DePaul Annual Report 25-26

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Annual Report 2025

Opening doors to hope and belonging

Table of Contents 1 Letter from Our CFO 1 Licensure and Membership 2 Financial Statements 3 Together For True Belonging 4 Making More Possible 7 Forming A Family 8 When We Show Up 10 Finding Her Safe Space 11 Impact and Need 12 You Made It Possible

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CREDITS: President & CEO: Renee Brown Director of Development: Daria VanRavestein Editor-in-Chief: Alison Wickline-Burns Layout and Design: Billy Chase

Cover Photography: Wild Ferns Artistry *see stories for other photo credits

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Letter from Our Chief Financial Officer

As we reflect on the past year at DePaul, I want to extend my sincere gratitude for your continued generosity and trust. Your support plays a vital role in sustaining DePaul’s mission and advancing the life-changing programs that serve our communities. I am pleased to share with you in this annual report how your contributions helped strengthen both our work and our financial foundation in 2025. (see page 2) This past year, DePaul’s total expenses were $27.2 million. Thanks to donors like you, $23.3 million, nearly 86% of every dollar spent, was invested directly in program services that touch the lives of the children, individuals, and families we serve. By keeping occupancy costs at just 2.9% of total expenses and program support costs at 11.5%, we ensure that resources are used efficiently while providing our teams with the tools and infrastructure needed to deliver high‑quality, mission-driven care. As we enter 2026, our financial position remains strong. During the past year, contributions from donors like you totaled $468,156, alongside $605,359 in investment income. These resources allow us to strengthen our programs, expand our reach, and respond to the needs of those we serve. Each gift, no matter the size, plays a meaningful role in deepening our impact. Your partnership ensures that DePaul can continue providing compassionate, life‑changing services across our communities. Thank you for walking alongside us, for believing in this work, and for helping us build a lasting foundation of stability, hope, and belonging for those who need it most. With appreciation,

Mike Norton Chief Financial Officer

Licensure and Membership

Licensed by

Member of

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Financial Statements

$776,309 2.9 % Occupancy Costs

Total Expenses $27,237,442

$23,315,229 85.6 % Direct Program Costs

$3,145,904 11.5 % Program Support Costs

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION

SUPPORT AND REVENUE

Current Assets and Investments

$10,539,839

Program Services*

$26,558,507

Property and Equipment

$2,669,258

Contributions

$468,156

Total Assets

$13,209,097

Investment Income Less Expenses

$605,359

Government Grants

—

Current and Total Liabilities

$3,922,069

Other Income

$6,371

Net Assets $9,287,028 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $13,209,097

Total

$27,638,393

*Includes 1,629,786 of grant revenues

Information pulled from annual financial audit as of June 30 each year.

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Together For True Belonging Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Daydreamer Photography

Brenda, Lisa, and Nicki have a beautiful bond—a bond that has helped Nicki, who is deaf and blind, feel truly seen and heard for the first time in her life. “I’ve never seen her this happy, and I think it’s because of Lisa and I and the way we are caring for her now,” said Brenda, Nicki’s mom. “It’s the first time that she’s been able to be with people that could communicate 100 percent with her and all the focus has been on her.” Lisa and Nicki first met through DePaul’s former day support program in Waynesboro in 2006. There was an immediate connection

Brenda. “Also, to have somebody that genuinely cares for her … my mother heart feels so blessed. She was a job for everybody else, but I don’t believe she has ever been a job for Lisa. It’s a beauti ful relationship.” And if you ask Lisa, she echoes what Brenda said: Caring for Nicki is not a job, it’s her calling—the passion and purpose of her life. “Seeing the happiness, the laughter, the memories, the oppor tunities,” said Lisa. “I always knew I wanted to do this.” Today, Nicki’s life is full. She splits days between her mom’s

and Lisa started learning how to care for Nicki in the way that she needed. When Lisa saw that Nicki communicated through tactile signing, she learned it. She stayed in touch with Brenda as the years passed, checking in on Nicki and doing companionship care for the family. Then, when Lisa found out that Nicki’s new group home was not working out, she became a sponsored provider for her through DePaul’s Sponsored Residential Program. “I’m 73 and I really needed my daughter somewhere that was stable and communication was foremost,” said

house and Lisa’s house. She is happier and healthier. She likes to do puzzles and take walks. She is learn ing to be more independent. And she loves to go outside and feel the rain. She communicates constantly, sometimes through signing and sometimes through words … “mama” and “bye-bye” and “love Lisa.” “We both respect each other, honor each other’s lives, and we both love Nicki,” said Brenda. “We both have the same goal: to give Nicki as much as we can in this life.”

