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Independence First Inc

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 391343425 ✦ Milwaukee, WI ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is Independence First Inc?

Independence First Inc is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based non-profit 501C3 organization, primarily serving the four-county metropolitan Milwaukee area. Led by individuals with disabilities, its mission is to empower people with disabilities by offering essential services, including advocacy, independent living skills, information and referral, peer support, and transition. The organization effectively facilitates the independence of persons with disabilities, allowing them to remain in their communities instead of institutional settings. With a diverse and multicultural approach, Independence First provides RN-supervised personal assistance services and case management, enabling these individuals to lead more independent lives. The non-profit employs a total of 1266 individuals.


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 96% (Four-Star out of Four Stars)

Independence First Inc has received a strong Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a high level of accountability and financial health. The organization's accountability and finance score reflects its commitment to transparency, with perfect scores in areas such as board independence, financial oversight, and conflict of interest policies. This rating signifies that Independence First effectively uses its resources to fulfill its mission and support individuals with disabilities.

User feedback from various sources highlights the organization's positive impact on the community, with many volunteers and board members expressing pride in their association with Independence First. Reviews consistently mention the empowering services provided to individuals with disabilities, including assistive technology training and community integration support. The organization is viewed as a vital resource for fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for those it serves.

While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, indicating a strong commitment to social justice and community engagement, some feedback emphasizes the need for continued growth in outreach efforts to reach more individuals in need. Nonetheless, Independence First is recognized as a leader in its field, with a dedicated staff and a culture that promotes respect and empowerment for all involved.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.

Is Independence First Inc legitimate?

Independence First Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Independence First Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $772,637
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $18,885,094

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

What is the mission statement of Independence First Inc?

Independence First Inc is a non-profit organization functioning as an Independent Living Center (ILC), led and managed by individuals with disabilities. Primarily serving the metropolitan Milwaukee area, their mission is geared towards empowering people with disabilities through essential services such as advocacy, independent living skills, information and referral, peer support, and transition. Independence First Inc advocates for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities and provides them with the necessary skills and resources to live independently. Their operations and services actively promote diversity and multicultural participation.


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

Who is the CEO of Independence First Inc?

Marcia Boucher is the Chair of Independence First Inc. The CEO's salary of Independence First Inc is $222,543 and their total compensation is $244,726.


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

What is the revenue of Independence First Inc?

Independence First Inc's revenue in 2022 was $26,173,789.


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

Who are the executives of Independence First Inc and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at Independence First Inc during 2022 was $15,527. There are 1266 employees and 105 volunteers at Independence First Inc.


Here are 25 key members and their salaries (Independence First Inc's CEO's salary is $222,543 and their total compensation is $244,726):


Billie Torrentt (Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Scott Luber (Vice Chair)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Brad Holz (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
David Frank (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Karen Hunt (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Joanne Williams (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Paul Wierzba (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
William Crowley (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
James Guckenberg (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Jakeim Jackson-Bell (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kawanza Newson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Ryan Ramos (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Samantha Tadych (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Beverly Walker (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Kent Walters (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
John Dziewa (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Marcia Boucher (President/Ceo)
  • Compensation: $222,543
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $22,183
Wendy Huot (Chief Financial Officer)
  • Compensation: $170,117
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $9,494
Deb Langham (Chief Operating Officer (Thru 05/22))
  • Compensation: $159,964
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $8,864
Kathy Acevedo (Chief Operating Officer)
  • Compensation: $154,881
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $23,648
Tracy Thomas (Controller)
  • Compensation: $137,650
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $21,623
Jacob Nowak (Information Technology Director)
  • Compensation: $111,053
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $39,970
Myra Sanchick (Marketing & Fund Development)
  • Compensation: $108,980
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,751
Moriah Iverson (Personal Assistance Services Director)
  • Compensation: $128,178
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $25,351
Scott Curwick (Human Resources Director)
  • Compensation: $100,436
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $13,919


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

Where can I find the form 990 for Independence First Inc?

Independence First Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.independencefirst.org

Learn more at the official website: www.independencefirst.org

Mission Statement of Independence First Inc

Independence First Inc, a non-profit 501C3 Independent Living Center (ILC), is led and governed by individuals with disabilities, primarily serving the metropolitan Milwaukee area. Their mission is geared towards empowering people with disabilities by providing essential services that foster independence. These core services include advocacy, independent living skills, information and referral, peer support, and transition.

Independence First Inc is dedicated to facilitating the empowerment of individuals with disabilities through various means. They offer advocacy services to ensure the rights and needs of their clients are represented. The independent living skills program equips individuals with the necessary tools to live independently. Information and referral services help connect people to resources and services that cater to their unique requirements. Peer support provides a platform for individuals to share experiences and learn from one another. Transition services assist individuals in making the move from school to work or other independent living arrangements.

Independence First Inc places a strong emphasis on diversity and multicultural participation in its operations and services. This inclusive approach ensures that the organization can effectively cater to and support a broad range of individuals with disabilities.

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Impact




October, 2024

Independence First Inc significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the four-county metropolitan Milwaukee area. By facilitating empowerment through a range of core services—including advocacy, independent living skills training, information and referral, peer support, and transition assistance—it enables individuals to lead more fulfilling, autonomous lives.

The organization plays a crucial role in providing personal assistance services that ensure individuals with disabilities can remain in their homes and participate fully in their communities. This support, managed under RN supervision and case management, is vital in preventing unnecessary institutionalization, thereby fostering greater independence and dignity.

Moreover, Independence First champions diversity and multicultural participation, ensuring that its services are accessible and relevant to a broad audience. This commitment not only helps individuals with disabilities but also enriches the community as a whole, promoting inclusivity and understanding across different cultural backgrounds. Overall, Independence First Inc is a pivotal force in advancing the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate their paths to independence and reintegrate into society effectively.




This information is meant to be a general summary of Independence First Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$26,173,789 (2022)
Expenses
$25,802,011 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $93,986
  • Program Service Revenue: $24,094,912
  • Gross Receipts: $28,116,859

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $15,904,443
  • Total Liabilities: $3,463,406
  • Net Assets: $12,441,037

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Programs

Programs are reported by nonprofits in their tax forms and are normally their tax-exempt activities.

PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Revenue

$23,818,271

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Revenue

$188,487

INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES

Revenue

$60,561

ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES

Revenue

$5,814

Organization Details

Founding Year

1979

Principal Officer

Marcia Boucher

Main Address

540 S 1ST ST, MILWAUKEE, WI, 532041605

NTEE Category

Code: P80Z - Human services

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