Diabetes Family Connection

1. To promote comprehensive program support for individuals impacted by a T1D diagnosis. One of our core goals at the DFC is to provide thorough, year-round support for individuals and their families living with T1D. Managing a chronic illness requires continuous attention and care. At The DFC, we aim to reduce the burden of managing by offering programming beyond the disease's clinical aspects. Through recreational and community-based initiatives, we provide resources, tools, knowledge, and support a family needs to feel empowered to effectively manage their disease. Through story sharing, we build authentic, collaborative communities focused on helping each other with a positive mindset and lessening the feelings of isolation that lead to depression.
2. To educate and empower those impacted by T1D. Education is at the heart of the DFC's mission. Through education and connection, individuals and their families can gain the knowledge, tools, and skills they need to manage T1D more effectively, thus reducing the rate of complications and adverse health outcomes. The DFC provides education on diabetes management through real-life practicable moments that teach the art of balancing insulin, carbohydrates, exercise, and the hundreds of other factors that impact diabetes management. These moments have a stronger impact on lifelong habit formation and changes, as well as create community through shared experiences
3. To cultivate confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset among individuals and families affected byT1D. Living with a chronic condition like T1D can be overwhelming, and it’s easy for those impacted to feel defeated by the constant demands of disease management. However, by focusing on the positive and fostering a mindset of confidence and resilience, individuals can approach these challenges with strength, optimism, and a belief in their ability to succeed—both in managing their diabetes and in accomplishing broader life goals.
4. To create a community where all individuals impacted by T1D feel like they belong. At the heart of the DFC is a singular guiding goal to create a community where all those affected by the disease feel like they truly belong. Whether it’s navigating daily blood glucose monitoring, insulin management, or the emotional and social challenges of living with the condition that others may not fully understand, many individuals with T1D can feel disconnected from the broader community. The DFC is committed to changing this by building a strong, inclusive, and supportive network where individuals with T1D can come together, share their experiences, and thrive as part of a larger family of people who truly understand their journey.

All of these goals are critical to supporting those affected by T1D and creating an environment that promotes not only positive mental health but also the best physical health outcomes for the individuals living with T1D and those who love them.

Priority 1: Expand community connections
Expand our outreach by offering mission-driven programs, resources, and support to everyone impacted by Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), including individuals living with T1D and those affected by it.
- The DFC will host at least 5 mission-based programs that expose individuals and their families to The DFC's mission, values, programs, engagement activities, and support resources.

Priority 2: Build strong, authentic and meaningful relationships
Foster meaningful relationships with participants, volunteers, donors, and staff to cultivate future leaders who will advance the DFC’s mission and support the T1D community.
- The DFC will increase community involvement by at least 25% through various volunteer opportunities throughout 2024.
- The DFC will increase its online presence in 2024 by completing a rebranding, website update, and social media overhaul in partnership with Bowstern’s MayDay Grant award.

Priority 3: Diversify revenue streams
Diversifying revenue sources will increase fundraising opportunities, ensure the organization's financial sustainability, and continue delivering our programs and community support.
- The DFC will hit the 1.1 million dollar budget goal for 2024 by leveraging individual donors, a crowdfunding campaign, corporate donations and sponsorships, and grant support.

Priority 4: Implement data-driven decision-making
Develop efficient processes and policies to collect and analyze data, enabling informed decision-making that supports The DFC’s programs, resources, staff, and board development and drives the organization’s success.
- The DFC will collect and maintain demographic information for all participants, donors, volunteers, and staff to assess the impact of our programs and identify areas for development.
- After every event, the DFC will solicit feedback from all program participants and volunteers to ensure program effectiveness.
- Leadership will develop and refine processes and policies throughout the year through committee review to ensure the DFC prioritizes mission-based programs and resources.

The DFC’s capabilities to achieve the outlined priorities are grounded in our strong organizational infrastructure, commitment to mission-driven work, and a successful community engagement track record.
Priority 1: Expand Community Connections
- Leverage Established Networks: Using our deep connections with local communities, healthcare professionals, and T1D groups. This network allows us to reach new participants and their families effectively.
- Utilize Existing Partnerships: We will work closely with hospitals, schools, nurses, and other T1D organizations to extend our reach and create programs that maximize resources and impact.
- Track Engagement: we will monitor participation rates and feedback to refine our outreach efforts and ensure that we are meeting the needs of the T1D community.
Priority 2: Build Strong, Authentic, and Meaningful Relationships
- Increase Volunteer Engagement: actively promote volunteer opportunities through targeted outreach, regular communication, and dedicated volunteer engagement activities.
- Rebrand and Strengthen Online Presence: In partnership with Bowstern’s Mayday Grant award, the DFC will undergo a comprehensive rebranding, including a website update and social media overhaul. These changes will enhance our visibility, improve user experience, and better engage the community online. Increased digital engagement will also provide donors, volunteers, and participants more opportunities to connect with the DFC.
- Build Relationships Through Events: Through the mission-driven programs and community outreach events planned for 2024, the DFC will continue to nurture authentic connections with key stakeholders, ensuring that relationships remain strong, mutually beneficial, and focused on long-term community impact.
Priority 3: Diversify Revenue Streams
Cultivate Individual Donors and Corporate Partnerships: We will prioritize building relationships with both individual donors and corporate partners, ensuring that they feel connected to our mission and their support's impact on the T1D community. This includes developing customized giving programs and sponsorship packages for businesses.
-Engage the Board in identifying and cultivating relationships with participants, their circle of influence, and community member leads who self-identify as interested in doing more with and for The DFC.
Priority 4: Implement Data-Driven Decision-Making
-Collect and Analyze Demographic Data: Systematically collect demographic information from participants, donors, volunteers, and staff to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and identify trends, ensuring that we meet the needs of our diverse community.
Solicit Participant Feedback: After each event, the DFC will actively gather feedback and assess the program's area improvement and effectiveness.
- Refine Processes and Policies: leadership will engage in regular committee reviews to refine processes and policies that prioritize mission-based programs and resources.

In 2024, the DFC has made significant progress across our strategic priorities:

Priority 1: Expand Community Connections
Through our mission-based programs, resources, and support, we have reached over 1,000 individuals and families impacted by T1D. This includes successful events such as Camp Morris, Hickory, and Boone Camp to Community, Teen and Family Retreats, the Leadership and Staff Retreat, JDRF Summit Kids Camp, and conference attendees. Additionally, we have sent out over 60 PMA care packages and provided support to more than 30 individuals through our year-round peer support program, Coffee & Conversations.

Priority 2: Build Strong, Authentic, and Meaningful Relationships
We have significantly increased volunteer engagement, growing our volunteer base from 131 to over 370 individuals. Our social media presence has also surged, with a 270% increase in reach over the past 11 months. These efforts are helping us build stronger, more meaningful relationships with participants, volunteers, and the broader T1D community.

Priority 3: Diversify Revenue Streams
While we are still working toward achieving our $1.1 million budget goal for 2024, we have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help us reach this target. Our strategy includes targeted communications, match days, and a donor impact event on Giving Tuesday to engage our supporters and drive contributions.

Priority 4: Implement Data-Driven Decision-Making
We have restructured our board to support the increased program attendance and are preparing to add four new members in 2025. This expansion will help us better align with the growing needs of the T1D community and strengthen our leadership capabilities.

Overall, 2024 has been a year of growth and momentum for the DFC, with strong strides in expanding our community connections, building relationships, increasing our revenue base, and enhancing our organizational capacity.