The following comments demonstrate the success of our programs After getting out to some of these events, I m realizing that I am not alone with my child s diagnosis. Mom Liberty Last year my three-year-old was nonverbal. With many months of therapy and a diet change, he now has over 100 words Dad Shawnee We had our first successful playdate! We will continue to get help and have our son attend classes for social skills. Mom Kansas City 6

7 Community Connection Points Description Community Connection Points (CCPs) are volunteer-run booths at local attractions (e.g. zoos, ballparks, theaters) that provide education and outreach. Sensory-friendly break areas for individuals on the autism spectrum are included at some of the large-scale events. Offerings Include: Sharing handouts to our Portal with helpful hints. Face-to-face referrals providing families with resources they can access immediately-a place for therapy, a support group, a community event, age-appropriate and interest-specific activities. Demonstrations of low-cost resources like noise reduction headphones, fidget toys, or weighted blankets. Distribution of educational materials for social/communication/behavioral skills, safety, and active/healthy living. Hands-on opportunities for one to create their own stress reducing, sensory take-away toy or tool. Category Health Care, General/Other Patient & Family Support Population Served People/Families with People of Developmental Disabilities,, Short-Term Success Offer 16 Community Connections Point booths in conjunction with autism/sensory friendly businesses and community events. Make face-to-face contact with 3,500 people per year at Community Connections Points 90% of individuals surveyed will indicate that I connected to at least three things I actually could do. Long- Term Success Families have a new awareness about autism spectrum and sensoryfriendly community events and locations they can attend where new skills and behaviors can be learned and/or practiced. All About Autism casts a wide net through community outreach at public events. We reach not only individuals primarily impacted by the autism spectrum, but a broader public that can help those who do no know about us, find us. At the larger scale events, individuals are given tools and skills (fidget toys, Social Stories books) so that they not only enjoy a local attraction providing an experience unique to this population, but build social and behavioral skills that can transfer to other settings. Parents and caregivers are also provided with information about how to make their own skillbuilding books for any setting (Going to the Grocery Store, Going to a Birthday Party, etc.) that can build life experiences. Program Success Monitored By Program success is monitored in the following ways: The number of Community Connection Points offered within the community in conjunction with autism/sensory friendly businesses and community events; The number of face-to-face contacts made at Community Connection Points; Surveys administered to individuals that receive referrals from All About Autism. The Board and the President/CEO review survey results and analyze the responses of individuals that are seeking our assistance in order to improve outreach, education, and tactics for helping families. 7

8 Examples of Program Success At each of the CCP events, volunteers provide five referrals for resources, events, or activities that a family can connect with instantly during face-toface contact with families. When surveying attendees about these experiences, the number one response is "I connected to at least three things I could actually do." Two examples of recent CCPs include: The Kansas City Public Schools held a Back to School Event for all 16,000 students and their families and teachers. AAA was located in their "Dream Zone" section and was able to provide students, families, and teachers that were looking for resources. The Kansas City Zoo held an Autism Awareness Day and the AAA Community Connection Point booth was located near the entrance. AAA provided a sensory friendly break area that offered families the opportunity to make sensory friendly balloons, play with kinetic sand, test out weighted blankets, and gather flyers about our online Portal. 500 families were served. CEO Comments All About Autism represents a fundamental change in the way families whose children are diagnosed with autism navigate the overwhelming amount of information about the condition and the resources that may be available to assist them. The number one request following a diagnosis is information. All About Autism gives families (in the 18 county Kansas City MO/KS Region as defined by the Kansas City Area Development Council) that are faced with the overwhelming diagnosis of autism a streamlined, comprehensive way to learn about, and access services. We provide information on events, resources and education; peer to peer support; and a trajectory for individuals to continue lifelong learning and increased self-sufficiency. Services can be found for children all the way through adulthood. This not only benefits the individual with autism; it benefits the community as a whole. 8

