FREE Foundation Overview Pass it On May 8, 2006
F oundation for R ehabilitation E quipment & E ndowment (540)
The Beginning Founded in Roanoke, Virginia – 1999 By a group of dedicated Care givers & healthcare workers who noticed: –adults returning home from stroke, spinal cord, brain injury & other serious illnesses –without equipment needed to recover or return to a life of independence –often becoming debilitated upon returning home without necessary devices
Vision & Mission Vision -To assist underserved adults to whom mobility equipment is not otherwise available -Be a model program for other communities. Mission To acquire and provide mobility related rehabilitative equipment to maximize functional independence and improve quality of life
Where We Serve Now Initially started in Roanoke, Virginia
Where We Serve Now Now serving all of Southwest, Virginia
Where We Serve Now Portions of Southside, Virginia Central, Virginia
VISION FREE is working jointly with partners to mentor other areas throughout the state in order to serve the entire Commonwealth of Virginia
What We Help With Assistive Devices: –Wheelchairs –Walkers, canes, & crutches –Power wheelchairs & scooters –Bathroom equipment –Hospital beds –and similar devices
Who We Help Adults 18 & older in Virginia –In need of rehabilitative equipment –With physician-determined medical need –Without other means to acquire equipment No insurance/Medicare/Medicaid/personal funds which can provide the device –Have confirmed financial need
Why Recycle Increased volume & selection of equipment A means for the community to help itself Decrease bulk environmental waste It’s the right thing to do! Cost savings
Cost Savings Item Average Retail Cost for One Recycling Ratio Low-end items: Walkers, canes, & Bathroom devices $1001:2 Wheelchair $9001:4 up to Power Chair $70001:15 up to
Key Partners Local Communities Goodwill Industries VATS Gleaning for the World
How we Recycle Recycling includes: Collecting donations from the community Sorting donations Cleaning Inspecting Repairing Distribution
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Inspected & Ready for repair
Ready to Pass it on!
Resources Volunteers Community agencies Marketing
Resources Funding –Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative –Health Foundations –Community Foundations –Individuals and Corporate Sponsors –Fundraising events –Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation
A Model for other communities
Diagnosis of People Served 2005
Impact = Outcomes
GreaterDecreased Staying IndependenceFallsER VisitsHospitalizationsat Home %85%88%92%100% %94%98%95% %83%95%94%99% %87%83%87%100%
Person Testimonies Meet Kathy & Gary who were served by FREE!
Challenges Sustaining Distribution (transportation) Space Growth
FREE Contact Info Contact- FREE Foundation Robin Ramsey Executive Director