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Description
Organisational Grant - implementation of the submitted strategy.
The mission of the Community of Hope Foundation is to build a support system for people with autism and their families. We support adults on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as NGOs working for the benefit of the autistic community. We run the only specialised permanent residence centre for adults on the autism spectrum: the Life Farm. There, we provide our charges with comprehensive support in the following areas: housing and 24-hour care services, therapy and rehabilitation, work and activities for social inclusion. We want to offer assistance that is tailored as much as possible to the needs and capabilities of people with autism, especially the most dependent people who require intensive, round-the-clock support. The Foundation''s vision is a warm and safe home for permanent residence. It is also an opportunity for persons with autism to carry out engaging activities, develop skills, shape their interests or realise their dreams, in accordance with their rights and regardless of their level of functioning, state of health or other factors. Community of Hope Foundation''s strategic goals for 2020-2025 are: Goal 1: To develop the Foundation’s programmes to support people with autism, Goal 2: To ensure financial sustainability of the organisation and diversification of funding sources, Goal 3: To develop the Foundation’s institutional capacity. Vision for change: The Community of Hope Foundation will become a regional leader in advocacy for adults with autism, a financially stable, effectively managed entity with well-paid staff who continuously develop their competencies to best support people with autism. The Community of Hope Foundation will carry out effective advocacy activities on behalf of persons with autism and will become recognisable in the Małopolska Province.
Summary of project results
The awarded institutional grant is a grant intended for the implementation of the organization''s current activities (including support for institutional development), resulting from the presented organizational development strategy containing a results table and a monitoring and evaluation plan. The scope of activities of organizations financed by an institutional grant falls within the support areas of the Active Citizens Program - Regional Fund. In detail, as a result of the project implementation, we planned to achieve: - Increased employee satisfaction (directly supporting people with autism) with their professional duties by providing employees with support at every stage of their development (introduction to the position, gaining experience and solving difficult situations). As a result of the expansion and stabilization of financing sources, employee remuneration will also increase. - Increased recognition of the organization, its positive image will be strengthened through advocacy activities and a model solution for the operation of a 24-hour center containing standards of therapeutic and care work, taking into account the deinstitutionalization process and the creation of new types of facilities. This model should be an important support for every organization / facility planning to run 24-hour facilities for DOzA, showing the philosophy and model of services as well as the practical part. The scope of cooperation with other entities will expand (including: know-how regarding the operating model of the 24-hour facility). - Increased efficiency and effectiveness in planning, management and implementation of the Foundation''s activities and employee participation in this process. - Diversification of sources of funds will be introduced and financial stability will be built.
Model of operation of a 24-hour facility: An audit of substantive activities (therapeutic, rehabilitation, educational and care) was commissioned, as well as the preparation of a legal analysis regarding the operation of 24-hour care facilities for adults with disabilities. On this basis, a model of a 24-hour facility was developed and sent to organizations, containing standards of therapeutic and care work, supporting organizations planning such activities. Implementation instructions for staff were developed, tested and implemented, including document templates (observation cards, daily reports, therapeutic activity cards). Accessibility: The center has been adapted to the requirements of the Accessibility Act by, among others, performing insulation measurements, marking stairs and doors, adapting infrastructure for people with visual and hearing impairments (induction loop, Braille signs, Beacon). Energy audit: An audit of buildings was carried out, implementing improvements in energy consumption. Raising funds: A fundraising strategy for 2023-2026 was prepared, implementing promotional, advocacy and PR activities. Strengthening employee competences: Based on a needs survey, 32 people were trained in working with people with autism, first aid and supportive communication. Psycho-social support: 68 hours of individual supervision were provided, which benefited 26 employees. Increased integration and well-being: Surveys were conducted to assess the professional situation and integration in the team. The activities included integration workshops, meetings and preparation of Christmas packages. Managerial competences: Training for management staff covered 6 people and included, among others: labor law, project management and social media. Autism Spectrum Champion Archetype: An archetype was developed and incorporated into the facility model.
Project results:
1. Model of operation of a 24-hour facility: One document has been developed defining the model of operation of a 24-hour facility.
2. Implementation instructions for the staff of the 24-hour facility: Three documents containing detailed instructions for the staff were created and implemented.
3. A model facility for people with disabilities: One model facility, adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, is available.
4. Energy audit of the buildings of the Farma Życia center: One energy audit was carried out in the center''s buildings.
5. Strengthening the fundraising area: We managed to obtain support from 10% of new individual donors.
6. Sponsorship acquisition strategy: One comprehensive strategy has been developed to help attract sponsors.
7. Substantive strengthening of employees: 32 people took part in training, gaining new skills in supporting people with autism.
8. Psycho-social strengthening of employees: 26 employees were included in the supervision process.
9. Strengthening the social competences of employees: 32 people participated in training, developing their social competences.
10. Team integration: 95% of people believed that relations between employees had improved.
11. Employee well-being: 99% of employees rated their professional situation as good or very good.
12. The archetype of a champion in the field of autism spectrum disorder: One standard for working with students has been developed.
13. Managerial competences of the management team: 6 managers participated in training, improving their managerial competences.