“She was a job for everybody else, but I don’t believe she has ever been a job for Lisa. It’s a beautiful relationship.”

— BRENDA

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Making More Possible Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Wild Ferns Artistry

Being in Bella’s presence is a true joy. She is vibrant, smart, and determined—a light to those around her. She deserves to live a life without limits, a life full of opportunity and the freedom to dream. Bella’s mom, Michelle, fights every day to make that life possible for her. “She has taught me how to be more patient, to slow down and appreciate the things that I once overlooked,” said Michelle. “She has made me a better mother.” Michelle used to feel alone in this fight, but not anymore. Now, DePaul’s Agency-Directed Services (ADS) Program is with the family every step of the way, helping them navigate the often difficult and overwhelming situations of caring for a child with a disability and providing support whenever it’s needed. “Things are so much easier now,” said Michelle. “Because of DePaul, I don’t have to worry about authorizations being missed or time sheets not entered. If I have a question, DePaul is always ready to help me find the answer. I have resources I need and people

who genuinely care about my daughter and our family.” For Bella, life with cerebral palsy means a lot of occupational therapy and physical ther apy appointments on top of the typical busy schedule of an active, social teenager. Couple that with Michelle working two jobs to provide financial stability for the family and one can see how it would be nearly impossible to find time for everything without help. DePaul’s ADS Program allows Michelle to be present at work while being confident her daughter is receiving the care she deserves. “My oldest daughter, Kayla, is Bella’s caregiver,” said Michelle. “Being able to hire someone who I trust, who knows Bella, and who knows my expec tations for Bella’s care has been a huge relief.” Today, the family is finding their groove and Bella is living the beautiful life she deserves. “I want Bella to be happy and as independent as possible,” said Michelle. “I want her to always feel included and to know she can follow her dreams and do all things.”

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“I have resources I need and people who genuinely care about my daughter and our family.”

— MICHELLE

“It has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives to walk with them through this journey—to fight for them, to celebrate their victories, and to watch their resilience as they grow into the amazing young people they are becoming,”

— DERRICK

Forming A Family Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Ryan Raines Photo

“For us, this journey has reshaped our hearts in the deepest ways,” said Derrick. “It has taught us what unconditional love really looks like—not based on circumstances, outcomes, or biology, but on the daily choice to be there and care.” The Pattersons’ journey to become a family of six has been challenging and life changing, a beautiful testament to the faith they hold in their hearts. It was also a testament to the lasting impact of a safe, loving family for children in need. “Because of the love and covering I received as an adopted child, we felt led to extend that same love to others—children whom God places in our lives for a season or a lifetime,” said Kati. While there was no question that Derrick and Kati were being called to become foster parents, there was consideration of how it would affect their biological child, Hadleigh. They knew that foster care came with unknowns and they recognized how that could impact Hadleigh’s kind, gentle heart. But they trusted her and trusted that DePaul’s foster care team would be there for the whole family through all the ups and downs. “When she was first interviewed during the process, the words spoken over her were, ‘She has the biggest heart and it may hurt through this process,’” said Derrick. “That has proven true, but her willingness to share that heart has been a gift to every child who has entered our home. With her brothers and sister, Hadleigh has shown unwav ering love, embracing them not as foster siblings but as her own.” The Pattersons first welcomed Tyler into their home. He came from a broken place, both emotion

ally and physically. He was grieving the loss of his great-grandmother, the one person who had shown him steady love. It took time, consistency, and encouragement, but soon Tyler found peace and healing with the Pattersons. Then, Kayden and Kendall came into their home carrying trauma and fear. They needed stability and a place where they could find comfort and calm. In the Pattersons’ warm, loving, nurturing home, three children’s lives changed and a forever family of six formed. “It has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives to walk with them through this journey—to fight for them, to celebrate their victories, and to watch their resilience as they grow into the amazing young people they are becoming,” said Derrick. Derrick and Kati are honest about the difficulties their family has faced during this journey. “Foster care comes with unknowns and as a family, we often must live with both hope and heartbreak at the same time,” said Derrick. “Each struggle has stretched us, deepened our compassion, and reminded us of the importance of showing up day after day.” And they remain humble about the heart-heal ing, life-changing role they played and continue to play in these children’s lives. They praise their faith, their family, their community, and DePaul for building these unbreakable bonds. “They don’t just place children in homes—they surround families with the resources, wisdom, and support needed to help children heal and thrive,” said Kati. “For us, the best part of working with DePaul has been the way they see the whole child, not just the circumstances.”

