By iTaalk Autism Foundation | May 15, 2012 at 10:55 PM EDT | No Comments
Disabled Children’s Relief Fund
Disabled Children's Relief Fund (DCRF), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides disabled children with assistance to obtain wheelchairs, orthopedic braces, walkers, lifts, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical equipment, physical therapy, and surgery. Blind, Deaf, Amputees, and children with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Spastic Quadriplegia, Encephalitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Down's Syndrome, and other disabilities receive assistance. DCRF focuses special attention on helping children throughout the U.S. that do not have adequate health insurance, especially the physically challenged. In some cases, DCRF may be the last resort.
DCRF grant applications may be used for modest requests (most range between $25 to $200) for assistive devices, rehabilitative services, arts/humanities projects, or for efforts to bolster compliance with existing federal/state laws for disabled children, ages 0-18. Although there are no restrictions on the type or eligible disabilities,
preference is given to applications that benefit physically challenged children in the United States in need of prosthetic and other assistive devices. (not computers or iPads) Applications may be submitted by families (parent or guardian) for an individual child, or by a non-profit organization for a small group of children.
DCRF provides assistance to children with disabilities in the United States. Assistance is provided to families of children with disabilities, with preference for children with physical disabilities and little or no health insurance.
Applications are available between April and September.
You will find the current 2012 Application at www.dcrf.com under the "What's New" page. Download an application which includes more information, details, and instructions.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | May 08, 2012 at 10:46 PM EDT | No Comments
I feel over the past nineteen weeks I have really went out of my way to list organizations that assist a wide range of families. We realize that all diagnosis, all financial needs, and all states (even other countries) come to iTaalk for funding resources. What I think maybe hasn't been made clear is the MAJOR difference between a legitimate NON-PROFIT that is registered with the IRS under the tax exempt code 501(c)3 and an organization having a raffle or giveaway. So I feel I need to shed some light on this matter before proceeding with my Tuesday Treasure.
Grants are monetary aide not required to be paid back. When setting up our non profit we had to decide what guidelines we would have in place to determine eligibility of recipients receiving an iOS device from iTaalk. The criteria a potential non profit puts in place for their grant is written in their by-laws and can be audited at anytime by federal, state and local government agencies. Transparency is something we at iTaalk pride ourselves on.
*Geographical restrictions
*Household Income restrictions
*Diagnosis/Provider restrictions
*Services/Therapies eligible
*Age/race/gender restrictions
*Maximum amount funded
*Grants for organizations or to individuals
All these things are criteria options that each and every non profit funding organization sets up when applying for their non profit status with the IRS. Showing that they are not just giving to friends and family is definitely something the government looks at before approving tax exempt status. Being a legitimate non profit with 501(c)3 status holds us accountable for each and every dollar that we bring in. Businesses and organizations that have raffles and giveaways are not.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | May 01, 2012 at 10:44 PM EDT | No Comments
Grant Application for Medical Equipment or Educational Grants
Children's Charity Fund, Inc. will assist any child regardless of age, (birth to 18 ) race, color, sex or national origin. They are a national organization dedicated to home bound disabled and handicapped children. Application can be found on line at www.childrenscharityfund.org and if you have any questions feel free to contact 1-800-643-5787.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | April 24, 2012 at 10:51 PM EDT | No Comments
The Color of Autism Foundation is a Non-Profit (501 c3) organization committed to educating and assisting African American families with Autistic children. Autism affects children of every race, ethnic group and socioeconomic status. African-American children frequently are confronted with late diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Our goal is to help families identify the warning signs of autism early on. We can start to overturn these disparities by helping African-Americans with autism reach their full potential. Empowering families with information on autism that they can use to advocate services for their child.
In July 2012 they will be awarding iPads to children based on need. Please download application for details. The deadline for all application submissions is 5/31/2012. GOOD LUCK!!!!
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | April 10, 2012 at 10:06 AM EDT | No Comments
Summer is coming!!! I promise, and we all want to have something fun to do. Right? Paul Newman founded his first camp on the premise that every child should have the chance to experience the life-changing adventures and meaningful friendships that go hand in hand with summer camp. In 1988 he opened The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a place where children with serious illnesses could go to simply be kids, reach beyond their medical condition and focus on fun. That remarkable concept sparked a revolution and has since grown to include 28 initiatives offering year-round programming and reaching children around the globe.
* Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America &
NORTH AMERICA:
California . The Painted Turtle
Colorado . Roundup River Ranch
Connecticut . The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Florida . Camp Boggy Creek
Michigan . North Star Reach*
New York . Double H Ranch
North Carolina . Victory Junction
Ohio . Flying Horse Farms
Washington . Camp Korey
SeriousFun Children’s Network is a growing global community of innovative camps and programs that create opportunities for children and families to reach beyond illness and discover joy, confidence and a new world of possibilities, always free of charge.
