2007 Annual Report

Delta Gamma Center for Childrenwith Visual Impairments

The Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

is committed to helping children who are blind or visually impaired reach

their full potential through individualized education and therapy services

for infants (birth to three years) and their parents and through support

services for children of all ages, their families and the community.

Letter from the Executive Director

Greetings to all! There is no doubt that the adorable kids on the cover enticed you to turn the page. There is nothing like a picture to capture the rich texture of an experience, and the snapshots in this annual report tell a few of our tales. They reveal some touching moments about learning and loving.

Behind those snapshots is a legion of supporters whose contributions assure success can be possible. I salute our many supporters for your confidence, trust and encouragement of the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. Every service offered requires financial support from corporations, foundations, civic groups and other funding sources which allow the staff to provide unique, innovative and rarely offered services. These range from a parent to parent program, challenge trips for school age youth, a toy loan library, and publications for families and friends. I would be remiss if I did not thank the cadre of volunteers who outnumber the families served. Your service assures brailled baby books for families of young children, office help, guidance during special events, and much more. At the top of the list is our board of directors; without their leadership, we could not accomplish all that we do.

I owe a debt of gratitude to our staff, whose gifts are many, whose commitment to the mission is unmatched and who strive to go the extra mile for each and every child and family we serve. This last year was again a year of accomplishments. While pushed to peak efficiency to assure service to each person who requested it, staff also pursued research initiatives on issues related to the development of social skills in children with visual impairments. Their efforts will ultimately lead to improved strategies in areas of critical need for young children with visual impairments. It is a privilege to work with such a wonderful staff.

Thank you for caring. You too share in our successes, and I appreciate each and every contribution to the Center, the families we serve and our community.

Sincerely, Debbie Naucke, Executive DirectorDelta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

Letter from the Board Chairperson

I love taking pictures of friends and family throughout life’s events so I can pull them out over time and reflect on the cherished moments. However, I never seem to have the camera available or ready for the best photo opportunities. In those cases, I have to rely on the memories alone and hope that other pictures, events or thoughts can help my mind drift into those mental images. Sitting down to reflect on the past year of Delta Gamma Center events has allowed me such an opportunity.

2007 has provided a number of “snapshots” related to the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. These snapshots include fundraising events, board and committee meetings and volunteer experiences with the children and families served by the Center. Some of my favorites include the sight of two dozen volunteers huddled behind an 18 wheel truck stuffed with trees and the empty lot of land that would soon be their temporary home. Add to that the snapshot of the four lonely trees that remained only weeks later. Then, there is the sight of proud toddlers crossing the finish line to a host of cheers at our Run for Sight. There is the snapshot of Debbie Naucke and her staff speaking with members of our state congress and senate at the First Steps Executive Breakfast, reminding me of the far-reaching impact this agency inspires. I complete my list of favorite snapshots with the sight of the teenaged members of our GRADS (Group Recreation and Development Services) groups setting out on the Green River in Utah for three days of whitewater experiences away from all known modern conveniences.

Each of these snapshots depicts individuals who gave their heart to the Delta Gamma Center’s mission. Many individuals are directly visible in these snapshots through their leadership and support roles at fundraising events and at agency-related programs and services. However, these pictures also remind me of all the individuals behind the scenes that contribute to the success of the organization. Together we’ve created quite a yearbook full of snapshots that both past and future supporters can review with great pride.

When combining this year’s snapshots with those of the past, I can’t help but think about how exciting the future will be for the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. I look forward to joining together with you all to make this vision a reality.

Sincerely, Glen J. Abramowski, Chairman of the BoardDelta Gamma Center for Childrenwith Visual Impairments

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Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

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2007 Annual Report

early intervention hours:130 children /families served2,722 home and community visits350 hours of parent child classes120 hours of preschool vision services

The children and families in the early intervention program enjoy Buddy Builder classes. Classroom activities and a fun outing each month give children the opportunity to learn through sensory play and provide their parents with resources on how to make adaptations for visual impairments. A recent addition to the classroom is the Music Therapy Session. Music is a powerful sensory tool to connect with children. Through routine songs the children build language, social, early orientation and fine motor skills.

