2023 Annual Report

LETTER FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends of the Bittersweet Community,

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we present to you the 2023 Annual Report for Bittersweet Farms. As the Interim Executive Director, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve during this pivotal transition period for our organization. I extend my deepest appreciation to our Board of Directors for their steadfast guidance and support throughout this intermediate phase. Their leadership has been instrumental in steering our organization towards continued stability and success. We celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2023 and reflected on our rich history of service and dedication to individuals with autism. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community – from our Board of Directors to our donors, families and hardworking employees – who have supported our mission through the years.

Our generous donors allowed us to expand our reach to serve more individuals in need. Your belief in our cause fuels our determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support each and every day.

I recognize the dedication and hard work of our employees. To our Direct Support Professionals and all employees in supporting roles, your tireless efforts and compassion are the driving force behind the success of our programs, and we are grateful for your commitment. The dedication and determination of our Director Team has never wavered, holding true to our Core Values. As we navigated through changes and transitions, our Directors continued to exemplify resilience and commitment, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. Their collaborative spirit and steadfast leadership ensured that our organization continued to uphold its mission with integrity and excellence.

I am honored to highlight several 2023 key achievements:

·         The celebration of our 40th anniversary marked four decades of exemplary service, advancing support, understanding, and inclusion for those with autism spectrum disorder.

·         Provided services to over 100 individuals across three campuses, ensuring access to quality care and support.

·         Witnessed growth in services across many programs, reaffirming our commitment to meet the evolving needs of the autism community.

·         Thanks to the unprecedented lobbying and corresponding financial support provided in the passing of the State Budget, we implemented substantial pay rate increases for our employees, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our organization.

·         Significant progress was made on advancing the objectives and goals outlined in the first year of our three-year strategic plan (2023-2025), laying a strong foundation for continued progress.

·         Successfully satisfied the $2.5 million bond debt ahead of schedule, further demonstrating our financial stability and responsibility as well as commitment to long-term sustainability.

·         Exemplary financial and Medicaid audit results reflected our commitment to transparency and accountability.

·         The show Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid featured a mini-documentary on Bittersweet Farms, which will air nationwide through 2024, alongside prime time promotions and nationally distributed promotional e-mails.

As we reflect on the milestones achieved and the challenges overcome in 2023, I am filled with a profound sense of optimism and excitement for the future of Bittersweet Farms. Our unwavering dedication to serving individuals with autism and their families remains steadfast. With the upcoming appointment of a new Executive Director and the collective passion and commitment of our community, I am confident that we will embark on a journey filled with innovation, growth, and boundless possibilities.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission. Together, we continue to build brighter futures for individuals with autism and those whose lives they touch, with hope, opportunity, and belonging.

With gratitude,

Lisa R. Lulfs
Interim Executive Director