DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATIONOF GREATER ST. LOUIS

ANNUAL REPORT 20182018www.dsagsl.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

02Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

2018 Board of Directors

Greg Scezcepen - President Matt Kane - Secretary Andy Conover - Treasurer

Michelle Abounader

Robert Berger

Donna Calamia

Christopher Canfield

John Deguire

Shay Gillespie

Alicia Goedde

Jason Gossrau

Brian Hadican

Mary Hart

Dr. John Hartweger

Ali Siegel-Kerins

Alicia Kerr

Megan Layton

Paula Mass

Justen Meyer

Suzie Risher

Mary-Ellen Ritchy

Dave Ruby

2018 Staff

Erin Suelmann - Executive Director

Barbara Arnold - Director of Operations

Christy Klaus - Family Support Coordinator

Andi McCormick - Program & Education Coordinator

Abigail Beckord - Community Engagement & Volunteer Manager

Makini Anwisye - Employment & Adult Services Coordinator

Katie Adams - Grants Administrator

Amber McWIlliams - Director of Special Events

Lindsey Hawkins - Self-Advocate Community Ambassador & Employment Assistant

03Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORHello! 

The DSAGSL had another fantastic year serving over 1,800 individuals with Down syndrome

in the greater St. Louis area. Thanks to your support, our programs continue to grow in

meaningful ways and we are able to reach more individuals across the region. 

As you will see in the following financial reports, the DSAGSL remains in a strong financial

position. The reports contained herein cover an 18-month period from July 1, 2017 -

December 31, 2018 and are a result of a change in the organization's fiscal year. You will also

see that over 77% of our revenue is spent on direct programs rather than administration or

fundraising. We are dedicated to putting our donors' contributions into life-changing

services for members. For example - our employment program has grown leaps and bounds

with the addition of our social enterprise - Pop Up Snack Shop. In addition, we are growing

programs for our aging community. Our Silver Steps Support Group has offered networking

and resources for caregivers of aging adults with Down syndrome in both St. Louis and St.

Charles. Of course, new family support and community awareness remain at the core of our

mission. Thank you for helping the DSAGSL continue to grow and benefit the lives of people

with Down syndrome of all ages.

Sincerely,

Erin Suelmann, Executive Director

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

New parent programming brings information and resources specific to those who are

expecting a child with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome education specialist program provides support for educators, parents and

professionals seeking to build a meaningful education for students with Down syndrome.

Rock 21 affords a social opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome to live out their

dream of playing in a rock band, a great event that raises awareness and is a lot of fun.

Pop Up Snack Shop is a mobile snack shop run by individuals with Down syndrome.  This

portable shop moves from business to business selling “snack packs” to hungry staff while

increasing awareness.  Individuals receive important job and communication skills while

learning a little about how a business works.

Silver Steps Support Group is a way to connect with other parents, siblings and caregivers

who are taking care of an adult with Down syndrome.  This support group provides an avenue

to discuss housing, transportation, health and other issues for the aging Down syndrome

population.

Dear DSAGSL family, 

The vision of the DSAGSL is to be the most comprehensive resource on Down syndrome, and we

are dedicated to being that resource from birth to end of life.  Thanks to all of your support, our

organization has once again been able to enrich the lives of individuals with Down syndrome

and their families in our community.  Enclosed is our 2018 Annual Report which shows that our

organization is in excellent financial shape thanks to YOU!  When you review our financial

statements, you will see that in 2017, we changed our fiscal year from July 1 - June 30 to a

calendar year, and this Annual Report's financials cover an 18-month period.  The fact that our

financial condition continues to remain strong has allowed us to expand programs for our

membership once again; including the following:

These are just a few of the ways we are making a difference in the lives of individuals with Down

syndrome and their families.  We are excited about the future of the organization, but we have

more work to do in order to achieve our goals.  We need your continued support in order to get

there; through volunteering, attending a fundraising event, donating money, or providing a stop

for our Pop Up Snack Shop, we can get there TOGETHER.