Babies who are blind or visually impaired often have complex health issues, due to complicated births and rare disorders. However, their parents find threads of common experiences in their pain, losses and triumphs, and the opportunities for connections create an avenue for learning, comfort and strength.

Young children with visual impairments have unique learning

needs because they miss incidental learning moments through

observation and imitation. Vision is the sense that allows us

to integrate all the things we learn about the world. Without

vision, young children must learn to see and understand the

world in new ways.

Early intervention services are offered to families with children

from birth to 36 months of age. The professional services of

the early intervention staff focus on understanding how each

child learns about his or her world, helping parents understand

and assist with that learning process and supporting parents

through the adjustment of having a child with a disability.

Katie and her parents enjoying activitiestogether at the Magic House duringan Out and About trip.

Luke's mom helps him to learn to look during music therapy in Buddy Builder's class.

Finley's mom encourages her to reach out

and explore the world during Buddy

Builder's class.

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2007 Annual ReportDelta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

Strong families have the information, skills, support and

confidence to address their needs. Family support services are

tailored to the needs of the individual and the family, from the

time of the initial referral to the Center, for as long as needed.

In fiscal year 2006/2007, individual social work consultation

focused on helping families with a wide range of issues, such as

coping with stress, dealing with professionals, preparation for

preschool and handling behavioral challenges. Over 50 group

events provided information, resources and fun opportunities for

family connections in the community.

Family support services include several fun community-based activities, as well as:

* Family Activities

* Parent to Parent Program

* Grandparent Groups

* Sibling Support Groups

* Books and Toy Loan Library

* Individual Social Work Consultation

This varied array of offerings allows “touch points”— invitations for grandparents, siblings, parents and entire families to enjoy life, each other, and new friends.

Teachers of the visually impaired and occupational, speech and physical therapists covered 13 counties in the bi-state area.MO Counties include Cape Girardeau, St. Francois, Washington, Dallas, Sangaman and Clinton

Boone County 1%

St. Charles County 13%

Jefferson County 6%

Franklin County 2% Lincoln County 2%

MO Counties 5%

St. Louis County 38%

St. Louis City 11%

Illinois 22%

who we serve

Hannah tries out her skills as a cashier at the mock grocery store during a family event at the Magic House .

A volunteer from the Gateway

Disabled Ski Program helps Lexi

discover something new.

family support statistics109 individuals served2,795 hours of group service232 hours of individual service36 parent to parent contacts

Richie cooling off during an Out and

About trip to the St. Louis Zoo.

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2007 Annual ReportDelta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

year at a glance:

220 total unduplicated families served6,578 hours of service provided

The GRADS (Group Recreation and Developmental Support)

Groups provide fun, community-based opportunities for school

age children through high school graduation. Monthly sessions

offer a variety of opportunities to develop skills, independence,

friendship and support from peers who are blind or visually

impaired. The four groups offered include:

Explorers: Preschool & Kindergarten

Challengers: Seven through 12 years

Chat & Party: 13 years and up

Tandem Adventurers: Ages 10 and up

Each summer, the GRADS members face their biggest challenge with two trips that focus on independence, team building and skill development in one or more sports.

In June 2007, 11 children from the Chat & Party group went on a five-day whitewater rafting trip on the Green River in Utah. Additionally, each year the Challengers take a trip to the National Ability Center (NAC) in Park City, Utah. There, they enjoy horseback riding, sit skiing, rope courses and creating lasting friendships.

In September 2007, seven tandem cycling teams from the Center conquered two days of steep hills and long stretches while participating in the MS-150 Bike Tour.

Studies have demonstrated that children with visual impairments experience fewer social interactions with peers, spend more time alone, are involved in significantly fewer active leisure activities and experience less autonomy than their sighted peers. (Huurre & Aro, 2000; Kroksmark & Nordell, 2001; Sachs, et al., 1998).

The GRADS Groups address each of these important aspects of development.

Born without eyes, but not without determination,

Katie has become a competitive tandem cyclist

who has participated in the MS- 150 with the

Tandem Adventurers.

