DNWML Impact Report 2023-2024
Letter from the Executive Director
Friends,
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of progress and shared accomplishments at Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML). Together, we have expanded opportunities, strengthened community connections, and empowered individuals with disabilities to thrive.
Highlights of the year include programs such as our ever-expanding arts programming and employment and benefits services, which have transformed lives across our three-county region. With over 80% of our board and staff identifying as having a disability, DNWML continues to model inclusion and representation in action.
Your generosity fueled these achievements and allowed us to provide vital services and advocacy. From our disability awareness education and consulting to fostering accessibility in public spaces, our collective impact has been remarkable.
Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to advancing equity and inclusion. Your partnership ensures we can deepen our work in advocacy, education, and community building. Let’s continue shaping a future where every individual has the opportunity to fully participate and belong.
With gratitude,
Lewis A. Gossage
Executive Director DNWML
1882
Total Number of People Served
Increase of over 200 people
from last fiscal year
11,085
Total Number of Services Provided
30
Total Number of People
Transitioned from Nursing Facilities
Impact
Funding By Revenue Source
State and Federal Funding: 50%
Disability Network Programs: 37%
Donations: 9%
Other: 4%
Total Expenses
Program & Services for Our Community: 90%
Fund Development/Administrative Costs: 10%
Disability Demographics
Cognitive: 261
Mental/Emotional: 221
Physical: 327
Multiple Disabilities: 38
Hearing: 10
Vision: 46
Other: 288
Ally*: 254
*Community members who may have reached out on behalf of a disabled family member or friend or may not consider themselves disabled.
Ages* Served
Under 5: 19
6-19 years: 35
20-24 years: 80
25-59 years: 409
60-100 years: 200
*Based on known ages of those served.
Percentage Served by County
Monroe: 43%
Washtenaw: 38%
Other Michigan Counties: 13%
Livingston: 5%
Other Non-Michigan: 1%
Our Work
Every day, we empower individuals with disabilities to live fuller, more meaningful lives. Through personalized support, advocacy, and a wide range of programs, we help each person achieve their fullest potential, build new skills, and find a true sense of belonging.
As a dynamic community enrichment and advocacy center, we offer individualized counseling, skill-building classes, arts and recreation programs, and more. Our goal is to create a place where individuals with disabilities can connect with others, advocate for their needs, and thrive in a supportive environment.
Proudly serving people across Southeast Michigan, we impact the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and the wider community. Together, we create a stronger, more inclusive world.
Arts & Recreation Programming
DNWML offers a wide array of recreational activities and creative experiences, providing opportunities for participants to explore new interests and enjoy time with friends in a supportive, relaxed environment. We regularly collaborate with other organizations to bring fresh, engaging opportunities to our community.
Career Services
At DNWML, we provide consumer-driven employment programming to empower individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about working while living with a disability. Our services are designed to support career development, skill-building, and job placement.
Community & Individual Advocacy
The Disability Community Action Lab (DCAL) is a collective of community members who work together to identify issues, gather information, and take action to make a meaningful difference in the disability community. Through advocacy, we amplify voices and create positive change.
Community Transition Services
Our Community Transition Program helps nursing facility residents explore and transition to community-based living options. Funded through Medicaid, this program offers support to individuals who wish to move out of institutional settings and into independent living environments.
Disability Awareness & Consulting Services
Our Disability Awareness Workshop (DAW) is a one-day program designed to foster empathy and understanding among school-age students. Through interactive learning, students gain insights into physical, developmental, and learning disabilities, building a more inclusive community. Disability Awareness Trainings (DATs) are programs for businesses, non-profits, university departments, college classes and any group of adults wanting to think more deeply about disability. We can help your organization become aware of types of disability and disability identity and consider aspects of equity and inclusion of people with disabilities in their work and education.
Independent Living Skills Development
Independent Living is all about empowering individuals to make their own choices regarding daily activities, living arrangements, and social connections. Our development services provide both group and individual skill development to help participants achieve greater autonomy and fulfillment in life.
Information & Referral Services
The Information & Referral Services (I&R) team helps individuals access vital resources in their community. Whether it’s assistance with applying for door-to-door transportation, borrowing a walker from our loan closet, or finding emergency shelter, our team is dedicated to connecting you with the services you need. Through strong community partnerships, we ensure you have the tools and support necessary to achieve your independent living goals.
Peer Support
Peer Support connects individuals who share similar life experiences, fostering a sense of community and providing valuable strategies for managing day-to-day challenges. It’s a space where you can feel supported and less isolated in your disability journey.
Youth Summer Camps
Camp New Horizons is our annual summer camp for youth with disabilities, ages 14-26. This multi-week day camp provides an opportunity for campers to engage in enriching activities, including sports and arts programs. In collaboration with the University of Michigan’s Adaptive Sports & Fitness, we offer an unforgettable experience where youth gain new skills, build friendships, and explore their potential.
Our Community
At the heart of our work are the individuals whose lives we strive to uplift and empower every day. In this section, we are proud to share the stories of community members who have experienced firsthand the difference our support can make. These powerful narratives highlight the resilience, strength, and creativity of people with disabilities, and showcase how, together, we are breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive world. Each story is a testament to the positive change DNWML is helping to bring about.
