Nonprofit411 | Podcastathon Edition: Empowering Amputees: Building Community and Support with Cat Bigley

In this special PODCASTATHON edition of the Nonprofit411 podcast, Sarah Barton is joined by Cat Bigley, Executive Director of The Amputee Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Cat discusses the unique work The Amputee Center does to support individuals facing limb loss and limb difference, offering a combination of mental, emotional, and physical support. From pre-amputation consultations to peer support networks, Cat shares how the center is transforming lives by creating community and connection. Cat also talks about how their approach fosters empowerment, especially through adaptive fitness and community involvement. This episode highlights the importance of community for individuals facing challenges and encourages nonprofits to break free from limiting beliefs.

 

Show Links:

• The Amputee Center Website: www.theamputeecenter.com
• The Amputee Center Instagram: @theamputeecenter
• The Amputee Center Email: [e-mail]
• Nonprofit411 - www.nonprofit411.org

Episode Transcript

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Start your coaching journey today at Nonprofit411. 8 00:00:29,994.999 --> 00:00:30,364.999 org. 9 00:00:35,35.510204082 --> 00:00:46,495.510204082 Welcome to the Nonprofit411 podcast, the podcast where we speak with nonprofit professionals and experts to uncover strategies, share insights, and tackle the challenges you face in fundraising and sustainability. 10 00:00:47,35.509204082 --> 00:00:51,445.509704082 I'm Sarah Barton, your fundraising growth partner and the founder of Nonprofit411. 11 00:00:51,945.509204082 --> 00:00:58,505.510204082 My mission is to help you develop tailored strategies and support you as you implement them, ensuring your nonprofit thrives. 12 00:00:59,20.510204082 --> 00:01:05,260.510204082 Let's dive into today's episode and learn from the experiences and expertise of those who have been in your shoes. 13 00:01:10,771.632653061 --> 00:01:15,491.632653061 Hello, and welcome to the special edition of Nonprofit 411. 14 00:01:15,851.632653061 --> 00:01:31,51.532653061 Today I am participating in a worldwide podcast a thon where we are interviewing a non profit or charity of our choice to be able to highlight some of the amazing work that is happening around the world. 15 00:01:31,51.632653061 --> 00:01:35,691.632653061 And I am so excited to introduce my guest, Cat Bigley. 16 00:01:36,381.632653061 --> 00:01:37,811.632653061 From The Amputee Center. 17 00:01:37,811.632653061 --> 00:01:38,291.632653061 Welcome. 18 00:01:39,241.632653061 --> 00:01:39,631.632653061 Hello. 19 00:01:39,641.632653061 --> 00:01:40,221.63265306 Thank you. 20 00:01:41,531.63265306 --> 00:01:46,181.53265306 Do you want me to redo that with your full name? I have aliases. 21 00:01:46,241.53265306 --> 00:01:46,831.53265306 I don't mind. 22 00:01:48,141.53265306 --> 00:01:48,571.53265306 All right. 23 00:01:48,601.53265306 --> 00:01:49,101.53265306 Awesome. 24 00:01:49,101.53265306 --> 00:01:58,961.53215306 Well, I am so excited to have you here and I am so excited for our listeners to learn about the amputee center and the amazing work that you do. 25 00:01:58,961.53215306 --> 00:02:06,891.53265306 But before we get started, I'd like to ask every guest, my favorite question, which is what is your favorite hobby? And I know you have a lot of them. 26 00:02:07,371.53265306 --> 00:02:12,801.53265306 Oh gosh, my favorite hobby right now, I'm going to say hiking. 27 00:02:12,801.63265306 --> 00:02:12,841.53265306 Hiking. 28 00:02:12,841.53265306 --> 00:02:12,881.43265306 Hiking. 29 00:02:14,71.53265306 --> 00:02:14,581.53265306 Oh, fun. 30 00:02:14,861.53265306 --> 00:02:18,971.53265306 It's kind of wet for hiking, isn't it? It, yep, yep. 31 00:02:19,71.53265306 --> 00:02:21,631.53265306 And, and so I think that's where it's, it's every day. 32 00:02:21,631.53265306 --> 00:02:30,721.53265306 I'm looking at the weather and looking at my, what clothes I pack to when I come to the office, that maybe I could sneak out and go get in, you know, a little nature. 33 00:02:31,761.53265306 --> 00:02:32,751.53265306 Oh, that's awesome. 34 00:02:32,791.53265306 --> 00:02:33,321.53265306 Yes. 35 00:02:33,581.53265306 --> 00:02:38,831.53265306 I feel like in the middle of winter, we all need a little bit more nature because we're all inside too much. 36 00:02:39,381.53265306 --> 00:02:40,551.53265306 And I always feel better. 37 00:02:40,701.53265306 --> 00:02:41,471.43265306 I always feel better. 38 00:02:41,651.53265306 --> 00:02:42,191.53265306 Feel better. 39 00:02:42,191.53265306 --> 00:02:43,761.53265306 I like we did a hike. 40 00:02:43,801.53265306 --> 00:02:49,801.53215306 The day two days after Christmas with my my kids, because we had all got new hiking shoes for Christmas. 41 00:02:49,801.53215306 --> 00:02:50,41.53165306 Right. 42 00:02:50,451.53265306 --> 00:02:51,911.53265306 And it was raining. 