12015 ANNUAL REPORT

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Champlain Community Services provides essential supports to people with intellectual disabilities and autism, building a community where everyone participates and belongs.

Champlain Community Services, Inc.

The cover art is a colaborative work is by the CCS folks we serve, along with the creative direction of Michael Gray, art instructor.

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Over the past year, I have been asked on several occasions to reveal the “special sauce” that makes CCS so wonderful. How is it that a relatively small agency can make such a big impact in so many people’s lives? Why do so many people stay working

at CCS when there are other less stressful and higher paying positions available? At a time when the community is nervous about more frequent violence and increasingly intense scal pressures, how do we keep our enthusiasm and mission?

My answer? It’s the people and the work—those we serve and those who make up our sta and board—what we do, and how and why we do it.

Like any organization, we face ups and downs. CCS has seen growth and exciting new developments—and also continued nancial pressures and loss. In FY 2015, we began a yearlong process of re-tooling our mission and strategic plan, clarifying, embracing, and ne-tuning what makes CCS so important in this community—and so special.

Our work is dened by providing essential, individualized supports that help the individuals we serve live good, healthy, interesting lives. We promote an inclusive model of developmental services, focused on a commitment to equality and social justice, to creating a more tolerant and welcoming community.

We grow intentionally and thoughtfully, seeking broad partnerships to accomplish our goals. We believe these goals are widely shared, so we’ve spent more time this year reaching out and connecting with area business owners and employers, State ocials, civic leaders and associations, and neighbors. Inclusion and community are the perfect antidotes for fear, and we are all better when we fear failure less, trust each other more, and encourage grace and community.

At CCS, we see ourselves as leaders in Vermont, and the nation, for supported employment and in teaching the community about the valuable impact of people with all abilities. We’ve discovered great inspiration in working with people with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Approaching our 50th Anniversary (in 2017!), we’re excited to share that inspiration with our neighbors, and working together to insure our community oers full opportunity, safe options, and healthy lives for the people we serve.

ank you for your support and partnership. Elizabeth Sightler, Executive Director

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OUR SERVICESChamplain Community Services (CCS), Inc. oers individualized services to people with intellectual disabili-ties and autism throughout northern Vermont. A Specialized Service Agency within Vermont’s developmental disabilities services system, CCS emphasizes employment and career development for our consumers. We also oer an important array of other coordinated services.

Way2Work is our nationally recognized supported employment program. Way2Work supports participants’ eorts to identify career interests, and acquire the training and skills required to achieve and maintain meaningful employment—or viable self-employment—in the competitive economy. We partner with dozens of employers in the private, public, and nonprot sectors that see real value in an inclusive, diversied workforce.

School2Work launched with major support from e Gibney Family Foundation, prepares high school students with disabilities for successful employment in the competitive workplace. School2Work partners with local high schools and area employers to help high school students design individualized school-to-career transition plans. Our newest partnership, the Bridging Program, oers pre-vocational training for students with disabilities at six area high schools.

Home & Shared Living supports range from strengthening family-based living options, to a few hours of home supports per week, to 24/7 contracted shared living supports. Each option ensures consumer health and safety, while maximizing independence and enhancing quality of life. CCS also oers a fully accessible Respite House.

Community-based opportunities are individualized, driven by each consumer’s interests, and supported by our skilled sta. Guided by priorities laid out within their individual service agreement, our consumers volun-teer, enjoy cultural and recreational activities, take classes, pursue personal tness goals, and more.

Champlain Voices, a self-advocacy group hosted at CCS, enables consumers to express themselves, plan activities and events, problem solve, and connect with peers and the community. With facilitation support from Emily Anderson, the group has actively reached out to create dialogue with state and local government ocials and civic leaders.

Our work is based in the community, and nurtured through partnerships with local businesses, agencies, school systems, higher education, volunteers, and foundations that support our goals.

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OUR STORIESDuring the past year, Ryan worked diligently with Way2Work sta to complete a professional portfolio required to attain certication as a Child Development Associate (CDA).

Among other requirements, he completed 120 hours of education in seven areas of competency. “It’s amazing to see how much Ryan has grown in his ability to care for children,” CCS supported employment director Michelle Paya said. “His reviewer called Ryan’s portfolio one of the best she had seen.” Ryan (shown here sharing his story for a local newscast) achieved certication and is now at work in his chosen eld.

“I am the president of Champlain Voices, which is the advocacy group at Champlain Community Services. On March 18th I went to the Statehouse in Montpelier to testify in front of the

House Human Services Committee to talk about my experiences and to say that (I) and the people in my self-advocacy group don’t want any more cuts to our budget. ey said that it was a really great speech and that they are still working on what needs to be done about the budget problem.”

Taylor (shown aer addressing the House committee) said her self-advocacy experience helped build condence. She now works independently at a job in the private sector.

Journalists from the Star Tribune in Minneapolis visited Vermont developmental service providers, including CCS, last summer as research on a piece on segregated workplaces for individuals with disabilities in Minnesota. Upon return, they shared photos, video and audio testimony from their interviews, including one with Bill, a long-time CCS consumer. “More than a few people at the meeting were brought to tears by Bill describing how it felt to be labeled,” reporter Chris Serres wrote us. “We are excited to tell the Vermont story because it gives us a rare opportunity to show that desegregation is not only possible, but it actually works and makes scal sense.”

