overview

Organization - Overview

To understand our mission, vision and goals we would like you to understand our definition of an athlete. A typical description of an athlete is someone who trains and competes. Somebody with a physical or mental challenge endures constant training just to compete with the contest of everyday life. Formal competition isn't needed for our residents to be called athletes.

Some people call special needs people slow. Forsyth Area Sports Teams (FAST) calls them fast athletes.

Mission

Our mission to provide services and employment to FAST athletes is a simple one: "We pledge to provide a facility where FAST athletes can live and work at the same place where they receive therapy, sports and recreation. We pledge to improve the existing function, design and perception of group homes so that they are self sufficient, exciting facilities that support the community."

Vision

"We will provide compassionate support, personal guidance and uncompromising standards to athletes of all abilities, in their individual journeys towards competition, health of body and mind and to be meaningfully employed, productive and proud members of the community. To ensure innovative and unsurpassed care for our athletes, we are dedicated to maintaining our position as regional leaders in select athletic training and the promotion of athletics to everyone. And to enhance the wellness of our community, we commit ourselves to providing a diverse array of athletic, educational, recreational and outreach programs."
Goals and Objectives

It is our far-reaching goal for this residential home to serve as a model for similar residential homes across the country. These self sufficient group homes would manage athletic, recreational and therapy services for the under-served and would generate revenue in a business they would own.
Community Served

We would serve 100% of the community that is within a reasonable distance of the FAST facility. We rely on the able bodied community reaping healthy benefits from our facilities by paying for fitness, sports and recreation services. We will provide services up to the capacity of the facility which will include 5 FAST athletes and up to 30 visitors to the facility at anytime during operating hours.

Geographic Area Supported

Located in central Forsyth County, our facility primarily supports the counties north of Atlanta since they are a reasonable driving distance away. Since residents may come from any location to live or train here, a boundary for the area is not defined.

History of Forsyth Area Sports Team (FAST)

A specialized aquatic clinic for competitive swimmers that was under construction changed its purpose after the owner, Alan Kindree, learned that he was the proud father of a boy, named Cameron. Cameron has Down syndrome, and as Cameron required more therapy, services and education, the purpose of the facility changed. After coaching the Forsyth County Special Olympics swim team, Alan attended a Special Olympics coaching clinic for swimming, sailing and golf at Warm Springs, GA where he and 4 other coaches and parents formed the board of directors for FAST, incorporated in the summer of 2007.

A parade of flags start the ceremonies of the Olympics. FAST needs a symbol and a media event. The solution to this is our "Wave the USA Flag" project. In 2007, we floated this giant flag that is almost 100 x 50', for the first time on Lake Lanier after getting permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources. Since then, this giant flag made up of over 100 inflatable boats and 50 inner tubes has also been displayed on Flag Day, 2008, on Lake Lanier, and on Independence Day, 2008, on the Chattahoochee river. This flag is big enough so that troops flying over Lake Lanier to the Atlanta Airport can look down and see it welcoming them back to the USA. See the picture at www.wavetheusaflag.com

The father works as a paramedic and has so far funded 100% of the construction and development of this facility by working part-time jobs and by doing as much of the construction by himself, as possible. The father has been able to open the pool for limited use and to start a few aquatic and supporting activities.

Achievements

Construction has begun at an ideal location
A unique home occupation permit obtained from County Commissioners will allow this facility to achieve all its goals
All permits and licenses have been obtained
The pool is open on a limited basis
Participation as a coach in the Special Olympics
Displayed a giant floating flag made up of over 100 boats and 50 inner tubes three times
Obtained business insurance, and contractor agreements that allow us to raise funds by cleaning and maintaining boats
Have been able to keep operating costs in check, while coming into operation on a very small scale

Relationships

Special Olympics Georgia is interested in using this facility as soon as it is functional
I attended a number of Lion's Club meetings until my work schedule changed
The Red Cross recognizes this pool for their aquatic programs which means we can offer their aquatic courses here
I am the organizer of the Atlanta Nonprofit Group, it is a group of almost 200 people, a resource for advice and volunteers
No other relationships with other organizations have been formed

Program/Project - Overview

The primary focus of FAST is to become self sufficient by developing our core activity: aquatics. Donations will be used to upgrade the pool so that it would be usable year round by the general public. Local High Schools are in critical need of training pools and this means immediate revenue for FAST by renting the pools to swim teams and teaching aquatics.

