Please walk with me a moment to celebrate Our Lady of the Wayside's forty years of quality service to children and adults with Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in northeast Ohio. For example, a preliminary look at the 2007 financials shows the agency with a balanced operating statement. This is due to streamlining staff functions, rigorous and frequent monitoring of program expenses, and growth in our ability to reach out to the philanthropic sector.
Other than that, how are we doing? I am pleased to report excellent and encouraging results from our recently completed annual community survey of residents, their families, and members of the community (e.g.) OLW is a great non-profit organization that really makes a difference in the Cleveland area. It's a heart and soul operation with high quality services enhancing the lives of the most vulnerable among us.
Our three-year strategic plan calls for:
Construction of up to ten new neighborhood-style homes to meet the needs of families on our waiting list by 2010
Develop new services/programs that produce a positive cash flow
Employ cost containment strategies designed to control agency expenses
Complete successfully the $5 million endowment development campaign to establish an annual "funding floor" in order to maintain/expand high quality agency services and programs
Implement fully the program to encourage planned gifts over the longer term
I offer special thanks to you who support Our Lady of the Wayside by sponsoring and attending our outstanding public events throughout the year. Not only do these successes help fund our services and programs, they go far to spread the word about the importance of our mission. And, when you need a newer ride or want to provide one for someone else as a tax deduction, please remember the agency's Car Donation Program.
Gratefully,
Terry Davis
President and Chief Executive Officer
