A N N U A L R E P O R T2016-2017

ABIGAIL S. DAVIDEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ERIN K. NEALY

… and this is just the beginningIn January 2017, Bridgeway Academy completed its second Strategic Plan outlining the organization’s goals and outcomes through the year 2020. As we thought about our 2016-17 Annual Report we decided to use the Strategic Plan framework to share our recent accomplishments as well as how we plan to achieve our ambitious future goals.

When sharing our accomplishments or plans for our future we cannot overstate the importance or our amazing staff. They are dedicated to Bridgeway Academy’s mission and work tirelessly to provide our students and families with outstanding educational and therapeutic services. We are also grateful to our many supporters. Every contribution makes a difference in the life of this organization and we simply couldn’t do it without all of you. Finally, our Board of Trustees, a dedicated group of volunteers who share their time and talent in order to make Bridgeway Academy the very best non-profit organization it can be – we are indebted to their dedication and support.

As we begin our 13th academic year, we reflect on our many accomplishments while knowing that this is just the beginning for Bridgeway Academy. We remain focused on our mission to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of children with autism and other developmental disabilities by expanding programs and services; we continue to seek the very best educators and therapists in our community while encouraging the personal growth and professional development of our outstanding staff; and we work to improve our own leadership through continuing education opportunities and self-reflection. Finally, we continue to be excited by the many accomplishments of our Education Center students and Therapy Center clients – for they are the reason that we built Bridgeway Academy. And, this is just the beginning!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ MESSAGE

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

In 2014, we identified the need to expand both our programs and the ages served by the organization. We were hearing from families that additional supports for their children were needed - at home and in the community. We created what we now call the Family Partnership Services program. Our staff was growing in order to serve our growing student population. We developed a Training Coordinator position, designed to focus on staff continuing education, licensure and orientation. And, we identified a Community Resource Consultant to begin working on a variety of opportunities for our middle and high school students, from community outings to job shadowing. In 2017, our middle and high school students planned and hosted their first school dance and our program ABILITY created mentorship opportunities for middle and high school-aged girls with women professionals.

With the expansion to the Secondary School and Therapy Center in August 2017, we will implement the PAES Curriculum (Practical Assessment Exploration System) in our Vocational Skills Center. This dynamic, comprehensive curriculum provides instruction in basic vocational skills, assessments of student interests and hands-on learning experiences in a simulated work environment. Our leadership team is working to develop a formal Curriculum Scope and Sequence for early-intervention through 12th grade and a supportive transition program for students graduating from Bridgeway Academy. Many other exciting opportunities are in the works as we continue to expand and implement outstanding programming to meet the educational and therapeutic needs of the students at Bridgeway Academy.

PROGRAMS

The Conway Family Foundation

FACILITIES

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

Bridgeway Academy (formerly Helping Hands Center) began the 2014-15 academic year with 74 students, preschool through 8th grade and 125 full-time staff. In May 2017, Bridgeway Academy was serving 146 students, preschool through 10th grade with 151 full-time staff members. The growth and expansion of programs and enrollment led to the need to determine short and long-term facility solutions that improve services for children and families while creating a learning environment conducive for student and staff success. In May 2017, the Columbus City School Board extended its lease agreement with Bridgeway Academy to include its building located at 2155 Fenton Street. Planning was immediately underway to open the Secondary School and Therapy Center in August 2017.

Bridgeway Academy begins the 2017-18 academic year with the expansion into the Secondary School and Therapy Center. The Secondary School houses classrooms from 4th – 12th grade as well as the Vocational and Life Skills Centers; Music, Occupational, Physical and Speech therapies; and, psychological services. While this expansion has solved many short-term challenges for the organization, Bridgeway Academy remains committed to finding a permanent home to house the Primary, Secondary and Therapy Center programs under one roof or on one campus. Bridgeway Academy believes that its strength lies in the collaborative nature of its program and the staff and leadership team is actively engaged in the search for its “forever” home.

“The Secondary School and Therapy Center looks great and

the enthusiasm and excitement is contagious! So excited for a new building to make memories in!”

