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Nonprofiteer
← VIA VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVANCEMENT

Form 990 for tax year 2023

Filed by VIA VISUALLY IMPAIRED ADVANCEMENT.

Totals

Total revenue
$16,037,174
Total expenses
$13,552,700
Contributions and grants received
$3,647,040
Grants paid
$0
Program service revenue
$11,841,422
Investment income
$381,306
Other revenue
$167,406
Total assets, end of year
$20,176,441
Total liabilities, end of year
$3,064,608
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$17,111,833
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$12,565,970
Management and general expenses
$586,253
Fundraising expenses
$400,477
Program service expenses (Part III)
$12,565,970

Program services were 92.7% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1c · Fundraising events

    $71,674

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $883,005

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $2,692,361

  • 2a · Program service revenue: SALES TO THE PUBLIC

    total $5,806,916 · related or exempt $5,806,916

  • 2b · Program service revenue: CONTRACT AND FEE FOR SERVICE INCO

    total $4,829,183 · related or exempt $4,829,183

  • 2c · Program service revenue: RENTAL AND LEASING

    total $1,148,341 · related or exempt $1,148,341

  • 2d · Program service revenue: MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME

    total $56,982 · related or exempt $56,982

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $266,056 · excluded $266,056

  • 7a · Gross sales of assets other than inventory

    securities $1,633,975

  • 7b · Less cost or other basis and sales expenses

    securities $1,506,052 · other assets $12,673

  • 7c · Gain or loss

    securities $127,923 · other assets -$12,673

  • 7d · Net gain or loss

    total $115,250 · excluded $115,250

  • 8a · Fundraising events: gross income

    $27,305

  • 8a · Fundraising events: contributions included on line 1c

    $71,674

  • 8b · Fundraising events: direct expenses

    $28,139

  • 8c · Net income from fundraising events

    total -$834 · excluded -$834

  • 11a · Other revenue: RECOVERY OF CREDIT LOSSES

    total $168,240 · excluded $168,240

  • 11e · Other revenue, total

    $168,240

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $824,431 · program services $585,953 · management and general $204,836 · fundraising $33,642

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $4,144,385 · program services $3,221,616 · management and general $683,495 · fundraising $239,274

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $674,458 · program services $519,860 · management and general $123,819 · fundraising $30,779

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $393,394 · program services $303,201 · management and general $72,958 · fundraising $17,235

  • 11b · Fees: legal

    total $3,544 · program services $1,104 · management and general $2,362 · fundraising $78

  • 11c · Fees: accounting

    total $33,827 · program services $10,541 · management and general $22,543 · fundraising $743

  • 11f · Fees: investment management

    total $46,955 · management and general $46,955

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $10,256 · program services $10,156 · fundraising $100

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $282,996 · program services $230,691 · management and general $34,799 · fundraising $17,506

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $486,812 · program services $470,837 · management and general $12,430 · fundraising $3,545

  • 17 · Travel

    total $38,456 · program services $36,856 · management and general $788 · fundraising $812

  • 20 · Interest

    total $44,755 · program services $41,001 · management and general $3,645 · fundraising $109

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $353,612 · program services $318,118 · management and general $23,392 · fundraising $12,102

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $108,953 · program services $102,497 · management and general $4,062 · fundraising $2,394

  • 24a · Other expenses: COST OF GOODS SOLD

    total $4,558,619 · program services $4,558,075 · management and general $158 · fundraising $386

  • 24b · Other expenses: PROGRAM SUPPLIES, SCHOL

    total $1,027,515 · program services $1,022,008 · management and general $3,509 · fundraising $1,998

  • 24c · Other expenses: AMORTIZATION OF RIGHT-O

    total $304,866 · program services $304,866

  • 24d · Other expenses: CREDIT LOSSES

    total $108,235 · program services $108,235

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total $106,631 · program services $720,355 · management and general -$653,498 · fundraising $39,774

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 1 · Cash, non-interest-bearing

    beginning of year $666,780 · end of year $511,908

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    beginning of year $1,771,915 · end of year $2,174,400

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $474,536 · end of year $500,654

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    beginning of year $106,991 · end of year $83,854

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $10,591,068

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $7,933,028

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $2,864,424 · end of year $2,658,040

  • 11 · Investments: publicly traded securities

    beginning of year $7,896,327 · end of year $11,982,760

  • 12 · Investments: other securities

    beginning of year $1,420,043 · end of year $1,513,293

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $1,790,692 · end of year $751,532

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $1,274,546 · end of year $1,854,203

  • 19 · Deferred revenue

    beginning of year $376,688 · end of year $357,445

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $151,909 · end of year $121,809

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $1,756,231 · end of year $731,151

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $11,671,115 · end of year $15,286,776

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,761,219 · end of year $1,825,057

Mission and programs · 2023

Mission

TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WITH VISION IMPAIRMENTS ACHIEVE THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE.

  • LIGHT MANUFACTURING & WAREHOUSING: WE OPERATE A MARKET COMPETITIVE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND IN A COMMUNITY AND MARKET-COMPETITIVE SETTING. THROUGH THESE EFFORTS WE SELL, WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTE MERCHANDISE TO GOVERNMENT AND COMMERCIAL CONSUMERS THAT ARE PRODUCED, ASSEMBLED OR PACKAGED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED. ALL EMPLOYEES ARE PROVIDED WITH MARKET COMPETITIVE WAGES AND BENEFITS AND HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR UPWARD MOBILITY.

