ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24
July 2023 - June 2024
A Message From Innovative’s President & CEO, Dena Strong
When people think of a nonprofit, they think of charity, community service, or support programs. What they don’t often consider is the economic impact, the real dollars and value that organizations like Innovative bring to the region.
At Innovative, we believe that when people thrive, communities prosper. Through early learning, pediatric therapy, and employment services, we equip individuals with the tools to succeed — at home, in school, and in the workforce. It so happens that this impact extends far beyond our clients. Parents can work because their children have access to quality early learning. Businesses grow because they can hire a diverse workforce supported by a team of employment experts. Schools benefit from children who are better prepared to learn and interact with the world around them. Healthcare costs decrease when early intervention prevents long-term developmental challenges and equips families with the resources they need to thrive at home. The ripple effect of our programs extends across Southwest Washington, and we are proud to be an economic engine for our community.
This past year, we leaned into this role more than ever. We made strategic investments in our staff, raising wages and deepening professional development opportunities to ensure our team remains among the most skilled in the region. Our early learning program expanded by growing partnerships, increasing teacher retention, and opening the WSU Vancouver Early Learning facility to serve more children. In pediatric therapy, we navigated a transformative year, strengthening our team and culture to provide even more stability for the families who rely on us. And in employment services, we built new pathways for job seekers and businesses, offering year-round support and growing our network through deeper community engagement.
Every dollar invested in Innovative translates into supported families, a more diverse and prepared workforce, and a resilient community. Which is, as always, thanks to you for supporting our mission.
Dena
President & CEO, Innovative Services NW
Executive Staff & Board Members
Innovative's impact comes from the people who make it happen—our team, supportive community, and the individuals we serve every day.
Executive Staff
Dena Strong, President & CEO
Susan Veneruso, Chief Operating Officer
Melody Partridge, Vice President
Beth Markell, Vice President of Pediatric Therapy
Board of Directors
Darcey Reed, Chair
Taylor Vilhauer, Vice-Chair
Ryan Hart, Treasure & Past Chair
Rhonda Buck, Secretary
Karalee Ehline, Board Member
Bobbie Heitshmidt, Board Member
Dick James, Board Member
Liz Marquez, Board Member
Armida Nunez, Board Member
Megan Shank, Board Member
Aimee Walter, Board Member
Innovative's Services
Early Learning
This year, our Early Learning program expanded its impact in powerful ways, supporting working families, strengthening our teaching team, and growing opportunities for young learners.
One of our biggest milestones was the expansion and partnership with Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV). With the opening of our on-campus Early Learning Center, we provided early learning opportunities to more families, including students and faculty balancing work, school, and parenthood.
But it wasn’t just about growth; it was about stability. This year, we strengthened our team, investing in professional development and ensuring our educators are among the best in the state. We also became one of the highest-paying early learning providers in the region, recognizing the dedication and expertise of the teachers who shape young minds every day. With a strong, experienced team in place, we’re creating an environment where children can thrive, families feel supported, and our classrooms continue to be a place of learning and belonging.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Our Early Learning program provides a nurturing, inclusive environment for children ages 1-5, supporting families of all backgrounds and income levels. With over 72% of enrolled children benefiting from financial assistance, we ensure access to high-quality early education for those who need it most. We offer full and part-time programs for toddlers (12-30 months) and Pre-K (2.5-5 years), along with ECEAP, a free preschool program available in more than half of our classrooms.
Early Learning Highlights
Pediatric Therapy & Early Intervention
Our Pediatric Therapy and Early Intervention team welcomed new professionals across disciplines, strengthening our ability to deliver comprehensive care in speech, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as specialized early intervention support. This expansion means families have greater access to targeted, individualized services, helping children and families build essential skills during the most important developmental years of their lives.
