HISTORY MISSION VISION 2004
WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
HIGHLIGHT OUR HISTORY
ANNUAL REPORT
White Cane Fund Report
Capacity Campaign Report
Promoting dignity and independence of people in Wisconsin
who are blind or visually impaired
MISSION STATEMENT
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is a private, not-for-profit agency. Its mission is to promote the dignity and independence of people in Wisconsin who are blind or visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public.
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind is funded through individual gifts, grants, an annual white cane campaign, and proceeds from endowments established through bequests.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As 2004 comes to a close, our 52nd concludes and another chapter of Council history is written. It has been a wonderful year of activity and special events for Council members and staff
One of the many highlights of the year occurred in March when Council members and staff met for a strategic planning session. Watch as time passes how the Council grows, flourishes, and changes as we meet the challenges of the future.
Another highlight of the year was the Mac Macular Degeneration Seminar held in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Department of Ophthalmology. More than 900 attendees learned about advances in treatment and ways to cope with sight loss. A similar seminar was held in La Crosse in September. We partnered with Gundersen Lutheran Hospital and their Eye Institute to host over 160 people.
In June, the Council had a booth at the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups convention held in the Oneida Convention Center
in Green Bay. An event such as this has a two fold impact. First, to inform people who attend the convention about Council programs, and second, to contact other groups we may work with in the future. This type of seminar is often the first time many individuals are exposed to the Council. This coincides nicely with part of the new strategic plan.
The Council was proud to host a Philanthropy Day in Hayward. The following organizations and individuals were recognized for their efforts on behalf of blind and visually impaired residents of northern Wisconsin: Rutledge Charitable Trust of Chippewa Falls, UW-Superior Center for Continuing Education, Rep. Mary Hubler of Rice Lake, Barron County Library Service, and Mrs. Jean Ollis of Cable.
Two golf outings were held in 2004 to benefit Council activities. These events primarily involved sighted golfers who were introduced to the Council by playing golf with Executive Director Dick Pomo who is blind. Their eyes were "opened" to the fact that people don't have to give up activities such as golf because of sight loss. These events are wonderful teaching tools.
Our annual Awards banquet was special this year as we hosted all our volunteers and had a chance to say thank you for their hard work and dedication. We also recognized the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Public Radio Station as employer of the year and their employee Mike Dukin; the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for their Braille program as Public Service Award for the year; State Representative Mark Miller as Legislator of the year; and Karen Perzentka, a past Council President, who received the Louis Seidita Distinguished Service Award. The Council also presented $1,000 scholarships to Michael Hinricks, Alissa Keenan and Kuo-Yeh "Andy" Huang.
Early in December the Council hosted a reception to honor the memory of Stan Nelson, a past Executive Director, who died almost two years ago
As you can see, in addition to the day to day activities and programs of the Council, the highlights of the year are events that make our history something special. We touch many more people today than we did 52 years ago when the Council was new. As we look to the future, we will continue to grow and reach many more who need our services.
I have been honored to serve as Council president this year, and have been proud to represent the Council at many of these events.
Respectfully submitted with warmest regards,
Bruce Parkinson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
Dear Friends,
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind shares a strong sense of history and a true sense of purpose. Before the establishment of the Wisconsin Council of the Blind in 1952, individuals like Ross Koen and George Card saw the need for blind people of Wisconsin to advocate on their own behalf. These two gentlemen, along with many others, left a wonderful legacy for those who would follow. Ross, who was blinded in World War II, overcame depression and turned his frustrations into positive actions on behalf of individuals who were blind. Upon its incorporation in 1952, George Card was selected as the first official executive secretary of the Council. For a period of time the Council office was located in his home on Few Street, which is just a short distance from Williamson Street in Madison, where the Council is currently located. Mr. Card held this position until 1972 when Stanley Nelson took over the reins as Executive Secretary. Stan served in this position until 1985 when Jack Malin became Executive Secretary. He guided the Council until 1997 when I had the good fortune to become Executive Director, a position I still hold.
As we look ahead to the next fifty plus years, we recognize the need to develop a long range plan to evaluate issues that will enable us to continue to provide the most effective services possible.
