Celebrating 56 Years of Service since 1956

Alaska Center for Children and Adults
Celebrating 56 Years of
Service since 1956
Annual Report FY 2012: July 2011 - June 2012
Fairbanks North Star Borough | Copper River Basin | Delta Junction | North Slope
From the Executive Director & Board President
This year ACCA initiated the ACCA History Project, celebrating “56
Years of Service Since 1956.” We ventured into the basement crawlspace and forgotten file cabinets and pulled out old grants, photos,
newspaper clippings and agency documents. We explored the history of ACCA programs, supporters and events, strengthening our
sense of who we are as an agency. We learned that ACCA has roots
as early as 1946, when concerned local citizens met to discuss how
to help children with disabilities. We deepened our understanding of
our history with Easter Seals and the statewide ACCA organization.
While rediscovering our roots we found that we have stayed close
to our early mission, focusing on the orthopedic needs of children,
early childhood disability services, and speech and hearing across
the age span. We also learned that through the years thousands of
community members have supported ACCA as Board Members,
fundraisers, donors and volunteers. Families across Alaska have benefitted from ACCA services.
In its 56th year of service, ACCA remains focused on its mission
of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. This
annual report highlights the history of ACCA as well as growth
and changes in current ACCA programs. Thank you to our many
donors who support ACCA each year through the Annual Membership Campaign, individual donations, United Way, and Pick. Click.
Give. With your support we can look forward to another 56 years
of service.
Tracy Charles-Smith
Board President
Susan E. Kessler
Executive Director
Respectfully,
Susan E. Kessler
Tracy Charles-Smith
Throughout the years, ACCA has stood the test of time
and is a true pioneering Alaskan agency. -- Tony Knowles
Current Board of Directors
Current Staff
Tracy Charles-Smith, President
Angie Gingue
Rodney Perdue, Vice President
Becky Carlson
Shirley Williams, Secretary
Carma Shay
Diane Borgeson, Treasurer
Carrie Plant
LaVada “Sam” Bush, Member-at-Large
Cathy Genaux
Heidi Haas
Cerena Banks
Isaac Bush
Chery Evitt
Lori Wilson
Colleen Elzey
Crystal Miller
Gretchen Chamberlain
Contractors
Hanna Austin
Betsey Jacobs
Jan Ohmstede
Kerry Pippin
Jenn Wagaman
Melissa Card
Jenna Paddon
Peg Schaffhauser
Jennifer Traver
Shirley Harris
Joan Esser-Farmer
Keri Herning
Number of Families Served FY 2012
Infant Learning Program
424
FACES Team
29
Loan Closet
46
Speech Clinic
18
Hearing & Vision Screening
700
Total Families Served
1,217
Kristen Panamaroff
Kristin Bradshaw
Marilyn Leonelli
Maureen Humbolt
Susan Kessler
Terry Roberts
Valerie Leonelli
Agency Programs
Infant Learning Program
ACCA ILP serves children ages 0-3 years who experience developmental delays and disabilities, providing
screening, evaluation and intervention services in home and community settings. Services are provided in a
family-centered manner, focusing on supporting a child’s participation in everyday learning and family activities.
ACCA received federal and state funding for the Infant Learning Program for
the first time in 1977, when Federal and
State grant funding first became available.
Over the following 35 years, the ILP
service region has shifted in response
to community needs. The Fairbanks
program is still known by many by its
original name, Project TEACH (Tanana
Early Assistance to Children Helps). The
current ILP service regions include Fairbanks North Star Borough, Delta Junction, Copper River and the North Slope.
Loan Closet
The ACCA Loan Closet provides short term loan of medical equipment to the Fairbanks community, with a
refundable deposit and nominal cleaning fee.
The birth of the Loan Closet began in 1947 with the grass roots efforts of community members who collected and bought braces and crutches for children with orthopedic concerns.
The official “Loan Closet” was formed in 1952 to provide equipment for survivors of the
Polio Epidemic around Alaska. It has evolved and expanded over the years to meet changing
needs of the community. Based on conversations with community partners, we have narrowed
the focus of the Loan Closet to mobility aids. ACCA will continue to provide walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, and knee walkers, but will donate other medical equipment to community
partners in order to avoid duplication of services.