A key milestone this year was the appointment of Beth Markell as Vice President of Pediatric Therapy, bringing a vision for continued growth, collaboration, and excellence to the program. Under Beth’s leadership, we’re reinforcing a culture of innovation, teamwork, and commitment to the families we serve.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
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Our Pediatric Therapy Program offers a comprehensive range of services, including Early Intervention for children from birth to age three, as well as outpatient therapies such as speech, occupational, physical, and specialty therapies for children through age 20. We cater to children with developmental delays, disabilities, or other diagnosed conditions, providing essential support during pivotal developmental phases. As a designated Neurodevelopmental Center in Washington State, we serve families from various geographical locations, empowering children to reach their maximum potential.
Pediatric Therapy & Early Intervention Highlights
Employment Services
This year, our Employment Services team made major strides in connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. By introducing dual services, we streamlined the support available to individuals, allowing them to receive multiple employment resources at once, leading to a steady increase in referrals. In fact, we are the only provider in the region accepting referrals year-round.
Beyond direct services, our team played a bigger role in strengthening local business connections. Through active involvement in Chamber of Commerce events, Business After Hours gatherings, and advocacy efforts, we built relationships with employers, created new hiring pathways, and spotlighted the value of inclusive employment.
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ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
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Our Employment Services program is dedicated to aligning each job seeker's unique abilities with employer needs. We offer individualized services tailored to each person's needs, interests, and abilities, promoting career development and community inclusion. Our services include Individual Supported Employment, Community Inclusion, Job Foundations, Independent Living Skills, and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) services. We assist with assessment, job development, on-the-job training, and ongoing support to ensure successful integration into the workforce.
Employment Services Highlights
List of businesses who support inclusive employment practices / employed clients from our Employment Services Program
A Dog’s Best Friend
Carl’s Jr
First Aid Only
MOD Pizza
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
Whole Foods Market
Avamere Rehabilitation of Cascade Park
City of Camas
Ilani
Panera Bread
The Heathman Lodge
Bath and Body Works
Deja Vu
KFC
Round One Entertainment
Timberline Therapy
Candlewood Suites
Department of Social and Health Services
Marshalls
Safeway
Walmart
Donors & Grantors
Granting Organizations
ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)
Columbia Credit Union
Price Foundation
Assistance League of SW Washington
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Tegna Foundation
Autzen Foundation
Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Clark County Realtors Foundation
Kaiser Permanente (KP Gives)
Cornhole Sponsors
Christensen Electric
Columbia Credit Union
Cornhole Donors
Carrie Armstrong
Angela de la Rocha
Michelle Hanning
Edward Judd
Mike Potter
Kristen Scott
Aimee Walter
Tristan Boell
Kristine Donahue
Bobbi Heitschmidt
Morgan Kasraei
Darcey Reed
Megan Shank
Hailey Brickwedell
Karalee Ehline
Jason Hull
Morgan Multer
Brandon Scott
Dena Strong
Rhonda Buck
Aubry Fleck
Brad Jorgensen
Melody Partridge
Joel Scott
Susan Veneruso
Corporate Gifts
Columbia Credit Union
Dick Hannah Dealerships
Costco
HP
Chuck E Cheese
Kroger
Dick Hannah Believe in Nice Foundation
Setworks
Individual Donors
125 Club
Marty Forsmann Charitable Fund
Pebble La Dage
Marion Noe
Taylor Vilhauer
Rhonda Buck
Gitner Family Fund
Lisa Loucks
Darcey Reed
Aimee Walter
Judy Davis
Ryan Hart
Juliana Marler
Robbins Trust
Rob Woodard
Forge Training & Fitness
Bobbi Heitchmidt
Liz Marquez
Megan Shank
Financial Performance
Revenue
$7,071,059
Total Revenue
Revenue received through:
$340,502
Federal Grants
$201,922
Donations
$3,177,015
State Grants
$30,675
Miscellaneous
$3,291,211
Program Income
$11,655
Special Events
$18,079
Investment Income & Losses
Expenses
$5,967,922
Program Expenses
$873,545
Management & General
$12,882
Fundraising
Net Assets
$5,515,811
Net Assets
Beginning of The Year
$5,732,521
Net Assets
End of The Year
$216,710
Decrease in Net Assets