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When We Show Up Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Carla Funk Photography

When Timothy entered foster care at 12 years old, he didn’t know where his life was headed. His chaotic past had left him with trauma, a fear of the future, and uncertainty of the unknown. “I was lost, I didn’t know what to do and didn’t have

Timothy knows it is the people and the program who showed up for him that made this growth possible. One of those people is Vicki, who met Timothy through short-term care and made a lifelong connection with him. Short-term care

any guidance or support,” said Timothy. “You’re so used to bad situations, you can’t see anything else. You feel like you’re going to be stuck there forever and don’t know if you’ll find anything good in your life.” What Timothy didn’t know at that time was that people would show up for him who cared about him and wanted the best for him. DePaul’s Independent Living Program welcomed Timothy with open arms, ready to help him navi gate life after foster care and plan for the bright future he deserved.

through DePaul gives foster youth a safe place to stay if their foster parents need to travel, get medical care, or just take a break and recharge. “He just felt like part of our family and we trusted each other from the very beginning,” said Vicki. “We just wanted him to know that he had somebody he could call, somebody he could depend on, somebody that cared about him.” Since that first meeting, Vicki and her family have

“They’re guiding me on a good path … they’ve been really helpful, just amazing to me,” said Timothy. “I don’t really know where I would be without the program.” While he’s been in the program, Timothy has learned life skills like budgeting and taking care of his apartment. He got his driver’s license and purchased a car. He’s hoping to attend college and study business management. “I’ve grown a lot,” said Timothy. “I had a lot of anger issues. I felt like what I went through messed me up, but I think I’ve changed and matured and I’m happier.”

continued to show up for Timothy, attending his high school graduation, celebrating holidays together, and sometimes simply sitting down at the dinner table for a shared meal and conversation. Vicki has loved watching Timothy flourish and find hope and a vision for his future. “I’m just so thankful and so happy about how her family has welcomed me,” said Timothy. “As long as he wants us to be, we are going to be part of his life,” said Vicki.

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“They’re guiding me on a good path … they’ve been really helpful, just amazing to me.”

— TIMOTHY

Finding Her Safe Space Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Cadijha Wilson

2017 was a hard year for Daniela and her family. She was adjusting to life with the two sons she adopted, learning to parent children with special needs, and facing a mari tal separation. Her work schedule had changed and her connection to family and friends felt fragile. She needed help, so she reached out to DePaul. “Everything I knew started shifting and changing for me,” said Daniela. “I knew that my children needed me and that I needed a consistent avenue to becoming mentally and emotionally healthy. I did not want to lose hope; I wanted to thrive.” Since 2017, Daniela has attended regular therapy sessions with Kim through DePaul’s Counseling Services Program. The sessions have challenged her and changed her. “I know that when I’m feeling great, disappointed, over whelmed, underappreciated, confident, and all the things, I have a space with DePaul that is safe and nonjudgmental where I can be my true self,” said Daniela. “I can smile or cry, and I’ve learned that I can do hard things. Counseling is my space.”

Daniela says therapy has made a positive impact on her whole family. It has helped her navigate coparenting, a new relationship, and another adoption. “We are a close-knit family still learning new things and growing,” said Daniela. “The last few years with its challenges has proven to us that we are in this together and we are better when we work together.” Daniela is proud of her courage in seeking help and proud of her commitment and consistency to keep showing up for herself and her family. She sings the praises of DePaul’s Counseling Services Program and encourages others in similar situations to consider the life-changing impacts of therapy. “I know counseling pulled out the characteristics in me that I had disqualified and doubted,” said Daniela. “We all wear so many hats and titles and get pulled and have an expectation to meet all kinds of demands and needs as caretakers. We owe it to ourselves and those we love, work with, and live with to be healthy.”

“I know that when I’m feeling great, disappointed, overwhelmed, underappreciated, confident, and all the things, I have a space with DePaul that is safe and nonjudgmental where I can be my true self.”

— DANIELA

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Your 2025 Impact… ❤ Foster Care: 97 children and teens experienced safety and healing in a family home. ❤ Adoption: 190 children and teens received support during their adoption process, including 109 who were officially welcomed into their forever homes. 340 families received post-adoption services for enhanced stability and connection. ❤ Day Support: 32 individuals with disabilities were provided opportunities for social inclusion, skill-building, and community engagement. ❤ Sponsored Residential Care: 135 individuals with disabilities resided in family homes instead of institutions. ❤ Counseling Services: 249 individuals and families worked toward healing and strengthened their relationships. ❤ Independent Living: 30 young adults transitioned into college, employ ment, and stable housing. ❤ Kinship Care: 28 families were provided vital kinship support resources to ensure 46 children stayed close to their family network and out of foster care. Needs met by the kinship care program range from home and car repairs to rent and groceries. ❤ Agency-Directed Services: 259 families received services so they could care for their loved ones with a disability in their own home. What Needs To Be Done… ❤ 1 , 726 children in foster care are waiting to be adopted. Source: Virginia Department of Social Services, December 2025 ❤ 65 adults still reside in training centers. Source: The Arc of Virginia, December 2025 ❤ 816 children are living in temporary care facilities, group homes, or residential treatment facilities. Source: Virginia Department of Social Services, December 2025 ❤ 14 , 222 Virginians with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities are on waiting lists for waivers. Source: The Arc of Virginia, December 2025 ❤ 454 youth aged out of foster care without a permanent placement between 11/1/2024 and 10/31/2025. Source: Virginia Department of Social Services, December 2025