FACES Team
(Fetal Alcohol Community Evaluation Services)
The FACES Team provides diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. ACCA Staff and community partners provide Medical, Psychology, Speech/Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Parent
Navigation evaluations. The team of providers meet to develop diagnosis and recommendations based on the
University of Washington’s 4-Digit Diagnostic Code.
ACCA adopted the FACES Diagnostic Team from the Fairbanks Regional Public Health
Center in 2004. This change occurred due to a shift in the funding mechanism for the program. ACCA has expanded the age range served by the team down to the age of 3 years. This
year we will begin to serve young adults over the age of 14 up to age 23. The FACES Team is
providing diagnoses for individuals across Alaska, including Interior, Western and Northern
communities. The FACES Team has welcomed several new providers to the team this year.
The Caregiver Support Group has had a busy year with social groups, parent training, and a
Cooking Club for teens.
Speech Clinic
ACCA Speech Clinic provides Speech/Language Pathology services for adults. Clients served by Speech Clinic
this year have therapy needs related to cochlear implants, voice disorders, augmentative communication, and acquired brain injuries – including trauma, stroke, metabolic disorders, and mild cognitive impairment. ACCA
Speech Clinic is focused on encouraging functional communication in daily living situations.
ACCA’s Speech and Hearing Clinic originally opened on a part-time basis in an apartment in
Fairview Manor. People of all ages were served, and in 1963 the clinic moved to 1020 Barnette
Street (ACCA’s current location) to help meet the growing needs of the community. In the
1980’s and 1990’s ACCA provided the SLP services for Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and the
Denali Center. Upon the retirement of long-time SLP Sandy Dauenhauer, ACCA was without
an adult Speech Clinic for several years. In 2011, ACCA Speech Clinic finally found another
full time Speech Language Pathologist to serve adults. Speech Clinic is building collaborations
with Access Alaska, Fairbanks Resource Agency, Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and other providers who support adults with disabilities.
Special Projects
Training & Education
This year, ACCA served as a partner with
the Alaska Brain Injury Network to provide
a Brain Injury Workshop. ILP provided
training in the Pyramid Model, Feeding with
Love and Good Sense, and It Takes Two to
Talk. We hosted a training in Parent and
Infant Mental Health. ACCA provided FAS
training for foster parents, caregivers and
professionals.
ACCA is strengthening our partnership
with the UA system. Several staff members
are developing and teaching courses in the
Early Childhood, Special Education, Psychology, and SLP programs, and volunteer
as speakers in these programs as well.
Grow Your Own Speech
Therapist
This program supports Fairbanks students
to become licensed Speech Pathologists.
ACCA recently hired a new UAA SLP
graduate who received an ILP scholarship. We are supporting students with
Clinical Practicum placements. ACCA
also partners with UAA and Creighton University to support students in
the Occupational Therapy Doctorate
program. Grow Your Own Speech
Therapist has been so successful that
we are expanding the scope to include
OT and Special Education.
Tech Lab
Tech Lab is a weekly group pairing ACCA
Speech Clinic clients with a staff member
or volunteer. Each client brings technology related goals developed in their Speech
Therapy sessions. Teams learn to use
programs and apps like calendars, word processing, financial management, audio book
downloads, and memory training. We all
learn from each other, practice social communication skills, and have lots of fun!
Family Field Day
ACCA hosted its first annual Family Field
Day last summer. Event activities included
an obstacle course, sack races, three legged
races, water balloon toss, wheelbarrow races
and tug of war. Games such as Red Light/
Green Light raised awareness of disabilities
with participants using wheelchairs, walkers,
and limited vision glasses. Everyone had a
great time, and we met our goal of having
a family friendly annual fundraising event
which also raised awareness of disabilities.
Put it on your must-do list next summer!