43 00:02:51,931.53165306 --> 00:02:54,511.53165306 It was a day that you would never, ever, ever leave. 44 00:02:54,741.53265306 --> 00:02:56,321.53265306 And we had such a great time. 45 00:02:56,691.53165306 --> 00:02:57,371.53265306 It was so great. 46 00:02:57,501.53165306 --> 00:03:02,71.53265306 So I know it's, it's a, there's a hard boundary of not going. 47 00:03:02,121.53265306 --> 00:03:04,541.53265306 And then once I do, I never regret it. 48 00:03:05,641.53265306 --> 00:03:06,761.53265306 Yeah, I love that. 49 00:03:06,821.53265306 --> 00:03:07,341.53265306 I love that. 50 00:03:07,341.53265306 --> 00:03:10,761.53265306 So, well, thank you for that encouragement to get outside and do more. 51 00:03:10,791.53265306 --> 00:03:16,461.53165306 I know that walking on dirt helps my back and my body in ways that nothing else does. 52 00:03:16,801.53265306 --> 00:03:31,1.53265306 So we don't, you know, we walk on concrete a lot of times, but when I walk on dirt, it's different and just the simple act of getting on dirt, even if it's just the front yard, my body like relaxes and it feels so much better. 53 00:03:32,206.53265306 --> 00:03:33,946.53265306 Yes, very, very much so. 54 00:03:34,16.53265306 --> 00:03:34,206.53265306 Yes. 55 00:03:35,646.53265306 --> 00:03:36,156.53265306 Okay. 56 00:03:36,156.53265306 --> 00:03:45,606.53265306 So now we get to get into the exciting part, which is for you to talk about, introduce yourself and then tell us about The Amputee Center. 57 00:03:45,606.53265306 --> 00:03:53,251.53265306 And I have to say before you go, I learned about the amputee center probably four years ago. 58 00:03:53,701.53265306 --> 00:04:08,411.53265306 I do have a brother in law who is an amputee, but when I learned, I learned so much from just being introduced to the center and then to find out all the stuff that you do and that you are really a unique model worldwide, I think is pretty awesome. 59 00:04:08,421.53265306 --> 00:04:08,641.53265306 So. 60 00:04:09,51.53265306 --> 00:04:13,691.53265306 Go ahead, share with us a little bit about yourself and about The Amputee Center. 61 00:04:14,241.53265306 --> 00:04:20,291.53165306 Okay, so, oh, so my name is Catherine Bigley and I'm the executive director of The Amputee Center. 62 00:04:20,291.53265306 --> 00:04:22,701.53265306 We are located in Parkersburg, West Virginia. 63 00:04:23,231.53165306 --> 00:04:30,451.43265306 So we we are the only Nonprofit that does what we do in the way that we do it. 64 00:04:31,11.43265306 --> 00:04:32,691.43265306 There are organizations out there. 65 00:04:32,691.43265306 --> 00:04:42,561.43165306 And if there's somebody listening that says we're kind of like you, please reach out because we have been asking people like, is there anything else happening? Cause we can't find it. 66 00:04:43,71.43265306 --> 00:04:51,831.43265306 And so what I mean by that is that we offer a space for people dealing with limb loss and limb difference that they can come to for. 67 00:04:52,196.43265306 --> 00:04:54,716.43265306 Mental, emotional, and physical support. 68 00:04:54,996.43265306 --> 00:05:02,316.43265306 So it's all about creating community and adding to every element of a challenge that could come up for them. 69 00:05:03,56.43265306 --> 00:05:08,736.43265306 So I, the MPT center is actually only about four years old. 70 00:05:09,156.43265306 --> 00:05:13,471.68735676 So you must've heard about it right when they were getting up in a row. 71 00:05:13,471.68735676 --> 00:05:22,190.04372714 And I came on board about three years ago and in my career, everything that I've done up to this point is. 72 00:05:23,310.14372714 --> 00:05:24,170.14372714 Is this job. 73 00:05:24,280.14372714 --> 00:05:30,140.14372714 So, physical fitness, mental, emotional support working in mental health. 74 00:05:30,610.14372714 --> 00:05:36,900.14372714 And then also just creating community, which is, which is a lot of what I've done in my hometown. 75 00:05:37,280.14472714 --> 00:05:41,10.14472714 So the idea for us is that when. 76 00:05:41,230.14472714 --> 00:06:04,90.14372714 Someone comes into the amputee center that they feel welcome to ask any questions and find support however we can do it and that we are armed with all of the information that if we don't have the service we have a network of people all over the country that we can reach out to to say, I don't, I don't know the answer to that, but we can definitely try to figure it out for you. 77 00:06:05,410.14372714 --> 00:06:06,90.14372714 So. 78 00:06:06,950.14372714 --> 00:06:09,260.14372714 When we like for people to come in in person. 79 00:06:09,310.14372714 --> 00:06:11,660.14372714 This is, you know, part of the creating the community. 80 00:06:11,980.14372714 --> 00:06:15,340.14372714 But we have started doing more things virtually. 81 00:06:15,390.14372714 --> 00:06:27,430.14272714 So virtual emotional support turning on you know, zoom during one of our mixers so that you can hear the speaker that we have, you know, things like that to try to build that community. 