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| State Project Cerebral Palsy |
| Your Cerebral PThe Cerebral Palsy Commission, in conjunction with the State President, has implemented a new program emphasizing “grass roots” participation from the state’s Local Lodges. Funds will be made available for equipment and modifications to equipment and facilities for those with Cerebral Palsy. This could be the purchase of a wheelchair or walker, modifications to equipment (such as wheelchair lights), or modifications to facilities (special needs bath remodels, etc.). The Commission feels we can better utilize the funds raised by offering this kind of assistance, instead of running our own “In- House” program, which has become very expensive and has produced limited tangible results. The Commission is still looking into the future of the “walkables”, but these devices will no longer be the main component of the program. Walkables in place will remain in place. Checks will only be made out to equipment vendors and suppliers, contractors or local Lodges. This will give us a check that the money is actual spent for the intended purpose. Disbursement of funds will be from a statewide pool, with no quota per district. That way we can help the area with the greatest need. The Commission will, as much as possible, be equitable in the distribution of funds. With this “grass roots” approach, it is important that each Lodge have a local C.P. Chairman. The Local Lodge will be the point of first contact! It will also be important to promote this new program on a local level through the media (radio, newspaper, TV, websites, and social media, to name a few). For those Lodges that wish, checks can be sent directly to the Lodge, even when made out to a vendor, for a special presentation and photo opportunity. Right now (8/15/11) there are still four Lodges in the State who have NO CP Chairmen. If no one volunteers, then I suggest the ER or Secretary take on this responsibility, and be listed as C.P. Chairman. That way potential applicants will know who to contact. With this new program, we will need a contact point in each Lodge. Applications are available at the New Mexico Elks Association website at www.nmelks.org. These applications should be given to any individual or family in need. Once filled out, that application is then mailed or dropped off at the local Elks Lodge. The application is then approved locally by the Exalted Ruler, Secretary or Local C.P. Chairman, and forwarded to the State C.P. Chairman (Dave Johnson, 202 S. Diamond, Deming, NM 88030). It is not necessary to present these applications at a meeting for approval, unless the local Lodge wishes to do so. From there the application will be distributed to the full C.P. Commission for consideration and approval. Once a majority has approved the request, a voucher will be sent to the State Treasurer, and a check will be cut. The amount of money available each year will be based on the budget approved at the Spring Convention, and may vary year-to-year based on the success of our fundraising efforts. This year, we should have at least $60,000. The C.P. Executive Board (Commission) is made up of six members: A chairman, vice- chairman, and district chairmen from the Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and Northeast. Current members are: Chairman, Dave Johnson; Vice-Chairman, Mark Crook; Southwest, Patrick Hickox; Southeast, Brian Kilpatrick; Northeast, Veronica Morris; and Northwest, Bud Warren. In addition, after several requests, the C.P. Commission will also make available grants directly to local Lodges, much like Elks National Foundation. These grants would be available after a Lodge meets their per capita donation. Grants would be limited to $500, and could be used for special meals, a Christmas Party, special donation or other activities for those with C.P., other handicaps, or other debilitating diseases. If the request is approved, then after the event you will need to send documentation (receipts, cancelled checks, etc.) and reimbursement from the State C.P. Program will be made. The necessary form is also posted at www.nmelks.org. Fraternally; Dave Johnson PER NMEA CP Chairman |