Tag Archives: Alternatives in Motion

Alternatives in Motion’s holds mobility drive, plans 2020 GVSU ‘Wheel Run’ 5K

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AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser. (Supplied/AIM)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose stated mission is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment” — recently announced a successful mobility device collection drive put on by one of AIM’s board members.

AIM will also be the benefactor of the Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser, held at Gran Valley State University’s Allendale campus in April. And it is not too early to sign up.

Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School.

Throughout December 2019, AIM board member Leigh Chick hosted a Mobility Drive at Ionia Intermediate School District’s Freedom Acres School. (Supplied/AIM)

“I was inspired to host a mobility drive to support AIM because they have given so much to the students and families of Ionia County and directly to Freedom Acres School,” Chick said in supplied material. “I knew there were families and community members holding onto old equipment that their child had outgrown and they didn’t know what to do with it. I wanted to give them a place to pay it forward. I also wanted to spread the word about how amazing of an organization AIM is.”

Chick thanked several people for help with the drive, including Jim VanBeek of Triangle Construction, who loaned an enclosed trailer to house and collect the equipment in until it could be delivered to Alternatives in Motion’s warehouse, as well as, at the school, Principal Angela Miller, maintenance supervisor Jeff Duell, and Brenda Brown, the school’s physical therapist.

Wheels, run, walk, whatever — for a good cause

AIM also invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 4, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.

All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.

The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m.

Registration and additional race information can be found at the following Facebook link.

For more information on Alternatives in Motion, visit their website here.

WKTV in Focus podcast spotlights local non-profit Alternatives in Motion’s work for disabled

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WKTV Journal In Focus’s podcast on Alternatives in Motion featured Coleen Marie Davis, AIM executive director, and Michael Pratt, AIM Board of Directors vice president and a project manager for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University (GVSU). The program is hosted by WKTV’s Ken Norris, left. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal’s In Focus series of podcasts, we discuss the past, present and future of the local non-profit Alternatives in Motion, a group with the goal of, quote, “Enhancing independence through access to mobility equipment.”

Visiting our studios were Coleen Marie Davis, Alternatives in Motion executive director, and Michael Pratt, Alternatives in Motion Board of Directors vice president and a project manager for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University (GVSU).

Among the topics discussed are disparities and barriers that persons with disabilities face by not having access to mobility equipment, AIM’s roll in supporting persons with disabilities, this month’s AIM “Fowling Fundraiser” for the group’s growing Pediatric Mobility Program, and why community outreach is so important for any non profit.

For a link to the audio podcast, click here; for a link to the episode’s interview video, click here. (If you’d like to give us some feedback on our special In Focus podcasts, please contact Ken Norris at ken@wktv.org.)

Regular episodes of WKTV Journal In Focus airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel (see our Weekly On-air Schedule for dates and times).

Alternatives in Motion ‘Wheel Run Together’ 5k at GVSU this weekend

3-bottom, Community Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Sports, Upcoming Events
Alternatives in Motion’s Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser from a previous year. (Supplied/Alternatives in Motion)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose mission state is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment — invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 6, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.

All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.

For a late 2017 WKTV In Focus video interview with the group, see this YouTube link.

“Nothing is more powerful than the gift of independence and mobility, so come out to support a wonderful cause put on by students in the physical therapy program at GVSU,” states a supplied press release.

The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. Online registration ends April 5.

Registration and additional race information can be found at the following Facebook link.

For more information on Alternatives in Motion, visit their website here.

Jonathan Peavey to take Home the “Moving People Forward” Award

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Jonathan Peavey is selected as the 6th Annual AIM High Endurance Awards “Moving People Forward” recipient from Alternatives in Motion. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates strength and endurance while inspiring, motivating, and encouraging others to reach their full potential. The award ceremony is to take place on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. at the Thousand Oaks Golf Club. More information about the ceremony can be found at www.aimhigh.aimgr.org.