82 00:06:27,430.14272714 --> 00:06:32,500.14272714 And then if somebody is having questions about amputation, Okay. 83 00:06:32,965.14272714 --> 00:06:42,95.14272714 We do have several peer support specialists in our center that they can text or call and ask questions. 84 00:06:42,105.14272714 --> 00:06:50,245.14172714 So, so that part is growing for our outreach just because, you know, we can only do so much here, here in Parkersburg. 85 00:06:51,565.14272714 --> 00:06:59,275.14272714 Yeah, I think, you know, I didn't realize until I actually started interacting with The Amputee Center. 86 00:06:59,275.14272714 --> 00:07:13,425.14172714 I guess I had never really considered that when a person has to go through an amputation, a lot of times there's not a lot of preparation for that, right? It's, it's not usually a really. 87 00:07:14,50.14172714 --> 00:07:18,350.14172714 Long period of preparation time perhaps for amputations. 88 00:07:18,780.14172714 --> 00:07:24,610.14172714 And so there's just really not a lot of locations to go to get those questions answered. 89 00:07:24,620.14172714 --> 00:07:28,400.14172714 And so that's really something unique that you guys offer. 90 00:07:28,830.14172714 --> 00:07:41,320.14172714 Can you tell us a little bit just about that? And you know, that pre amputation support kind of the challenges and the support, because again, I didn't really, because I've not experienced it myself, I didn't realize any. 91 00:07:41,925.14172714 --> 00:07:43,835.14172714 You know that there was a deficiency in this area. 92 00:07:44,975.14172714 --> 00:07:45,655.14172714 Absolutely. 93 00:07:45,655.14172714 --> 00:07:50,295.14172714 That is where I had never really dealt with amputees until I came into this job. 94 00:07:50,405.14172714 --> 00:08:01,125.14072714 So we have, there's three things that, you know, we think about here is that in a community right now we might have somebody who is an amputee that's underserved. 95 00:08:03,435.14172714 --> 00:08:07,475.14172714 We hear about them from like the water meter guy or the mailman. 96 00:08:08,145.14172714 --> 00:08:10,235.14172714 Because they see them when they stop by. 97 00:08:10,765.14172714 --> 00:08:13,265.14172714 So we have people who are already amputees that are underserved. 98 00:08:13,355.14172714 --> 00:08:17,85.14172714 We have someone who might lose their limb in an accident. 99 00:08:17,255.14072714 --> 00:08:20,445.14072714 And so it comes across social media. 100 00:08:20,755.14072714 --> 00:08:26,35.14072714 You hear it in the scanner, you see it in the newspaper, you get the phone call of the prayer line in your church. 101 00:08:26,595.14072714 --> 00:08:27,555.14072714 And then we have. 102 00:08:30,170.14172714 --> 00:08:35,520.14172714 someone who knows they're going to get an amputation so that we, you know, it could be cancer. 103 00:08:35,550.14172714 --> 00:08:39,140.14172713 It could be other health related issues like being diabetic. 104 00:08:39,530.14072713 --> 00:08:44,270.14072714 And so they do know that the amputation is coming. 105 00:08:44,610.13972713 --> 00:08:52,390.14072714 So those are three, three things of how we can be of service to somebody immediately the moment we find out and they find out. 106 00:08:52,420.14072714 --> 00:08:52,710.14072714 Right. 107 00:08:53,200.13972714 --> 00:08:57,630.13972714 Really, the fourth one is, is if we hear about a child born with limb difference. 108 00:08:57,680.13972714 --> 00:09:04,580.13972714 And so that, that also is not something we've dealt a lot with, but it is something we have to recognize that could happen. 109 00:09:04,580.13972714 --> 00:09:11,310.13972714 So, so in our pre amputation consultations they're very non formal. 110 00:09:11,880.13972714 --> 00:09:13,740.13972714 The word consultation makes it sound like it's formal. 111 00:09:13,800.13972714 --> 00:09:14,750.13972714 It's very non formal. 112 00:09:14,750.13972714 --> 00:09:28,270.13972714 It's just very caring and very much like let You ask anything like what are your fears? What are your questions? You know, that they don't understand that the especially a lower extremity, the swelling takes a while to go down. 113 00:09:28,610.13972713 --> 00:09:32,870.13972713 You will not be walking for a while, you will have to wait for this line to go down. 114 00:09:33,580.13972714 --> 00:09:42,350.13872714 Prosthetic fittings take a while and hopefully you find a great prosthetist that can work with you and say what feels right and doesn't feel right. 115 00:09:42,700.13872714 --> 00:09:47,890.13872714 There's a lot of products out there with liners and adding a sock, changing this. 116 00:09:47,920.13972714 --> 00:09:49,50.13872714 Well, this sweats too much. 117 00:09:49,50.13872714 --> 00:09:50,480.13872713 Well, this is now getting a sword. 118 00:09:50,490.13972713 --> 00:09:51,850.13972714 There's a lot of that conversation. 119 00:09:52,580.13972714 --> 00:09:54,440.13972714 And then upper extremities. 