The first step of our long-range planning process will focus on branding and positioning. This will allow us to look at ourselves by seeking information from both the consumers whom we serve and the vendors who serve us. Our goal is to determine how we are viewed by others, and this process will provide the opportunity for us to evaluate the need for current and future services. The Council has committed both financial and personnel resources to this effort. When the long-range planning process is successfully completed, it will enhance our ability to market our activities, thus ensuring that individuals in need of service are made aware of the variety of programs offered by the Council.
Sincerely,
Dick Pomo, Executive Director
Madison
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George Card 1952-1972 Executive Secretary |
Stan Nelson 1972-1985 Executive Secretary |
Jack Malin 1985-1997 Executive Secretary |
Dick Pomo 1997-present Executive Director |
WISCONSIN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 2004
These men and women contribute countless volunteer hours in service to the programs of the WCB. Their dedication is greatly appreciated. They successfully carry the message of the WCB throughout the state. Janis Atkins, Janesville; Jerry Bever, Madison; Kathleen Brockman, Milwaukee; Virginia DeBlaey, Madison; Nona Graves, West Allis; Scott Hegle, Waukesha; Kathleen Hudziak, Janesville; Bob Hueller, Sheboygan; Richard Johnson, Janesville; Bruce Parkinson, Two Rivers; Paul Schroeder, Milwaukee; Rhonda Staats, La Crosse; Arnold Tucker, Park Falls; Richard Waldburger, Beaver Dam. Also pictured is Dick Pomo, Executive Director, WCB.
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| Not pictured above but shown here are: Patty Slaby, River Falls; Rebecca Williams, Milwaukee; Dean Winger, Madison; Chris Zenchenko, Evansville; Dot Coakley, Menasha. | ||||
THE LEGACY CIRCLE:
How we fund our programs and services
The Wisconsin Council of the Blind has established a Legacy Circle to recognize individuals who are planning gifts that will provide significant financial benefits to blind and visually impaired people in the future. The Legacy Circle also recognizes the 246 people who believed in what we do by giving us beneficiary gifts from their wills. It was created to help organize, recognize and increase gifts to the WCB. Membership in the Legacy Circle is open to any individual who has or will list the WCB as a beneficiary in their will. Since November 10, 2000, we have received over $1,500,000.00 from friends of the Council. Thank you.
Every gift to the Council makes a substantial difference. Every donor becomes a cherished friend. The proceeds of our George Card Endowment Fund are the mainstay of our program and service support. To become a member of our Legacy Circle call the Council’s development office.
“With the ever increasing number of people experiencing vision loss due to age related eye diseases, we depend on the continued support of good friends around the state so we can provide the quality programs and services they need.”
Robert Hueller, Chair, Public Relations & Development Committee, Sheboygan, WI
"We never lose our focus on managing our exitsting resources and we creatively search for new funding sources to build a fiscally sound future."
Kathy Brockman, member, Public Relations & Development Committee, Recording Secretary and Advisory Board member for the Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Milwaukee, WI
INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF WCB -
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE LEGACY CIRCLE
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Here at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, creating our future is a joint pursuit involving customers, clients, staff, administrators, Council members and our loyal friends and supporters statewide. In this 2004 Annual Report on programs and services, you will see how our dreams are being fulfilled. A team approach helps us to improve our efforts in the areas of public awareness, technology, assistive devices and advocacy.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
There is, within the Council, a renewed commitment to the goal of improving the public’s knowledge and acceptance of vision loss. Providing relevant materials and information to schools, libraries, church groups, businesses, eye care specialists, the media, health fairs, low vision support groups, transportation agencies, and service clubs is a regular part of our daily activities. We listen carefully to the needs of our customers who are blind and visually impaired. We take their ideas and insert them into our strategic planning. We welcome all suggestions to improve, update and expand our educational message.
Four long-term information goals have been our priority since 2003: dissemination of accurate information to the public and to those we serve, technology training, new employment opportunities, and improved public transportation. The demand for information grows each year, and we continually evaluate our message to ensure that we meet the needs of those we serve. We will continue to work with everyone in Wisconsin to capitalize on or strengths and present a vibrant agenda of programs and public information.