Facility Renovation & Expansion
The first ACCA facility was a small house on 3rd Avenue, which housed the Gilded Cage gift
shop, selling Alaska Native and local handicrafts to raise money for ACCA endeavors. In 1958,
ACCA opened a part-time treatment center in a Fairview Manor apartment. In 1963, ACCA
acquired a lot at the corner of 10th and Barnette, and the house from 3rd Avenue was moved
to this site. Speech Clinic was relocated here and staffed full time. In 1972, ATCO units were
added to expand the building capacity, making room for additional programs. In 1988 a new
building was built on the adjacent lot ACCA had acquired. Funding for the new facility came
from a legislative appropriation. Today, ACCA occupies this facility and leases the former facility to a Head Start program.
With guidance and support from the Foraker Group Pre-Development Program, sponsored
by the Rasmuson Foundation, Denali Commission and Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority,
ACCA has developed plans for a facility renovation and expansion project. The ACCA facility upgrade and expansion will give us more professional space for our existing programs. In
addition, it will provide a separate public building area that will be available for use by parent
groups and community partners. This year, ACCA received $100,000 of Capital Project funds
from the State of Alaska to move forward with architectural design.
Over the next several years, ACCA will be pursuing funding and
support for this project. We will be providing more opportunities
for our clients and supporters to learn about our plans, as well as to
give input as we move the project forward.
This year, ACCA invested
in an upgraded wheelchair
ramp. The crumbling concrete ramp was demolished
and a beautiful and functional new ramp was built
by Alan Compare of Alaska North Star Builders.
Other building projects that must be addressed more
immediately include replacement of the original roof
and boiler.
We think it’s the most beautiful ramp in town!
ACCA Throughout the Years............................
1946
Alaska Crippled Children’s Assocation forms
(statewide) and is affiliated with the National
Easter Seal Society.
1947
Local chapter starts
when women meet
to raise funds to buy
braces and crutches
for local children.
1972
ACCA conducts 623 free
hearing evaluations at the fair.
1972
ACCA sponsors
“Up With People”
musical fundraiser.
1953
The Gilded Cage
gift shop opens
to raise funds to
support ACCA
and it’s endeavors.
1952
“Eskimo Cookbook” prepared by
students of Shishmaref Day School
published and sold as a fundraiser.
1969
ACCA offers a
free hearing and
vision clinic for 4
year olds at multiple locations
throughout town.
1968
ACCA’s 1st general
membership campaign takes place.
The membership
fee was $2 a year.
1972
ACCA doubles its size by
adding an ATCO unit to
it’s current building. The
expansion will house an
audiological service center.
1954
Women in Koyukuk purchase “Betsynoynee” doll to
raise funds and awareness for
disabled children to thank
ACCA for helping a child from
their village. She becomes
the “traveling ambassador on
behalf of crippled children”
to raise disability awareness.
1965
Bridge tournament
held to benefit ACCA.
1964
Quota Club hosts
fundraisers for ACCA.
$750 was raised at
the fashion show and
Golden Days booth.
1972
Hearing aid lending library starts
to provide hearing aids for people
who cannot afford to purchase
them, and allows people to try
hearing aids out before making
the decision to purchase them.
1973
ACCA helps pay for
airfare to get people
in need of medical
attention to Seattle.
.....................................................A Timeline
1954
ACCA fundraising cookbook published. “Out of
Alaska’s Kitchen” recipes
were submitted from
people around the state.
1963
ARK (Arctic Retarded
Kindergarten) is held
at ACCA and run by
the Arctic Association
for Retarded Children.
Children between
the ages of three
and seven needing
special assistance
are invited to join.
1974
Clinical staff start
visiting nearby
villages to help set
up individualized
programs for students
with speech and/or
hearing problems.
1956
Fairbanks Federated
Fund (now United Way)
starts. ACCA is one of
the original seven agencies under this program.
1963
ACCA’s Speech
& Hearing Clinic
opens at new
location (1020
Gillam Way which
later becomes 1020
Barnette St).
1974
“Teach Your Child to
Talk” is a program offered by ACCA Speech
& Hearing Center.
A group for stroke
victims is also offered.
December 10th, 1956
Fairbanks Chapter - Alaska
Crippled Children’s Association is incorporated.
