Narrative 1. Organization Information Mission We believe that all Americans should be able to obtain the wheelchair they need to participate fully in this free society. Our mission: to provide wheelchairs to individuals who do not qualify for other assistance, and who could not obtain such equipment without financial aid. We provide the funding for new wheelchairs when there are no other alternatives. We are committed to helping mobility-challenged people meet their basic mobility needs of a wheelchair and, by doing so; we promote independence for these individuals. They can work, go to college, go to church, and help themselves and their families. Since our founding in 1995 we have succeeded in providing new wheelchairs to more than 350 people. We help as many people as we possibly can given the constraints of the budget. Background Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan we provide wheelchairs to people throughout Michigan and other states. As far as we know, Alternatives in Motion is the only organization in the country with our unique mission. Our reputation has spread nationwide, and therefore people have sought us out for help from many states. The result is that we have provided wheelchairs for people in 15 states --- as far away as Florida, Iowa, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, and Maryland, as well as all of our neighboring Great Lakes States. Even so, the vast majority of the people we help live in Michigan. Currently only 6 of our 65 on the waiting list are from outside of Michigan. Who We Help Alternatives in Motion is the last resort for people with all types of disabilities who need wheelchairs. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, nationality or type disability in any of our activities or staffing. We have coordinated and collaborated with many other organizations including UCP Michigan, Easter Seals of Michigan, MDA, churches, nursing homes, Centers for Independent Living, home nursing associations, university programs, head and brain injury organizations, service clubs, schools, virtually every type of organization that works with people with disabilities who need wheelchairs. We have a short application form that requires medical requirements, denials, and brief personal financial information.

“To enhance independence through access to mobility equipment.”