Impact Report 2023: Connection

But Mosaic is not able to meet all of those needs for any individual, so connections with partners, both individuals and organizations, are essential to help people build a fulfilling life. One such partnership in 2023 helped people explore and exhibit their artistic talents.

Mosaic in Central Iowa partnered with local artist Jill Wells to work with several people supported by Mosaic. Over the course of several months, they created art in various mediums and staged an art show at a community gallery. 

Brandi Bretthauer, Executive Director, said the show highlighted the incredible things that can happen for people through community partnerships. It all started, she said, through a Mosaic employee taking several people to see a show of Wells’ work focused on visual inclusion. The show featured the work of Jill Wells, and it led to discussions about how Mosaic could partner with her in the future.

“Jill and I spent time identifying artists served by Mosaic, and they participated in workshops as a group and also spent time on individual projects,” said Katie Flippen, Public Relations Specialist at Mosaic.

The project brought greater visibility to the talents of people with disabilities and also helped the participants experience new levels of self-confidence and personal pride, as shown by the words of one of the artists, Zoe, who displayed several of her paintings that featured unicorns, rainbows and even a pegasus. 

“It’s pretty cool,” Zoe said. “I’m proud of myself.”

Across Mosaic’s 13-state network, the organization partners with individuals such as Jill and many churches, civic organizations and businesses to help people build the life they choose.

People often think a disability is the biggest challenge someone we support faces. The truth is, poverty is the biggest challenge for people with disabilities. Their limited personal income places some of the things they desire or need outside of their financial reach. 

Donor gifts make a significant difference in the lives of people supported by Mosaic and the organization as a whole. In October, when Mosaic’s external audit firm presented their findings, they highlighted the importance and impact of charitable gifts to the organization’s financial sustainability. Additionally, the gifts are critical to people supported, allowing them to receive basic necessities such as dental care and specialized therapies to leisure items such as concert tickets.

Here are some of the items donor gifts purchased in 2023:

• Kenny received a new lift system in his room that means he and the staff who help him can be safe from injury.
• Others in his shared residence also benefit from a ceiling lift system that can safely transfer them down the hallway.
• Frances attended summer camp, which boosted her self-confidence and self-image.
• Russell received a lift recliner, to help him stand on his own.
• Lawrence received a queen mattress and box spring set, a mattress protector and delivery.
• Cheryl received weekly 1:1 music therapy, which helps calm her anxiety.
• Here’s a list of many of the other items donor gifts have purchased for people. 

Gift funds were also used to continue building the endowment to help secure a long-term future for the essential services people need. Other gift funds supported developing new services that meet the diverse needs of the people Mosaic currently supports and others whom Mosaic could serve in the future.