9 Leadership & Staff Executive Director/CEO Executive Director Ms. Heidi Eckart Term Start Jan Experience 20+ years of experience in a successful business career as a court reporter and sales executive/national sales executive in technology and ecommerce. When symptoms were identified that her child had an autism spectrum disorder, she shifted all her attention and energy from her career to doing all she could for her child. Ms. Eckart took the same amount of energy, commitment, passion, and dedication required to excel in the business world and focused in on finding out everything that was available. She now has a child who has skills way beyond the doctor s and therapist s predictions and expectations. At the same time, she made it a point to provide support to families at local hospitals who were going through same or similar conditions. Ms. Eckart knows that there is a tremendous amount of hope with autism spectrum disorders based upon all of the success stories as well as her own. Staff Paid Full-Time Staff 0 Paid Part- Time Staff 0 Volunteers 20 Retention Rate 100% Paid Contractors 9 Plans & Policies Organization Has a Fundraising Plan Organization Has a Strategic Plan Management Succession Plan Organization Policy and Procedures Nondiscrimination Policy Whistleblower Policy Collaborations All About Autism is an online portal for individuals looking for general information, education, and resources about autism spectrum disorders. AAA collaborates with 75 different partners to provide content for the portal, and 16 of the partners are also host sites for AAA Community Connection Points. Government Licenses Is your organization licensed by the government? 9

10 Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mr. Mark Angers Company Affiliation Retired, Lockton Companies Term Jan 2015 to Dec 2017 Board Members Name Mr. Mark Angers Ms. Heidi Eckart Ms. Dawn Frischer Mr. Steve Heeney Ms. Jennifer Laue Affiliation Retired, Lockton Companies All About Autism 20/20 Captioning Accenture Great Plains SPCA Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 5 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male 2 Female 3 Unspecified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 3 Board Term Limits 0 Board Meeting Attendance % 100% Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 80% Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 100% Constituency Includes Client Representation Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 4 10

11 CEO Comments Our Board consists of businessmen & women and philanthropic leaders. Each member has an altruistic nature and has served or supported existing organizations in our community - Helping Those in Need. In addition, they encompass diverse backgrounds, have depth of experience for their role, and the ability to create a long term solution for Kansas City. 11

12 Financials Fiscal Year Fiscal Year Start Jan 01, 2017 Fiscal Year End Dec 31, 2017 Projected Revenue $100, Projected Expenses $100, Endowment Value $0.00 Percentage 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Total Revenue $27,639 $23, Total Expenses $36,720 $38, Revenue Sources Foundation and Corporation $27,639 $23, Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal $0 $0 State $0 $0 Local $0 $0 Unspecified $0 $0 Individual Contributions $0 $0 -- Indirect Public Support $0 $0 -- Earned Revenue $0 $0 -- Investment Income, Net of Losses $0 $0 -- Membership Dues $0 $0 -- Special Events $0 $0 -- Revenue In-Kind $0 $0 -- Other $0 $

13 Expense Allocation Program Expense $27,161 $30, Administration Expense $9,559 $7, Fundraising Expense $0 $0 -- Payments to Affiliates $0 $0 -- Total Revenue/Total Expenses Program Expense/Total Expenses 74% 80% -- Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 0% 0% -- Assets and Liabilities Total Assets $12,947 $22, Current Assets $223 $22, Long-Term Liabilities $0 $0 -- Current Liabilities $33,781 $33, Total Net Assets ($20,834) ($11,753) -- Short Term Solvency Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities Long Term Solvency Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 0% 0% -- Top Funding Sources Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount Individual Donor $7, Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Individual Donor Amount $5,000 Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? No Goal $0.00 Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? No Organization Comments No clearinghouse of events, resources and educational opportunities existed until All About Autism was created. Personal funds were invested upfront to establish the infrastructure and put a content rich website in place for All About Autism. This allows future potential donors to see exactly what their dollars are going towards and to enable them to specify where they want their funds to be applied. Foundation Comments FY 2016, 2015: Financial data reported using the IRS Form 990-EZ. Foundation/corporate revenue line item may include contributions from individuals. Created Copyright 2018 Greater Kansas City Community Foundation 13