Shalonda's Story
Keegan's Story
A Caregiver's Testimonial
Transcription of A Caregiver’s Testimonial by Ashley
I just wanted to make a voice memo saying that Claire and Krystina are amazing. I think they’re amazing at their jobs. You know, just watching them help all individuals in the camp work towards their goals. You know, Krystina and Claire are welcoming and inclusive and bring in such a positive energy to the environment and it makes everyone feel so welcoming and especially Eliana.
Having people like that in her life are so important and I’m so happy and so thankful for Claire and Krystina for making an environment to be inclusive and positive and happy and they just welcome everyone to be their full selves and you know, it’s amazing to see Claire and Krystina also be themselves.
You know, I see their personalities and they, again, are amazing people and I’m very thankful to have known them and to still getting to know them and for their kind of work in the disability community. I think they are really making an impact.
Thank You Note by Kathy
I wanted to thank you again for reaching out to me and Dani about becoming a consumer at Disability Network, in particular, Theatre Be. Even though we met for the first time at your previous theatre session, it seems as though we had been participating in this program for the past year. Dani looks forward to going to theatre every Monday and looks forward to seeing you and all of her friends! Dani tells me that she likes to go because she is good at acting and Robin is a lot of fun!
As a parent, it has been heartwarming to watch as Dani becomes more independent and looking to others than myself when she needs help. It is also amazing to see her sit through an hour or organized instruction without getting bored and having to take a walk. Watching Dani express herself in the group brings a smile to my face. This is something that she really enjoys, and it truly makes her happy. I give so much credit to you, Robin, because you are so engaged with not just Dani, but with all participants. I also feel that if I had to run out for a quick errand, Dani would be left in a safe space and that is a feeling that rarely occurs!
Thank you again for all you do. Dani is excited to become more involved with theatre as well as other events at Disability Network.
Benefits Successes by Amy
I think my favorite success story of this year is my consumer who came for help applying for disability after having Covid and suffering significant long-term disabilities. She was a teacher with Monroe Public schools for many years. After she ran out of sick time, her fellow teachers donated their sick and vacation time to give her income for two additional years while she applied for disability. While her claim was being assessed she had three additional hospitalizations, through continuous communication I kept SSA updated on everything happening to her. She finally received a decision. Receiving SSDI for herself and her two children and addition to them going back over 15 months as her disability start date, resulting in her receiving an extremely generous backpay check. All of this came just as her oldest child was graduating from high school and now has the ability to go to college. In addition by going back so far, she instantly was eligible for Medicare.
I have two others who I was able to get them SSI and they both decided to try working too, they both found jobs and have learned the process of reporting to SSA while working, one is doing so well he is progressing to likely work himself off disability.
Janet’s Story
I have been working with Kari since earlier this year but will be moving out of the area soon. Wanda and Kari have been a wonderful support for me.
I have no printer, and Kari has helped me obtain hard copies of important documents, called me just to say hi, kept me moving forward when all else seemed impossible. I will miss her.
Other call outs are to Wanda. She is the one who got me connected to Kari. She is an amazing compassionate and listens so well.
And then Eliot, thank you for helping me with my computer and phone settings.
Donor Support
We are deeply grateful to the individuals, foundations, and organizations whose generosity has made our work possible. Your unwavering support enables us to continue creating meaningful change in the communities we serve. Thanks to you, we are able to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and bring our mission to life. Every gift—whether large or small—plays a vital role in driving the success of our mission. Together, we are supporting and advocating for the disability community. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey.
Thank you to our U of M football season parkers!
Albert Chan
Ann Arbor (Host) Lions Club
Ben Hunholz
Beverly & Guy Mattinson
Bob & Gail Henry
Bruce & Robert Brenton
Carol Burton
Charlotte Miller
Christina Lirones
Clark & Amy Shuler
Comcast Heartland Region
Cornerstone Design
Darry & Tobi Dusbiber
David & Jill Esau
Denise Braun
Diane Rosenblum
Dr. Carrie & Jeremia Pilarski
Dr. Katharine Seagly
Douglas Cowherd
Edward Hurvitz
Eric Burton
Erica Melnykowycz
Erin Carlton
Francis & Kathleen Tinney
George Lowrie III
Geraldine Allen
Griff & Pat McDonald
Iglesia New Life Acym
Jack Wilson
Jerri Valentine
Jill Kurzava
Jim Ludwig
Jimmy Hollowell
Jodi Kreschmer
Joel Bailey
Johanna Mabry
John Vartanian
Julie Murtha
Karen Laurel
Katy Held
Kestly Development
Key Bank
Kirsten Slowins
Lana Pollack
Leon & Laurelyn Hewitt
Linda Hunt
Lucas Field
Marcia & Chuck Seigerman
Maurita Peterson Holland
Neighborhood Roofing
O’Neal Construction
Prairie Flower Vintage
Randall Bilby
Rebecca Altschuler
Rebecca Lewis
Rick & Gretchen Weir
Robin Bennett
Roger & Christina Chang
Roger Erlandson Family
Sharon Balius
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Steve & Mary Graves Foundation
Superior Van & Mobility
Susan Schultz
Susan Whitlock
UAW Local 723
University of Michigan
Washtenaw County ISD
Donate Today
At DNWML, we are dedicated to providing vital programs and resources that help individuals with disabilities thrive. From classes and groups to support for essential services, we are committed to removing barriers and fostering a more inclusive community for everyone. Your generous donation makes a direct impact on our community.
Donate today and be a part of creating a world where everyone has the tools to succeed. Together, we can make a lasting difference!
