“giving back to the community that has given us so much”
TRANSCRIPT
Special Friends Exchange Clubs
“Giving back to the community that has given us so much”
A “Special Friends Exchange Club” is an Exchange Club consisting of all “Special Needs” members
“Special Friends” is a “Special” name
The Special Friends Exchange Club of Hampton, VA, held its POM on June 26, 2010
What is a “Special Friends Exchange Club”?
SFEC – Hampton, VA, “Official” Charter Photo
All “Special Needs” or “Intellectually Disabled”… Include conditions such as Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, etc.
Most members are affiliated with local agencies and workshops – the Arc, Community Service Board (CSB), Sarah Bonwell Hudgins Foundation
Our Members
Controlled number of our members – POM’d with 20 Exchangites
Initially involved club members with higher abilities – Eliminating mobility and other issues at start up
Once the SFEC is established, membership is intended for all interested parties
Everyone wishing to participate with the club, will be welcome
Our Members Cont’d
Magic!
“Giving Back to the community that has given us so much” or in our members words:
“We want to help people”
“Special Needs” Meets “Exchange”
Effort, Effort, Effort!
Fearless
Given Opportunities like never had before
Very Proud to be Exchangites
“Special Need Meets “Exchange”
Writing the Military in Afghanistan Project
Writing the Military in Afghanistan Project
Service Projects, included:
Sending Cards to Afghanistan GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE – Parade -
Ballgame Adopt-a-Spot Trash Clean Up Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Feeding the Homeless Singing Christmas Carols at Assisted Living
Home
SFEC – Hampton’s First Year
SFEC – Hampton GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE Project
Completed 17 Service Projects
Conducted 3 Fundraisers
Won the National Service Award!
SFEC – Hampton’s First Year
SFEC – Hampton Singing Christmas Carols
SFEC’s are structured very similarly to regular Exchange Clubs with a few exceptions:
Club “Advisors” are used to help implement projects and fundraisers
Club “Advisors” also assist the SFEC officers with their tasks
Club “Advisors” are a vital component to the success of a Special Friends Exchange Club
Special Friends Club “Advisors”
SFEC – Hampton Feeding the Homeless Project
SFEC – Hampton Feeding the Homeless Project
The Colonial District is in building its second SFEC, in Lynchburg, VA, in conjunction with their local Arc – Should POM by the end of March 2012
A third SFEC is planned for Winchester, VA, to be POM’d in September 2012
SFEC – Future Club Building
SFEC – Hampton – “Adopt-a-Spot” Project
SFEC – Hampton – “Adopt-a-Spot” Project
Talk with National to gauge interest in building Special Friends Exchange Clubs across the country
Would like to develop “models” for potential clubs across the country
Possibly building relationships with the Arc and/or the Special Olympics organizations
Devising literature similar to our Excel Club literature explaining the SFEC concept
Moving Forward…
The “Special Needs” community - How?
By building SFEC member’s self esteem and confidence
By participating in “never done before” projects
By feeling the “Pride” all Exchangites experience while serving others in the community
Who Benefits from Building SFEC’s?
Alzheimer’s Memory Walk
The National Exchange Club - How?
By additional SFEC’s being built
Increased membership
Excellent “PR” by giving our Special Needs community opportunities to serve others
Who Benefits from Building SFEC’s?
Special Friends Exchange Club
Controlled growth – Need to make sure each club is nurtured and grows
Potential Clubs need to have “Advisors” with “Special Needs” experience to be successful
501(c) 3 Tax Status, to enhance fundraising capabilities… “Project within Project”
Suggestions…
“Giving back to the community that has given us so much”….
Special Friends Exchange Clubs