EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

As we bring another year to a close, we find this year is special beause it marks 50 years of service by the Wisconsin Council of the Blind to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and who live in all parts of the state. Yet, most significant is the fact that the Council has grown from a room in the home of its founder, Mr. George Card, to its new and spacious facility on Williamson Street in Madison. The progression of facilities reflects the growth and increasing ability of the Council to serve folks who are blind or visually impaired throughout the state of Wisconsin. As we look to the future, we must remember our past and pay tribute to those who lead the way.

George Card had a dream that blind people in Wisconsin should not only be heard, but as importantly should take their rightful place in society in whichever capacity they choose. In 1952 George Card, along with several others, established the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and for the next 23 years he directed its progress. Stanley Nelson succeeded George Card and for the next 13 years Stan served as the Council’s director. Jack Malin took over the helm for the next 12 years. Jack retired in January of 1998 after doing all that he could to get yours truly started on the right road.

The efforts of George Card, Stanley Nelson and Jack Malin provided guidance and stability to the organization. However in remembering and honoring our heritage, we cannot forget the outstanding efforts of all of those men and women who served as Council members.

Today the Council is made up of 19 members who are blind or visually impaired. Eleven members represent the following organizations: Badger Association for the Blind, Alumni Association of the Janesville School for the Visually Handicapped, Midwest Association of the Blind, Blinded Veterans Association and the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind. Eight members at-large are elected every 3 years.

Council members have always given of their time and effort to ensure that the Council meets the needs of the blind in our state. Many Saturdays, Sundays and evenings have been freely given by individuals in their capacity as Council members. While it is not possible to total up the hours of service by Council members, we can say for certain that without them the Council would not exist.

Like many organizations who depend upon an endowment fund, and whose funds have been affected by the current instability of our economy, the Council has struggled with many difficult decisions. Yet, while certain modifications had to be made within the Council, we have held together and will survive to serve our constituency. As we remember our past, we cannot forget all of those wonderful ­individuals who have contributed to the Council in a variety of ways. Those who have honored us with bequests or through other contributions will always be remembered and we offer our sincere thanks.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

The age of computerization and technology continues to provide more everyday tools and devices for people who are blind to use at home, work and play. Computers with voice synthesized screen readers are only one of the exciting tools available. Small, hand-held devices can record and store phone numbers or lists for shopping. We continue to seek from around the world the best in simple basic household items and advances in communication, which level the playing field for people who are blind or visually impaired.

The WCB takes great pride in providing over $250,000 worth of assistive devices to the people of Wisconsin who request items. We sell these items below our cost. The staff we have are excellent in answering questions or solving problems people experience. Perhaps this is because some of our staff are blind and have firsthand experience with the assistive devices. Our expanded product showroom at our new offices allows us to display these latest advances in technology and new practical items in a more inviting atmosphere.

PUBLIC EDUCATION

The WCB is strongly committed to the ­simple goal of improving the public’s knowledge and acceptance of vision loss, vision impairment and blindness. We regularly provide relevant materials and information to schools, libraries, church groups, businesses, seniors, eye care specialists, the media and low vision support groups throughout the state.

We have conducted focus groups to help us listen directly to the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. We welcome all ­suggestions to improve, update and expand our educational messages.

The WCB is committed to four long-term information goals: increased information about and for people who are blind, technology ­training, employment opportunities, and ­public transportation. The demand for ­information grows each year and we always evaluate our message to ensure we meet the needs in the state.

LOANS PROGRAM

The Endowment Fund at the WCB continues to grow through bequests from friends who have passed away. A portion of our endowment fund has been used for low interest loans to legally blind residents of Wisconsin.

Five types of loans have been available: business, home improvement, personal, technology, and parent/child technology. Our Business Loans Committee gives serious consideration to any plan that increases the borrower’s net income. Individuals with a sound plan for ­starting or expanding an existing business are eligible.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Legislative advocacy has always been one of the primary missions of the WCB, and we have always participated vigorously in the legislative process. We take part in special committees, legislative­hearings, budget discussions and bill drafting. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is presently taking special interest in the budget and policies of the following agencies: Department of Public Instruction, Department of Workforce Development, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Family Services. These agencies provide a myriad of services to blind and visually impaired citizens in our state and we are vigilantly involved in helping to shape the best public policy.

The coming year will present the WCB with many very serious challenges. One of our challenges will be to guide the newly re-elected men and women of our state Legislature, insuring that they understand the service needs of blind and visually impaired citizens. Wisconsin is facing its most serious financial crisis ever. We will need your help and advice to insure the day-to-day needs of thousands of its citizens are not compromised because of the state’s serious financial situation.