The doctors said Jakeem would never walk, but he completed the Run for Sight and hikes mountain trails with the Chat & Party group.

She was born at 26 weeks, weighing one pound 14 ounces. Annie is an award-winning Braille student who has soared to unimaginable heights as a member of the Challengers group.

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2007 Annual ReportDelta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

The rare occurrence of visual impairment in the pediatric

population often results in limited exposure and poor

understanding. It is our vision that children with visual

impairments be full participants in their family and community.

To achieve this vision, the Center reaches out to the

community in a variety of ways to prevent blindness, promote

understanding of visual impairments and remove barriers.

In June 2007, the Valerie Marvin Walch Endowment lecture series, “Out of the Ashes: Learning to Survive in a Changing World” reminded us that the toughest barriers can often be the perceptions and attitudes of others. Michael Hingson and his guide dog Roselle, now retired, were an inspiration to all who heard the story of their flight to safety on 9/11.

Snapshots of the support system that makes it all possible…Through special events and contributions, the Center’s community

of supporters has touched the lives of countless children and

families. It is with deep appreciation that the Delta Gamma

Center for Children with Visual Impairments presents the

Report of Donors—July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007.

Fundraising EventsThe Center had a very busy year hosting four fundraising events—Trivia Night, Holiday House, Shining Light Tree Lot and Run for Sight. Thank you to the many attendees and sponsors whose support is vital to the success of these events. The Center also thanks the special event committees for providing unlimited dedication and support.

Awards For Outstanding Service Shining Light Award: Glen Abramowski

Volunteer Service Award: Courtney Boyle, Teresa Cassani, Ron Hritzkowin and Robyn Huhn

Professional Service Award: Music Therapy Program at Maryville University, Cynthia Briggs and Soo Jin Kwoun

Community Service Award: Susan & Peter Frane, Jordan Charitable Foundation and Lighthouse for the Blind

Special Thanks for Going Above and Beyond2e Creative, Anheuser-Busch, Big Shark, The Cardinal Foundation, Dr. James Crane, Gregg Evans, Express Scripts, Lighthouse for the Blind, McCarthy Construction Companies, The National Abilities Center, Mimi Ravarino, Brent & Casey St. John, Joe Toohey and Washington University Security.

2,486 area preschoolerstested by volunteer visionscreeners

450 metro area students participated in the Ability Awareness Service

215 attendees at three different Saturday Seminars

Michael with current guide dog , Meryl.

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2007 Annual Report

Circle of SightFounders of the Circle of Sight are represented by an *. LUMINARY (PLANNED GIFT) Betty BohrenDottie BurtonDoris DraperRey EilersCarol KenneySamuel & Barbara VickroyJohn Volland

MAJOR BENEFACTOR ($5,000+)Frances AnstettEleanor PuckettNanne Simonds

VISIONARY ($1,000–$4,999)Dale & Tina BauerKenneth & Edith Burns Richard & Ivy Conerly Miriam De Marco David & Janice Epstein Jay & Deirdre Epstein C.B. & Katherine Gebhard Paul & Sarah Greenlee Blake Hagemeier Gary Hansen Peter & Anne Maginot Dorothy Maxwell Andrew & Tina Miller Barry & Jill Miller*Lisa Mueller Roger & Jan Nelson Roger & Linda ProvowHarry Scott Eloise Smith Allen & Mary Beth Soffer Marian Thomas George ‘Butch’ & Carol Welsch Chris & Lisa WilsonJane Harris Yount

SHINING LIGHT ($500–$999) Glen & Phuong Abramowski John Armengol, Jr. Fred Arnold W. Wesley & Dorothy Hanson Burton