Ryan

Taylor:

Bill & Star Tribune

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS in Fiscal Year 2015

is year was an exciting one, with CCS maintaining a high prole within the community. True to our commitment to provide intentional, individualized services, CCS worked to balance interest in our programs with capacity and growth. Here are just a few of the results . . .

SHOWED ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHIncreased grant support, and grew and diversied agency revenues •�Managed a State budget cut without cutting essential services •�Ended the year with strong nancials and a good position for growth•�Dramatically reduced sta turnover rate•�Completed senior management sta reorganization•�

EXPERIENCED GROWTHClient base grew by 30 percent (to 84 individuals)•�Agency budget grew from $3.4 million to $4.1 million•�Increased board to 10 members, including two direct service recipients •�Hired additional sta to accomodate new programs and clients•�

CONTINUED AS VERMONT’S SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT LEADER97 percent of CCS consumers with work supports are employed•�76 percent of all CCS consumers are employed•�Way2Work participants saved taxpayers nearly $50,000 in SSI benet payouts alone•�

DEVELOPED NEW PROGRAMSOcially launched School2Work with support from e Gibney Family Foundation•�Hosting the pre-vocational Bridging Program in partnership with six area high schools•�Launched •� Start Spreadin’ the News self-advocacy initiative with support from VDDCBegan contract partnerships with Home Base and Heartbeet Lifesharing•�

INVESTED IN STAFFDispersed raises to sta and bonuses to shared living providers•�Oered a variety of trainings and professional development to all sta•�Promoted two service coordinators to administrative roles to accommodate growth•�Maintained aordable healthcare and benets for sta•�

CREATED NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONSUMERSDIY (Do It Yourself) newsletter revamped and updated•�Hired Emily Anderson, a well known self-advocate, as peer support coordinator•�Developed cooking and singing groups•�Working with GMSA on a statewide Peer Mentoring initiative•�

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ENHANCED INFRASTRUCTUREIncreased eciency and reduced cost by utilizing Microso SharePoint cloud service•�Upgraded voice and data systems to better support agency IT requirements•�Focused on HIPPA/HITEC compliance •�Secured in-kind donations to create a vegetable garden and owers beds•�Streamlined the intake process for new clients•�

COLLABORATED AND ENGAGED WITH PARTNERSAssisted with statewide rollout of Vermont Care Partners•�Partnered with ARIS agencies to hire an HR Director•�Collaborated in developing a statewide online pre-service sta training•�Joined Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR)•�Increased visibility as a “sponsor” on Vermont Public Radio (VPR)•�

EARNED RECOGNITIONNamed “Best Non-Prot Organization” in Champlain Business Journal Readers’ Poll for second consecutive year•�Way2Work named Vermont’s top supported employment program for 6th straight year•�Agency Director (along with other DS Directors) named “Ally of the Year” by the Green Mountain Self Advocates (GMSA)•�Agency Director named “Ally of the Year” by Champlain Voices•�

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YEAR 2015 IN REVIEW a look back on some moments of 2014 — 2015

JULY 2014On-line “Summer of FUNds” appeal for our Annual Fund launched Annual CCS Family, Sta, and Volunteer Picnic Vermont Lake Monsters FundraiserAUGUST 2014CCS Executive Director Beth Sightler addresses Vermont

Legislature’s Joint Fiscal CommitteeA consumer driven cooking class hosted a Spaghetti Lunch at CCSSEPTEMBER 2014CCS awarded Best Non-Prot Organization in Champlain BusinessJournal poll

Champlain Voices and other self-advocates participate in “ag project”at the State House in Montplier for Disability Awareness Day

Sta Retreat at Northern Lights Rock & Ice in EssexOCTOBER 2014 Board and management sta at LCRCC Legislative ForumNOVEMBER 2014United Way workplace campaign Vermont Care Partners roll-out at Sheraton Burlingtone Gibney Family Foundation announces three-year, $100,000 grantfor School2WorkDECEMBER 2014Champlain Voices elects new ocers CCS Holiday Party & RaeJANUARY 2015 School2Work launched CCS starts a two-month run as underwriter for VPRFEBRUARY 2015Sta post-holiday party at Spare Time in ColchesterMARCH 2015Champlain Vocies self-advocates travel to the Vermont State HouseAPRIL 2015Community Partners Breakfast at St. Michael’s CollegeMAY 2015Tenth Annual CCS Dinner and Auction

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OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORSZoltan SachsPRESIDENTServing Since 2011