The WCB will be bringing forward two very important new legislative initiatives. First, we will be introducing legislation to update the laws that relate to the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors program. This program provides a true economic benefit for many individuals and families. The laws that surround this program have not been addressed by the Legislature for many years. Second, we will be working with the leaders and members of various guide dog users organizations to create a law to protect the rights and, more importantly, the safety of guide dogs. Your input and support for these initiatives is welcome.

Finally, the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped may again face budget shortfalls. The WCB will be there again, if needed.

WCB will again also seriously review the Wisconsin Sales Tax law as it affects sales of assistive devices for the visually impaired. We hope to help reduce these taxes for all in need. Your suggestions and ideas are always welcome.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2002 WCB PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

LEGACY CIRCLE

How we fund our programs and services

Fifty years ago our founders’ fundraising philosophy was that the Wisconsin Council of the Blind should seek a variety of funding from private sources. They believed the success of the concept “blind people helping blind people” would be more meaningful if private citizens and organizations supported its endeavors, rather than only soliciting government assistance. We maintain this philosophy today.

Beneficiary gifts from the wills of 228 people who believed in what we do are what has financially sustained us since 1952. These gifts are placed in an endowment fund and are used to secure the future of our basic services and programs. The proceeds of our endowment fund are the mainstay of our program and service support.

On November 10, 2000 the WCB created a Legacy Circle to help organize, recognize and increase gifts to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. The membership of the Legacy Circle is open to any individuals who commit to include the WCB in their will. We hope all of you reading this can give consideration to helping our efforts. The first person to join our Legacy Circle was Mr. Stan Nelson, our former executive director. Planned giving is an important part of our future. Since November 10, 2000, we have received over $1.1 million in gifts from friends of the Council. Thank you. Your gift will continue to benefit blind people long after all of us have departed this earth. You may call us and let us know that the Council is a part of your will and you will become a member of our Legacy Circle. No individual dollar amounts are made public.

2002 WISCONSIN WHITE CANE REPORT

In 1919, a young Madison accountant named Ross M. Koen returned from World War I, a wounded hero. He resumed his former accounting business and branched out into real estate and contracting. Fourteen years later, due to his war injuries, Koen’s eyesight began to rapidly fade. Doctors told him he would be totally blind within months. He was devastated. Koen liquidated all his assets and shut himself up in his apartment. It took him an entire decade to come to terms with his blindness. When he emerged into the outside world, it was with a new vision, and a fierce determination to address the urgent and everyday needs of people who are blind. Mr. Koen spent thousands of dollars of his own money to petition Congress calling for more awareness and better programs for blind and visually impaired citizens. He established a fundraising and advocacy program that has been modeled nationwide and evolved into the White Cane Fund and the Wisconsin Council of the Blind. His mission was simple: Allow blind people to help blind people.

This remains our mission in 2002. As an inspiration for the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, Koen’s work and values have been the guiding force behind all our efforts. We exist because people like you believe in what we are able to do for people who are blind and visually impaired. Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward a blindness-low vision assistance program. Every gift affords a greater opportunity for independence and achievement. Every contribution helps keep Ross Koen’s vision a reality. We are proud to present to you this year’s report and we ask for your help in the years to come.

We have begun a successful campaign to raise awareness of the White Cane Law. With the help of the Lakeshore Visually Impaired support group, we are distributing the bumper stickers (shown above). Please contact our office in Madison if you are interested in obtaining one.

WCB WHITE CANE FUND

Allocations for 2002

Thank you to every single person who has helped this effort.

THE WHITE CANE LAW IN WISCONSIN STATES:

“An operator of a vehicle shall stop the vehicle before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian who is carrying a cane or walking stick which is white in color or white trimmed with red and which is held in an extended or raised position or who is using a dog guide and shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid accident or injury to the pedestrian.”

Statute No. 346.26(1)

FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT

Wisconsin Council of the Blind - September 30, 2002

Assets

Cash                                           $699,692
Investments                               5,179,058
Loans Receivable, Net                 464,214
Other Assets                                163,314
Property and Equipment, Net    1,747,351
Pledge Receivables                        34,200
Total Assets                             $8,287,829

Liabilities

Accounts Payable                           $9,807
Accrued Expenses                          38,776
Total Liabilites                               $26,693

New Assets

Unrestricted                                 $8,237,507
Permanently Restricted                      50,322
Total Net Assets                            8,287,829
Total Liabilites and Net Assets    $8,287,829

Source of Operating Fund

Special Grants and Individual Gifts                                  $483,148
General Contributions and White Cane Fund                      63,192
Legacy Circle Bequests                                                     470,217
Endowment Interest and Dividends                                   148,840
Total                                                                             $1,165,397

Operating Fund Utilization

General Operations and Administration                           $150,750
Pubilc Education, Development                                            70,924
     Capacity Campaign and Philanthropy
Programs and Services                                                      625,417
Total                                                                                 $847,091

Sources of Operating Fund

General Contributions and White Cane Fund                           8%
Endowment Interest and Dividends                                         19%
Legacy Circle Bequests                                                           36%
Special Grants and Individual Gifts                                          37%

Operating Fund Utilization

Public Education, Development, Capital
Campaign and Philanthropy                                                       8%
General Operations and Administration                                   14%
Programs and Services                                                            78%

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is strongly committed to improve and delivering programs and services to people living with vision loss or blindness. The careful management of our gifts and donations enable us to follow an accurate business plan to help us achieve our mission.