Patricia Byrne Kim Cantor Tom Carnes Howard & Mary Kay Chapel Joseph & Patricia DeMarcoDoris Draper Patrick & Joan Duggan Stuart Flaum Joe Gallagher Anne Grossmann & Brandon BlakeyAndrew Hale Dorothy Hanpeter* Janet Hays George HerinaMatt Iovaldi Chris Jacob Bill Jehling William & Debby Keenan, M.D. Don & Christine Lapoint Scott & Jennifer LaPrestaGregg & Cindy Lueder, M.D. Jerry & Karen Marshall Melinda McAliney Mark & Cindy Melvin Betsy Nagle Marie Oetting* Raymond & Cynthia PetersSteven & Kerry Pozaric Charles Schwartz Homer Sedighi, D.M.D. Bob & Virginia TemmJoseph Toohey Ann Tretter V. Vricetto Stan & Valerie Walch*Charles & Barbara Windsor Bradley Winters Jeff & Elizabeth Yount

BEACON ($250–$499)Bruce & Holly Ballew James & Catherine Berges Betty Bohren Kathleen Carr & Dick SuttonRobert & Kathleen Chott David & Joann Clay Mary Cohen-Ehlen Daniel & Karen Cordia Rene DeFiore Carl & Jeanne Deutsch Charles & Martinna Dill*John & Libby DonnellDavid & Christine Donnelly

Robert & Sherry Doty Richard & Jane Dulle Joseph Enright Kenneth & Joan Fiala* David & Carol FleisherDavid & Leah Anna FleisherRobert Frane Steven Goodrich, M.D. Margo Gordon Ashley & Charla Gray Faith Hartsfield Jerry & Brittany Harvey Jeff & Stacey Hutchens Jean Kautzman* Bruce & Toni Kitchen Sam & Pat Kogos Jim & Dana Lathrop Paul McGee Jon Milde Bill & Dotty Mill*Michael & Janice Milosovich Ramon & Anne Mount* Bill & Debbie Naucke Robert & Ruth Nelson Robert & Sally Ravensberg Georgia Relich Frank & Joan Reznicek William Roberts Paul & Gretchen Ross Tom & Jo Brown Mark & Ann Shapiro Charles & Karen Sharp Dan Sheldon John Shields Deck & Amy Slone Gene & Betty SmithBarbara Sprick Julie Steininger Moir Stevens* Beth Stohr & Charles BrennanWilliam & Margery Tyler William & Peggy Vickroy*David & Linda Wacker

ANCHORS ($100–$249)Paula Ankney Rajendra & Sherine Apte Fred & Jo Ann Arnold Heather Backes Justin Baril Ernest & Mary Behnke* Barry & Barbara Bell Bruce & Kitty Bergner Betty Bilgere

Robert & Nancy Billman Larry & Nancy Born John Bradshaw & Jennifer WindsorWilliam & Patricia Brasher Jeff & Susie Brauns Fred & Barbara Brown Mary Jo Browne Patrick & Melissa Brueggeman Evan & Courtney Buxner Joseph Byrne Glen & Debbie Chapuis David & Dana Cheese Stewart & Miriam Chodosh Glenna Citrin John Conrath Barbara Lamy Cooney Brian & Katherine Cooper Thomas & Maureen Corbett Oscar & Mary Cruz, M.D. Mary Cupini Maryam Davis Thomas Debenedetti Vince & Rosalyn DeFiore Mary Deibel Barbara Donnell Arthur & Kathleen Donnelly George Donnelly Erin Doty & Ross TooheyThomas & Betsy Douglass Tom & Jill Dunn Jon & Kathleen Edwards Sara Edwards William & Jean Eimers Michael Ellis & David DeckerHorst & Nancy Engel Kenneth & Cynthia Epplin Heldegard Etzkorn David & Janice Fincher Bernard Fox Jeffrey & Deborah Fox Dan & Sarah Fuhrmann Lawrence & Sue Gaston John Gebhardt Deb Geiser David & Kathleen Gerhart Harold & Patricia Gilbert* Marye Gleva Jonathan & Susan Goldstein Michale & Amy Gray Theodore & Sandra Greenlee James & Camille Greenwald Robert & Donna Grossmann Al & Gloria Gruer