ASSITIVE DEVICES
This year WCB has taken great pride in providing over $230,000.00 worth of assistive devices to residents of Wisconsin who request and purchase them. We are pleased to sell these items slightly below program cost. On a daily basis, our staff solves problems and answers questions a customer may have. Our showroom and office on Williamson Street allow us ample space to display the latest advances in technology, as well as practical everyday items. We are creative in seeking the very best in simple household devices from around the world. In addition, we seek advances in technology that we know will level the playing field for people who are blind and visually impaired. In 2004, we added new items as well as continuing our expanded store hours. This remains the single largest service we provide.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
The WCB prides itself on providing excellent vision rehabilitation services to Wisconsin residents who are legally blind. Services are tailored to each person’s needs and provided one-on-one. The low vision program accepts clients at the WCB office or at four medical centers around the state. The Rehabilitation Teaching Program is aimed at providing people who are blind and visually impaired with knowledge and skill to enable them to live independently. Our professional staff in this area is well recognized and greatly appreciated. These programs are supported by client fees, donations or grants. We can help determine if any financial assistance is available. The mission for our professional staff is: “Together we can encourage independence!”
LOAN PROGRAM TO BE REINSTALLED
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. As of January 1, 2005, the loan program will be reinstated.
Five types of loans will be 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. If you are interested in this program, please call the office.
Bruce and Kathy Parkinson, Two Rivers Bob and Liz Hueller, Sheboygan
Dick Pomo, Madison, meet with Ron Zimmerman, talk show host of WOMT–1240 AM in Manitowoc. The Council’s programs and events
were a subject of the call-in show in August.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2004 WCB PROGRAMS & SERVICES
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905 white canes provided to state residents at no charge
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37 volunteers provided thousands of volunteer service hours
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415 people directly served by rehabilitation, braille, technology, mobility and orientation programs
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82,000 miles logged on Wisconsin roads by WCB staff, Council members and volunteers
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148 presentations at schools, hospitals, independent living centers, civic groups, clubs, symposiums and corporations
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1353 people served at WCB seminars in Wisconsin
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$230,000 of assistive devices provided to Wisconsin residents below program cost
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$1,000 scholarships provided to 3 college or technical school students
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30,000 information and referral calls received
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61 related unaffiliated groups collaborated with us to ensure quality services to
blind individuals -
46 radio, newspaper and TV interviews on the subject of vision loss, blindness and
coping with those conditions
TECHNOLOGY
The computer technology department offers a fantastic list of classes through distance education. This new program offers a way for people who normally wouldn’t be able to get to a traditional classroom to take computer classes over the phone. Our classes cover a wide range of topics from how to buy a computer to browsing the web or learning to send e-mail.
Classes are held over the phone, using a conference call set up. Students call in to a special number with an access code and are connected with an instructor. Class materials are sent to students prior to class starting. The instructor and the students then go over the materials with the instructor on the phone. Students have the opportunity to work on their own computers and equipment and don’t have to worry about transportation.
Classes are free of charge and very popular. Our goal is to reach more Wisconsin residents with this new learning opportunity. A grant from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission helps us provide this excellent program.
The WCB has launched a new look on its website. You will find information about seminars and special events, classes schedules, public education and more.
One of the most popular sections of our website is the products page. There visitors will find featured products with descriptions and prices. Pictures are also available on the site that are fully accessible.
We are proud to say that our website is designed and built by people who are blind and visually impaired.
www.wcblind.org
Stay in Touch. Visit our website.
Betsy Gruba, Technology Director, conducts a class in the Council's Computer Lab. More than 200 students took part in our technology program this past year.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Legislative advocacy was one of the primary reasons the WCB formed officially in 1952. Since that time, we have aggressively continued to participate in the legislature process at the local, state and federal levels of government. The WCB has hosted successful legislative days in which individuals who are blind and visually impaired meet directly with legislators and agency administrators. Our goal is to ensure that legislators understand the issues, needs and concerns of our statewide community. Please call our office if you have an interest in helping with these endeavors. We have an ambitious agenda for next year, and you are most welcome to join the effort.
Council Members Rhonda Staats, Richard Johnson, Executive Director Dick Pomo and Sally Zenchenko from the Randolph Sheppard Vendors Association of Wisconsin meet with Secretary of the Department of Corrections Matt Frank, Oshkosh Correctional Institution Warden Judy Miller and other DOC staff to discuss the successful Braille program at the Oshkosh facility.