 

Thirty-three years ago the doctors told Peavey’s parents not to expect him to live long. Born with cerebral palsy, practically mute and perpetually challenged, what’s a man to do?  Everything.

 

Jonathan Peavey

Peavey’s life has been a constant struggle to survive dismal expectations, little support outside of his immediate family, and an often insensitive medical community, aside from the care of one doctor who never failed to believe; yet he has continually influenced those around him, sometimes before they’ve met and often with live-changing results.  What many would consider to be a winless battle is simply “normal” to a man who has survived more than three decades beyond what anyone in the “delivery room” expected.

In 1992 surgery took part of his legs. In 1996 a feeding tube took his ability to taste.  In 2006 a tracheotomy took his voice. Each time he was given the option of surviving by giving up a physical part of himself or letting go.  In each case, Jonathan chose to live. In 2010 he participated in his first marathon.

 

“Jonathan’s life is a living testimony that when society says you can’t do something, you can” said Angela Peavey. “He’s participated in over 30 endurance events, raised a lot of money for charities worldwide through a documentary about his life, educated people about living with a disability; and in the end he wants nothing but to share encouragement, hope, and joy to other ‘Jonathan’s’ around the world.”

 

West Michigan is home to great leaders, coaches, race directors, mentors, charities, sponsors, and volunteers that make our endurance events possible. A.I.M. High awards focus on the people who have made the commitments and sacrifices to challenge themselves and do something most people will never even try.

 

“In 24 years serving and empowering thousands of persons with disabilities we have created a stronger healthier community today” said Coleen Davis, Executive Director of Alternatives in Motion. “We’re excited to invite the community to get to know us and our vital mission, in addition to honoring this year Awardees.”

‘WKTV Journal: In Focus’ looks at non-profits serving the community

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“WKTV Journal: In Focus” looks at local non-profits including the Exalta Health healthcare provider this week and, starting next week, Alternatives in Motion, with Coleen Davis, executive director the group, shown. (WKTV)

 

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

One of the goals of “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, WKTV’s new public affairs show, is highlighting the work of local non-profits working to serve the Wyoming and Kentwood communities.

 

Continuing this week is a program including a discussion with the leaders of Exalta Health, a healthcare provider serving some of the most underserved of our community. Visit here for a YouTube video of the segment.

 

Starting next week, In Focus will present a discussion with Coleen Davis, executive director of Alternatives In Motion, a Grand Rapids based non-profit focused on providing mobility equipment to persons in need. Visit here for a YouTube video of the segment.

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

Also in the current episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” is a discussion on the VoiceKent survey of Kent County critical public health concerns, and a discussion with member of the Kentwood Police Department detailing a crime-reporting website.

 

Alternatives in Motion enhances independence through access to mobility equipment

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By Alternatives in Motion and C. Davis

 

Being disabled is tough enough, but imagine not having access to mobility equipment to get around. Thankfully, there’s a nonprofit that helps people who can’t afford or fall through the cracks of health insurance.

 

Alternatives in Motion enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing independence through access to mobility equipment.

 

The nonprofit’s vision is to be the central hub in West Michigan for recycling, distributing, and maintaining mobility devices for those in need. Alternatives in Motion had its beginnings in 1993, after the brother-in-law of founder George Ranville, a Grand Rapids native, got into a tragic accident. As Ranville struggled to help his brother-in-law attain proper — but expensive — equipment, he saw an opportunity to help the disabled community.

 

The new nonprofit began raising money and making its cause known, believing that access to mobility equipment is the path to independence for those in need. Since then, Alternatives in Motion, which remains entirely funded by independent donations, has continued to grow and strives to keep up with the need for mobility equipment.

 

The organization’s mission is to provide wheelchairs to individuals who do not qualify for other assistance and who could not obtain such equipment without financial aid. By creating access to mobility equipment and repair services for those in need, Alternatives in Motion gives them the independence and quality of life they deserve.

 

If you or someone you know needs mobility equipment, apply here. (You must live in West Michigan to qualify.) For more information go to the website or call 616.493.2620.