William Guerri Chin Tang Guo James & Mary Hacking Leo & Carol Handley Eric & Sally Harris James & Sharon Harrod Marc & Cara Hawthorne James & Lila Hershfelt David & Datra Herzog Alexander Hittle & Anukriti SudEleanor Hoefle Robert & Dorothy Hood David & Heather Hovis Stanley & Judith Ikenberry Laban Jackson Addison & Barbie Jost Stephen Kahane Christopher & Beth Kemph Timothy & Karen Kickham Karla Kirkwood David & Paula Kirsch Joseph & Janet Kobylka John & Joan Koppe Barry & Ellen Kottler Lester & Jo Ann Krone Michael & Mary Kupstas Michael Lachtrup & Marie DurbinCarol Lane Robert & Lauren Lange Blair Lavagna Bret Leonard David Long Robert & Janice Loudon John & Katie Mank Elaine Margo Mitchell & Karen Margo Scott & Annabelle Marshall Mary McCloskey Patrick McGinnis John & Constance McPheeters Robert McQuay Mary Meyer Tom & Kass Meyer Edwin Miller Scott & Paulette Miller Mary Carol Millsap Christopher & Patricia Modica Vaughn Moise Thomas & Mary Moloney Joanne Morris Ed Mullen W.L. & Joyce Mundy Virginia Murray

Martin Nager Craig & Susan Newman Jack & Carolyn Nickerson M. Anthony Novara Jim & Jill O’Shea Alfred & Sunita Parikh Kevin Phillips Katie Plax Nancy Pound Larry & Betty Price Mimi Ravarino David & Monica Rehkemper Nada Relich Carol Rost*Thomas & Linda Roy Malcolm & Marushka Royse William & Joan Ruppert Amy Rheinnecker Russell Mike & Missy Rutherford Ted & Lori Samuels Gerard & Susan Sandweg David & Darlene Schwent Joseph & Laura Schwent Lee Seaman Jonathan & Amanda Seward Natalea Simmons Larry & Sue Slater David Sloan Holly Smith Connie Smith Michael & Laura Smock Don Soffer Kenneth & Carol Stilley Diana Stoehner James Sulivan James & Judy Sullivan Kerry Sweeney Thomas & Alysa Taylor Bradley & Shelly Temm Mark Thompson Skyler & Ann Tienter John & Fran Tienter Jeanne Tompras James & Karen Turner Dale & Kimberly Von Hoffmann Paul & Stephanie Wade Jessica Waeltz Charles Walch & Diana BeckmanChristine Warta Josephine Weltmer Nicole Williams Adele Williams Bill Winders & Ned InglishPatricia Wolff, M.D.

Spencer & Mildred Wolling* Bruce & Carolyn Woodruff Charles & Jane Wright Stuart & Kathy Zimmerman

FOUNDATIONS & CORPORATIONSAon FoundationApplera CorporationBank of America United Way CampaignBoeing ECFCardinals CareCarney’s KidsCitigroup FoundationCity Lighting Products, Co.Dana Brown Charitable TrustDelta Gamma FoundationE. Rueben and Gladys Flora Grant Charitable TrustElder & Elder ConsultingFederated Department Stores FoundationFiduciary Asset ManagementFischer-Bauer-Knirps FoundationJohn Allan Love Charitable FoundationJohn S. Ross Family FoundationJordan Charitable FoundationJST Charitable FundJunior League of St. LouisLighthouse for the BlindLutheran FoundationThe Mimi Fishman FoundationMoneta Group Charitable FoundationNaturally Unique BoutiqueOutreach St. Louis, Inc.Peabody Energy Matching Gifts ProgramPfizer Foundation Matching Gifts ProgramHerman T. & Phenie Pott FoundationRavarino Family FoundationRite for the Blind, Inc.Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis, Inc.St. Louis Service Bureau FoundationThe Saigh FoundationStupp Bros. Bridge & Iron Co. FoundationTilles Charity FundTretter Group, Inc

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. LouisVerizon FoundationWebb FoundationWebster Groves Lions Club

CIVIC ORGANIZATIONSAlpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Iota ChapterAOSA St. Louis School of OptometryApostles of the Sacred Heart, Sacred Heart VillaASORN–St. Louis ChapterBellerive PTOClaymont Elementary PTOClaymont Preschool/St. MarksCongretation Temple IsraelDelta Gamma– Beta Upsilon ChapterDelta Gamma Fraternity– Eta Theta ChapterDelta Gamma Fraternity– Iota ChapterEllisville Weekday PreschoolKnights of Columbus–Webster Groves Council #2119Lord of Life Lutheran Church PreschoolMassage Envy, LLCNational Ability CenterNational Bond Claims AssociationParkway United PreschoolPfizer Inc.Salem Methodist PreSchoolSt. Paul’s Evangelical ChurchSuburban Journals Old NewsboysThe Fourteen FundTuscan Lodge #360United Way of the National Capital AreaUniversity United Methodist Preschool

A list of contributors donating $99 or less and a list of in-kind donors are available by contacting the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments.

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2007 Annual ReportDelta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

Board of DirectorsEXECUTIVE COMMITTEEGlen Abramowski, Chairman of the Board John Milde, Vice-Chair of Administration/SecretaryElizabeth Yount, Vice-Chair of FinanceGeorgia Relich, Vice-Chair of Programs & ServicesKristi Fortschneider, Vice-Chair of Public Relations

DIRECTORSBarbara BrownEvan BuxnerMary Kay ChapelErin DotyPatrick DugganJane DulleAnne GrossmannChuck JacksonPat KogosJennifer LaPrestaJill MillerJoanne MorrisPeter PfeiferRoger ProvowKristi SchwantnerJim SprickJoseph Toohey

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDeborah Naucke

REVENUESContract/Government Grants $ 177,648

Special Events (Net) $ 139,324

Contributions $ 506,068

Investment Income $ 125,140

United Way $ 62,114

Bequest $ 8,078

Realized & Unrealized Gain on Investments (Net) $ 252,576

Net Assets Released from Restrictions $ 53,066

Publications $ 11,146

TOTAL REVENUE $1,335,160

EXPENSESProgram $ 609,790

Management/General $ 74,612

Development/Fundraising $ 101,715

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 786,117

Statement of Financial Position

NET ASSETSUnrestricted $ 100,000

Board Designation $ 2,671,638

Temporary Restricted $ 328,753

Permanently Restricted $ 50,500

TOTAL NET ASSETS $3,150,891

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $3,207,458

Note: Financial summary was condensed from the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments audit done by Huber, Ring, Helm & Co., P.C.

Center StaffADMINISTRATIONDeborah Naucke, Executive DirectorRene DeFiore, Development DirectorMona Monteleone, Development AssistantJulie Rudden, Office ManagerTom Meyer, AccountingFlora Robinson, Facilities/Assistant

PROGRAMDebra Chapuis, Family Support Services CoordinatorMary Curran, Physical Therapist Karen Eckert, Orientation & Mobility TeacherPatty Hamill, Physical TherapistChristine Krekow, Speech TherapistBecky Lambert, Vision/ Orientation & Mobility Teacher Kelly McClelland, Speech TherapistLisa Rohr, Program CoordinatorJo Russell-Brown, Vision TeacherMelanie Schaufert, Occupational TherapistLindsay Wayne, Vision/Orientation & Mobility Teacher

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILSteven P. Berman, M.Ed.Garrett Burris, M.D.Oscar A. Cruz, M.D.Steven Goodrich, M.D.Greg T. Lueder, M.D.Greg Savel, C.O.M.S.Barbara Talent, Ph.D.Corrine Walentik, M.D.Joan Williams, R.N.Nan Winters, M.S.W.

INFORMATIONDELTA GAMMA CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS5030 McRee AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63110314-776-1300www.dgckids.org email: info@dgckids.org

Acknowledgements2eCreative, DesignHannah and her mom reminding us

what is most important in the life of a child.

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Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments

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2007 Annual Report

DELTA GAMMA CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS5030 McRee AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63110

NON PROFITORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. LOUIS, MO

PERMIT NO. 2089

“It’s not what you see. It’s what you feel—

and that is what you should see.” –Mimi Fishman

2007 Annual Report