Many people who are visiting New Mexico need equipment like wheelchairs and walkers to explore our state. That is true for locals as well. Providing these needed items is of the services Adelante offers through the Destination Accessibility rental business. Something additional that Stacey Mounce, an administrative assistant on Adelante’s development team, noticed was that many of those people seeking to rent equipment needed larger chairs than Destination Accessibility had to offer. She set out to solve that problem and improve the service for people with disabilities by applying for a Mike Kivitz Legacy Innovation Grant to buy bariatric wheelchairs and walkers. Stacy earned a grant and used it to purchase those larger chairs and walkers that made visiting New Mexico a more positive experience for people with mobility issues.
What is the Mike Kivitz Legacy Innovation Grant?
Adelante started the Mike Kivitz Legacy Innovation Grant program in 2022 to recognize the legacy of innovation from our former CEO, Mike Kivtiz. When he began his career at Adelante, the only program was a home supporting six autistic people. Because of his leadership, Adelante grew into a diverse nonprofit serving tens of thousands of people with disabilities, seniors, and people with disadvantages every year. When Mike retired as CEO, he wanted to continue this legacy of innovation to meet the needs of the community. Therefore, Adelante set up a grant program to support up-and-coming nonprofit leaders and to foster innovation.
Every spring in recent years, Adelante employees and clients who have innovative ideas can apply for grants. These grants focus on projects that innovate or complement a program that benefits Adelante clients or the community. Additionally, the grants committee looks for opportunities for the project leaders to develop leadership skills, too. Grantees can receive up to $2,000. Through these projects, grantees learn time management, budgeting, leadership, and accountability. First, people submit applications, which are reviewed by a committee. Second, grantees receive a mentor and work on the project. Finally, they write a report at the end of the project highlighting what they’ve learned, and how they made a positive impact. Grantees also learn to budget and track expenses, turning in receipts and reports on their spending.
Stacey’s Grant Helps More People with Disabilities Explore New Mexico
Through her grant, Stacey decided to help one of Adelante’s newest programs, Destination Accessibility. She noticed they received multiple requests for equipment with a much higher weight limit than what they offered. Destination Accessibility had a variety of wheelchairs and scooters but could not accommodate guests needing larger sized devices. Stacy realized getting the necessary bariatric equipment could help more people visiting New Mexico comfortably explore our state’s beauty.
Stacy explained how the grant she received could help people with disabilities. She said, “Being awarded a Kivitz grant gave me the opportunity to work with Destination Accessibility as they work to provide mobility equipment to individuals and families visiting New Mexico. Having easier access to mobility equipment, regardless of size, means one less thing to worry about allowing for more time spent with family, friends and enjoying the beautiful Land of Enchantment.”
Congratulations Stacey, and thank you for finding a way to innovate our services to help more people explore and enjoy New Mexico!
Are you visiting New Mexico soon and need assistive equipment? Destination Accessibility Can Help!
If you or someone you know will be visiting New Mexico, and needs assistive equipment to get around, rent from us at Destination Accessibility. Visit the rental page of Destination Accessibility to browse equipment and make a reservation online. Rental proceeds help fund Adelante’s programs including Back in Use which provides wheelchairs, walkers, and more to locals who cannot afford them.