2022 Annual Report

To Our Family & Friends

Time is one of the greatest resources we have at Little City.

You can see all the difference time can make in the participants and residents we serve together. A single school year can lead to life-changing breakthroughs, a few months in the Employee Development Services program can result in someone’s first job, and a season of Special Olympics can create lifelong friendships.

When you give someone enough time, truly remarkable things can happen.

I have had the honor and privilege of being trusted with leading and growing Little City over the last 20 years. That gift of time has allowed me to see the best in people and the power we have when we work together to create a better future for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

In the past 20 years, we have opened a therapeutic day school, created state-of-the-art homes at the Duffey Family Children’s Village, completed a momentous merger with Countryside,opened more adult residential homes in the community, and so much more. It’s overwhelming to think about all the tremendous change at Little City over these two decades.

But even with all these landmark achievements, it’s been the time spent with residents, staff, and donors that has changed me the most.

I have met the most inspirational, selfless, and loving people at Little City and it is the time they give every day that makes this place so special. There is no greater feeling than seeing a family that experienced challenges and hardships before Little City find a renewed sense of hope and optimism by seeing the growth and opportunities their loved one receives here.

This past year has been one of many emotions knowing it would be my last at Little City. But as I submit this final annual report letter to all our supporters, families, partners, and donors, I feel only gratitude for the opportunity that was given to me and pride for all we accomplished. As you will see in the stories here, people with developmental disabilities continue to break barriers at Little City and realize their potential in inspiring ways. That is possible – and has always been possible – because of you.

I often call Little City a family and that’s because it is true. The people here genuinely care about the mission, and it is evident in all they do. So even as I prepare to leave Little City, I know it remains in the best hands – your hands. Little City is as strong as the community that supports it and that has never been stronger.

So, remember to dream big and give those dreams time. Twenty years have passed by in the blink of an eye, but the accomplishments we realized have made a lifetime of difference for those we serve.

With a little time, you will see this is only the beginning for creating a more compassionate and equitable world for the people who matter most to us.

Thank you for everything.
With deep appreciation for your support.

Shawn E. Jeffers, Executive Director
Greg Burns, Chair, Little City Board of Directors