With the pool in operation for paid swimmers we would then offer the use of the pool to special populations in the area. Georgia Special Olympics is especially interested in having me continue coaching with them in this pool. Aquatic therapists also have a hard time finding pools. With continued revenue generation we would complete the therapy pool and the fitness center. This would increase revenue as we could now compete with retail fitness centers.

The first need that we have is to provide an enclosure for the pool, change and restroom facilities, and to improve the parking area, so that this facility can be self-supporting. There are several "bubble" solutions for this pool and the supplier would be chosen through a low bid system. As an example of a ball park cost for the enclosure you can look at commercial greenhouse systems. One such system can be found here http://www.greenhousemegastore.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CG-GB75 After talking to various people in sales at this company, a 30' by 120' building would be ball parked at $70,000 retail, complete with heaters and vents.

The deck around the pool has to be poured. There is 1878 square feet of decking that needs to be constructed. The steel deck plate ballparks at $2.45 sq/ft and the colored concrete ballparks for $3.00 sq/ft., $1,200 has been estimated for the structural steel and $1,800 for the labor. Another $1,000 has been added as a buffer. The pool deck is estimated at just under $15,000.

$10,000 would be used for a simple bathroom, change facilities, basic lighting, pool heater and a cement pad for handicapped access would be constructed. The remaining $5,000 would be used for cost overruns.

At this point the pool would be operational on a year round basis.

This would put us in operation for the swim team for generating revenue and we would supplement the revenue by using the greenhouse design as a greenhouse. Plants can hang from frames installed in the greenhouse and swimmers could still swim under the plants.

Strategies

The strategy that has kept this facility stable is that it has never expanded faster than the expenses can be covered for it. By developing this project on property designated as "home occupation", residential building codes, permits, tax structure and other advantages exist. This significantly reduces cost.

Construction has been very slow and steady, it has never developed faster than the economics of the project will allow. Self sufficiency is a critical strategy for us.

Forsyth County currently has a severe shortage of indoor pools suitable for swim teams and instruction. By developing a specialized swim clinic we will take advantage of this shortage.

Project goals and objectives
1. Complete the pool deck
2. Install the pool covering
3. Install handicapped parking and access
4. Install change areas, shower and toilet
5. Install lighting and utilities
6. Install pool heater
7. Begin revenue generating aquatics
8. Install timing pads
9. Certify the pool for short course records
10. Plan for the final phase of construction

Program Methodology
The interim phase of operation will allow us to generate revenue to reach the final phase of construction. The methodology is explained as if we have reached the final phase.
Each of the three floors of this building is 4,200 square feet in area. The top floor is designated as the living area for the five residents. The second floor contains classrooms, and administration areas. The bottom floor contains the pool and gym.
The facility is on Lake Lanier just off of exit 16. We have a business license for this property to operate here, on the shores of Lake Lanier. Revenue is generated in almost the same way as any other health club, except that we have recreational and other services and are non-profit. This location will allow us to start special and Paralympics sailing programs in addition to our aquatics.
It is our far-reaching goal for this residential home to serve as a model for similar residential homes across the country. These residential homes would manage athletic, recreational and therapy services for the under-served and would generate revenue in a business they would own, by providing the highest quality athletic services to athletes, and to the general population looking for health and fitness training. Each facility would be owned by the residents themselves, and overseen by a board of directors.
Five resident athletes that are a mix of special and Para-athletes will live on the top floor of the facility. The Para-athletes provide the mental help and supervision that the special athletes rely on and also the accounting and administrative duties that the facility relies on. The special athletes provide the physical help with bathing, dressing, and feeding that the Para-athletes rely on, and also the manual labor that the facility relies on. Both teams rely on each other, and proudly help each other. Both teams feel important and useful. Together these FAST athletes provide a dramatic example of what will be accomplished with teamwork.
For many swimmers, their sport is about individual accomplishments; however it has been shown that people will try harder for the sake of the team than they will for themselves.
We have the best reason for athletes to win; the win helps the team. The more winners we produce the more customers will come to our facility. The athletes will know that the whole facility is counting on them, and supporting them. They will push themselves past what they would for just themselves.
The athletes more fully appreciate their gifts and do not take them for granted. When the athlete wins, he wins a big victory for the team and also for his sense of real and genuine accomplishment. This in turns propels him to greater achievements and he takes great responsibility for his workouts.
Our teamwork strategy plays an important role in driving athletes of all ability levels to excel and to give their very best effort which in turn gives them the greatest chance of winning. The patrons who pay for services here know that they are contributing to the team as a whole and that they are a very important part of this team. They are making all of this possible by continuing to come here and work out or play. They have greater motivation to continue their workouts, and to engage in recreational sports like scuba, and more satisfaction in paying for services. They will enjoy working out, not just physically, but with team spirit.
When you have had a stroke, a car accident or other condition that changes your life you may find yourself in a downward spiral of inactivity. When you are at your greatest need to improve the health of your body and mind to be healed with physical activity and social connection your spirit may be at its weakest. Being part of a team determined to join together to achieve the best you can be is the best way for your spirit to be renewed and invigorated. Exercise and socialization will become easy pleasurable routines that will heal both body and mind.
Describe staffing availability or requirements
Two volunteer staff members currently live on the property. No paid staff will be required before a substantial amount of revenue is generated. When requirements grow to needing more staff then income will be available to hire paid staff.