120 00:09:55,680.13972714 --> 00:10:00,360.13972714 The same thing like how can I adapt my house like if I know what's going to happen. 121 00:10:00,690.13972714 --> 00:10:02,30.13972714 What can I prepare for. 122 00:10:03,370.13972714 --> 00:10:05,830.13972714 So we, we do have. 123 00:10:06,240.13972714 --> 00:10:12,780.13872714 We recently had a consultation come in, and they are preparing for amputation, and their health provider. 124 00:10:13,855.13972713 --> 00:10:15,435.13972714 You have to come talk to these people. 125 00:10:16,825.13972714 --> 00:10:17,185.13972714 Awesome. 126 00:10:17,585.13972714 --> 00:10:18,315.13972714 Yeah, yeah. 127 00:10:18,315.13972714 --> 00:10:28,235.13872713 And so that was that was good to know that who and what we are and what we're doing to serve the community has now we've planted the seed in. 128 00:10:28,625.13972714 --> 00:10:31,925.13972714 Medical professionals to say, I want you to come into this informed. 129 00:10:32,435.13972714 --> 00:10:56,895.13872714 And then we also have been a part of the, not, not the doctor saying you're going to have it done, come talk, but we've been a part of the decision making process for people where they come in and they talk and they go, I'm still kind of deciding, you know, do I carry on with life with this, you know, issue and take a chance, or do I just have the amputation and adjust to life with a prosthetic? You know, none of that stuff. 130 00:10:56,975.13972714 --> 00:11:01,835.13972714 stuff is, is a given or, or you just have to say, this is what we can tell you. 131 00:11:01,835.13972714 --> 00:11:03,415.13972714 This is what your experience might be. 132 00:11:03,515.13972714 --> 00:11:08,105.13972714 But at the end of the day, what's important is that sense of community. 133 00:11:08,865.13972714 --> 00:11:18,985.13972714 And they know they have someone to talk to because what we hear a lot is people will say, I have had 42 surgeries. 134 00:11:19,295.13972714 --> 00:11:23,745.13972714 I've been going through this for seven years and I've never talked to another amputee. 135 00:11:25,295.13972714 --> 00:11:35,505.13972714 And so as their caregivers who come in, their mom, their spouse, their siblings, their children, they can only do so much caregiving. 136 00:11:35,525.13872714 --> 00:11:38,625.13972714 They can't do the empathy of, I, they don't understand. 137 00:11:39,40.13972714 --> 00:11:47,390.13972714 And and we do hear a lot of pain in their voices and we do see a lot of tears because of that. 138 00:11:47,430.13972714 --> 00:11:51,490.13972714 And so if we can ease that in any way then we're doing our job. 139 00:11:53,0.13972714 --> 00:11:53,500.13972714 Yeah. 140 00:11:53,900.13972714 --> 00:11:54,360.13972714 Yeah. 141 00:11:54,370.13972714 --> 00:12:10,930.13972714 So I, I just, I appreciate that so much because like I said, I hadn't really thought about there being a lack of that, but in your own you know, your own community, you may know one or two amputees. 142 00:12:11,660.14072714 --> 00:12:15,810.14072714 I actually, I said my brother in law, but actually my uncle is a double amputee also. 143 00:12:16,310.14072714 --> 00:12:29,590.13972714 And, you know, so I happen to have two in my community, but I don't know of other amputees that I could even introduce them to, you know, to be able to help them say, you know, be able to network and grow that. 144 00:12:29,590.14072714 --> 00:12:36,320.14072714 So I think community is vital and it is all ages. 145 00:12:36,660.14072714 --> 00:12:40,760.14072714 I have actually had the privilege of being able to attend. 146 00:12:41,130.14072714 --> 00:12:55,640.14072714 Some events at the amputee center and attend events where we were both attending an outside event and you serve, you have even younger kids who are involved in your programming, right? Yes. 147 00:12:56,60.14072714 --> 00:12:56,350.14072714 Yes. 148 00:12:56,390.14072714 --> 00:13:04,200.14072714 And, and the leading cause for children amputations is farm equipment, Lauren lawnmowers and farm equipment. 149 00:13:05,100.14072714 --> 00:13:17,490.14072714 So that is something that, you know, we We really want to get that information out there and there are some other kids that we haven't even been able to serve yet. 150 00:13:18,80.14072714 --> 00:13:25,885.14072714 But the idea that That equipment is really, really scary, but it's also really fun and attractive. 151 00:13:26,285.14072714 --> 00:13:31,665.14072714 And, you know, kids want to help and, you know, teach them how to help and those types of things. 152 00:13:31,665.14072714 --> 00:13:40,150.04172714 And then we do have a young lady that lost below the knee lost her foot under a riding lawn mower when she was nine years old. 153 00:13:40,570.14172714 --> 00:13:48,230.14172714 And she ended up the surgeons took the leg up to right below the knee for the fitting of the prosthetic. 