Annual Report

The Year in Review - 2003

Reflections on the year from the President and the Executive Director

To everything there is a season... For non-profit agencies, the early years of the twenty-first century have become a season of challenges requiring creativity and perseverance to realize survival. In the case of United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin, the challenges have been well met by dedicated staff, fervent volunteers, and generous supporters and donors. Indeed, during the Fiscal Year '02-'03, we have not only survived with no cutbacks, but have also realized some rewarding growth.

Financially, we can point to several remarkable accomplishments:

• Star Fest 2003 collections reached a record breaking $172,544.
• Program development was rewardingly supported by two major new grants (one from the Otto Bremer Foundation and another from the Respite Care Assoc. of Wisconsin). These new funds enabled families attending the ND Clinic to benefit from additional staff hours and families residing in Eau Claire County to receive a new resource for respite care funds.
• A brand new fund raiser, the Harley Davidson raffle, ended with an amazing total of $53,215 in gross revenue.
• We were able to maintain our program relevance to county Human Service Boards by retaining contracts with eight area counties and also with six area United Ways.
• Our Foundation counterpart, Friends of UCP Inc., reached their first financial goal of $100,000 and awarded UCP of West Central Wisconsin with their first grant, augmenting the operating costs of Respite Care.

Organizationally, we also crossed some notable paths: A Technology Study Group reviewed current agency technology systems, formulated recommendations and, before year's end, UCP staff increased their efficiency with a few cost-effective adjustments, changes which our public will also enjoy in more eye-pleasing publications.

• We were able to add to our professional staff one part-time position, that of our Respite Care Coordinator for Eau Claire County.
• An achievement related to consumer advocacy, our satellite in South Western Wisconsin succeeded at reaching independent incorporation and we are mutually targeting the fall of 2004 as their official date of their formal affiliation with National UCPA.

We consider the past year as one of success. And we owe that success to the continuing loyalty of untiring board members, talented and committed staff members, and generous and faithful supporters. To all of you, we say "Thank You'' and we pledge to you continued careful stewardship of your trust in the coming year.

Brian Rehlinger, President

Ruth Gullerud, Executive Director

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