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ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
How F.R.E.E. StartedHow F.R.E.E. Started
Embryonic through Birth Stage Embryonic through Birth Stage
In the beginning….. Embryonic Stage – the Problem identified
“People who didn’t have the appropriate medical mobility equipment weren’t getting better in fact, some getting worse.”
Brainstorming a solution for this problem
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
The Birth of F.R.E.E. The Birth of F.R.E.E.
– A solution determined
1999 – FREE was established
and mission determined
Received first abundant funding
source to serve the mission
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
Sponge – trying to soak up as much as we can on how to operate a nonprofit organization
Innocent Mistakes - Started out purchasing Equipment , not reusing
Security - only serving our local community
Exploring other regions – knowing there is a need for our service but secure staying in familiar environment/location
The look The look = one local Chapter getting started/learning the ropes. Too young to have made mistakes to learn from!
The Innocent StageThe Innocent Stage
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
Ready to spread our wings – not real sure how to go about it – but ready to take the risk
Adolescent and Teen StageAdolescent and Teen Stage
No experience to use as a guide but Expansion looks great on paper!
The look = successful locally, Now spreading regionally. Fast growth!
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
• Corporate F.R.E.E. needed more limits on financial accessibility – determine who needs access to bank account
• Parent chapter needed to have more control – too trusting that Chapters were doing things under the umbrella of what was defined as F.R.E.E. but found out not true
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
• “Ramon Noodle Twenties”• Bare-Bones Budget• Developed Chapter Manual for
Replication of the F.R.E.E. Model in Roanoke• Cultivating “life-long” partnerships• The Look = Too much, too fast. Dealing with
successes and failures simultaneously. Taking a step back to evaluate and learn from it all.
The Lean Stage The Lean Stage
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
• Needs to be a clear definition of roles and accountability between corporate and chapters
• Need medical community support and participation to succeed.
• Need to more thoroughly research prospective Chapter community
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
• Much wiser from many “learning experiences”• Feasibility Study conducted by professional• Now more a “parental” role for the “Parent
Organization” • Trying to find a balance between letting
Chapters define themselves while still following the parent’s rules.
The Look The Look = Statewide presence through strategic partnerships
The Middle Age StageThe Middle Age Stage
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
Lessons LearnedLessons Learned
• More involvement needed at Chapter level• Cannot run on volunteers alone• Not a cookie cutter model – Need flexibility
every chapter is different in personalities, demographics – it’s all in the approach!
• Chapters are always changing as well and also at various stages of growth
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
• Age of Wisdom - Visionary• Still growing, changing, adapting, but in
a much wiser way • More “been there, done that” moments• Doesn’t sweat the small stuff – Sees the
big picture
The Look = Long term success on a large scale
The Retirement StageThe Retirement Stage
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
BIGBIG Lessons Learned Lessons Learned
• Failing to plan really does mean
planning to fail!
• The more we grow, the more we learn
• Prioritize ‘To-do’ list by always asking yourself, “Is this helping us to further our mission?”
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
MORE Lessons Learned MORE Lessons Learned along the way……along the way……
NO RUSH! Taking time to do things right in the beginning, saves lots of headaches later
Update your Strategic Plan regularly and make it working document! Develop and cultivate meaningful Partnerships!
ATIA Orlando 2012 - AT Reuse Strandwww.passitoncenter.org
www.free-foundation.org
Sonja Schaible, Executive Sonja Schaible, Executive Director Director
““Like” us onLike” us on
at “F.R.E.E. at “F.R.E.E. Foundation of Foundation of
Virginia” Virginia”
