I have the opportunity to attend numerous meetings and networking events on a regular basis. The most common question I get asked goes something like this, “So, how has your company weathered the economic downturn”? And I have to say in response, “Rather well actually”. How is this possible? Well, I thought this forum would be an excellent opportunity to talk about the strength and stability of The Disability Foundation.

Now, nothing is ‘recession proof’, but during one of the biggest economic downturns, our organization continued its steady growth. During Fiscal Year 2009, what we might call the darkest days of the downturn, we grew our customer base by 27% and brought in a total of $571,684.12, which was an increase over the previous Fiscal Year of $434,376.89. What about the current Fiscal Year? Well, with 3 months left in the year, we have already exceeded our stated trust initiation goal by 13.

Now, the bottoming out of the economy did hurt our bottom line, as it did everyone else. However, through careful stewardship, we were able to minimize the damage. We had moved our Flexible-Spending Trust funds to 100% Fixed Income, from a 30% equity exposure, prior to the economy’s downturn, and through our strict Invest Policy, which emphasizes asset protection, we were able to minimize our Annuity losses to around 25% when everyone else was losing 40-50%. With the economic growth over the last year or so, our Annuity Trust is back to pre-downturn levels.

What does this all mean to our trust recipients and their families? It is an oft-stated theme around here, “Piece of Mind”. Families need to know that there will be someone looking out for the financial security of their loved ones with disabilities, not just today, but for years to come. We provide that security and protection to all of our customers. This is not only evidenced by the feedback of our families, but by the professional community. We’ve been recommended by Probate Court judges!

And what is the most important impact of all these numbers being thrown around? It means that we are helping more individuals with disabilities to enhance and enrich their lives. Here are some examples:

L.B. – wanted to visit Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Since initiating her Annuity Trust (OCPAT), she has gone to Mt. Rushmore twice, Yellowstone, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Jackson Hole, the Badlands and she still has more trips planned.    She always shares photos, with The Disability Foundation, always sporting the biggest smiles you have ever seen.

P.B. – wanted to visit California where a number of his family members still lived… he was born there.  It was one of the wishes he talked most about during his initial contacts with The Disability Foundation.  This year, he obtained funds from his trust and traveled out west for two weeks!

M.L. – she does so many wonderful things, with her funds, to enrich her life, but I have one favorite in particular.  Every week, she sends herself flowers.  Isn’t that something that would brighten up anyone’s life?

Why We Need Your Help:

The Disability Foundation has always prided itself on quality, inclusive, personal services.  For each individual we work with, we provide the following products and services:

• Information sessions:
• Face to face with individuals and/or families
• Phone communications
• Presentations to support network for individuals
• Meetings with attorneys/estate planners for families

• Trust preparation

• Clerical
• Quarterly Request for Distribution letters sent out
• Maintenance of file(s)
• Processing of distribution requests
• Presentation of request(s) to Distribution Committee
• Processing/mailing of check(s)
• Mailing of Annual Plans (1st quarter each year)
• Update Spending Account ledgers in database
• Postage
• Creation of new trust files
• Preparation for Distribution Committee meetings - materials, agendas and minutes

• Accounting
• Monthly account valuations, for each trust, with fund statement(s)- OCPAT
• Annual filing of 990s for the Annuity Trust
• Audits

• Communications with Public Benefit Agencies
• Regular trust explanation letters to Social Security (Soc. Sec.) and Medicaid
• Information/trainings-front line staff/mgrs.- Soc. Sec. & Medicaid
• Legal reviews/filing of appeals with Soc. Sec. & Medicaid
• Income (for Annuity) verifications to Soc. Sec., Medicaid and HUD

• Ancillary Costs
• Office supplies - paper, letterhead, envelopes
• Printing expenses
• Legal
• Parking - individual/family meetings at The Disability Foundation

As evidenced by our list of services, ensuring that the needs of those customers are met to the highest degree of quality, a lot of time and resources are spent per individual.  This is why we rely on the generosity of our donors to ensure that our quality services are maximized and that we have the capacity to serve more and more individuals each year. 

Through your assistance, we will be able to expand our outreach into more communities and homes.  The result:  more individuals with disabilities living fuller, more financially secure lives while protecting their public benefits. 

WE HELP YOU HELP OTHERS!