2009OUR WORK, OUR COMMITMENTTO INDEPENDENT LIVING, DISABILITYAWARENESS AND ADVOCATINGFOR CHANGE.

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COUNTYOF CONSUMERS83%OFTHEPEOPLEWESERVELIVE INMILWAUKEECOUNTY.

15%LIVE INWAUKESHA,OZAUKEE,ANDWASHINGTONCOUNTIES.2%UNKNOWN /UNREPORTED

TOTAL CONSUMERS IN 2009:979 INDIVIDUALS

RECEIVED IN-DEPTHINDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES1255 RECEIVED PERSONAL

ASSISTANCESERVICES IN THEIR HOMES

4808 OBTAINEDOTHER INFORMATION& REFERRAL SERVICES

59% are female; 41% male

24%o v erage 60

20%underage 19

53%age 20-59

3% unknown

1% other

White/Caucasian

48%

43%AfricanAmericanA

8%Hispanic/Latino

23%Multiple Disabilities

52%Physical

17%Cognitive

4% Mental/Emotional

2% Hearing1% Vision

Age ofConsumers

Race/Ethnicity

Disability

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Dear Friends,

At IndependenceFirst, we pride ourselves on being the “First”resource on access and independent living for the four-countymetroMilwaukee area. In 2009, we took some big steps to reinforcethat commitment.

In June, we opened a new satellite office inMilwaukee’s central city.This office, located in the Cherry Court housing complex on N.24th Street, provides culturally-sensitive support services to centralcity residents with disabilities, with an emphasis on youth and thosewho have been victims of violence.

The Central City Satellite office is now the fourth of our outreachoffices. Others are located inWaukesha,Grafton andWest Bend.

In October, after three years of careful planning, IndependenceFirstmoved our main headquarters office to 540 South 1st Street.Werequired more office space due to an increase in staff and servicesover the past ten years. Equally important, the location andrenovated building offer enhanced accessibility for both consumersand staff.

The new site offers better access to transportation services andample accessible parking.The building incorporates many universaldesign features such as:

• no step, no threshold entry

• access to the automatic door via waist level hand-plate or footrestlevel kick-plate

• reception station with multiple counter levels to facilitate standingand seated guests

• meeting rooms with height-adjustable tables and chairs and avideo phone for people who are deaf

• workroom with wheelchair accessible copier, 360 degreecirculation around work tables and base cabinets with pull-out shelving

• accessible workstations for staff and guests

• carpets and laminate floors outlined in brown for way-finding

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

• rest rooms with no door entry, accessible stalls with automaticflushing, touchless dispensers and accessible counters

• accessible kitchen and bathroom that can be used for skillstraining

In this expanded, technically advanced facility that is easier tolocate, access and maneuver through, IndependenceFirst canprovide more efficient and effective services to the thousands ofindividuals with disabilities we serve each year.

We also hope this state-of-the-art facility will be used as a modelfor local businesses to emulate as they improve their workplaces toaccommodate their own employees and clients with disabilities.Wewelcome your calls to arrange a tour.

In 2009, IndependenceFirst provided in-depth services to 2,234people with disabilities. An additional 4,808 received informationand referral services. Some highlights and program outcomes areincluded in this report.

Our continuing growth, especially in an economically challengingtime, is a tribute to a committed Board of Directors, a hard-working staff, dedicated volunteers, allied community organizationsand the financial support of corporations, foundations, contractorsand government agencies. All of our major donors are listed in thefinal sectionof this annual report.We thank you all.

Sincerely,

JohnMitchell Lee SchulzBoard Chairperson Executive Director

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IndependenceFirstPOWER LUNCH

presented by theNorthwesternMutual

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.

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NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FOUNDATIONhas 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.

DONOR FOCUS

OURDONORSAppreciation for 30 years of support and service.

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Grants/Contracts

2008 POWER LUNCHMajor Sponsors

Gifts $1000 and over$500-$999

$250-$499

$100-$249

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$50-$99

Tribute Gifts 2008 Power Lunch

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Computer Recycling

Other