1963
The Gilded Cage
Treatment Center
changes its name to
Fairbanks Therapy
and Treatment Center.
A contest was held to
rename the center.
1976
ACCA partners
with Head Start to
provide training on
working with children with developmental concerns in
Huslia and Galena.
1958
Speech & Hearing Clinic
opens on a part time basis
in an apartment in Fairview
Manor to meet the communities need. People
of all ages are served.
1961
ACCA exchanges
property with
City of Fairbanks.
The new location
will be a Speech
& Hearing Clinic,
and space for
Physical Therapy.
1960
Claire Fejes, ACCA statewide and local board member, holds exhibit of her
work as a benefit for ACCA.
1977
Great Land Sounds (a
men’s barbershop singing group) spends time
raising funds for ACCA.
1977
ACCA receives
$75,000 in
Federal Funding for Infant
Learning Program services.
1982
Agency name is
officially changed
to Alaska Crippled
Children & Adults Fairbanks Chapter.
1980’s
ACCA starts
providing
contract Speech
Therapy services to FMH/
Denali Center.
1982
Medical Equipment Loan Closet
program is started.
1984
UAF begins 24 hour
Dance Marathon
at Bartlett Hall.
1984
1st Horse Show fundraiser
takes place. Admission was $4
for Adults, $1 for Children.
2001
Continuity of
Services grant allowed ILP services
to be extended to
3 - 5 year olds.
2002
ACCA has their 1st
booth at the Summer
Solstice festival.
2001
1st Vistor’s Industry Charity
Walk. Supporters walk and
graze through downtown to
support local non-profits.
2002
Treasures & Gifts
fundraiser takes place.
Shirlee Foster donated
merchandise to ACCA
that was left over after
Bayberry’s closed.
2000
ACCA gives out
“Preemie Bags” for
families with premature newborns,
as well as hosting
a support group.
2003
ACCA wins FNSB’s 1st
annual Family Friendly
Workplace award.
(ACCA also wins this
award in 2006 and 2010)
1998
Infant Learning
Program expands services to
include Copper
River & Valdez.
2003
ACCA receives
grant to provide
FAS evaluations to
birth - 5 year olds.
1998
ACCA changes its
name to Alaska
Center for Children
and Adults.
2004
FACES Team
starts at ACCA.
This program was
transitioned from
the Fairbanks
Regional Public
Health Center.
1985
ACCA is
granted tax
exempt status
from the IRS.
1985
1st Arctic Wheels car show
fundraiser is held at the
North Star terminal building.
1987
ACCA participates in 1st annual Key Campaign.
1987
1st Benefit Golf
Classic, hosted by
the Association of
Old Crows, is held.
Over $4,000 was
raised at this event.
1985
1st Polka Party fundraiser held at Eagles Hall.
1988
1st Family Fest takes place. Parents
gather to share stories and come
up with solutions for problems
faced by families with people with
special needs. Kids enjoy the day
doing a variety of fun activities.
1996
Tommy Moe, US Olympic
Gold Medalist downhill skier
visits ACCA staff, clients and
families, and signs some skis
for future ACCA fundraisers.
1996
ACCA is now
on the world
wide web.
1994
1st Annual
Spaghetti Feed
takes place.
1988
ACCA’s new
building is built
by Ghemm, Co.
2012
1st Annual Family Field Day
takes place. People of all
abilities are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities.
2006
ACCA hosts a
50th anniversary
celebration and
fundraiser.
2008
ACCA first offers the
“It Takes Two to Talk”
Hanen program for
families of children
enrolled in ILP.
2008
ACCA’s Infant
Learning Program
expands their service
area to include the
North Slope region.
2011
Speech Clinic
expands with a
full time Speech
Therapist on staff.
Community Support
AAA Moving & Storage
Phil & Sharon Berrian
Cook & Haugeberg
Fred Meyer-East
ABC K9 & Equine
Elaine Berrie
Corn Family
Claudia French
Josh Ackerman-Steele
George & Sally Berry
Alice Croll
Jeff & Annette Freymueller
Alak School
Bill Stroecker
Charitable Foundation
Dan Curns
Mike Gallagher &
Erica Green
Alaska Dreams Inc.
