Here are a few of the programs we would plan on initiating:
THE ADVENTURE PROGRAM: Our mission is to support and foster a healthy, happy life. This program is designed to consist of what may be considered high adventure activities meant to challenge and inspire. It is our belief, that participating in such a process will help an individual with a spinal cord injury have an expanded sense of what
is truly possible after such a catastrophic event in their lives. We feel that by providing opportunities for someone to try new things and meeting other individuals in similar situations will allow for a space in which a spark might grow into a fuller life. At the very least these activities are meant to let us all just have a little fun! The activities and their organization will be decided upon by votes from all members within the community. The range of what we will do is very broad and may range from “high activity” events such as skydiving, river rafting, or horseback riding to something less physical like attending a concert. The goal is to arrange for a minimum of at least one larger activity during the course of the year. Smaller events or community outings may also be part of this program. These will be open to all individuals who have a spinal cord injury within our community, free of charge, with preference going to those who have newer injuries. Participation in as many activities as possible is encouraged, but those who have not had a chance to take part in previous outings will be chosen first if space is limited. The number of individuals participating will depend upon activity limitations, volunteer support, and available funds. Family members will be encouraged to join in, but may have to pay a portion or all of the money necessary to cover their costs. THE GRANT PROGRAM: This aspect of our group is designed to offer support for individuals who want to work towards and achieve health and fitness goals which would be otherwise made difficult due to monetary limitations. Persons submitting applications will be expected to fully explain their needs and what it is they hope to achieve upon receiving assistance. They may be considered for either full or partial funding of their requests. Any monies paid out will not need to be reimbursed, but the individual is encouraged to give back to the group and the community as best they can. Applications may be submitted to the secretary or directly to the board. The executive board will vote on how to proceed based on their perceptions of need and available resources. This will be done in a timely fashion and the applicant will be notified directly. THE RENTAL PROGRAM: The goal of this program is to purchase accessible equipment that can be used by members of the I AM organization. Some possibilities are hand-cycles and the necessary equipment used to go snow skiing or for aquatics activities. This type of equipment can be expensive to purchase so our goal is to obtain items with the broadest range of use for our members. Decisions of this nature will be voted on by the group and must receive approval from the board. . It is suggested that rentals be free of cost, but require some form of commitment by the individual to promote the mission of the group, perhaps by participating in fund-raising events or promoting community awareness. THE PEER-MENTORING PROGRAM: When a person sustains an injury to their spinal cord the fundamental aspects of that individual's life and the lives of those who care about him or her are inevitably altered; the degree to which this occurs may differ, but it does happen. During this time there is a multitude of things happening. There is a physical component that needs to be addressed. Certain mental and emotional adjustments also need to be navigated. Few people can understand this better than those who have been through and live within this reality. For this reason I AM will encourage its members, those with a spinal cord injury along with any interested family members, to become part of a support network. Individuals who act as mentors within this program endeavor to offer some support or perspective on many of the aspects, emotions, thought processes, and situations which may arise following such an event. COMMUNITY INITIATIVE: I AM is a group, but we are also members of a larger community and as such have a shared responsibility to contribute towards society. As individuals putting abilities in motion our continued development should inherently improve those around us. However, the organization will also work to develop awareness about spinal cord injuries along with the power of abilities when allowed to flourish. One way we to accomplish this is by promoting an annual Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day as a way in which the community has a better opportunity to learn about the issues and concerns surrounding those who have spinal cord injuries. Information will be provided as to what happens to a person’s body after a spinal cord injury and practices to adopt that may help reduce the occurrences. Many activities and sports participated in after an injury will also be showcased. The group also holds a fundraiser in which area colleges compete in a torment using wheelchair sports. This program has the dual purpose of educating the public and those students who are working towards a degree and may find themselves in a position where they will be working directly with the unique needs of the spinal cord injury population.
