PROJECTS COORDINATOR: Juanita Belcher, Pilot Club of Pratt
620-672-7780 - lbelcher@cox.net
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2011 District Project
Your District Administrative Council (DAC) has applied for a matching funds grant from PIF to purchase a SMART Table for the Ozark Center for Autism in Joplin, Missouri. The Center was completely destroyed in the 2011 tornado, so they are currently in temporary quarters. The total amount of the purchase is $6,000, so that means we the members need to raise $3,000 to get this accomplished.
There are currently 50 children at the Center – 12 in the preschool program, 5 in the special education center, and 27 outpatients. While most of the children have a form of autism, 2 have Dyspraxia and one has Chiari malformation. Of these 50, approximately 44 children (88%) will utilize the SMART Table, which is an interactive learning center with multi-touch and multi-user capabilities (see attached brochure). Numbers being served is expected to grow as a result of a recent Missouri mandate for insurance coverage for autism treatment. There are no other facilities in Joplin or the surrounding communities offering services comparable to Ozark Center for Autism. Before the Ozark Center for Autism preschool program was founded (in consultation with the Cleveland Clinic Autism Consulting Group) in 2007, families really had two choices – go without treatment or relocate. Ozark Center for Autism serves a great need and even brings people to the Joplin community. Sixteen percent of students to date have relocated to attend Ozark Center for Autism and an additional 20% of students are driven an hour or more each way daily to attend. In other words, 36% of our families to date have gone to great lengths in order to enroll their children in Ozark Center for Autism programs. Additionally, before the Ozark Center for Autism Diagnostic Team began services in January 2011, families often had to travel 2–3 hours and wait up to a year for comprehensive diagnostic services.
Due to the nature of autism treatment and schooling, there will be no opportunity to volunteer in the Center directly. The Center has an annual walk for Autism Awareness and holds semi-annual wine tasting events. Most of the KS-MO District will be unable due to logistics to participate in significant numbers. However, we hope there will be some who would enjoy attending one or more of these events to volunteer in whatever capacity might be available.
When we have all the funds necessary, we will purchase the SMART Table. If we raise more than our $3,000 necessary, the funds will be given to the Center to use as they see fit. If every Pilot in the District donates just $5, we will more than meet our goal for this very worthwhile project.
If we attract enough interest and make enough contacts, maybe a new Pilot club can be re-established in Joplin, Missouri.
As press releases are developed, they will be shared with all clubs so you, too, can submit them to your local media sources.
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How do you spell projects?
Give us an
“I-N-V-O-L-V-E!”
The key to a successful club project is to involve individuals with a diverse pool of expertise and disposition. Encourage the Imaginative member to get involved by thinking of new twists on old projects or new projects entirely. Ask the New member with fresh ideas to co-chair a project to speed up the learning curve and add fresh ideas to the mix. Don’t forget to include the Vivacious member on the project team to add a cheerful and spirited attitude to go along with the work. We are always looking for the Opportunist to be a trailblazer of ideas. Bring in the Logical and analytical friend to organize the details behind the event. Come to think of it, who wouldn’t want another Vivacious member on the projects team?! Last, but not least, don’t forget that Everyone should be involved in projects in some capacity. It is our unique and diverse qualities that when combined create exciting, successful projects! Just remember to:
“I-N-V-O-L-V-E” with projects!
And when you need guidance this year, you can call upon your District project co-coordinators to help lend insight. We’re looking forward to a great year full of exciting projects!
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