the colors of courage

2019 – 2020 Annual Report

Just before he took the ice for his solo performance, Jason watched the events of his life over the past year play out on the HD Scoreboard at the KeyBank Center. The story, as narrated by WGRZ’s Pete Gallivan, brought forth a flood of emotions for Jason. But what happened after the video concluded was nothing short of magical. As journalist Sean Kirst stated in an inspirational story in the Buffalo News, “Put it in the pantheon of great sports moments in Buffalo.” Watch Jason’s triumphant return here.”

SABAH’s 2020 Celebration on Ice was one of the last major spectator events in Buffalo prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. Since that time, we’ve witnessed many acts of heroism and courage throughout our community. While we are deeply saddened by the events that have transpired since the show, we remain grateful that SABAH athletes had the opportunity to showcase their own courage and bravery as they overcame the challenges of disability to perform at the KeyBank Center on March 8, 2020. The fortitude of more than 830 SABAH athletes was highlighted in an emotional solo performance by Jason Phillips (on cover), who defied great odds to recover from a senseless act of violence to perform show’s featured act. His courage resonated with thousands of spectators as they cheered during a standing ovation that lasted much of his performance. We hope you will take the time to watch the story of his courageous journey as shared by Pete Gallivan on WGRZ’s Daybreak morning show, as well as his triumphant entrance at the 2020 Celebration on Ice show.

As we navigate these difficult times, please know that we are tremendously grateful for your support. SABAH athletes face many complex challenges on a daily basis; and recent events add a new dimension of difficulty and increased isolation to their lives. Yet, because of your support, they are connecting with us and each other, to endure this journey as a SABAH “family.” On their behalf, we thank you for your generous support over the past year. We hope our 2019 2020 Annual Report, both here and online at www.sabahinc.org/annualreport, gives you a glimpse of the impact of your generosity.

with gratitude,

Sheila O'Brien

Executive Director

Mary Clare Koessler-Smith

President, Board of Directors

The grief.. the hope.. the victory!

Our Programs

SABAH’s six programs include the School Day Adaptive Ice Skating program, the Children’s Guild Foundation’s Summer Athletes Bold At Heart program, the Adaptive Ice Hockey program, the Summer Skate Sessions, and the Adults Fit and Fun program. Each one of these programs meets a particular need for those in our community challenged by disability.

SABAH’s curriculum-based School Day programs, the School Day Adaptive Ice Skating program and The Children’s Guild Foundation’s Summer Athletes Bold At Heart program, are educational programs that integrate movement with New York State Common Core Standards and life skill development. These programs, measured by a research based evaluation, improve both physical and educational outcomes for hundreds of children challenged by disability and economic disadvantage each year. SABAH’s School Day programs have grown, collectively, by 9% over 2018-2019 participation levels. For the first time, SABAH deemed it necessary to cap participation and add seven schools to a waiting list for a future season.

SABAH’s Evening and Weekend programs are weekly adaptive ice skating sessions offered at four regional rinks from October through March. These sessions are offered to anyone, of any age, challenged by disability to encourage increased physical activity, strength, endurance, and socialization. The Evening and Weekend programs provide nearly 1:1 participant to volunteer support made possible by over 400 remarkable volunteers from the community.

SABAH’s Adults Fit and Fun program is a vital program that addresses the specific needs of adults with disabilities. This underserved population faces the most significant consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, yet is the least likely to participate in physical activity. As a result, adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities. SABAH seeks to mitigate these health disparities with a daytime adaptive recreational program that increases physical activity and educates participants about healthier nutritional choices.

SABAH’s Adaptive Ice Hockey program, one of the organization’s most popular program, provides SABAH’s most advanced athletes with the opportunity to participate in a developmental hockey program which teaches basic hockey skills, team building skills, and promotes the joy of participation in a sport. The program includes light scrimmages to allow for competitive play in a relaxed and non-threatening environment.

