2023-11-13T10:47:22-05:00 2023-06-30 621409003 MULLINS CLEMMONS & MAYES PLLC 340 SEVEN SPRINGS WAY STE 720 BRENTWOOD TN 370275098 990 2022-07-01 620498798 BRIDGES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING BRID 6152488828 935 EDGEHILL AVENUE NASHVILLE TN 37203 NANCY DENNING-MARTIN PRESIDENT AND CEO 6152488828 2023-11-09 true NANCY DENNING-MARTIN 999009999 true LARRY D MULLINS P00865882 6153708576 2023-11-13 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z NANCY DENNING-MARTIN 935 EDGEHILL AVENUE NASHVILLE TN 37203 2760279 false X WWW.BRIDGESFORDEAFANDHH.ORG X 1948 TN BRIDGES FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STRIVES TO BE THE HUB OF THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES, SERVING THEM THROUGH A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS FROM BIRTH THROUGH ELDER YEARS. OUR MISSION IS TO BUILD ACCESS, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION. ADULT EDUCATION & OUTREACH SERVED 1,802 UNDUPLICATED CLIENTS. THERE WERE 216 STUDENTS IN ASL I, II, AND III CLASSES THAT WERE ONSITE, ONLINE, OR COMMUNITY BASED. AEO PRESENTED 71 VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS ON DEAF CULTURE AND ASL IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE BUSINESSES, UNIVERSITIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS, CONGREGATIONS, AND AGENCIES AND PRESENTED/HOSTED 14 WORKSHOPS FOR THE D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES. THE STATEWIDE DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASS HAD 18 STUDENTS, AND THERE WERE 7 GED STUDENTS WITH TWO ATTAINING THEIR GEDS THIS YEAR. NINE DEAF COMMUNITY MEMBERS MET MONTHLY WITH THE SLOVAK ASSOCIA 12 12 26 39 0 543077 454155 1739729 2234430 1240 1585 44828 38690 2328874 2728860 0 0 969896 1042504 0 108614 1430527 1756679 2400423 2799183 -71549 -70323 3376603 3308401 477954 478346 2898649 2830055 X TO BUILD ACCESS, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION. true false 1481100 2190172 INTERPRETING SERVICES - FROM BRIDGESTN, 27,594 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY A TEAM OF STAFF AND FREELANCE INTERPRETERS, INCLUDING 895 HOURS BY DEAF INTERPRETERS, 736 PRO BONO HOURS, AND 95 HOURS OF CART. FROM BRIDGESWEST, WE PROVIDED OVER 5,495 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, INCLUDING 460 PRO BONO HOURS. THAT'S A TOTAL OF OVER 33,000 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES WE PROVIDED IN TENNESSEE INTERPRETING SERVICES WITH BRIDGESTN ALSO PROVIDED 2,330 VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING (VRI) MINUTES. VRI ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE SERVICES QUICKLY AND COST-EFFECTIVELY TO REMOTE AREAS BUT NEVER REPLACES THE VALUE AND QUALITY OF HAVING AN INTERPRETER IN PERSON. ACCESS ON DEMAND PROVIDED 208 HOURS OF ON-DEMAND SERVICE. BRIDGESDHH WAS AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR GRANT TO TRAIN 240 EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETERS IN TENNESSEE INTERPRETING SERVICES PROVIDED A ROBUST PROGRAM OF VIRTUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, USING QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS WITH SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE TO OFFER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON TOPICS SUCH AS LEGAL, MEDICAL, PERFORMANCE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND MORE. INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTINUES TO LEAD THE PUSH FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING, LEADING A STATEWIDE MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE. INTERPRETING SERVICES SIGNED OUR FIRST ACCESS ON DEMAND CONTRACT WITH A MIDDLE TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY. AOD IS A NEW ON-DEMAND, VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING SERVICE. ACCESS ON DEMAND CREATES ACCESS WHERE IT DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST-IN THOSE IMPROMPTU, WALK INTO THE STORE/PHARMACY/PROFESSOR'S OFFICE/TRAFFIC STOP