Collaboration with other agencies
No collaboration with other agencies exist. I am the president of an internet group of almost 200 members called the Atlanta Nonprofit Group. This is a source of volunteers for this project. There is no formal collaboration with this group. The web address is http://nonprofit.meetup.com/138/

Evaluation
Aquatic programs would begin and revenue would be generated that would lead us to our final phase of construction.

Criteria for success
Final success will be achieved after this model is a success and when another group successfully copies this model and starts their own facility.

Results we expect to have received by the end of the funding period
We will have a facility in operation that has very minimal overhead and revenue will be generated.

Donation Use
Donations will impact our facility in that we would go from very slow construction growth to the completion of a working facility. This would reduce our start-up time from years to months.

Itemization of use of $100,000 interim budget
$15,000 for the pool deck, $70,000 for the enclosure, $10,000 for supporting structures and $5,000 for cost overruns

Support after termination of budget
Revenue from swim teams, aquatic instruction, fitness memberships and sale of plants grown from the ceiling of the greenhouse structure that encloses the pool would be primary sources of revenue.

Volunteers
Our most critical need is to have a system that produces a perpetual board of directors. This could be an important volunteer opportunity for Corporate leaders. We would like to have two boards, an oversight board and a managing board. The oversight board elects and dismisses the managing board. The oversight board has ultimate authority and can at its discretion over rule any decision made by the managing board. The oversight board would not be burdened by the day to day running of FAST but has access to all activities and can take any steps it deems necessary. The purpose of the managing board is to operate the facility on a day to day basis.

Corporate leaders can put us into contact with exercise physiology, sports medicine, physical, occupational, recreational therapists and other health care professionals who can volunteer their time by telecommuting or in person. Corporate leaders can also help us to find high profile oversight board members and to create a perpetual board of directors. Corporate leaders in the field of health care can ensure that we have the highest level of expertise in all our decisions for improving the health and wellness of the community. Volunteers can also have a hands on approach for coaching and be involved with administrative duties.

Finances - Audited financial statements for the last fiscal year
FAST was not required to file a tax return for the year 2007 due to not reaching the minimum amount required to file ($5,000). We have bank account statements available since our opening in 2007.

Current year's operating budget
FAST has its administrative equipment and expenses donated or loaned to it and is staffed by volunteers. FAST has existed on a zero budget through donations and loans by its founder that match current expenses. Administrative expenses $300, General expenses $0, Fundraising expenses $0, Program Expenses $7,500. With no reliable income there is no current budget.

Capital budget and a list of Campaign Committee members
There is not a capital budget as there is no revenue to base it on. There are no Campaign Committee members.

Agencies which funded the organization in the last fiscal year, including amounts contributed ($1,000 and above)
Sherwin Williams donated $3,000 in paint, materials and supplies for the giant flag.
Only one person, Alan Kindree provided financial support above $1,000 for the corporation. This was a loan for $7,500.

Other Supporting Materials Verification of the organization's or fiscal agent's tax-exempt status
Articles of incorporation, IRS tax ID, Forsyth County Business License.

Latest annual report or a summary of the organization's prior year's activities
2007 was the first year of our operation. Only one person, Alan Kindree, made a loan to the company. No donations other than materials from Sherwin Williams were received in 2007. The only expenses were for the incorporation and the production of the giant flag. All office equipment, vehicles, utilities and other operating expenses were donated or loaned to FAST by Alan Kindree.

Current board list with related employment affiliation
Board member list is on the articles of incorporation. No board members are paid employees

Collaboration with other agencies
No other agencies are collaborating with us.

Letters of support and Review
No letters of support and review exist.