Blind Childrens Center

4120 Marathon Street, Los Angeles, California 90029 (323)664-2153

A family-centered agency serving children with visual impairments

IN THIS REPORT

THE YEAR IN REVIEW 1999 | 2000 Blind Childrens Center

This was a year of great satisfaction and inspiration at the Blind Childrens Center. Our quest for knowledge and improvement continued throughout the year. Individual growth was observed in every program, with every child, and with each family, maintaining an exciting and productive environment for staff, volunteers, and families.

We thank all of you for your dedication and support which makes this progress possible. The highlights of our achievements for the past year are presented below.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

• Sixty-six students and their families received direct services from professional Blind Childrens Center staff.

• Mommy, Daddy & Me classes were renamed the “Infant Program”—serving children from birth to 3 years of age and their families.

• Two new teachers (one formerly a Blind Childrens Center Parent Mentor) and two assistants were hired.

• Research and program planning was completed to implement a home-based component to the Infant Program. A new family worker will work specifically with this program.

• The Parent Mentor & Advocacy program continued with three part-time staff. Training sessions/workshops covered such topics as autonomy and self-esteem; depression; effective parenting; working with difficult families and team building, as well as legal rights, due process and the Regional Centers.

• Parent mentors participated in 25 community training sessions.

• Parent mentors participated in an external internship at Sophia T. Salvin Education Developmental Center (LAUSD), providing clients with case management and serving as role models for school staff.

• Visiting professionals came to the Blind Childrens Center for observation, most notably were the regular monthly visits from USC, UCLA, Childrens Hospital, and from Cedar Sinai residents.

• Expanded outreach to families and professionals worldwide was achieved through a 30% increase in publication orders and distribution.

ADMINISTRATIVE/GOVERNANCE

• Fiscal status remained strong as revenue was over projected budget, expenses were right on target, and the percentage of withdrawal from the Investment Account was reduced.

• Preparation for Y2K was successful, we experienced no interruptions.

• Major electronic upgrades were completed in Phase III of our Automation Plan.

• Quickbooks software was implemented providing more efficient tracking, inventory, and invoicing of publications.

• The facility coordinator position was reinstated (25 hours per week).

• Two intern Board members from Riordan Volunteer Leadership Development Program continued their projects at the beginning of the year. Two new interns were assigned mid-year and will be completing their projects through fall 2000.

• Four master-level interns were supervised, two through USC, one through Pepperdine, and one through Loyola to develop:
1) A feasibility study for the Parent Mentor Project/Community Interest;
2) A possible facility expansion;
3) A possible endowment/Investment Account Development or alternate project to be determined, and
4) A video development project.

• We partnered with Blind Babies Foundation to plan and organize the International Preschool Conference in fall 1999.

• Our publications were reviewed and critiqued by the Early Childhood Research Institute on Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS).

1999/2000 FINANCIAL INFORMATION

DEVELOPMENT

• Our annual special events included The Longest Day of Golf, VIP Golf Reception, The Tom Sullivan Celebrity Golf Tournament, LA Marathon, Les Marraines Luncheon, Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration, LAPD Centurions Game, and Roddy Hiatt Golf Tournament. An Evening with Friends Dinner and the Golf Program Book were added as significant fund/friend raisers.

• Special events income reached an all-time high at 21% over budget. Increased event responsibilities demanded intense staff and volunteer participation for all activities. This contributed to the significant growth and success of our events.

• Our volunteer base continued to grow with new resources from Singles Helping Others and Southern California Edison. Regulars continued their support from Doing Something, Disney Volunteers, Delta Gamma, Pacific Bell, Performance Team Freight Systems, Inc. and Volunteer Center of Los Angeles.

• Blind Childrens Center contracted to be an official charity for the Long Beach Marathon, November 12, 2000.

• Annual giving surpassed goal by 5%.

• We obtained support from an additional five grantors helping us reach 5% over goal. We also received the donation of a new Nissan van.

• Of special note, Beverly Hills BMW significantly increased their giving and commitment to the children.

• Due to our generous donors, contributions have increased by 81% over the past three years, supporting growth and new programs.

Thank you for being a vital part of our success.

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