INTERACTIONS THAT SEEM SMALL BUT THAT HAVE A HUGE IMPACT. CUSTOMERS OF THIS SERVICE SIMPLY CLICK ON A LINK OR APP ON ANY SMARTPHONE, TABLET, OR COMPUTER, AND A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER APPEARS IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE, NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. ACCESS ON DEMAND ALSO OFFERS OVER 200 SPOKEN LANGUAGES, MEANING OUR SERVICE HAS BROAD APPEAL, ALLOWING US TO WORK WITH A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT CUSTOMERS AND TO MAKE QUALITY ASL, EQUAL ACCESS, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION A PRIORITY. 500360 BRIDGESWEST - THE STORY OF BRIDGESWEST IS GROWTH, GROWTH, GROWTH BRIDGESWEST SERVED 449 CLIENTS AND HOSTED 7 WORKSHOPS AND 5 COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AS WELL AS 57 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING TAX DAYS, TRUNK OR TREAT, DEAF DAYS OUT IN THE PARK, POLICE TRAININGS, AND MORE. BRIDGESWEST ALSO PROVIDED 117 REFERRALS AND 121 HOURS OF EDUCATION, INCLUDING ASL CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS. THE SIGNING ACES, OUR YOUTH PROGRAM IN MEMPHIS CONTINUED OUR SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES. WE WERE PROUD TO WORK WITH SHELBY COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MEMPHIS TO MAKE NEWS BRIEFINGS, CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, MLGW BOARD MEETINGS, AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT BRIEFINGS ACCESSIBLE. WE PROVIDED OVER 5,495 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, INCLUDING 460 PRO BONO HOURS. 181928 ADULT EDUCATION & OUTREACH - AEO SERVED 1,802 UNDUPLICATED CLIENTS. THERE WERE 216 STUDENTS IN ASL I, II, AND III CLASSES THAT WERE ONSITE, ONLINE, OR COMMUNITY BASED. AEO PRESENTED 71 VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS ON DEAF CULTURE AND ASL IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE BUSINESSES, UNIVERSITIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS, CONGREGATIONS, AND AGENCIES AND PRESENTED/HOSTED 14 WORKSHOPS FOR THE D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES. THE STATEWIDE DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASS HAD 18 STUDENTS, AND THERE WERE 7 GED STUDENTS WITH TWO ATTAINING THEIR GEDS THIS YEAR. NINE DEAF COMMUNITY MEMBERS MET MONTHLY WITH THE SLOVAK ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF IN OUR CULTURAL EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIP. AEO HOSTED OUR 4TH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT, TAX DAYS, COMMUNITY HEALTH & VACCINE CLINICS, THANKSGIVING, GAME DAYS, AND SIGNING SANTA. WE HELD BOWLING EVENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES--PUTNAM AND WARREN COUNTIES. 256220 44258 ADVOCACY - WE CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD ON INCREASED ACCESS AND QUALITY OF CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES IN MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND SUPPORTED HOUSING SERVICES, HOSTING OUR FIRST TOWN HALL ON MENTAL HEALTH IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY. THIS SUCCESSFUL TRAINING AND DIALOGUE TO PROVIDERS AND THE COMMUNITY LED TO TRAINING ALL OF TENNESSEE'S STATE-RUN MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALS AND STATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR INTERPRETERS. WE ESTABLISHED OPEN CAPTION MOVIES FOR SUMMER SERIES HOSTED BY NASHVILLE, CLARKSVILLE, MURFREESBORO, MCMINNVILLE, AND COOKEVILLE. WE CONTINUED THE LITTLE PANTRY IN NASHVILLE, ALLOWING OUR NEIGHBORS BOTH TO PARTICIPATE IN SHARING FOOD AND IN RECEIVING FOOD AS NEEDED. WE HOSTED COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, JOHNSON CITY, AND VIRTUALLY TO SET OUR STRATEGIC PLANS. WE WORKED WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND THE STATE OF TENNESSEE TO ADDRESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS AND READINESS TO INCLUDE OUR D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES. WE PLANNED AND