Alaska K9 Center
Alaska North Star Builders
Alaska Railroad Corp.
Alaska Waste
Estate of George E. Allen
American Red Cross
Anaktuvuk Pass Clinic
JuliAnne Anders
Samina Anderson
Linda Anderson
Cori Anthony
Arctic Fire and Safety
Evelyn Arnott
Atqasuk Clinic
Aurora Borealis Alaskan
Outpost (Storm Troopers)
Scott & Hanna Austin
Autism Socitey of Alaska
Gloria Avendano
Aviators Steak House
Debra Babcock
Lisa Bailey
Baker & Associates
Barnette & Sons Mobile DJ
Nicole Beard
Bently Mall Safeway
Marvin & Cindy Bergeson
Borealis Kiwanas
Diane Borgeson
Marcia Boyette
Bradshaw Family
Richard Brockie
Brigitte Brown
Caroline Brown
LaVada “Sam” Bush
Isaac Bush
Ann Byrd
Leslie Callaway
Charlotte Canon
Gail Carlo
Kurt Carlson &
Karen Lougheed
Gail Cavyell
CBS News
Bill & Joyce Chace
Ridge Charles-Smith
Tracy Charles-Smith
Allen Cheek
Clear Channel Media
Entertainment
Dance 4 Fun Studio
Sandy Dauenhauer
Fred Dauge
Cynthia Davis
Shireen Deitrick
Art DeLaune
Denali Elementary School
John DeRuyter
Doyon, Limited
Colette Ducharme
David Duffet
Sven Ebbesson
Karen Eiler
Mary Ann Elieff
Robin Elkins
Don Erickson
Gaylene Evans
Emily Evitt
Fairbanks City Fire Dept.
Fairbanks Daily Newsminer
Fairbanks Host Lions
Farthest North Girl Scouts
FNSB School District
David Coleman
Darryl Farmer
Kaitee Colombo
Linda Fiechtl
Alan Compare
First National Bank of AK
Erin Compton
Joan Franz
Conoco Phillips
Mandee Frazier
Cheryl Gallegos
Phyllis Garrett
GeoTemps
Emily Gingue
Glow Putt Alaska
Gerald Goodman
Gold Dredge 8
GRAFCO (Wonder bread)
Annika Graham
Wyan Grant
Greater Fairbanks
Chamber of Commerce
Aurora Gregg
Drew Groth
Cheryl Grove
Heidi Haas
Maureen Harwood
Esther Hoffman
Holland America Line, Inc.
Rob & Deborah Holmes
Home Depot
Honea Family
HoneyDews
Hot Licks
Stan Hughes
Laura Hurst
Interior Girls Softball Assn.
Please accept our sincere apologies for anyone we may have inadvertently left out or listed incorrectly.
Thank you to all of our donors, supporters, members & volunteers who help support our mission.
Ruben Iorga
Johnny Mendez
Matthew & Michele Prouty
Eliza Tiulana
Ipalook Elementary School
Robert Michalove &
Lu Juan Gibson
Jim & Kathleen Richardson
Hayley Tonkovich
Bob Miller
Risse Greenhouse
Totem Ocean Trailer Express
River Boat Discovery
Trademark Alaska
Stuart & Terry Roberts
Dana Truffer Moudra
Jim & Traci Roon
TvTv (CHET/KYSC FM)
Barbara Rothrock
Lois VanHyning
Christina Rowlett
Variety Motors
Charles Rudig
Sierra Virg-In
Sam’s Club
Jennifer Wagaman
Sani-Can
Katie Wagner
Elaine Schall
Lynett Wagner
Betsey Jacobs
Jeannie James
James Barker Photography
Terry Johnson
Loriann Juhasz
Kaktovik Clinic
Kali School
Rosemarie Kessler
Susan Kessler
Nikki Kinne
KJNP
Dale & Ruth Miller
Julie Miller
Mini Golf Fairbanks
Mary Mitchell
Mocha Dans
North Slope Borough
Public Health Dept.