Kerry KurtVICE PRESIDENTServing Since 2010

Moira MulliganSECRETARYServing Since 2014

Dave BogdanTREASURERServing Since 2014

Jim CaffryBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2014

Jill ShumwayBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2013

Sara VizvarieBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2014

Demetria HaymanBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2014

Ken LafoeBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2014

Jay LafayetteBOARD MEMBERServing Since 2014

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Waiver

ContractsGrants

FundraisingUnited Way

RentalMisc

OperatingProgram/ Client

Transportation Building

Salaries

Contractual

Benefits

REVENUE

SUPPORT AND REVENUE:Medicaid waiver revenue 3,535,950$ Other contracts 37,084 United Way 46,173 Grant income 83,776 Fundraising 31,747 Rental income 22,560 Miscellaneous income 10,174 Interest 987 Gain/(Loss) on sale of assets -

TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE 3,768,451

EXPENSES:Salaries 1,341,063 Contractual 1,351,193 Fringe bene�ts 430,050 Operating expenses 279,301 Program expenses 204,250 Travel and transportation 35,203 Building expenses 101,232 Miscellaneous -

TOTAL EXPENSES 3,742,292

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 26,159

NET ASSETS, Beginning of year 1,235,367

NET ASSETS, End of year 1,261,526$

NOTE: e nancial statement above represents the agency’s unaudited internal nancial statement intended soley for the use of management of the agency and should not be use for any other purpose.

EXPENSES

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DONORSPROGRAM FUNDINGKeyBank FoundationPeople’s United Foundatione Gibney Family FoundationUnited Way of ChittendenCounty

Vermont DevelopmentalDisabilities Council

ANNUAL FUNDAnne & Paul BakemanBeauregard EquipmentBob & Kathy RoeslerBob’s Auto CenterColchester Knights of ColumbusDana BrewsterDavid BogdanDennis & Gail CampbellDottie FullemDouglas & Claire WestonDzenana DobracaElizabeth SightlerFiretech SprinklerFreeman French FreemanGay & Lesbian Fund of VermontIBM Employee Services CenterJane WilliamsJoseph & Dale Boutin FamilyFoundation

Joyce PidgeonKathleen BabitsKevin EmmonsKevin O’BrienKevin ParadisKinney Pike InsuranceMain Street Landing CompanyMike ReillyPatricia MyettePatricia WaitePauline O’BrienRobert MethotSean O’BrienShelburne Vineyarde Felis Familye Pedrotty Family

ermal Control ProductsTim DaubenspeckVermont State EmployeesCredit Union

WoodwindsAUCTION SPONSORSHIPAstenJohnsonBanners UnlimitedKinney Drugs FoundationMerchants BankNorthCountry Federal Credit UnionNorthern BenetsPaul Frank + CollinsVermont Federal Credit UnionIN-KIND DONATIONSAmerican Flatbread -BurlingtonHearth

A Flower A DayAnn GreerAsten JohnsonAugust FirstBluebird BarbecueBluebird FairiesBoston Red SoxBowl New England, Inc.Champlain LeatherChamplain Valley FairCity MarketCoca Cola of Northern NewEngland

Colchester Knights of ColumbusCorey Rondeau PhotographyCOSTCODakin FarmDanny YandowDavid Glass ChocolatesDivaDangler.comDog and CatEastern Mountain SportsECHO Leahy Center forLake Champlain

eSightler Jewelry

Farmhouse GroupFlynn CenterGlass by DeeGreat Harvest Bread Co.Green Mountain Self AdvocatesHammerFitHannafordHarrison Handy HolmesHeritage Ford, Toyota, ScionHilton BurlingtonHomeportJill ShumwayJustin Levinson Katharine MontstreamLake Champlain FerriesLeonardo’s PizzaLeunig’s BistroLinus HanrattyLucy RogateMad River GlenMagic HatManhattan PizzaMaplehurst FloristsMargaret CiechanowiczMarilyn’sMary Katherine StudlyMegan Mayhew BergmanMelissa BaileyMike Reilly PhotographyMy Little CupcakeNew England PatriotsNorthern Lights CruiseNoyes Automotive & TireOh My DogPetra Clis Climbing CenterPrice ChopperQueen City TarotRandy HensonRandy SightlerRed Wagon PlantsRegeneration MassageRon TurnerSandi ElliottSara Vizverie

Seventh GenerationShaw’sShelburne Country StoreSheraton BurlingtonSilver Maple LodgeSmugglers’ Notch ResortSEABA (South End Arts andBusiness Association)

Spirit of Ethan Allen CruisesStella MaeSue Mowrer AdamsonSwamp House DinnerSweet Clover Markete Balanced Bodye BCA Center e Edgee Skinny Pancakee Spotea LewisTrader Duke’s RestaurantTradewindsUniversity MallVermont Farm TableVermont Lake MonstersVermont National Country ClubVermont State ParksVermont Teddy BearVermont Pub & BreweryWanda KeosianWND & WVSZen LoungeZoltan Sachs

Champlain Community Services (CCS), Inc. is a not-for-prot 501(c)(3) corporation, in its 49th year of service to our community. CCS oers supports to individuals with intelectual disabilities and autism thoughout northern Vermont.

Champlain Community Services, Inc.512�Troy�Avenue��•��Colchester,��VT�05446Phone:��802.655.0511��•��Fax:��802.655.5207

ccs-vt.org

CCS is a member of theSpecialized Services Agency Collaborative