FACILITATED PANEL ON DISABILITY IN DIVERSITY: INCLUSION FOR THE D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING FOR THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NASHVILLE AND FOR THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT. WE PRODUCED A VIDEO AND NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT MAKING HOLIDAYS MORE INCLUSIVE FOR D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. EMPOWERMENT - EMPOWERMENT IS OUR CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. EMPOWERMENT SERVED 245 INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS, PRIMARILY IN THE AREAS OF JOBS, HOUSING, INDIVIDUAL ACCESS, EDUCATION, AND ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH WRITTEN ENGLISH. OTHER PRIORITIES WERE FOOD SECURITY, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY, AND ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AND OTHER SERVICES. EMPOWERMENT MADE OVER 120 REFERRALS TO OTHER AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT & EDUCATION CENTER, DISABILITY RIGHTS TN, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES, FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER, ATTORNEYS, DOCTORS, CHURCHES, AND MORE. EMPOWERMENT COLLABORATED WITH THE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER TO PROVIDE BI-WEEKLY FINANCIAL COUNSELING, PROVIDING INTERPRETERS AND A SOCIAL WORKER TO WORK WITH THE COUNSELOR. IF THERE WERE IDENTIFIED BARRIERS TO PROGRAM PARTICIPATION, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO REMOVE THOSE BARRIERS. OVER 90% OF CLIENTS IN THE FINANCIAL PROGRAM HAD INCREASED CREDIT SCORES, PAID OFF DEBT, OR BUILT SAVINGS. WE PARTNERED WITH GENOA HEALTHCARE TO HOLD THREE VACCINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS. OUR EMPOWERMENT MANAGER SERVED ON THE MAYOR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. YOUTH EDUCATION & SERVICES - LITTLE ACES WELCOMED NEW DEAF MENTORS WHO MEET WITH FAMILIES WITH D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 5 EACH WEEK. THOSE FAMILIES ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO A FREE, WEEKLY PARENT ASL CLASS OFFERED VIRTUALLY. WE MATCHED FAMILIES IN NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, PARIS, AND COOKEVILLE, AND WE CONTINUE TO GROW. ENROLLMENT IN LITTLE ACES TRIPLED IN THE LAST YEAR. WE TRANSITIONED OUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM IN NASHVILLE TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING, PROVIDING WEEKLY DEAF MENTORS FOR EAKIN ELEMENTARY AND WEST END MIDDLE SCHOOL. IN MEMPHIS, WE CONTINUED OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR YOUTH SERVICES WITH THE I AM INCLUDED AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, AND WE MATCHED OUR FIRST DEAF MENTORS WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, WE HOSTED THE DEAF EDUCATION INSTITUTE VIRTUALLY. DEAF EDUCATORS, AND PARENTS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WE HOSTED SIGNING SANTA WHERE CHILDREN MET WITH A DEAF SANTA AND HIS INTERPRETER, RUDOLPH. WE FILMED AND DISTRIBUTED SANTA SIGNING "THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS." WE SPONSORED TRANSPORTATION FOR NASHVILLE'S DEAF ED PROGRAM TO VISIT THE NASHVILLE SOUNDS FOR FANTASY BASEBALL CAMP AND JOINED THEM FOR THE DAY. WE HOSTED FOUR FULL WEEKS OF CAMP SIGN ME UP FOR HEARING STUDENTS WHO WANT TO LEARN ASL AND DEAF CULTURE, AND WE WERE THRILLED TO WELCOME DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS WHO WERE EMBRACING THEIR IDENTITIES AND COMMUNITIES FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE WERE ALSO EXCITED TO HAVE A NEW CAMP COORDINATOR WHO IS DEAF AND TO HAVE TWO, TEEN COUNSELORS, BOTH DEAF, WHO GREW UP IN OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS CAMP RISE & SIGN WELCOMED STUDENTS FROM MIDDLE AND WEST TENNESSEE FOR OUR SECOND SUMMER CRS WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE--FULLY AND EQUALLY ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY D/DEAF, HARD OF