154 00:13:48,490.14172714 --> 00:13:53,880.14022714 But she came to us in a situation where she was really depressed didn't leave her room. 155 00:13:53,880.14022714 --> 00:13:58,310.14072714 And recently her grandma clarified, it's like she had a tent inside the room. 156 00:13:58,820.14072714 --> 00:14:00,400.14072714 So it's not that she didn't leave her room. 157 00:14:00,400.14072714 --> 00:14:02,380.14072714 She didn't leave the tent inside the room. 158 00:14:03,400.14072714 --> 00:14:12,620.14172714 And we have now in, in my office, she comes in she helps with creating marketing for our social media. 159 00:14:13,40.14072714 --> 00:14:16,10.13972714 She helps get people fitted in the equipment. 160 00:14:16,400.14072714 --> 00:14:21,600.13972714 She'll go grab somebody's walker or wheelchair and make sure that they're getting out to the car safely. 161 00:14:22,60.13972714 --> 00:14:25,720.13972714 She has gone to the state and national level. 162 00:14:26,10.13972714 --> 00:14:29,580.13972714 To speak about people with disabilities and why funding is needed. 163 00:14:30,190.13972714 --> 00:14:38,300.13972714 And we have taken trips to conferences and presented and spoken to inspire others. 164 00:14:38,350.13972714 --> 00:14:57,670.13872714 And it's just really Interesting, you know, to see how people look at her, but also that immediately because of the way that she carries herself that she makes it to the point that I literally don't even use the word disabled, right, like I, like, I had to say the day I work with disabled. 165 00:14:58,275.13972714 --> 00:15:12,365.13872714 And I was like, I don't even see it that way, you know, so, so she has been definitely a beautiful success story of what the center can do, and, and she has said herself that if she hadn't come in here. 166 00:15:14,255.13972714 --> 00:15:24,525.13872714 She's looked around this town and said, I wouldn't, I wouldn't be a good person, you know, I would be in a worse place and I wouldn't have the path that saw any type of success in my life. 167 00:15:25,425.13972714 --> 00:15:27,115.13972714 So it's big, it's big stuff. 168 00:15:27,995.13872714 --> 00:15:29,315.13972714 Yeah, that's awesome. 169 00:15:29,925.13872714 --> 00:15:32,125.13872714 Yeah, I love that. 170 00:15:32,465.13972714 --> 00:15:42,65.13972714 So, tell me about the various resources that you provide so you've kind of talked about some of the resources but can you tell me what that looks and feels like. 171 00:15:42,590.13972714 --> 00:15:50,930.13972714 From the amputees perspective that of what you have available in your like in your facility and for your participants. 172 00:15:52,170.13972714 --> 00:15:53,600.13972714 So our founding members. 173 00:15:54,605.13972714 --> 00:15:59,685.13972714 Mark and Nancy Miller had been doing a social event once a month. 174 00:16:00,545.13972714 --> 00:16:09,715.13872714 And so that was very important to them was the social because they would have their amputees that were patients and they would sit in the waiting room and never talk to each other. 175 00:16:10,165.13772714 --> 00:16:15,625.13872714 And so that social element was the core to the beginning of the center. 176 00:16:16,135.13872714 --> 00:16:19,705.13872714 So what we do is once a week from one to four p. 177 00:16:19,705.13872714 --> 00:16:19,835.13872714 m. 178 00:16:19,835.13872714 --> 00:16:20,705.13872714 on Thursdays. 179 00:16:21,385.13872714 --> 00:16:24,985.13872714 They can come in and just have social. 180 00:16:25,85.13872714 --> 00:16:32,5.13872714 So it's, it's a support group, but it's not that image that we see in movies of sitting around in a circle and everybody sharing their story. 181 00:16:32,455.13872714 --> 00:16:41,115.1377271 It's really like, how are you? How are the grandkids? You know, when's your next prosthetic leg being fitted? Do you want some popcorn? Let's do a puzzle. 182 00:16:41,415.1387271 --> 00:16:44,55.1387271 You know, so the social is also very joyous. 183 00:16:44,285.1387271 --> 00:16:48,790.1387271 And when they, Have a new amputee walk in during that time. 184 00:16:49,290.1387271 --> 00:16:55,100.1387271 It's a little overwhelming because they're like, Hey, there's a new person and they welcome them in with open arms. 185 00:16:55,810.1387271 --> 00:16:59,10.1377271 We then do an amputee only fitness time. 186 00:16:59,200.1377271 --> 00:17:03,230.1397271 And so that's really important to give them an opportunity to do fitness. 187 00:17:04,95.1397271 --> 00:17:09,885.1397271 You know, a lot of fitness certifications and I've worked with thousands of people over the years. 188 00:17:09,945.1397271 --> 00:17:15,725.1407271 And so being able to offer adaptive fitness in a safe, supportive community is really important to me. 189 00:17:16,135.1407271 --> 00:17:21,725.1412271 And so, so that's the idea of like saying, okay, you know, you don't have to worry about anybody else in the room. 190 00:17:22,235.1412271 --> 00:17:23,505.1412271 You know, you're all amputees. 