SABAH’s Summer Skate Sessions are a fun-filled opportunity for SABAH athletes to maintain their skills and increase physical activity during the summer months. Throughout six weekly sessions from July through August, SABAH athletes can enjoy these fun and lively ice skating sessions at the Riverside Rink to increase aerobic activity and enhance socialization.

Our Impact

Improving Math Score

No Improvement 8.1% 8.1%
Slight Improvement 35.1% 35.1%
Significant Improvement 16.2% 16.2%
Moderate Improvement 40.5% 40.5%

Improving ELA Scores

No Improvement 8.1% 8.1%
Slight Improvement 40.5% 40.5%
Significant Improvement 16.2% 16.2%
Moderate Improvement 35.1% 35.1%

Being Attenative in Class

No Improvement 5.4% 5.4%
Slight Improvement 27% 27%
Significant Improvement 29.7% 29.7%
Moderate Improvement 35.1% 35.1%

Our Numbers

Program Evaluation

The Children’s Guild Foundation’s Summer Athletes Bold At Heart: 443

Adults Fit and Fun Program: 101

Summer Skate Sessions: School Day Adaptive Ice Skating Program: 587

Evening and Weekend Programs: 200

Adaptive Ice Hockey Program: 23

Total Participants

Financial Information

Expenses

Payroll 41.5% 41.5%
Auction Expenses 10% 10%
Rink Expenses 10% 10%
Office Expenses 7% 7%
Employee Benefits 4.7% 4.7%
Payroll Taxes 4.3% 4.3%
Publications 2.8% 2.8%
Professional Services 2.1% 2.1%
Other 5.9% 5.9%

$502,378.85

Revenue

Auction 33.3% 33.3%
Foundations 23.3% 23.3%
Ice Show 13.5% 13.5%
Skater Contributions 8.1% 8.1%
Misc. Fundraising 7.4% 7.4%
Individual Member 5.4% 5.4%
Skate-A-Thon 3.8% 3.8%
Corporate Donations 2.7% 2.7%
Memorials 1.4% 1.4%
Service Associations 1.2% 1.2%

$507,552.66

2019 Kickstock Kickball Tournament
$35,088

2019 Starlight Night Auction and Gala
$168,845

2019 Holiday Appeal
$5,805

2020 SABAH Rocks the Blue and Gold Skate-A-thon
$19,158

2020 Celebration on Ice
$76,747

Outcomes

The School Adaptive Ice Skating program yielded remarkable outcomes according to the results of participating teacher evaluations. At the conclusion of the season, teachers were asked to provide feedback regarding the extent to which they attribute changes in their class’s overall behavior and accomplishments to participation in the SDAIS progra. The primary focus was on SABAH identified goal areas related to critical tasks, social engagement, and educational standards. The percentages of participating teachers that scored each survey question from Slight Improvement to Significant Improvement (cumulatively) were as follows:

Finishing in class assignments 91.8% 91.8%
Completing homework to teacher satisfaction 67.5% 67.5%
Participating in class 89.1% 89.1%
Attending class regularly 91.8% 91.8%
Being attentive in class 91.9% 91.9%
Achieving overall academic goals 97.3% 97.3%

Achieving IEP goals 91.8% 91.8%
Coming to school motivated to learn 94.5% 94.5%
Getting along well with other students 94.5% 94.5%
Making appropriate decisions 97.4% 97.4%
Improving ELA skills 91.8% 91.8%
Improving Math skills 91.8% 91.8%

Board of Directors

President
Mary Clare Koessler-Smith

Vice President
Brian F. Costello

Secretary
David V.L. Bradley, Esq.

Treasurer
William P. Keefer, Esq.

Diane Charsha
John S. Dengler
Margaret McCarthy, PhD
Mark McDonnell
Tim McMorrow
Kelly Papa
Tom Rennie
Alan J. Rosenhoch
Doug Smith
Robert M. States
Al Vaughters

SABAH, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to the mission of enriching the quality of life for individuals challenged by physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disability by providing education and therapeutic recreation, promoting fitness, and developing social and communication skills.