Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis
Meets Standards
Standards For Charity Accountability
Governance
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Board Oversight
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Board Size
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Board Meetings
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Board Compensation
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Conflict of Interest
Measuring Effectiveness
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Effectiveness Policy
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Effectiveness Report
Finances
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Program Expenses
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Fundraising Expenses
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Accumulating Funds
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Audit Report
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Detailed Expense Breakdown
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Accurate Expense Reporting
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Budget Plan
Fundraising & Info
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Truthful Materials
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Annual Report
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Website Disclosures
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Donor Privacy
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Cause Marketing Disclosures
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Complaints
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Stated Purpose:
"The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis serves, supports, and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, through every stage of life."
Year, State Incorporated:
1976, MO
Also Known As:
Down Syndrome Association of St Louis
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis offers
programs and services to individuals with Down syndrome through the lifespan as
well as their families. The organization serves a radius of 150 miles from the
city of St. Louis and works to help individuals with Down syndrome reach their
full potential. To that end, the DSAGSL offers the following programs:
New Family Support – Support for new families can begin as early as a prenatal diagnosis or when the baby is born. Staff and volunteers make home and hospital visits, delivering “Celebration Baskets” with resources and tools to get the baby and family off to the best start. In addition, staff provides ongoing support, 1:1 mentor services, family events, workshops, resource mailings, and a lending library.
Adult and Aging Family Support – Individuals with Ds are living longer than ever before. The DSA supports families of aging adults with Down syndrome as they navigate the public benefits system, residential options, health care, employment, day programs and more. The Association offers workshops, mailings, support groups, networking events and ongoing 1:1 support.
Community Groups – The DSA serves individuals of all backgrounds. In order to serve all individuals and meet unique community needs, the organization offers Community Groups. These groups could be based on region, such as our Metro East Community Group, may be based on cultural background, such as our African American Family Meet-Ups and our Latinx Community Group, or may be based on diagnoses, such as our Ds-Autism Dual Diagnosis Community Group.
The Medical Outreach program provides information and education to health professionals across the region to ensure appropriate and accurate diagnoses and health care for individuals with Down syndrome.
Education Specialist Program: This four-session program offers information about Down syndrome, behavior, curriculum modification, technology and techniques to promote inclusion for children with Down syndrome in the schools. In-service trainings and presentations are also available to schools.
Social and Skill Building Programs: the Association offers skill building and social programs to help individuals with Down syndrome reach their full potential. Music therapy, topical group discussions, employment training, small steps therapy camp, playgroups, self-advocacy and more are provided.
Social Enterprise and Employment: The DSA has developed a small social enterprise – the Pop Up Marketplace – as an employment and hands-on training opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome. Individuals are responsible for all aspects of the marketplace and earn a fair wage as they learn key employment skills.
Community Awareness: A key component of the DSAGSL’s mission is to raise awareness about the extraordinary lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The organization spreads awareness and celebrates Down syndrome through electronic and printed newsletters, social media, large community awareness events, and community presentations and partnerships.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis's program expenses were:
| Programs | $1,121,305 |
| Total Program Expenses | $1,121,305 |
Chief Executive
Erin Suelmann, Executive Director
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Not disclosed
Board Size
23
Paid Staff Size
14
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Grant proposals, Internet
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Source of Funds
| Fundraising Income | $774,745 |
| Grant Income | $278,457 |
| Investment Income | $163,928 |
| Contributions | $108,482 |
| Program Income | $36,803 |
| Memorials | $31,331 |
| In-Kind Donations | $18,000 |
| Merchandise Sales, Net | $13,620 |
| Total Income | $1,425,366 |
Programs: 78% Fundraising: 17% Administrative: 5%
| Total Income | $1,425,366 |
| Total expenses: | $1,446,509 |
| Program expenses | $1,121,305 |
| Fundraising expenses | $249,885 |
| Administrative expenses | $75,319 |
| Other expenses | $0 |
| Income in Excess of Expenses | $-21,143 |
| Beginning Net Assets | $1,595,999 |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 |
| Ending Net Assets | $1,574,856 |
| Total Liabilities | $100,881 |
| Total Assets | $1,675,737 |
An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau is a registered service mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus.
This report is not to be used for fundraising or promotional purposes.
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Standards Not Met
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Review in Progress
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Report completed by:
BBB of Eastern & Southwest Missouri & Southern Illinois