191 00:17:23,535.1412271 --> 00:17:28,395.1412271 Let's try something that might be new, fun and silly, you know, to the physical fitness. 192 00:17:28,675.1412271 --> 00:17:32,95.1412271 And then the once a month mixers in the evening. 193 00:17:32,95.1412271 --> 00:17:35,865.1407271 And that's social it ties in, we do stuff with the holidays. 194 00:17:35,865.1407271 --> 00:17:40,235.1422271 And then we also bring in speakers to share information to help with their health. 195 00:17:40,775.1422271 --> 00:17:46,15.1412271 So we have the mental, emotional and physical, and then we are starting a program to help with nutrition. 196 00:17:46,695.1422271 --> 00:17:59,925.2422271 So, you know, giving them ideas, especially if they're diabetic of, of different ways to To be nourishing themselves and stay, stay away from the idea that they might have more amputations because that, that does happen. 197 00:17:59,945.2422271 --> 00:18:02,35.2422271 So, so that's really how it works. 198 00:18:02,35.2422271 --> 00:18:11,575.2412271 And then we also, for, for others listening to this that have nonprofits or charities, how we fund it partially is through community classes. 199 00:18:12,85.2412271 --> 00:18:18,615.2412271 So I have a staff of instructors that can do adaptive fitness, but we also offer classes to anyone in the community. 200 00:18:19,595.2412271 --> 00:18:33,65.2412271 So someone can come in and pay for a yoga class or a bungee fitness class or boxing or line dancing and their money that they pay goes directly to keeping everything for amputees at no cost. 201 00:18:34,15.2412271 --> 00:18:46,0.2412271 So that's something very unique of how we Get our funding and it also has helped us when we are writing grants to show that we, you know, have that way of sustainability through the programming that we offer. 202 00:18:46,660.2402271 --> 00:18:52,530.2402271 The other beautiful thing that happens is in those community classes, some of the amputees start coming to those classes. 203 00:18:54,550.2412271 --> 00:18:58,960.2412271 And they feel super empowered because they know, they know what's happening next. 204 00:18:58,960.2412271 --> 00:19:00,240.2412271 They know how to gear people up. 205 00:19:00,610.2412271 --> 00:19:07,850.2412271 They're looking at someone who feels insecure in their body and they say, I did it and I'm missing my legs. 206 00:19:07,860.2412271 --> 00:19:08,920.2412271 You can do it too. 207 00:19:09,60.2412271 --> 00:19:23,890.2402271 You know? So it turns into this really Strange sense of humor, but, but it's, it's, I'm always just like, okay, I guess, I guess this is what we're doing now, but it, it gives people an opportunity to get inspired by who's in the classroom with them. 208 00:19:24,900.2402271 --> 00:19:25,490.2402271 Yeah. 209 00:19:25,560.2392271 --> 00:19:26,510.2397271 Yeah, I love that. 210 00:19:26,510.2397271 --> 00:19:31,190.2402271 And I do think, you know, it, it emphasizes that we are more alike than we are different. 211 00:19:31,810.2402271 --> 00:19:32,150.2402271 Yes. 212 00:19:32,970.2402271 --> 00:19:33,320.2402271 Yeah. 213 00:19:33,510.2402271 --> 00:19:35,200.2402271 So I love that. 214 00:19:35,610.2402271 --> 00:19:49,690.2402271 Well, can you tell our listeners how they can find out more about the amputee center and how they can get ahold of you if they do know of similar work around the world? Because we would love to be able to expand our networks. 215 00:19:50,760.2392271 --> 00:19:51,40.2392271 Yeah. 216 00:19:51,40.2402271 --> 00:19:54,340.2402271 So we do have our website is The Amputee Center. 217 00:19:54,560.2402271 --> 00:19:54,950.2402271 com. 218 00:19:56,430.2402271 --> 00:19:57,690.2402271 So that's pretty simple. 219 00:19:57,710.2402271 --> 00:19:58,0.2402271 Right. 220 00:19:58,460.2402271 --> 00:20:03,140.2402271 And then our, our email is amputee center at Gmail. 221 00:20:03,510.2402271 --> 00:20:07,590.2402271 You can find me at cat bigly at The Amputee Center. 222 00:20:07,800.2402271 --> 00:20:14,60.2412271 com and all of our other social medias are listed. 223 00:20:14,60.2412271 --> 00:20:16,260.2412271 Really the website is the best place to go. 224 00:20:16,780.2412271 --> 00:20:18,710.2412271 But everything rings into my phone. 225 00:20:18,790.2412271 --> 00:20:20,90.2412271 So, so. 226 00:20:21,510.2412271 --> 00:20:37,310.2412271 If any other executive directors are listening, you know how that goes so, so it really, you know, weekends, evenings, mornings, I usually see what's coming in and try to help anybody out that I can or at least say we're going to get back to you. 227 00:20:38,110.2402271 --> 00:20:45,0.2402271 So, yeah, so on our website we have opportunities to make donations, put in questions. 228 00:20:45,695.2412271 --> 00:20:51,825.2412271 We, we've tried to feature on our social media as much inspirational pictures and videos as possible. 