Arnold Tucker, Council member from Park Falls presents the Public Service Award to State Representative Mary Hubler (D–Rice Lake)
Congressman Tom Petri (R–Fond du Lac) meets with Dick Pomo to discuss the Instructional Materials Accessibility Act HR 1590.
Council members Chris Zenchenko, Richard Johnson, Rhonda Staats; Executive Director Dick Pomo, Ed Staats and Theresa Uicker meet with State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster, Deputy Superintendent Tony Evers, Division Administrator Stephanie Petska and WCBVI Administrator Sue Enoch during our Legislative Day 2004. Topics included funding for the School in Janesville (WCBVI), support for the Regional Library and special education programs.
CAPACITY CAMPAIGN UPDATE FOR 2004
What an eventful year we had - and we mean that literally! The Council has been on the road this year sponsoring several events to benefit the Capacity Campaign. We’d like to thank our generous sponsors and friends in Wausau, Hayward, Sheboygan, La Crosse and Janesville for their help and support.
Executive Director Dick Pomo represented the Council at two summer golf outings that benefited the Capacity Campaign. Many thanks, to the O’Connor and Dahmer families who worked so hard on our behalf.
Stay tuned for some changes in our Capacity Campaign in the coming year. The Council hired Kathy Lange-Novak to manage a re-tooled campaign that will focus on raising money to fund our core services as well as program enhancements. Your help and support are always welcome.
Arnold Tucker, Co-Chairman Karen Perzentka, Co-Chairman
The Dahmer family golf outing was held on August 7 at Quit Que Oc Golf Club on one of the most beautiful days of the summer. Bob and Liz Hueller did a great job in starting out what will hopefully become a regular event. All proceeds went to the WCB Capacity Campaign. Here are some pictures of the Dahmer family and their guests.
2004 WISCONSIN WHITE CANE REPORT
Our History, our Mission, our Vision. For 52 years we have assisted blind or visually impaired persons to achieve dignity and independence. The annual White Cane Fund plays a crucial role in funding the services that help us reach this goal. These services include adaptive equipment, public education, rehabilitation teaching, mobility and orientation programs, technology training, scholarships and of course the free white canes that give our fund drive its name. In 2004 we coordinated our public awareness efforts with a consortium of organizations dedicated to serving and representing blind and visually impaired individuals. Governor Jim Doyle also declared October 15, 2004 White Cane Safety Day in the entire state of Wisconsin. We reached more people than ever with the critical information they need to make our state a safer place to live.
Reporter’s experience as a blind person scary. Daily Tribune reporter Deb Cleworth tries out a white cane to see if traffic would stop along Eighth Street in Wisconsin Rapids with assistance from Tommie Mann, advisor for the Visually Impaired Support Group in Wisconsin Rapids. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Tom Loucks, photographer.
Pay attention, drivers. Tom and Cathy Morgans cross Adams Street on Thursday as the Visually Impaired Support Group of Brown County recognized White Cane Day with a demonstration to increase awareness to the motoring public of the responsibility to yield to pedestrians carrying a white cane. Photo courtesy of the Green Bay News-Chronicle, H. Marc Larson, photographer.
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.”
ALLOCATIONS FOR 2004 WCB WHITE CANE FUND
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Badger Association Guide Dog Users
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Badger Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc.
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Barron County Library
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Blindskills, Inc.
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Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children
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Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc.
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Hadley Correspondence School for the Blind
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Lions Eye Bank
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Midwest Association for the Blind
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Newsreel
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Prevent Blindness of Wisconsin
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St. William’s Janesville Boy Scouts
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Vision World Wide, Inc.
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Volunteer Braillists & Tapists, Inc.
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Volunteer Services for the Visually Handicapped
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Wisconsin Blind Bowling Association
COUNCIL ALLOCATIONS:
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Council White Cane Fund
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Council Rehabilitation Teaching
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Council Low Vision Program
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State Rehabilitation Teachers
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WCB Contingency Building Fund
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White Cane Safety Brochures
Your generosity makes a difference and we look forward in 2005 to sharing the exciting news of what we accomplished together.
Thank you to every single person who has helped in this effort. We believe it is good business to let you know where and how your donations are used.
FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT
Wisconsin Council of the Blind - October 1, 2003 to September 30, 2004
Cash $773,244
Investments 5,402,702
Loans Receivable, Net 222,937
Other Assets 192,202
Property and Equipment, Net 1,782,351
Total Assets $8,380,436
Liabilities
Accounts Payable $5,127
Accrued Expenses 18,379
Total Liabilites $23,506
New Assets
Unrestricted $8,380,436
Permanently Restricted 50,322
Total Net Assets 8,380,436
Total Liabilites and Net Assets $8,380,436
Source of Operating Fund
Special Grants and Individual Gifts $330,000
General Contributions and White Cane Fund 342,430
Legacy Circle Bequests 158,086
Endowment Interest and Dividends 273,860
Total $1,104,376
Operating Fund Utilization
General Operations and Administration $193,284
Pubilc Education, Development 85,906
Capacity Campaign and Philanthropy
WCB Programs and Services 794,615
Total $1,073,805
Sources of Operating Fund
General Contributions and White Cane Fund 31%
Endowment Interest and Dividends 25%
Legacy Circle Bequests 14%
Special Grants and Individual Gifts 30%
Operating Fund Utilization
Public Education, Development, Capital
Campaign and Philanthropy 8%
General Operations and Administration 18%
Programs and Services 74%
Mr. Dick Pomo (center), Executive Director presents the WCB La Crosse Community Leaders Award to (from left to right): Dr. John Sterling, O.D., M.S., Gundersen Eye Institute; Ms. Sharon Bryant, M.S., O.T.R., Gundersen Lutheran Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic; Mr. David Amborn, Executive Director, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation; and Ms. Karolyn Collins, Wellness Education Specialist, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation.
Our two organizations worked together and sponsored a very successful seminar on September 18, 2004. We are all reminded of Helen Keller’s words: “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
SEMINAR ATTENDANCE RECORD SET
During the past year the WCB has set an all time record for the number of individuals attending our seminars. These educational programs provide valuable information on coping with vision loss to showcase the latest assistive technology. We are all very proud of this outreach and thank everyone who helped with these successes. Let us know if your community would like to participate.
1,353 people attended WCB Seminars in 2004. We were successful in securing enough funding for these programs that all participants attended free of charge.
Adrian and Virginia DeBlaey staff our display booth at the La Crosse seminar. Bruce Parkinson and Mike Dukin prepare for our seminar in Hayward. La Crosse attendees ready for seminar to begin.
BRINGING ON OUR FOUNDATION - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
WCB begins the strategic planning process
In March of 2004 the WCB and the entire staff spent two days looking into our future. Along with Lori Silverman, owner of Partners for Progress, we sketched out a plan to meet the many challenges and future needs of Wisconsin citizens who are blind and visually impaired. This strategic plan will be essential to our growth, effectiveness and efficiency. Of course, with any planning process, the follow-through determines the ultimate success of the project. The WCB understands this and maintains a strong commitment to achieve our goals. As a partner with us in providing programs and services, you need to know that our past history has built a very solid organizational foundation upon which we wish to build.
A very special thank you to our neighbors and friends at Madison Gas and Electric. A generous gift from their foundation helped us financially begin to take all the right steps to a secure future.
DEDICATION AND SERVICE - THE WISCONSIN LIONS CLUB
The generosity of so many Wisconsin Lions has once again helped us continue and expand our programs and services. Their countless gifts of time and money, combined with our endowment funds, enable us to provide first class service to Wisconsin residents who are blind and visually impaired.
Once again we dedicate this page of our Annual Report in sincere appreciation of all the Lions and Lionesses in our great state.
BUILDING ON THE COMMUNITY'S ASSETS
2004 Lions Clubs participating in our Assistive Devices Partnership Program and the White Cane Fund Drive:
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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.
WCB STAFF
Richard Pomo, Executive Director
David Ballmann
Susan Barker
Marshall Flax
Gary R. Goyke
Betsy Gruba
Kathy Lange-Novak
Deda Oatsvall
Brent Perzentka
Ann Schroeder
Top Tantivivat
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.
754 Williamson Street Madison, WI 53703
(608) 255-1166 Toll Free 1-800-783-5213
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