—Parent of Secondary School and Therapy Center Student

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

Bridgeway Academy relies on a variety of resources for its success. From financial support provided by individuals, events, Foundations and Corporations to community partnerships and volunteers, Bridgeway Academy is grateful for the support it receives to directly impact the lives of its students, clients and families. The annual event, Raise Your Glass to Raise Awareness, has seen a 50% increase in net revenues over the last three years. Just this past year, Bridgeway Academy worked with community organizations

such as Thurber House, BalletMet Columbus, the Dick & Jane Project and Local Matters to ensure rich and meaningful experiences both at Bridgeway Academy and in the community.

Bridgeway Academy continues to pursue a variety of resources that support the organization’s mission and daily work. We are excited to explore innovative community partnerships that will allow us to both expand programs and provide additional opportunities for our students. Our Board of Trustees has experienced a great deal of growth and development and is poised to secure the organization’s vision for the future. And, we continue to work hard to increase and diversify our contributed revenue streams in order to support the future financial goals and needs of Bridgeway Academy.

“I was blown away by the creativity and the unique perspectives a lot of the kids took in writing their lyrics, and how honest they were willing to be about some of their fears and insecurities. I loved the playfulness and positivity that shone through in the final lyrics”.—NICK D’ANDREA, Dick & Jane Project

ENGAGEMENT

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

In just twelve short years, Bridgeway Academy is recognized as one of Columbus’ finest autism service providers. In 2016, Bridgeway Academy commissioned a parent satisfaction survey in partnership with Measurement Resources Company. Nearly 95% of current parents “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the organization’s values are demonstrated at Bridgeway Academy; 9 in 10 parents reported very positive experiences with the service delivery and staff of Bridgeway Academy and 8 in10 parents reported moderate or extreme improvement in their child’s behaviors and relationship outcomes since enrolling in Bridgeway Academy. These results illustrate the effectiveness of Bridgeway Academy’s programs, its commitment to its values and the quality of its outstanding staff.

While Bridgeway Academy has accomplished a great deal in its first 12 years, there is still work to be done. We are challenged by the growth of our staff, now located in two buildings, and are working hard to instill best internal communication practices. While we are well-known in the autism community, the broader community is still unaware of Bridgeway Academy and the work it does every day in support of its mission. And, we continue to advocate on behalf of our students in the community as we begin the process of transitioning students from Bridgeway Academy to post-secondary or work-force opportunities. Finally, we continue to provide support to our families through trainings and community resources.

INFRASTRUCTURE

LOOKING BACK

LOOKING AHEAD

Organizational growth requires meaningful support and the thoughtful development of processes and systems. In the last five years, Bridgeway Academy has expanded its administrative staff and strengthened its business operations. The addition of a Human Resource Director and Training Coordinator has provided additional support for staff from hiring and onboarding to ongoing training requirements and annual performance evaluations. Additionally, we’ve expanded our leadership to include additional classroom supports in order to best meet the needs of our students and families.

Staff development continues to be a priority of the organization and a comprehensive leadership training program is in the works to help everyone at Bridgeway Academy develop the skills and abilities needed to be successful. We will also audit our current technology processes system-wide and make necessary improvements to strengthen our ability to track and report outcomes.

$8,169,663 total

$7,377,283 total

Education Center $5,331,242

Education Center$4,510,070

Therapy Center$2,461,792

Therapy Center$2,004,488

Contributions $165,554

Daycare $100,355

Special Events (NET)/Other $114,465

Management & General$671,040

Daycare$96,610

Event/Development$91,330

REVENUE:

EXPENSES:

(revenue and expenses as reported in 2016-17 audit report)

FINANCIALS

Bridgeway Academy’s Finance Committee, chaired by the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, works closely with staff leadership to identify the organization’s financial goals and objectives and to manage the organization’s funds. Bridgeway Academy is purposefully planning for growth, both programmatically and operationally. To assist with this planning, Bridgeway Academy partnered with The Columbus Foundation in 2017 to establish a Sustainability Fund. Bridgeway Academy is a fiscally responsible, high-performing organization with strong financial health. Bridgeway Academy undergoes an annual financial audit led by an independent firm, to ensure Bridgeway Academy’s financial position and its compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Bridgeway Academy recognizes and publicly thanks individuals and families who are the organization’s most consistent and generous contributors. Bridgeway Academy’s heroes donate a minimum of $500 annually; Superheroes donate a minimum of $1,500 annually.