229 00:20:52,165.2412271 --> 00:21:04,55.2402271 But we're always open to ideas and we you know, definitely are at a point where when we talk to people in other regions that are sad when they find out that we're just here and they can't come. 230 00:21:04,670.2412271 --> 00:21:18,160.2412271 That it's very much asking now like what else is possible, right? How do we, how do we make this possible in every community so that people can come together and this is something that amputation can affect anyone. 231 00:21:19,50.2412271 --> 00:21:25,110.2412271 And we're only one phone call away from being, being told that we know somebody who has an amputation. 232 00:21:25,810.2412271 --> 00:21:32,460.2412271 So, you know, that idea that why do I need to know this or I'll just plant this seed in my head. 233 00:21:32,470.2402271 --> 00:21:33,890.2412271 Maybe I'll remember it later. 234 00:21:34,510.2402271 --> 00:21:46,710.2412271 The projections of the number of amputations that are going to happen just in West Virginia, just in our state in the next five years for, for health related reasons, how that, you know, the predictors of health. 235 00:21:46,810.2412271 --> 00:21:48,490.2412271 We have a lot of people coming to us. 236 00:21:48,630.2412271 --> 00:21:51,440.2412271 And so we, this is our time to prepare. 237 00:21:51,890.2412271 --> 00:21:55,360.2412271 One of the services I forgot to mention is we have a physical therapist on staff. 238 00:21:56,560.2412271 --> 00:21:57,360.2412271 Oh, awesome. 239 00:21:57,630.2412271 --> 00:21:58,690.2412271 Yeah, I just saw that. 240 00:21:58,710.2412271 --> 00:22:00,180.1412271 I don't like that. 241 00:22:00,180.2412271 --> 00:22:02,590.2412271 So that's something to consider to that. 242 00:22:02,940.2412271 --> 00:22:07,250.2412271 We're not just, I mean, I make sure our instructors are equipped to do adaptive. 243 00:22:08,250.2412271 --> 00:22:19,160.2402271 But we also are able to offer free physical therapy twice a week to anyone who comes in for the open physical therapy time, and it's. 244 00:22:19,735.2412271 --> 00:22:28,905.2412271 So instrumental in their progress, because even with the best insurance, you might only get 10 physical therapy sessions. 245 00:22:29,325.2402271 --> 00:22:34,445.2412271 And so this is even to the point where we'll walk out to the parking lot and help you figure out how to get in and out of your car. 246 00:22:35,525.2402271 --> 00:22:35,935.2402271 Yeah. 247 00:22:36,475.2412271 --> 00:22:37,255.2402271 Oh, that's awesome. 248 00:22:37,475.2412271 --> 00:22:43,615.2412271 I think too, because you have so many amputees who come through the center. 249 00:22:43,970.2412271 --> 00:22:58,990.2412271 That the physical therapy is so unique and really targeted for individuals who have amputations in ways that, you know, some communities have no access to because they, they just have had limited exposure. 250 00:22:59,70.2402271 --> 00:23:01,510.2402271 You know, their physical therapies have had very limited exposure. 251 00:23:01,510.2412271 --> 00:23:12,725.2412271 And so you guys offer so many such a variety of opportunities within that realm because You are so focused on amputees. 252 00:23:13,985.2412271 --> 00:23:26,385.2412271 It is a big issue that we're, we're working on is that when someone does get physical therapy prescribed, it's very much that the physical therapist might say I've never, I don't know what to do. 253 00:23:26,735.2412271 --> 00:23:30,585.2412271 I've never worked with an amputee and the reaching, you know, if that. 254 00:23:31,10.2412271 --> 00:23:42,0.2422271 If that's something we do have our physical therapist and we also do know there's another group in Richmond, Virginia that we've worked with that has a really great YouTube channel. 255 00:23:42,330.2412271 --> 00:23:43,510.2422271 So we can, so that's what I'm saying. 256 00:23:43,560.2422271 --> 00:23:44,290.2422271 We've got like. 257 00:23:44,635.2422271 --> 00:23:45,675.2422271 Resources. 258 00:23:45,685.2422271 --> 00:24:02,235.2422271 So if, if we can't help or if we don't know for sure, we can say, Hey, if you want this in your town, call your local library, get a free room ask your local restaurant to donate some snacks and coffee and put flyers and all the doctor's offices and just start there. 259 00:24:02,695.2422271 --> 00:24:06,115.2422271 Just start with how do we meet up and talk about it. 260 00:24:06,165.2422271 --> 00:24:11,255.2422271 I do recommend getting a mental health professional to key in, you know, just, just because. 261 00:24:11,805.2422271 --> 00:24:16,825.2422271 When we come together and we share these stories of loss, like we have to be prepared to hold space for people. 262 00:24:17,425.2422271 --> 00:24:21,185.2422271 But but as far as like building that community goes, it takes that step. 263 00:24:21,185.2422271 --> 00:24:35,275.2412271 It takes the, the couple of people saying, okay, let's get together and, and maybe find support or have a space to ask the questions without judgment or somebody just to see empathize and say, Hey, I, I know I've. 264 00:24:36,190.2422271 --> 00:24:38,410.2422271 Stood up and forgot my leg was gone and I fell too. 265 00:24:38,700.2422271 --> 00:24:39,860.2422271 I mean, that's just, that happens. 