Dear ARC Family - A Message from Carol, ARCs Director A recent donor asked what we will use the raised funds for and why are we asking people for money. And she asked that we post it. I suspect, if one person asked - there are others wondering WHY we need any money at all since we are a Facebook Group and it looks like we are having fun. The reality is - there are tears, pain, and grief behind every aphasia story. And thus - people NEED our support. Well - the reality is this: As with any start up - there are many costs. Filing fees for the non-profit cost us hundreds of dollars. Having non-profit status will allow us to bring the face of aphasia to an entire new level. The retreat and conference cost ARC Leaders well over $5,000 in travel and materials and we have self-funded these largely as the minimal registration fees are not being used to reimburse us. They are put into the ARC general fund - to help ARC get its footing. The upcoming ARC Boot camps have a start up budget of $7,000 to cover contract work needed before launch, equipment and material needs, etc. These are the actual dollars budgeted. Then, there are hundreds of hours that the ARC Leadership Team is putting in without pay to get things going. We do need the help of others. Weve been laying the foundation - but now - we need others to step in to help us take it to the next level. Next, we are going to the ASHA Conference in Florida. We are self-paying those costs of hotel and travel - and which is well over $3,000 - and we again are not looking for re-imbursement. This is giving the ARC leadership and those with aphasia - a voice at the table. We feel this is an important piece of developing the relationship with professionals - so are opting to go at our own expense. (Kim, Carol, David, Christine are going and speaking at the event). We are doing as much as we can to self start ARC - But the real growth comes once we have a foundation that we can actually GROW ARC with capital funds. The growth now needs to come from those we help support - families dealing with aphasia. And, we cannot continue to self-fund and subsidize ARC Events with personal funds beyond these first two years. Additionally, with the non-profit status comes added IRS, Tax, and accounting services - which also add cost administratively to ARC. Capital costs and equipment needs are also on the ARC agenda. We want ARC to be a leader - and technology equipment is required for our audience and for David and Christine to be able to have the tools they need to bring the support to our audience. Grant writing is another contracted service that we will need in the future. And we cannot rely on the possibility of grants to fund ARC. Grant donors always look first - to the nonprofit to see if those they serve first support it. So - we first have to prove our worthiness and credibility to those who may give funds to ARC in the future. Eventually, we need to hire some staffing as we grow. Adding and screening members takes several hours every month. Calls and needs of others that are critical take several hours every week. We are growing - but with growth - we need more support. And unfortunately - that adds costs. We believe we have put in the hours and expenses to build something worth supporting for the future. We believe we can turn ARC into a major leader in the world of aphasia. But - we need the ARC Family to help support those goals. We have committed our volunteer service and funds for two years to build ARC into something that is internationally recognized as a leader. Now - we are going into the third year. And we are hopeful that we have the support of the members to keep going and growing now. And unfortunately - that means we do need funding. If youd like more information on helping ARC grow, please email me at ARCaphasia@gmail Id be happy to call you and chat about ways you may be able to help. Or, you can send your donation to: Aphasia Recovery Connection c/o Huggins 424 2nd Street Marietta, OH 45750 Asking for funds is not the joy of any organization. And, we know that for many people with aphasia in particular - funds are something they may not have. So - for many - it is not possible. And we understand that. But for those who are able - we do need to ask the simple question, Can you help? Without the help - we simply cannot grow. Sincerely, Carol Dow-Richards ARC Director ARCaphasia@gmail
Posted on: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:57:13 +0000
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