BRIDGEWAY ACADEMY SUPERHEROES (June 1, 2016 - May 30, 2017)

Katherine Ault-Kinkead

Tom and Jennifer Baker

Dave and Tracy Clark

Scott and Abigail David

Tom and Andrea Easley

Michael Farris

Andrew and Devon Freeman

Dave and Sara Freetage

John Hamilton

Ken and Lois Heater

Chris and Kristie Henry

George and Benita Kahn

Jacqueline Mahan

Darren and Erin Nealy

R. Russell and Kimberlee Orben

Jim and Michelle Croft

Brian and Jen Miller

Daniel and Linda Poast

Anne Semerar-Gwin

Robert and Kelly Shenton

Toby and Tacy Sommer

BRIDGEWAY ACADEMY HEROES (June 1, 2016 - May 30, 2017)

Aaron and Connie Adams

Carol Argiro

Lina Attaie

James and Elisa Ballantyne

Carolyn Blair

Sharee Brandler

The Brennan Family

Tammy Brinser

Johnson Chen

Kevin and Holly Conley

Brad and Tanya Corso

Kathleen David

Theodore David

James and Romina Fischman-Smith

Michael and Sarah Pione

Max and Kari Freidauer

Stan and Jennifer Fuller

Tom and Susan Goodlive

Anthony and Sarah Groh

Thomas and Krista Hagans

Mark Harris

Nelson Heinrichs

Kevin and Julie Henzel

Yvette Hoelyfield

Dave and Karen Lawler

Greg and Rose Lawyer

Bruce and Jennifer Lyle

Chris McCloskey

Jon and Rachel Mester

Dan Mushalko

Lars and Brooke Olson

Lynn and Joe Paden

Paul and Natalie Pepper

Van and Barbara Peterman

John and Carolyn Phillips

Esther Lois Knopp and Sarah

Puffenberger

David Staley and Alexa Reck

Brad and Jan Rondy

Bill and Tina Root

*Qualified contributions are general operation support and non-restricted gifts. Sponsorships, live/silent auction and ticket purchases are not qualified contributions.

2016-2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BRIDGEWAY ACADEMY’S LEADERSHIP TEAM

Rose Lawyer / Board Chair / Huntington

William Root / Vice Chair / Resch, Root & Philipps, LLC

Chris Henry / Treasurer / JPMorgan Chase

Lina Attaie / Secretary / Nationwide

Jennifer Fuller / Fanning Howey

Kourtni Hatton / United Way of Central Ohio

Matt Huffman / Liberty Township Administrator

Tom Manning / EnvisionPoint

Dan Mushalko / WCBE, 90.5 FM

Rick Schostek / Honda of America

Robert Shenton / Plante Moran

Abigail S. David and Erin K. Nealy / Co-Founders

Carol Argiro / Director of Development

Sharee Brandler / Director of Business Operations

Lindsey Cargill / Director of Therapy Services

Ingrid Fogle / Program Director

Alyssa Hatton / Program Director

Lindsay Imagie-Douglas / Program Director

Bethany Jones / Program Director

Beth Stuecher / Program Director

Ann Shipley / Director of Program Development

Lorna Whyte / Director of Human Resources

Mike Ryan / Facilities Director

Mike and Elexis Ryan

Drs. Alex and Sandra Sabo

Robert and Mary Claire Schmidt

Michael and Jenn Schneider

Rick and Bonnie Simonetta

Tim and Richella Singers

Todd and Diana Slawson

Sean and Elizabeth Trende

Matt & Katie Del Vecchio

Denis and Jennifer Walsh

Todd and Ashleigh Walsh

James Patrick and Lorna Whyte

Jay Young

Stephen and Vicki Zwelling

2500 Medary AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43202www.bridgewayohio.org