    Expenses $5,839,406 · Revenue $6,755,327

  • SWITCHBOARDS & CONTACT CENTER: WE OPERATE A MARKET COMPETITIVE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND. THROUGH THESE EFFORTS WE OPERATE CONTACT CENTER AND SWITCHBOARD SERVICE FOR NUMEROUS FEDERAL, STATE, MUNICIPAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS PROVIDING SERVICES 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS PER WEEK. SERVICES INCLUDE 211, THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE INFORMATION REFERRAL HELP LINE AND RESOURCE DATABASE FOR THE 8 COUNTIES OF WESTERN NEW YORK; NIAGARA COUNTY 311 SERVICE; SWITCHBOARD OPERATIONS AT THE VA MEDICAL CENTERS IN BUFFALO, NY AND ERIE, PA; UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO SWITCHBOARD SERVICES; INTAKE FOR EMERGENCY RENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES; HOUSING PLACEMENT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS; AND MANY OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFERINGS. OVER 75% OF THE STAFF IS BLIND OR PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND COMPENSATED WITH COMPETITIVE WAGES AND BENEFITS.

    Expenses $3,737,856 · Revenue $2,731,486

  • VISION REHABILITATION: AGENCY PROGRAMS PROVIDE VISION REHABILITATION AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE 8 COUNTIES IN WESTERN NEW YORK. WE PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES FROM BIRTH TO THE ELDERLY THAT FOCUS ON EARLY INTERVENTION, PRESCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES; INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS IN THE HOME, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY; ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY (WHITE CANE TRAVEL); SOCIAL WORK AND ADJUSTMENT TO VISION LOSS COUNSELING; VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND JOB PLACEMENT PROGRAMS THAT FOCUS ON EMPLOYMENT; LOW VISION EXAMS AND INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY THAT ASSIST WITH MAXIMIZING INDEPENDENCE. WE SERVE APPROXIMATELY 1500 CLIENTS ANNUALLY.

    Expenses $1,595,331 · Revenue $994,122

  • RENTAL ACTIVITIES: OPERATIONS OF RENTAL PROPERTIES FOR OTHER VISION SERVICES AND HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

    Expenses $920,904 · Revenue $1,018,907

  • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: THE PROGRAM COMBINES JOB TRAINING, HANDS-ON SUPPORT, AND EDUCATION THAT POSITIONS CLIENTS FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKFORCE. UPON THE CLIENT'S COMPLETION OF THE WORKFORCE READINESS TRAINING, THE PROGRAM ASSISTS THE CLIENT IN FINDING COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT.

    Expenses $472,473 · Revenue $314,516

  • OTHER PROGRAMS THAT EMPLOY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED. THE ORGANIZATION ALSO PROVIDES EDUCATION ABOUT PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS.

    Revenue $27,064

As filed on the 2023 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • MARTHA LAMPARELLI

    CHAIRPERSON

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • JOHN KREMER

    VICE CHAIRPERSON

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • MAI AGRO

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • LISA M KIRISITS

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • JOHN EBERL

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • KEN SULLIVAN

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • LOU NUCHERENO

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • MELISSA KEITH

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • PAUL LEE

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • PHILLIP CATANESE

    PAST CHAIRPERSON

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • RYAN FISHER

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • SANDRA SIEMINSKI

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • STEPHEN CARDARELLA

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • STEPHEN V CROSS

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • TESSA R SCOTT

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • DARYL SPRINGER

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • DOMINIC SECCHIAROLI

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • JASON T DANIELS

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • DENNIS MCCOY

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 2 related

  • KATE BEDARD

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • MICHAEL LEAVELL

    MEMBER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    0.3 + 0.2 related

  • FRANCA TRINCIA

    CFO

    Total calculated
    $105,709
    From this org
    $100,122
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $5,587
    Hours/week
    37 + 0.5 related

  • GREG LOSI

    COO

    Total calculated
    $102,402
    From this org
    $102,402
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37 + 0.5 related

  • RAY LUDWIG

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $121,553
    From this org
    $121,553
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37.5

  • RENEE DEFLAVIO

    SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $124,744
    From this org
    $124,744
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    37 + 0.5 related

  • TAMARA OWEN

    PRESIDENT / CEO (THROUGH MAY 2023)

    Total calculated
    $258,056
    From this org
    $233,435
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $24,621
    Hours/week
    37 + 0.5 related

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $233,435
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $0
    Nontaxable benefits
    $24,621
    Filer's total
    $258,056

  • MICHAEL HILL

    CEO (FROM JUNE 2023)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

  • JAMES SIMMONS DDO

    OPTOMETRIST

    Total calculated
    $121,388
    From this org
    $109,679
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $11,709
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Independent compensation consultant
  • 3 · Form 990 of other organizations
  • 3 · Compensation survey or study
  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Related partnerships

Part III: related organizations taxable as a partnership, with the filer's share.

Related corporations and trusts

Part IV: related organizations taxable as a corporation or trust.

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2023
Filed
22 November 2024
IRS schema version
2023v5.1
Source object
202403279349301130

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