HEARING, SIBLING, AND CODA STUDENT WHO ATTENDED. THE CAMPERS WERE AMAZING--KIND, GENEROUS, ENTHUSIASTIC. WE DID CANOES, THE ZIP LINE, AND A HIGH-VELOCITY SWING. WE SWAM DAILY AND DID ARTS AND CRAFTS. WE LEARNED ABOUT ASL STORYTELLING AND HAD A TALENT SHOW WITH SKITS ON OUR FINAL NIGHT. WE PLAYED LOTS OF VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL. WE MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS AND MEMORIES, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER AND DONOR AND PARTICULARLY FOR FOR THE KINGDOM CAMP AND SERTOMA CLUB OF NASHVILLE FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIPS. 256220 44258 2419608 true true false false false false false false false false true false false false true false true false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 72 0 false 26 true false false false false false false false false X 12 12 false false false false false false false true true false false true true true true true true true true false TN X X NANCY DENNING-MARTIN 6152488828 935 EDGEHILL AVENUE NASHVILLE TN 37203 NANCY DENNING-MARTIN PRESIDENT AN 45.00 X 111761 0 19706 KEITH BOLING TREASURER 1.50 X X 0 0 0 TONYA BOWMAN DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ED HICKEY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ASHTEN JOHNSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MIKE KNOTT VICE CHAIR 1.50 X X 0 0 0 BRENDA LAWSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 VERONICA MALLETT MD CHAIR 1.50 X X 0 0 0 RUSSELL PALK IMMEDIATE PA 1.00 X 0 0 0 LINDA PENNY DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JAN ROBINSON DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JASON ROSS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 LYNN WINANS SECRETARY 1.50 X X 0 0 0 111761 19706 1 false false false 358356 95799 454155 INTERPRETING, EMPLOYMENT AND 2190172 2190172 CLASSES, CAMPS, WORKSHOPS 44258 44258 2234430 2889 2889 1304 -1304 -1304 -1304 68575 30115 38460 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 230 230 230 2728860 2233356 2889 131467 92027 26293 13147 740917 545147 140915 54855 10625 6529 4072 24 97850 70079 18105 9666 61645 44776 12111 4758 13270 13270 53519 46605 6867 47 19853 16458 1567 1828 19364 13502 1262 4600 60821 40521 16570 3730 24026 23967 59 12324 12111 213 86752 60383 18530 7839 11645 5961 5077 607 INTERPRETERS' FEES 1374168 1374168 MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE 40623 27060 6050 7513 CLASS EXP & YOUTH & WELLN 40314 40314 2799183 2419608 270961 108614 273270 157500 683960 636824 39772 34643 280051 453641 5573 637 2736462 727598 2087126 2008864 6851 8580 7712 3376603 3308401 134332 139352 343622 331034 7960 477954 478346 X 2893794 2828971 4855 1084 2898649 2830055 3376603 3308401 -70323 1729 X false true X true X 537773 682801 761416 543077 454155 2979222 537773 682801 761416 543077 454155 2979222 185478 2793744 3606 4514 1961 1240 2889 14210 837 1340 3807 230 6214 2999646 2303005 0.93140 0.99240 X PART II, LINE 10 OTHER INCOME 6,214 RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 120164 120164 2384215 523904 1860311 232083 203694 28389 2008864 ROU LIABILITY 7960 7960 2730589 1729 1729 2728860 2728860 2799183 2799183 2799183 FUNDRAISING EVE 68575 68575 30115 68575 68575 30115 30115 38460 FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 2 IN MAY 2023, BRIDGESDHH WAS AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR GRANT TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETERS. THIS NEW EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETER TRAINING PROGRAM SERVES STATEWIDE, AND WE WELCOMED FOUR, NEW, FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2023. IN JUNE 2023, BRIDGESDHH OPENED BRIDGESEAST. BASED IN JOHNSON CITY, TN, THIS NEW LOCATION SERVES TENNESSEE COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE AS WELL AS PARTS OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A INTERPRETING SERVICES - FROM BRIDGESTN, 27,594 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY A TEAM OF STAFF AND FREELANCE INTERPRETERS, INCLUDING 895 HOURS BY DEAF INTERPRETERS, 736 PRO BONO HOURS, AND 95 HOURS OF CART. FROM BRIDGESWEST, WE PROVIDED OVER 5,495 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, INCLUDING 460 PRO BONO HOURS. THAT'S A TOTAL OF OVER 33,000 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES WE PROVIDED IN TENNESSEE INTERPRETING SERVICES WITH BRIDGESTN ALSO PROVIDED 2,330 VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING (VRI) MINUTES. VRI ALLOWS US TO PROVIDE SERVICES QUICKLY AND COST-EFFECTIVELY TO REMOTE AREAS BUT NEVER REPLACES THE VALUE AND QUALITY OF HAVING AN INTERPRETER IN PERSON. ACCESS ON DEMAND PROVIDED 208 HOURS OF ON-DEMAND SERVICE. BRIDGESDHH WAS AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR GRANT TO TRAIN 240 EDUCATIONAL INTERPRETERS IN TENNESSEE INTERPRETING SERVICES PROVIDED A ROBUST PROGRAM OF VIRTUAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, USING QUALIFIED INTERPRETERS WITH SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE TO OFFER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON TOPICS SUCH AS LEGAL, MEDICAL, PERFORMANCE, MENTAL HEALTH, AND MORE. INTERPRETING SERVICES CONTINUES TO LEAD THE PUSH FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING, LEADING A STATEWIDE MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE. INTERPRETING SERVICES SIGNED OUR FIRST ACCESS ON DEMAND CONTRACT WITH A MIDDLE TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY. AOD IS A NEW ON-DEMAND, VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETING SERVICE. ACCESS ON DEMAND CREATES ACCESS WHERE IT DID NOT PREVIOUSLY EXIST-IN THOSE IMPROMPTU, WALK INTO THE STORE/PHARMACY/PROFESSOR'S OFFICE/TRAFFIC STOP INTERACTIONS THAT SEEM SMALL BUT THAT HAVE A HUGE IMPACT. CUSTOMERS OF THIS SERVICE SIMPLY CLICK ON A LINK OR APP ON ANY SMARTPHONE, TABLET, OR COMPUTER, AND A QUALIFIED INTERPRETER APPEARS IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE, NO SCHEDULING REQUIRED. ACCESS ON DEMAND ALSO OFFERS OVER 200 SPOKEN LANGUAGES, MEANING OUR SERVICE HAS BROAD APPEAL, ALLOWING US TO WORK WITH A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT CUSTOMERS AND TO MAKE QUALITY ASL, EQUAL ACCESS, AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION A PRIORITY. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B BRIDGESWEST - THE STORY OF BRIDGESWEST IS GROWTH, GROWTH, GROWTH BRIDGESWEST SERVED 449 CLIENTS AND HOSTED 7 WORKSHOPS AND 5 COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AS WELL AS 57 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING TAX DAYS, TRUNK OR TREAT, DEAF DAYS OUT IN THE PARK, POLICE TRAININGS, AND MORE. BRIDGESWEST ALSO PROVIDED 117 REFERRALS AND 121 HOURS OF EDUCATION, INCLUDING ASL CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS. THE SIGNING ACES, OUR YOUTH PROGRAM IN MEMPHIS CONTINUED OUR SUCCESSFUL COLLABORATION WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OF YOUTH SERVICES. WE WERE PROUD TO WORK WITH SHELBY COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MEMPHIS TO MAKE NEWS BRIEFINGS, CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS, MLGW BOARD MEETINGS, AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT BRIEFINGS ACCESSIBLE. WE PROVIDED OVER 5,495 HOURS OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, INCLUDING 460 PRO BONO HOURS. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C ADULT EDUCATION & OUTREACH - AEO SERVED 1,802 UNDUPLICATED CLIENTS. THERE WERE 216 STUDENTS IN ASL I, II, AND III CLASSES THAT WERE ONSITE, ONLINE, OR COMMUNITY BASED. AEO PRESENTED 71 VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS ON DEAF CULTURE AND ASL IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE BUSINESSES, UNIVERSITIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS, CONGREGATIONS, AND AGENCIES AND PRESENTED/HOSTED 14 WORKSHOPS FOR THE D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES. THE STATEWIDE DRIVER'S EDUCATION CLASS HAD 18 STUDENTS, AND THERE WERE 7 GED STUDENTS WITH TWO ATTAINING THEIR GEDS THIS YEAR. NINE DEAF COMMUNITY MEMBERS MET MONTHLY WITH THE SLOVAK ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF IN OUR CULTURAL EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIP. AEO HOSTED OUR 4TH ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT, TAX DAYS, COMMUNITY HEALTH & VACCINE CLINICS, THANKSGIVING, GAME DAYS, AND SIGNING SANTA. WE HELD BOWLING EVENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES--PUTNAM AND WARREN COUNTIES. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D ADVOCACY - WE CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD ON INCREASED ACCESS AND QUALITY OF CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITIES IN MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND SUPPORTED HOUSING SERVICES, HOSTING OUR FIRST TOWN HALL ON MENTAL HEALTH IN THE DEAF COMMUNITY. THIS SUCCESSFUL TRAINING AND DIALOGUE TO PROVIDERS AND THE COMMUNITY LED TO TRAINING ALL OF TENNESSEE'S STATE-RUN MENTAL HEALTH HOSPITALS AND STATE FUNDING TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL TRAINING FOR INTERPRETERS. WE ESTABLISHED OPEN CAPTION MOVIES FOR SUMMER SERIES HOSTED BY NASHVILLE, CLARKSVILLE, MURFREESBORO, MCMINNVILLE, AND COOKEVILLE. WE CONTINUED THE LITTLE PANTRY IN NASHVILLE, ALLOWING OUR NEIGHBORS BOTH TO PARTICIPATE IN SHARING FOOD AND IN RECEIVING FOOD AS NEEDED. WE HOSTED COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, JOHNSON CITY, AND VIRTUALLY TO SET OUR STRATEGIC PLANS. WE WORKED WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND THE STATE OF TENNESSEE TO ADDRESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLANS AND READINESS TO INCLUDE OUR D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITIES. WE PLANNED AND FACILITATED PANEL ON DISABILITY IN DIVERSITY: INCLUSION FOR THE D/DEAF, DEAF-BLIND, AND HARD OF HEARING FOR THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NASHVILLE AND FOR THE CENTER FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT. WE PRODUCED A VIDEO AND NEWS ARTICLE ABOUT MAKING HOLIDAYS MORE INCLUSIVE FOR D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING FAMILY AND FRIENDS. EMPOWERMENT - EMPOWERMENT IS OUR CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. EMPOWERMENT SERVED 245 INDIVIDUAL CLIENTS, PRIMARILY IN THE AREAS OF JOBS, HOUSING, INDIVIDUAL ACCESS, EDUCATION, AND ASSISTING CLIENTS WITH WRITTEN ENGLISH. OTHER PRIORITIES WERE FOOD SECURITY, TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY, AND ADVOCACY FOR ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE, MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AND OTHER SERVICES. EMPOWERMENT MADE OVER 120 REFERRALS TO OTHER AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT & EDUCATION CENTER, DISABILITY RIGHTS TN, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES, FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER, ATTORNEYS, DOCTORS, CHURCHES, AND MORE. EMPOWERMENT COLLABORATED WITH THE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER TO PROVIDE BI-WEEKLY FINANCIAL COUNSELING, PROVIDING INTERPRETERS AND A SOCIAL WORKER TO WORK WITH THE COUNSELOR. IF THERE WERE IDENTIFIED BARRIERS TO PROGRAM PARTICIPATION, WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO REMOVE THOSE BARRIERS. OVER 90% OF CLIENTS IN THE FINANCIAL PROGRAM HAD INCREASED CREDIT SCORES, PAID OFF DEBT, OR BUILT SAVINGS. WE PARTNERED WITH GENOA HEALTHCARE TO HOLD THREE VACCINE AND COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINICS. OUR EMPOWERMENT MANAGER SERVED ON THE MAYOR'S ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. YOUTH EDUCATION & SERVICES - LITTLE ACES WELCOMED NEW DEAF MENTORS WHO MEET WITH FAMILIES WITH D/DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN AGES 0 TO 5 EACH WEEK. THOSE FAMILIES ALSO HAVE ACCESS TO A FREE, WEEKLY PARENT ASL CLASS OFFERED VIRTUALLY. WE MATCHED FAMILIES IN NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, PARIS, AND COOKEVILLE, AND