1. FREE Foundation Overview Pass it On May 8, 2006

2. F oundation for R ehabilitation E quipment & E ndowment www.free-foundation.org (540) 777-4929

3. 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

4. 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

5. Where We Serve Now Initially started in Roanoke, Virginia

6. Where We Serve Now Now serving all of Southwest, Virginia

7. Where We Serve Now Portions of Southside, Virginia Central, Virginia

8. VISION FREE is working jointly with partners to mentor other areas throughout the state in order to serve the entire Commonwealth of Virginia

9. What We Help With Assistive Devices: –Wheelchairs –Walkers, canes, & crutches –Power wheelchairs & scooters –Bathroom equipment –Hospital beds –and similar devices

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Key Partners Local Communities Goodwill Industries VATS Gleaning for the World

14. How we Recycle Recycling includes: Collecting donations from the community Sorting donations Cleaning Inspecting Repairing Distribution

15. Cleaning & Sanitizing

17. Inspected & Ready for repair

18. Ready to Pass it on!

21. Resources Volunteers Community agencies Marketing

22. Resources Funding –Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative –Health Foundations –Community Foundations –Individuals and Corporate Sponsors –Fundraising events –Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation

23. A Model for other communities

25. Diagnosis of People Served 2005

26. Impact = Outcomes

27. GreaterDecreased Staying IndependenceFallsER VisitsHospitalizationsat Home 200293%85%88%92%100% 200399%94%98%95% 200498%83%95%94%99% 200593%87%83%87%100%

28. Person Testimonies Meet Kathy & Gary who were served by FREE!

29. Challenges Sustaining Distribution (transportation) Space Growth

30. FREE Contact Info Contact- FREE Foundation Robin Ramsey Executive Director 540-777-4929ree1@ntelos.netree1@ntelos.net www.free-foundation.org