Variety the Childrens Charity of St Louis

Core program: equipment - medical equipment encompasses a wide range of medically prescribed equipment with an equally wide range of benefits. These vital pieces of equipment increase a child's mobility (wheelchairs, standers, walkers, orthotics) as well as improve their ability to express themselves (hearing aids and communication devices). the high costs and inadequate insurance coverage make these tools unaffordable and inaccessible for families so Variety provides this vital equipment to children whose needs would otherwise go unmet. In fiscal year 2023, Variety served 372 children and provided 497 pieces of equipment. This equipment was utilized by children for over 2.2 million hours during the fiscal year. 95% of Variety children surveyed reported they had gained skills they need to engage and experience their world as fully as possible.

Core program: therapy - therapy is critical for children to improve strength, endurance, and mobility, while also increasing their levels of independence at home and school. Variety ensures that children who need physical, occupational, speech, aqua or hippotherapy are able to access regular sessions, and that cost does not prevent a child from receiving this care so important to their overall health. In fiscal year 2023, Variety provided an all-time record of 3,942 therapy sessions (9% increase from the prior year) to 211 children, which also reflects record growth of 4% more children served. Parents reported that 92% of Variety children receiving therapy demonstrated belief in themselves, and their abilities.

Enrichment program: recreation - Variety adventure camp features a six-week long innovative and accessible camp program in the summer and a weeklong session in the winter. the camps are operated for children ages 4- 20 with physical and developmental disabilities. the activities and experiences are designed to increase children'Childrens's engagement with peers, classmates, and family, to develop confidence in their abilities, and to demonstrate positive belief in themselves and their possibilities. Campers receive one-on-one assistance from specially trained counselors and medical professionals as they learn new skills, such as rock climbing, basketball, tennis, cooking, music, art, bicycling, ice-skating, and fishing while socializing with their peers and making long lasting friendships. A total of 254 Variety children attended camp in fiscal year 2023, participating in over 14,500 hours of innovative and engaging camp programming. the impact of adventure camp is evident as 89% of campers surveyed demonstrated an increase in independence at home, school or in the community; with 91% of children having initiated friendships and interactions with other campers and counselors that improved their social skills. Launched in fiscal year 2022, Variety continued in fy2023 a partnership with boy scouts of america to create a venturing crew for children with disabilities ages 14-20. Participants learn leadership skills, pursue their special interests to become good citizens, increase socialization skills and have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring and fun environment by organizing, planning and implementing meaningful activities.

Enrichment programs: performing arts - in keeping with the historical roots of our organization, Variety theatre is an inclusive theatre program that gives children of all abilities the opportunity to perform on stage. Teens (ages 14-20) interested in theatre crafts are mentored by the designers and directors of the show. Variety's theatrical summer camp, curtain call, involves intensive instruction in singing, dancing, and acting which culminates with a showcase performance. Any child, regardless of experience or ability, is invited to attend this inclusive and adapted experience directed by professionals from the world of musical theatre. A total of 45 children participated in curtain call in fiscal year 2023, which reflects a 32% increase from the prior year. Our inclusive Variety children'Childrens's chorus program provided opportunities for 12 children and teens of all abilities in fiscal year 2023 to perform at a wide range of venues throughout the year. This program ensures participants gain vocal skills, socialization with other chorus members, and confidence from their time performing in the spotlight. Variety also offers a children'Childrens's dance program that in fiscal year 2023 provided 12 children with and without disabilities the chance to learn and practice musical theatre style choreography and creative movement in an inclusive setting. the children'Childrens's willingness to try new things and take direction has shown an increase in independence, confidence, and dance skills. Both the chorus and dance programs run for thirty-two weeks throughout the school year and culminate with feature performances at our Variety unboard event. In fiscal year 2023, the Variety children had the opportunity to perform onstage alongside special guest mandy harvey, singer, songwriter, author, and speaker who lost her hearing at the age of nineteen.

Enrichment program - education and family support - the emerson resource center provides parents and caregivers of children with disabilities with tools to help them navigate the challenges of caring for someone with unique needs. This includes the ability to communicate directly with advocates who can connect them to help with housing, transportation, education, recreation, funding, and other support. Variety holds a Variety family conference each year to address current issues facing families. Additionally, Variety family council, composed of Variety parents, meets once a month to provide programming guidance and direction.

Enrichment program - awareness - Variety is also committed to educating and raising mission awareness among the general public and spreading a message about the importance of accessibility and inclusion by communicating the impact of Variety's programs. Variety strives to change the world's perception of abilities and reimagine possibilities for children with special needs.