Annual Report
2022-2023
Letter from our CEO
I am happy to present to you our Annual Report. With Covid-19 slowing and additional funding coming to an end, 2022-2023 has been a year of financial ups and downs for IWC and IWRC, Inc. We have continued to struggle with staffing which has led to the highest amount of overtime paid out in the history of the centers. On the other side of things, we have received more individual grants for projects than we ever have in the history of our organizations! With all of this being said, we continue to provide high-level, quality care for the individuals that we serve. We are also embarking on a great adventure to raise 14 million dollars to replace our aging Early Learning Center and our Dogwood Home/Administration Building. Thanks to our community and donor support, we continue to move forward as an organization with anticipation and hope for the future! Wishing each of you a blessed and prosperous New Year!
-Matt Henry
Our Programs at a Glance
Early Learning Center
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The Adult Day Activity Center has experienced both highs and lows. On a positive note, enrollment in the center has increased, reflecting a growing need in the program. There has been a notable rise in community engagement, highlighted by partnerships such as the Bloom exercise program, which has been made more inclusive for consumers, and dedicated music days. The center has also taken steps to update its facilities by installing new lifts in the bathrooms, to improve accessibility and comfort for consumers, particularly during changing times. Additionally, the Alternative Family Living Program is flourishing, marked by the licensing of seven new homes and the addition of three more houses to accommodate the community needs
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However, there have been challenges as well. Staffing issues have presented obstacles that the center is actively addressing to ensure smooth operations and quality care for its consumers. Unfortunately, the center has also faced the difficult reality of three consumers passing away due to unforeseen circumstances outside of the Adult Day Activity Center. These losses emphasize the complex nature of the center's role in the lives of its participants in the community it serves.
Adult Day Activity Center
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In 2022-2023, the Early Learning Center experienced notable highs and lows. On a positive note, Classroom A was successfully re-opened, ensuring that all existing classrooms were operational. The center secured the Buncombe County Early Childhood Education grant, that worked to fund essential classroom supplies and staff salaries. Furthermore, efforts were underway to upgrade classroom furniture, a change expected to positively impact student behavior. Since Covid, the ELC has struggled with staffing; however, only three positions remain to be filled for the center to be fully staffed.
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The year also presented challenges for the ELC. Troubles with the air conditioning units forced the temporary closure of four classrooms for a week, disrupting regular activities. Refrigerator issues added to the list of setbacks, affecting the day-to-day operations of the center. Additionally, there were concerns about overall structural issues that needed attention. Despite these challenges, the ELC remained dedicated to overcoming obstacles and providing a conducive learning environment for its students.
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“At IWC we found hope, support, and community for our child, who is on the spectrum. Finding an inclusive school that is also able to support extra needs is hard to find, especially at the younger years. Our family is so grateful to have been able to be at IWC for the past two years. The staff, therapists, and teachers truly bring the quote “it takes a village” to life. We will be forever grateful for this opportunity.”
- Cassandra: Mother of Lucas
Residential Program
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In the Residential Program, there have been several positive developments to highlight. The rooms at Rose Street have undergone a significant makeover, featuring updated decor and furniture, along with the addition of a new sensory room. Notable kitchen renovations have taken place in Dogwood, accompanied by fresh paint throughout the house. The program is currently operating at maximum capacity in the houses. Furthermore, there has been a resurgence in outings and community engagement activities, including partnerships such as the collaboration with Pisgah Forest Service. This collaboration created an amazing fishing trip to Max Patch pond. Other outings included visits to the Nature Center and trips to Cherokee. Notably, Azalea received perfect scores on their annual state inspection, marking a significant achievement and a first for the company.
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Despite these positive aspects, the Residential Program has faced challenges, particularly in the realm of staffing. While there has been improvement, lingering difficulties have persisted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing concerns remain an area of focus for ongoing enhancement within the program.
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We are so grateful for the good care our daughter Elizabeth has received at Irene Wortham Center. Azalea House has been her home for over twenty years and she goes to ADA during the week. Staff at both places have taken loving care of her, taught her valuable skills, and provided her with fun activities. The other residents, clients and staff are a wonderful community for her to be a part of.”
- Ellie: Mother of Lizzie
Events
23rd Annual Golf Tournament
Our 23rd annual golf tournament took place on April 28th. Thanks to the generous support of players, sponsors, and local businesses, we successfully raised over $33,000. These funds will directly benefit the care of disadvantaged children, individuals with developmental disabilities, and underserved communities. A special thank you to Silver Creek Golf Course for graciously hosting our event, Crescent Health for sponsoring our dinner, and Sona Health for their valuable contribution as our partner sponsor!
Irene’s Elves
The holidays are a time for joy and family, yet for individuals encountering economic difficulties, this time can be particularly challenging. In keeping with our annual tradition at IWC, the Irene’s Elves drive is organized each year. Thanks to the backing of our community, we can offer gifts to children from families affected by low socioeconomic circumstances. This year, we are proud to announce that we provided gifts to all our consumers, as well as every child who took part in the drive.
Capital Campaign Launch Party
On Friday, October 13th, IWC hosted the Capital Campaign Launch Party, marking the start of our initiative to raise $14 million essential for the building of a new Early Learning Center. The event located at our ELC, featured tours by Lead Teachers showcasing our facilities and offered a glimpse into the student experience at IWC. A big thank you goes to Daddy D’s for catering our event, and to Anthony Little for his outstanding DJ services.
Financials
Thank you
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment that each member of our team has demonstrated. On behalf of the executive team, we extend our sincere appreciation to our exceptional team members and Board of Directors.
Your collective efforts have been the driving force behind our organization's success. Through your tireless work, compassion, and expertise, we have achieved remarkable milestones and maintained our commitment to providing outstanding care to those we serve.
To our DSP workers, your dedication to the well-being and care of our clients has not gone unnoticed. We see the compassion and resilience that make a profound impact on the lives of those you support, and we are truly grateful for the difference you make each day.
To our teachers, your passion for education and your ability to inspire and guide our learners have been integral to the growth and development of our programs. Your commitment to fostering an environment of learning and creativity is commendable.
To our esteemed board members, your strategic guidance, insightful perspectives, and unwavering support have been invaluable. The leadership you provide has played a pivotal role in steering our organization through challenges and ensuring its continued success.
Sincerely,
The Executive Team
