2025 Annual Impact Report | |
A Year of Impact and Forward Momentum
A Message from our CEO
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In 2025, Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) deepened our commitment to breaking barriers and building access across our region. Despite funding uncertainties and growing community needs, our team remained focused on what matters most, empowering people with disabilities to live independently, make informed choices, and fully participate in their communities.
As demand increased, so did our resolve. Every program and service was rooted in advancing independence, inclusion, and advocacy. We worked to help individuals secure housing, navigate benefits, build essential life skills and find meaningful community connections.
The numbers in this report tell an important story, but not the whole story. Behind every number is a person. A person who regained Medicaid coverage after months of uncertainty. A person who learned to self-advocate and speak up for their needs. A person who found connection, confidence, and community after experiencing isolation.
This is the true impact of our work.
Impact is not just services delivered, it is dignity restored, confidence built, and lives changed. It is the moment someone realizes they have the tools and support to shape their own future.
We cannot do this work alone. Your partnership fuels opportunity and access across Eastern Michigan. Together, we are not just responding to need, we are shaping a more accessible future.
With gratitude,
| | Kelly Winn, Chief Executive Officer | | |
DNEM significantly expanded adaptive recreation programming this year, creating more opportunities for connection, confidence-building, and meaningful community engagement across our region. These programs go beyond recreation; they provide welcoming, inclusive spaces where individuals can build confidence, develop friendships, and strengthen independence in a supportive environment. For many participants, these experiences are not only about activity, but about belonging, self-expression, and rediscovering what is possible.
Programs such as Adaptive Golf League, Adaptive Crafts, Inclusive Nature Hikes, and Adaptive Bowling offered diverse opportunities for individuals of all abilities to engage in ways that meet their interests and goals. Whether it was learning a new skill, enjoying the outdoors, or simply connecting with peers, these programs helped reduce isolation and foster a stronger sense of community. Each initiative was intentionally designed to be accessible, empowering participants to engage fully and confidently.
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Building on this momentum, DNEM also launched A.M.P.E.D. (Advocate. Motivate. Participate. Educate. Defend), signaling a bold new era of disability advocacy and community leadership. A.M.P.E.D. is focused on empowering individuals to move beyond participation and into leadership; equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for themselves and others. Through this initiative, participants are not only engaging in their communities, but actively shaping systems, influencing change, and driving a more inclusive future.
Together, these efforts reflect DNEM’s commitment to creating spaces where people with disabilities are not only included, but empowered to lead, connect, and thrive.
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Our community impact reached far beyond the individuals we served directly. Throughout the year, DNEM strengthened partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, local governments, and community organizations and advocacy coalitions to help build a more accessible and inclusive region for all. By working collaboratively across systems, we were able to address barriers at both the individual and community level, creating change that extends well beyond a single service transaction.
DNEM conducted 33 accessibility and ADA consultations, helping organizations identify barriers and implement practical improvements that support greater access for people with disabilities. We also delivered 23 Equity Impact presentations, equipping community partners with knowledge and tools to better understand disability, inclusion, and equitable practices. To further expand access to information we produced 24 assistive technology videos that increased awareness of tools and resources that can help people live more independently and confidently.
Our advocacy efforts remained a critical part of this work. DNEM actively participated in 9 transportation advocacy groups and 16 housing-related workgroups, ensuring the voices and experiences of people with disabilities were represented in key conversations that shape our communities.
At the heart of all of this work is the belief that people with disabilities should not only receive services, but also be recognized as leaders, contributors, and decision-makers in their communities. Through partnership, advocacy, education, and direct action, DNEM continues to advance a future where people with disabilities are seen, heard, valued, and fully included.
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Total Individuals Served: 7,149
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Total Hours Spent Serving our Community: 9,915
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Total Recreation Classes and Programs Offered: 70
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Total Home Modifications/Shelter Services: 499
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Total Veteran's Families Served: 417
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Total Consumers Moved Out of Nursing Facilities to Independent Living: 27
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“I am writing this email with the utmost gratitude and thanks from my heart. You have no idea how I was feeling when I placed the call to your organization the same day I was told that I needed to move. Your ability to listen to what I was going through and the urgency I had to find a place to live within 30 days. You did not hesitate to share your wisdom, knowledge, and resources of various organizations that specifically assist seniors in finding safe and affordable homes for seniors. You further provided social security disability information that will be beneficial for me in the next few years.” - Consumer | | | |
“We love the cooking class because the staff make sure each person gets an opportunity to participate hands-on. We get to see adaptive tools that make it easier for us to do things at home. We also learn tips on making healthier food. The RecConnect team is kind and welcoming and you all truly care about the participants and we don’t always experience that in other group settings.” - Consumers Parent | | | |
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“ASL teachers are fantastic! Not only do they teach ASL, but they foster an amazing atmosphere where students feel loved, free to learn, to try, and to grow. It is the highlight of my day! I’m learning how to communicate in everyday conversations, how to recognize and use facial expressions, and that it is okay to make mistakes. Thank you so much!!”
- American Sign Language (ASL) Class Participant
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Our Work Is Not Possible
Without the Support of our Wonderful Donors!
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7-Star Party Shop
Alter Ego Boudoir
Adam Rouls
Advia Credit Union
Allergy Free Bakery
Andrew Maurer
Arrow Information Systems
BCBS of Michigan
Beautiful Me Boutique
Blick Art Materials
BJ’s Brewhouse
Broadway in Detroit
Bubba’s 33
Casper Corporation
CJ Barrymore
Coast to Coast Group
Consumers Energy
Cooper’s Hawk
Costco
Creative Arts Studio
Creative Mobility Group
Da Francesco’s
Detroit Lions
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Pistons
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Zoological Society
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Disability Law Group
DM Photography
Escape Room Zone
Firekeepers Casino
Home Community Recreation Therapy
Liquitex
Janet Mason
Kruse & Muer
Mallory Burt
MATRX Health & Fitness
MGM Dumpsters
Outdoor Adventure Center
Papa Joe’s
Ross & Bar, Inc.
Royal Park Hotel
Sarge & Red’s Toys
Sloan Museum & Longway Planetarium
SMART
Soothe Your Soul
Starbucks
Terry’s Terrace
The Great Escape Room
Thumb Bank & Trust
Urban Air
USPB
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Your support makes independence, inclusion, and advocacy possible. Every donation helps Disability Network Eastern Michigan provide critical services, expand adaptive recreation, and create more accessible communities for people with disabilities across our region.
Give today and help us build a more inclusive future.
Scan the QR code or go online to make a donation and invest in connection, opportunity, and independence.
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| Together, we can turn access into action. | | Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting independent living by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education. | | Follow our social media pages to stay up-to-date with everything happening at DNEM. | | | | |
