2022 Annual Report

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Members and Friends of the Bittersweet Community,

Hello and happy spring! With the change of seasons, we again take a moment to reflect upon the highlights of the past year and also look forward to the year ahead, which happens to be Bittersweet’s 40th anniversary. Throughout the past four decades, the organization has continually adapted and persevered to meet the evolving needs of the people we serve, regardless of the challenges faced, and this past year was no different. Despite sustained COVID mandates, the ongoing workforce crisis, and the increasing costs of inflation, it was another successful year where we continued to accomplish our mission through the hard work and determination of our outstanding team and the generous support from so many wonderful people and organizations. Here are just a few of our achievements:

• Completion and initial implementation of our 3-year strategic plan.

• Distinguished recognition: Best of Toledo (“Best Non-profit Organization”), Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics (“Non-profit Business), and Blade Readers’ Choice (“Best Community Support Organization” and “Best Place to Work”).

• Substantial and comprehensive wage increases needed to ensure competitive workforce recruitment, retention, and sustainability.

• Held a premiere screening of the documentary film, “In A Different Key,” in collaboration with Avenues for Autism.

• Provided a formal presentation about Bittersweet Farms and the benefits of our service model at the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) National Conference.

• The book Creating Quality of Life for Adults on the Autism Spectrum: The Story of Bittersweet Farms was written by Dr. Jeanne Dennler, Carol S. Quick, and Ruth Wilson and published and distributed by Routledge. The book keenly shares the story of Bittersweet’s founding, philosophy, setting, and service model, and the many benefits these elements have provided for our participants and their quality of life over time. It is a wonderful document in support of what we do, and how it fulfills our mission.

• Betty’s Farm participants and staff were widely recognized for their multi-faceted volunteering and service to the Lima community, which included a large drive to collect hygiene items for Family Promise, an organization that provides shelter for houseless families.

• The Pemberville Transition Program celebrated the graduation of two students, welcomed three new students, and grew upon several of their program activities.

• Beth Kuntz-Wineland received the regional Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA) “Direct Support Professional of the Year” award.

• Collaborated with the Nature Conservancy to preserve native species unique to the Oak Openings region that exist on the Whitehouse campus, by safe and controlled mitigation of invasive species.

• Whitehouse participant Beth Meyer competed in the National Special Olympic Games and brought home a silver medal in swimming!

These accomplishments, and the many others shared within this annual report, are just a small sample of the daily successes witnessed across the Bittersweet Community every day. These outcomes are only possible through shared vision, collaboration, teamwork, and the generous support of our amazing community. As we celebrate our 40th year of service, I am in awe of the dedication and determination of so many individuals who have made Bittersweet Farms what it is today, and comforted in having such a strong and compassionate coalition as we enter into the next 40 years. No matter your respective role or contribution, I sincerely thank you for what you do and have done to help us provide the best services and highest quality of life to the incredible people we serve.

With appreciation,

Dustin