North Slope Borough
School District
Northern Horse
Photography
Jennifer Schmidt
Wainright Clinic
Shawna Laderach
William Scott
Wal-Mart Fairbanks
Juel Lambeth
Doug & Sandy Norton
Libbi Spear
Cassie Wells
Sacha Layos
NPHS Cheerleaders
Chemetria Spencer
Wes Madden
Saphire Layos-Wagaman
Nuiqsut Clinic
Spirit of Alaska FCU
Larry West
Frances Legerat
Nuiqsut School
Linden Staciokas
Marion Whiteside
Marilyn Leonelli
Nunamiut School
Charlotte Stalder
Shirley Williams
Charlie & Valerie Leonelli
ODOM/Coca Cola
Al Strack
Lori Wilson
Susan Lindholm
Panamarof Family
Barbara Sundberg
Rebecca Wolf
Jennifer Litera
Party Palace
Jackie Sunnyboy
Jesse Long
Clarence Pate
Wayne Long
Rodney Perdue
Susan Stevenson
Photography
Women’s Igloo #8 - Pioneers of Alaska
Ben Losh
Pick. Click. Give. Program
Daniel & Ann Swift
John Wright
Dr. Mary MacFarlane
Caroline Plant
Shaun Tacke
Micheal Young
Sun Maeng
Bill Platz
Barbara Tanner
Evyn Ysais
Lindsey Maillard
Play it Again Sports
Valerie Therrien
Zumba with Lisa Geraghty
Janis Maltos
Richard Podobnik
Lia Thruston
& many anonymous donors
Marion G. Weeks
Charitable Foundation
Point Lay Clinic
James & Leta Thurman
Lara Poirrier
Ti Ja’s Pofessional Hair Styles
Tim McCarty
Powerhouse Signs
Rachael Timmons
Special thanks to the United Way of the Tanana Valley
Sierra Wright
Financials
Statement of Net Assets ($)
2012
Audited
2011
Cash & Cash equivalents
339,431
428,089
Assets
June 30, 2012 & 2011
Receivables
161,677
137,354
Prepaid Expenses
42,678
20,978
Investments
69,971
69,692
Restricted Cash
674,780
672,754
PPE - Net
Liabilities & Net Assets
Total Assets
136,284
108,549
1,424,821
1,437,416
Payables
14,480
15,596
Accrued Expenses
197,156
210,004
Deferred Revenue
-
-
211,636
225,600
Designated
104,578
141,468
Undesignated
406,672
369,533
701,935
700,815
Total Net Assets
1,213,185
1,211,816
Total Liabilities & Net Assets
1,424,821
1,437,416
Total Liabilities
Net Assets - Unrestricted
Net Assets - Temporarily Restricted
Take a closer look at some of
ACCA’s account
ledgers from our earlier years!
Statement of Activities & Changes in Net Assets ($)
For the years ending June 30, 2012 & 2011
Revenue
Grants
1,126,589
1,157,829
529,442
365,921
Contributions
116,910
122,683
Other Revenue
27,495
29,695
1,800,436
1,676,128
Personnel Services
Expenses
Audited
2011
Program Services
Total Revenue
1,342,024
1,146,626
Professional Fees/Contracts
152,005
255,188
Facility Expense
48,972
58,865
Supplies/Equipment
31,821
26,621
Travel/Conferences
125,446
120,821
Other Expense
61,694
58,259
1,761,962
1,666,371
37,106
36,555
Expenses before Depreciation
Depreciation
Net Asset
Changes
2012
Total Expenses
1,799,068
1,702,926
Change in Net Assets
1,368
(26,798)
Beginning Net Assets
1,211,816
1,238,614
1,213,184
1,211,816
Ending Net Assets
ACCA Logo Evolution
Our mission is to assist in improving the lives of people with disabilities and their
families by providing quality diagnostic, therapeutic, educational and referral services
in conjunction with other community providers without regard to ability to pay.
1020 Barnette St. Fairbanks, AK 99701 | (907) 456-4003 | acca@acca-ilp.org | www.acca-ilp.org