VARIETY THE CHILDRENS CHARITY OF ST LOUIS

Programs

1. Core program: equipment - medical equipment encompasses a wide range of medically prescribed adaptive equipment and assistive technology with an equally wide range of benefits. These vital pieces of equipment increase a child's mobility (wheelchairs, standers, walkers, orthotics) as well as improve their ability to express themselves (hearing aids and communication devices). The high costs and inadequate insurance coverage make these tools unaffordable and inaccessible for families so variety provides this vital equipment to children whose needs would otherwise go unmet. In fiscal year 2025, variety served 421 children and provided 572 pieces of equipment. This equipment was utilized by children for over 2.4 million hours during the fiscal year. 98% of variety children surveyed reported they had gained skills they need to engage and experience their world as fully as possible.

   $2,224,913 spentof which $1,954,627 as grants
   61% of program spending

2. Enrichment program: recreation - variety adventure camp features a six-week long innovative and accessible camp program in the summer and a weeklong session in the winter. Accredited by the american camping association (aca), the camps are operated for children ages 4- 20 with physical and developmental disabilities. The activities and experiences are designed to increase children's engagement with peers, classmates, and family, to develop confidence in their abilities, and to demonstrate positive belief in themselves and their possibilities. Campers receive one-on-one assistance from specially trained counselors and medical professionals as they learn new skills, such as rock climbing, basketball, tennis, cooking, music, art, bicycling, ice-skating, and fishing while socializing with their peers and making long lasting friendships. Stem curriculum was expanded in fiscal year 2025 to include robotics with multiple types of robots to accomodate varying abilities and build curiousity, problem solving and confidence in science and technology. A total of 367 variety children attended camp in fiscal year 2025, participating in over 16,260 hours of innovative and engaging camp…

   $744,036 spent
   20% of program spending

3. Core program: therapy - therapy is critical for children to improve strength, endurance, and mobility, while also increasing their levels of independence at home and school. Variety ensures that children who need physical, occupational, speech, aqua or hippotherapy are able to access regular sessions, and that cost does not prevent a child from receiving this care so important to their overall health. In fiscal year 2025, variety provided 4,093 therapy sessions to 238 children. Assessments indicated that 99% of variety children receiving therapy demonstrated belief in themselves and their abilities.

   $460,856 spentof which $333,828 as grants
   13% of program spending

4. Enrichment programs: performing arts - in keeping with the historical roots of our organization, variety theatre is an inclusive theatre program that gives children of all abilities the opportunity to perform on stage. Variety's theatrical summer camp, curtain call, involves intensive instruction in singing, dancing, and acting which culminates with four showcase performances. Any child, regardless of experience or ability, is invited to attend this inclusive and adapted experience directed by professionals from the world of musical theatre. Starting in fiscal year 2024, variety st. Louis and the center of creative arts (coca) collaborated on an inclusive arts program, uniting children and teens aged 9 to 20, both with and without disabilities, and offering every participant the opportunity to shine. 52 talented young performers took the stage in the musical production of seussical jr. And 44 in disneys finding nemo jr. In fiscal year 2025 and 2024, respectively, captivating audiences and delivering a powerful message of inclusion. Our inclusive variety children's chorus program provided opportunities for 29 children and teens of all abilities to perform at a wide range of venues…

   $151,133 spent$5,798 earned by the program
   4% of program spending

5. Enrichment program - family resources - the resource center provides parents and caregivers of children with disabilities with tools to help them navigate the challenges of caring for someone with unique needs. This includes receiving information and resource referrals for needs outside of variety's program areas.

   $30,099 spent
   1% of program spending

6. Enrichment program - awareness - variety is dedicated to educating the public and raising awareness of its mission, emphasizing inclusion, accessibility, and the challenges faced by the families it supports. Through sharing success stories, creating engaging video content, and promoting its programs across social media, email marketing, print campaigns, and its website, variety strives to increase undertanding and support for its mission.

   $48,636 spent
   1% of program spending

The 6 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $3,659,673.