PROPOSAL FOR ALTER-ABLED CO-OP PROJECT

My name is Hollis Shostrom. I was born in 1977 with cerebral palsy in Ashland Oregon. My life’s journey has given me a deep understanding of the alter-abled community, both its profound joys and considerable shortcomings. One of the most important things I’ve learned is that alter-abled people possess incredible potential. My dream is to unlock that potential in creative and exciting new ways. Perpetual Motion is a non-profit business proposal designed to do exactly that. The idea combines a sophisticated living co-operative with a manufacturing facility that supplies high-tech products for the alter-abled community. Our co-operative venture consists of three phases:

Phase I

Phase I establishes the residential facility that can accommodate up to 15 community members and support staff. Currently, the charter members are looking at potential sites in the Eugene area. We have been in contact with various financial advisors seeking information about collecting donations and seeking funding through grants and loans.

Phase II

The second phase includes the construction of a repair shop and teaching facility. This phase has several goals including life-skills training to help alter-abled individuals achieve new levels of independence. Other goals include offering professional instruction in the maintenance of recreational equipment, wheelchairs, walkers, etc. Having both residents and non-residents working side-by-side building innovative types of mobility aids at the on-site manufacturing facility.

Phase III

The purpose of phase three will be to operate a manufacturing facility which designs and builds custom equipment for alter-abled users. The profits generated by this facility will be used for operating the co-operative . With the cost of medical equipment rising, the expense of mobility aids is often high. As the industry becomes more consolidated and profit begins to win over quality, we expect to continually explore more effective ways of combining need and resources.

Guidelines for Community Administration

Weekly house meetings would involve all residents in house administration. All aspects of house planning, including hiring of staff, house task scheduling etc., will be covered in these meetings. The collective will also be available to non alter-abled adults interested in caregiver positions and wheelchair manufacturing.

The alter-abled residents will be able to pool their state funding together, in an effort to find the most economically feasible path in fulfilling any needs. I am researching numerous cooperative models to find the best ideas to further this project.

We are applying for, 501(C)(3) tax exemption as a non-profit organization, which will be called Perpetual Motion.

Sincerely,

Hollis Shostrom

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Updated on:

Thursday, December 30, 2004 10:25 PM