Sincerely,

Greg Szczepan, DSAGSL Board President

04Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

Greg Szczepan

FINANCIALS

05Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

Statement of financial activities 18-month period July 1, 2017 - Dec 31, 2018 **

Revenues & Support

Fundraising revenues

Grant income

Contributions

Memorials/ Tributes

Merchandise sales

Non-cash contributions

Program Income

Other

$570,138 67.96%

$88,958 10.61%

$108,767 12.97%

$23,905 02.85%

$8,918 01.06%

$2,824 00.34%

$35,305 04.21%

$182 00.00%

Expenses

Programs & Services

Management & General

Fundraising

$768,416 77.68%

$72,868 07.37%

$147,862 14.95%

TOTAL REVENUES & SUPPORT $838,997 100.00%

TOTAL EXPENSES $989,146 100.00%

Net Assets - Beginning of Year $1,128,894

Net Assets - End of Year $992,620

Increase / (Decrease) in Net Assets ($136,274)

**In 2017, the DSAGSL changed its fiscal year to a calendar year resulting in a 6-month "stub year" from July 1, 2017 through December

31, 2018 and 18-month audited financial statements. Decrease in net assets are due, in part, to timing of fundraising events.

46 Educators attended the Down Syndrome Education Specialist ProgramSummer Session, and 45 participated in the School Year Session.Down Syndrome Association staff and volunteers delivered awarenesspresentations to over 300 students and 65 educators.

E D U C A T I O N  

PROGRAMS

06Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

20 self-advocates completed Ready to Work Employment Academy &Academy Jr.13 self-advocates to date have found meaningful employment after receivingtraining, coaching, and job matching through DSAGSL.

E M P L O Y M E N T O P P O R T U N I T I E S

N E W P A R E N T S U P P O R T

28 Celebration Baskets were delivered to new parents with gifts and resourcesinside.65 families were photographed at the Spring Family Picnic and 9photographers volunteered their time to capture the images.17 families attended the New Family Brunch.50 moms & babies attended the New Mother’s Luncheon.DSAGSL hosted two Parent & Family Workshops. Topics included VisualSchedules & MO ABLE Savings Accounts60 infants & toddlers learned and played together during 6 playgroups heldevery other month throughout the year.13 children received therapies through the Small Steps Therapy Camp

07Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis Annual Report 2018

DSAGSL held 15 Pop -Up Snack Shops at various businesses in the St. Louisarea with 9 self-advocate employees.Silver Steps Support Group for Caregivers of Active Aging Adults with Downsyndrome celebrated its 1 year anniversary.DSAGSL hosted a Youth Engagement Service Project that had 34 youngpeople ages 12-18 and self-advocates worked together to create busy bagsfor toddlers with Down syndrome.

C O M M U N I T Y I N V O L V E M E N T

18 self-advocates attended Disability Right Legislative Day in Jefferson City, MO.DSAGSL community members celebrated World Down Syndrome Day bycreating a one-of-a-kind rock garden outdie of teh DSAGSL office building.In recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, 100 school receivedpackets and posters with information about inclusion, educationalpresentations, ideas about how to raise awareness, Down syndrome facts, andlanguage guidelines.

A D V O C A C Y A N D A W A R E N E S S

E V E N T S

60 people attended the Young Friends Board Movie Party and the eventraised, $750 100 yogis of all abilities attended th 21 Suns Yoga for Down Syndrome event128 golfers helped raise $102,000 at the Birdies & Bass Golf Tournament52 self-advocates participated in the DSAGSL Rocks! music program. Over 500people attended their performances.400 family and friends attended the DSAGSL Annual Holiday Party.149 teams raised $225,785 at Step Up for Down Syndrome. The event hostedover 2,200 people in Forest Park.432 people attended DSAGSL's Annual Trivia Night. The event raised over$40,000 with the help of more than 50 volunteers.40,000 fans cheered on the Cardinals at Walk in the Park at Busch Stadium.

PROGRAMS (cont...)