266 00:24:41,210.2422271 --> 00:24:41,640.2422271 Yeah. 267 00:24:41,820.2422271 --> 00:24:42,320.2422271 Yeah. 268 00:24:42,820.2422271 --> 00:24:43,250.2422271 Yeah. 269 00:24:43,270.2422271 --> 00:24:56,850.2422271 I think that those are great tips and that anyone can create this magic, but you are definitely, I think a special creator of magic for amputees in this region, the amputee center is can. 270 00:24:57,160.2422271 --> 00:25:03,270.2422271 So I always end with what is one piece of advice that you think every nonprofit should hear. 271 00:25:03,585.2422271 --> 00:25:04,965.2422271 Today that you can offer. 272 00:25:09,445.2422271 --> 00:25:18,445.2412271 I talk about limiting beliefs in my personal work, but it is so true in nonprofits. 273 00:25:19,830.2422271 --> 00:25:27,410.2422271 And so it doesn't matter the age of your nonprofit because I worked for a nonprofit before that was over 100 years old and this one's four years old. 274 00:25:28,70.2422271 --> 00:25:34,400.2412271 So, I think it's really important as a board and if you're listening to this to go back to your board and just say The Amputee Center. 275 00:25:35,520.2412271 --> 00:25:41,340.2422271 And just What else is possible? and What else is possible?, you know, and then when you hit a wall say. 276 00:25:41,970.2422271 --> 00:26:02,70.2412271 What else is possible that we haven't considered yet and be open to what would we do if we didn't have money as a limitation and make that list and be open to believing and supporting each other and say, well, maybe we come to that not by money, but by barter. 277 00:26:02,530.2422271 --> 00:26:04,600.2422271 Maybe we come to that by donation. 278 00:26:04,600.2422271 --> 00:26:09,590.2422271 Maybe we come to that by showing up at the next you know, community farmers market and just. 279 00:26:10,45.2422271 --> 00:26:11,85.2422271 Talk to the community. 280 00:26:11,495.2422271 --> 00:26:20,555.2412271 So that's where it's like, there's so many spaces that we go into our limiting beliefs of, oh, we've only ever done it this way, or we could only ever do it this way. 281 00:26:20,955.2422271 --> 00:26:31,950.2422271 And so I think the best thing is like, Whatever your next meeting of board members or, or contributors or volunteers, you know, hit them with the question. 282 00:26:32,970.2422271 --> 00:26:35,310.2422271 What else is possible? I love it. 283 00:26:35,370.2422271 --> 00:26:35,970.2422271 I love it. 284 00:26:36,350.2422271 --> 00:26:42,630.2422271 I'm going to, I'm going to write that one down and I'm going to share that one a lot because I love that I always say money is only one resource. 285 00:26:43,410.2422271 --> 00:26:43,850.2422271 Right. 286 00:26:44,340.2422271 --> 00:26:51,240.2422271 And it's not the greatest resource right I think there's so many other great resources, and you really. 287 00:26:51,970.2422271 --> 00:26:55,390.2422271 Highlight some of these amazing resources because you have community. 288 00:26:55,390.2422271 --> 00:26:58,360.2422271 So thank you so much for joining us today. 289 00:26:58,760.2422271 --> 00:26:59,980.2422271 Well, thanks for all you do. 290 00:27:00,90.2422271 --> 00:27:00,980.2422271 We appreciate you. 291 00:27:01,730.2422271 --> 00:27:02,490.2422271 Thank you. 292 00:27:02,550.2422271 --> 00:27:02,980.2422271 Yeah. 293 00:27:02,980.2422271 --> 00:27:10,600.2412271 I'm so excited to share you with the world and I hope that it reaches the ears of someone who needs to hear it today. 294 00:27:10,610.2422271 --> 00:27:13,730.2412271 And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in this week. 295 00:27:14,50.2422271 --> 00:27:15,880.2422271 podcast. 296 00:27:15,910.3422271 --> 00:27:18,280.2412271 It's at the podcast, a thon. 297 00:27:18,280.3412271 --> 00:27:18,510.3412271 com. 298 00:27:19,20.3422271 --> 00:27:26,40.3422271 And listen to some other amazing nonprofit and charities from around the world too, to see what they're offering. 299 00:27:26,270.3412271 --> 00:27:26,860.3422271 Thank you, Kat. 300 00:27:27,950.3422271 --> 00:27:28,520.3422271 You're welcome. 301 00:27:29,170.3422271 --> 00:27:29,560.3422271 Bye. 302 00:27:35,40.3422271 --> 00:27:38,0.3422271 That's a wrap for today's episode of Nonprofit411. 303 00:27:38,390.3422271 --> 00:27:45,110.3422271 I hope our discussion with nonprofit professionals and experts gave you actionable ideas to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. 304 00:27:45,610.3422271 --> 00:27:51,840.3422271 At Nonprofit411, I partner with leaders like you to develop strategies and guide you through implementation. 305 00:27:52,220.3422271 --> 00:27:53,990.3412271 Visit nonprofit411. 306 00:27:54,10.3422271 --> 00:27:57,40.3422271 org to learn more and let's take the first step together. 307 00:27:57,230.3422271 --> 00:27:58,120.3422271 See you next time. 308 00:27:58,550.3422271 --> 00:27:58,910.3422271 Bye.