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You Made It Possible

For the fourth year in a row, the E. C. Wareheim Foundation has awarded DePaul’s Independent Living (IL) Program a generous $20,000 to support young adults ages 18 to 21 who have aged out of foster care. Again, this year, Irvin and Sam Marshall also made sure every IL youth received Christmas gifts, adding a special touch to the season. Ayers Financial Services and Keller Williams further stepped up by organizing donation drives with their clients and employees, helping provide items from the youths’ monthly supply and apartment wish lists. These young adults have faced significant hardships in the foster care system, and many have endured abuse and neglect. Without a permanent family or the opportunities needed to thrive, they are at heightened risk of challenges such as homelessness, substance use, violence, and incarceration. Thanks to the incredible support from these partners, DePaul’s IL Program can strengthen the odds for these youth and equip them with the tools they need to pursue their goals and build brighter futures. contributions strengthen our emergency support fund, which helps at‑risk children and their families access urgent needs, assistive items, and therapeutic services they would otherwise be unable to obtain or afford. Every day at DePaul, we see children in foster care and their families facing crises and struggling to secure services that could significantly improve their quality of life. When agencies deny funding for essential services or emergency items, the financial burden falls on families who may lack adequate Medicaid or insurance coverage. Without this critical support, children can experience serious setbacks to their health, well‑being, and long‑term outcomes. Thanks to the Hughes Philanthropic Society, children served by DePaul do not have to go without the vital items and services they need. Their generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children across our communities. For six years, the Hughes Philanthropic Society has generously supported DePaul’s work with children in need. Their

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The Community Foundation of Central Blue Ridge, the Al Stroobants Foundation, and the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation awarded DePaul a combined $15,500 this year to enhance activities for participants in our OPTIONS day support programs in Madison Heights and Fishersville, Virginia. DePaul’s OPTIONS centers provide welcoming, supportive spaces where individuals with disabilities can truly belong. Each day is filled with activities—both inside the center and out in the community—designed around the abilities, interests, and goals of each participant. Thanks to these generous grants, our OPTIONS centers received vital program support that allowed participants to engage in meaningful, enriching, and fun experiences beyond the walls of the center.

The Marietta McNeill Morgan and Samuel Tate Morgan, Jr. Trust and the Nunnally Foundation awarded funding to support critical training needs and CPR equipment for our Amelia and Hanover offices, ensuring high‑quality instruction for sponsored providers, families, and staff in the Richmond area. Infant, child, and adult CPR and First Aid training is mandatory for all sponsored providers and staff before they can care for individuals with disabilities. Because many of the individuals we serve have significant medical needs, this training is especially vital. These grants also equipped six DePaul service locations with life‑saving AEDs, including our offices in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Abingdon, Hanover, Amelia, and Christiansburg. Together, these locations provide a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities, children, and families across the state—such as sponsored residential services, foster care, adoption, counseling, agency‑directed services, and more.

In 2025, DePaul received generous grants totaling over $40,000 from the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation, The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia, the National Home Library Foundation, and Children’s Speedway Charities to support our Foster Care, Adoption, and Kinship Care programs. This external support allows DePaul to help children and families avoid devastating outcomes and ensures our foster families can provide safe, nurturing home environments with the standard of care every child deserves. Without the commitment of these foundations and charities, DePaul would not have been able to meet the critical needs of these young children or provide the essential support we need for our programs.

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OUR CORPORATE MISSION We work to support the success of our clients by providing a high-quality, sustainable, accountable, and supportive organization that clears the skies for our workforce. CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES MISSION We work to ensure safety, promote permanency, facilitate healing, and support independence for the children and families we serve. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES SERVICES MISSION

We work to support personal choice, promote individual growth, and increase social inclusion to improve quality of life for individuals who have a developmental disability.

Office Key

Day Support

* remote work location

Hanover

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