At Heartspring, success is measured one outcome at a time. Each year we reflect on the extraordinary achievements of our students and of our staff. We succeed when a child learns to write his name or tie his shoe, when a student masters a new communication system so she can talk to the world, when a little boy takes his first independent steps, and when a child achieves a goal that most thought was impossible. We continue our legacy by providing assistance to programs around the world, ensuring every child receives the opportunity they deserve. We extend our reach as we implement new programs that fulfill the ever-expanding needs of families and children. Heartspring grows every time we share our mission with the world through media, technology, or just one parent telling another.

To that end, Fiscal Year 2008 was a very good year for Heartspring. We launched the Heartspring CARE Program which offers resources and programs to children with autism and to their families. We sent expert staff to our sister schools in China and India and shared information and knowledge so that they could better utilize their facilities and resources to educate children with autism. In China we saw first hand the expressions of gratitude and hope on the faces of parents who were genuinely touched as we shared our knowledge with them, no language barrier could cloud that translation. CNN and CNN.com were there as well and broadcast the story of our international outreach initiative to all corners of the globe on World Autism Day. Closer to home, more children received outpatient therapies than in years past, and our residential and day school was near or at capacity for the much of the year. Though our students continued to come to us from across the country, we saw an increase in enrollments of students from Kansas and surrounding states.

This last year we were granted federal approval so that we can, once again, enroll children from other countries in the Heartspring School. The Heartspring Store opened online and allows parents and educators access to the latest educational tools, technology and textbooks. We increased our educational capabilities through technology in our classrooms and group homes. We welcomed international guests to our campus. We honored a young man who selflessly raised money to support Heartspring during the holidays. We celebrated a couple who have opened their home to 17 children with special needs through foster care.

Fiscally, 2008 was an outstanding year. The demand for services was more than anticipated and so were our revenues and our expenses. Fortunately, special events brought in more than $150,000 so that we could provide additional financial assistance to families and children in need of our programs. More than 1,900 donors from 40 states and three countries generously gave to Heartspring so that we could meet the needs of the children we serve. We thank you, donors, volunteers, board members and staff, for making every outcome possible.

Although we are located here in Wichita, we are able to touch the lives of children well beyond our local community. We are mapping our achievements in 2008 so you too can see why your impact is so important. Next year we will celebrate our 75th year of providing specialized programs to children with special needs. We hope you will continue to grow with us.