WE CONTINUE TO GROW. ENROLLMENT IN LITTLE ACES TRIPLED IN THE LAST YEAR. WE TRANSITIONED OUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM IN NASHVILLE TO SCHOOL-BASED MENTORING, PROVIDING WEEKLY DEAF MENTORS FOR EAKIN ELEMENTARY AND WEST END MIDDLE SCHOOL. IN MEMPHIS, WE CONTINUED OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE FOR YOUTH SERVICES WITH THE I AM INCLUDED AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, AND WE MATCHED OUR FIRST DEAF MENTORS WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF INTERPRETING SERVICES, WE HOSTED THE DEAF EDUCATION INSTITUTE VIRTUALLY. DEAF EDUCATORS, AND PARENTS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY. WE HOSTED SIGNING SANTA WHERE CHILDREN MET WITH A DEAF SANTA AND HIS INTERPRETER, RUDOLPH. WE FILMED AND DISTRIBUTED SANTA SIGNING "THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS." WE SPONSORED TRANSPORTATION FOR NASHVILLE'S DEAF ED PROGRAM TO VISIT THE NASHVILLE SOUNDS FOR FANTASY BASEBALL CAMP AND JOINED THEM FOR THE DAY. WE HOSTED FOUR FULL WEEKS OF CAMP SIGN ME UP FOR HEARING STUDENTS WHO WANT TO LEARN ASL AND DEAF CULTURE, AND WE WERE THRILLED TO WELCOME DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING STUDENTS WHO WERE EMBRACING THEIR IDENTITIES AND COMMUNITIES FOR THE FIRST TIME. WE WERE ALSO EXCITED TO HAVE A NEW CAMP COORDINATOR WHO IS DEAF AND TO HAVE TWO, TEEN COUNSELORS, BOTH DEAF, WHO GREW UP IN OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS CAMP RISE & SIGN WELCOMED STUDENTS FROM MIDDLE AND WEST TENNESSEE FOR OUR SECOND SUMMER CRS WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE--FULLY AND EQUALLY ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY D/DEAF, HARD OF HEARING, SIBLING, AND CODA STUDENT WHO ATTENDED. THE CAMPERS WERE AMAZING--KIND, GENEROUS, ENTHUSIASTIC. WE DID CANOES, THE ZIP LINE, AND A HIGH-VELOCITY SWING. WE SWAM DAILY AND DID ARTS AND CRAFTS. WE LEARNED ABOUT ASL STORYTELLING AND HAD A TALENT SHOW WITH SKITS ON OUR FINAL NIGHT. WE PLAYED LOTS OF VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL. WE MADE LIFELONG FRIENDS AND MEMORIES, AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR EVERY VOLUNTEER AND DONOR AND PARTICULARLY FOR FOR THE KINGDOM CAMP AND SERTOMA CLUB OF NASHVILLE FOR THEIR SPONSORSHIPS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD REVIEWS IT, AND THE 990 IS DISTRIBUTED ELECTRONICALLY TO THE ENTIRE BOARD. IF READY, IT IS PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE BOARD WITH THE AUDIT. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C NEW BOARD MEMBERS ARE TRAINED ON POLICY AND PROCEDURE WHICH CONTAINS THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. THEY SIGN A COMMITMENT STATEMENT WHEN JOINING THE BOARD. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A IN HIRING THE PRESIDENT & CEO, THE BOARD ENGAGED A NONPROFIT CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT THE SEARCH AND TO ADVISE THE BOARD ON COMPENSATION. ONCE THE CEO IS HIRED, THE BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MONITORS COMPENSATION FOR THAT POSITION AND ESTABLISHES ANY PAY INCREASES FOLLOWING PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS AND/OR SALARY SURVEYS. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DID SO IN 2016 AS PART OF A CEO SEARCH, AND THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HAS DONE SO IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS AS PART OF THE ANNUAL REVIEW PROCESS. IN THE PAST FISCAL YEAR, THE BOARD ENGAGED THE SERVICES OF A CONSULTING FIRM TO DO A SALARY SURVEY AND RECOMMENDATION FOR THE CEO AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B FOR DIRECTORS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES, NONPROFIT SALARY SURVEYS AND REPORTS ARE CONSULTED TO ENSURE COMPETITIVE AND FAIR WAGES APPROPRIATE TO AGENCY SIZE AND BUDGET. THESE SALARY SURVEYS AND REPORTS ARE UPDATED PERIODICALLY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 A COPY IS PROVIDED VIA MAIL OR EMAIL.