Virginia DeBlaey, President, WCB, welcomes guests to our 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 12, 2002. Richard Pomo, Executive Director of the WCB, is to the left. Behind Ms. DeBlaey is Mr. Dale Churchill of Greenfield, Wisconsin our Council’s represen­tative from the Blinded Veterans Association of Wisconsin. Mr. Churchill and ­repre­sentatives from the Blinded Veterans Association presented the colors and started off our celebration with the Pledge of Allegiance.

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 2002

These men and women contribute countless volunteer hours in service to the programs of the WCB. Their dedication is greatly appreciated. Bill Bertram, Milwaukee; Kathleen Brockman, Milwaukee; Dale Churchill, Greenfield; Dot Coakley, Menasha; Kate Coerper, Madison; Virginia DeBlaey, Milwaukee; Nona Graves, West Allis; Karen Heesen, Janesville; Kathleen Hudziak, Janesville; Bob Hueller, Sheboygan; Pat Jansen, Black Creek; Richard Johnson, Janesville; Bruce Parkinson, Two Rivers; Richard Perzentka, Madison; Rhonda Staats, LaCrosse; Arnold Tucker, Park Falls; Ed Weiss, Waukesha; Rebecca Williams, Milwaukee; Chris Zenchenko, Evansville. Also pictured is Dick Pomo, Executive Director, WCB.

WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 2002 CAPACITY CAMPAIGN

This year—our 50th year—the Wisconsin Council of the Blind has embarked on a 5-year, $3 million Capacity Campaign to expand programs and services to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century. We are raising funds for the following nine program areas which have been proven to help people who are blind or visually impaired maintain their independence, privacy and self-sufficiency.

We have received over $250,000 in gifts as of this date. These gifts are helping us in so many ways to reach out and continue providing quality services and programs. Your personal help and support would be greatly appreciated as well. We are looking for public speakers, volunteers to make appeals to individuals and groups, help in organizing a mailing in your community and letting us use your name in our gift seeking efforts. We have many events and projects planned in the months ahead. Please take a few moments to consider how you can participate in this important effort and then give us a call. We know you share and believe in our mission. By working together we can achieve another 50 years of service.

The Sheboygan Noon Lions Club sponsored a dance to benefit the Capacity Campaign. Nona Graves and Bob Hueller present a Thank You gift to the club. The event was held Nov. 16th in Johnsonville, Wisconsin. Thank you for the great support!

50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Edgewater Hotel, Madison, Wisconsin April 12, 2002

On April 12, 2002 the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and over 200 friends and ­supporters gathered at Madison’s Edgewater Hotel to celebrate our 50th Anniversary as an organization and to officially kick-off our 5-year Capacity Campaign. We also that day dedicated our brand new Computer Technology and Training Center. We ­encourage you to visit us soon to see it. It is a very important part of our new ­facility. Thank you to all who helped make this historic day for the Council so enjoyable.

1952-2002 Celebrating 50 Years of Service

Thank you.

A heartfelt thank you to every contributor

Without the private funds contributed from individuals, businesses and foundations, more than 5,000 blind or visually impaired people would have gone without basic information or assistance in some form from the Wisconsin Council of the Blind.
A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer.

Without the countless volunteer hours of so many friends and supporters, our program delivery and public information messages would not be as effective.

Thank you for thinking of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and caring about the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Wisconsin Council of the Blind

WCB Staff

Richard Pomo, Executive Director
David Ballmann
Susan Barker
Marshall Flax
Gary R. Goyke
Betsy Gruba
Kathy Lange-Novak
Jeff Levake
Isabelle Levinson
Deda Oatsvall
Ann Schroeder
Tom Wolf

Auditors
Suby Von Haden & Associates SC

Investments
M&I Trust & Investment

Legal Counsel
Boardman, Suhr, Curry & Field SC
Voss, Erbach & Voss SC

Wisconsin Council of the Blind
754 Williamson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
608-255-1166
800-783-5213
Fax/TDD 608-255-3301
www.wcblind.org

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.This annual report is also available in braille and on audiotape