Each of the network’s individual camps are fully inclusive with accessible tree houses, adaptive equestrian programs, high and low ropes courses and traditional summer camp activities like swimming, boating, arts and crafts and campfire singalongs.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | April 03, 2012 at 09:38 PM EDT | No Comments
The Canyon Rice Hope Scholarship offers grants, to children with developmental disabilities (until the age of 22), items not covered by insurance or waivers. There are two main types of grants currently available: grants for caregiver supports (respite) and grants for therapeutic items (bean bags, body socks, weighted vests, etc). If you wish to apply for a grant or would like more information, please contact Jenny Rice @ JENNY_L_RICE@YAHOO.COM
“Thinking Alive” :1. better your life by exploring your passions and taking risks
Think Alive’s flagship program, The Achievement Grant, provides grants ranging from $150 to $500 in value. These grants are specifically designed to finance lessons, equipment, travel expenses, and other similar expenditures associated with an applicant specific goal and passion. Previously supported activities include piano lessons, archery equipment, a recreational biking “Starter Kit”, horseback riding lessons and more. However, if it involves an expense and a dream, there is a good chance Think Alive will support it.
Every individual is at a different stage of development and has different goals. For this reason, Think Alive’s Achievement Grants only have two requirements: a diagnosed disability and a dream. No dream is too large or too small to be supported. Personal growth and advance on any scale is their main objective.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | March 20, 2012 at 10:56 PM EDT | No Comments
Check out www.ppax.com
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
Mission
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America’s pharmaceutical companies, doctors, other health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get the medicines they need through the public or private program that’s right for them. Many will get medicine for free or nearly free. We are trying to increase awareness of patient assistance programs and boost enrollment of those who are eligible.
Products
To access the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, you can call toll-free, 1-888-4PPA-NOW (1-888-477-2669), or visit us online at http://www.pparx.org/.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | March 13, 2012 at 10:13 PM EDT | No Comments
New Eyes for the Needy purchases new prescription eyeglasses through a voucher program for children and adults in the United States who cannot afford glasses on their own. New Eyes accepts, recycles and distributes donated glasses for people in dire financial need overseas.
How does New Eyes help these children and adults?
U.S. residents in need are given vouchers which are used to purchase new prescription eyeglasses.
Reusable donated eyeglasses are sent to medical missions and international charitable organizations for distribution in developing nations in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, the Mid-East and Europe.
The following national programs may provide free or low-cost eye exams:
may provide free eye care to individuals based on a referral from a local charitable agency such as the American Red Cross, United Way, Boys Club and YMCA.
(1-888-290-4964) operates nationally through a network of community partners to provide free eye care to low-income, insured children 18 years of age and younger.
is sponsored by the American Optometric Association (AOA) and provides free vision care to low-income people and their families that meet specific criteria.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | March 06, 2012 at 11:56 PM EST | 2 comments
The Mission Statement “Maggie’s Hope is a not for profit organization founded to restore hope, fund solutions and support families affected by autism”.
How do they support those families affected by autism? They give them money to help pay for alternative treatments not covered by insurance. Now I am not going to even attempt to list the treatments that Insurance Companies, Doctors, co-workers, friends and family deem “alternative”. When you say alternative, they hear “desperate, crazy and unproven”. Who cares? Those of us who know they work will swear by them. Trouble is, they are expensive, and since they do not come in a burnt orange bottle with a white lid, they are not only omitted from most insurance plans, they are downright ridiculed.
Maggie’s Hope offers two tier levels of grants. The first tier is $500.00. This grant is designed to be utilized as a seed fund and is not intended to be an ongoing financial resource. By providing this start-up money Maggie’s Hope wishes to help provide a head start in an area not currently funded. I also see potentially that $500.00 that now is helping with Hippotherapy costs can be applied to purchasing an IPAD. Shifting the funds around.
Their second tier and newest initiative is the $10,000.00 annual grant designed to take a candidate from D Day (Diagnosis Day) through one year of treatment. The mission is to show measureable benchmarks that corporations can understand and hopefully get behind. Noah Roberts is their first recipient so make sure to check back with their website to see his progress. www.maggieshope.org
The whole pay it forward philosophy is taken to the internet here. Combined it with the passion to help and you have an amazing network. Not only can you get your wish granted here, you too can become a hero. It could be as small of a request as a pair of socks, to a trip to Hawaii. No special need required either!
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better; we have put together a list of over 40 other Wishing Granting Organizations. YES, 40 other funding sources!!!! Check them out and hopefully one can help your family.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | February 22, 2012 at 11:36 AM EST | No Comments
I am always getting asked how I keep finding grants and other resources for children with special healthcare needs. GRANTED it is a little luck:) Being in the right place at the right time, taking the time to read bulletin boards everywhere, and thoroughly checking out the many great websites that are setup to assist families on their journey. So here are a couple of my favorites.
Another great resource is the United Cerebral Palsy. www.ucp.org That is how I came upon the Bellows Fund. The UCP Elsie S. Bellows Fund is a national program operated by UCP that provides funds to ALL individuals with disabilities for assistive technology equipment. Individuals are recommended by UCP affiliates. UCP affiliates submit an application on behalf of an individual to the UCP national office. So first thing you need to do is find your local affiliate. http://www.ucp.org/resources/find-local-resources
Some Examples of Allowable Requests for Assistive Technology
Wheelchairs (manual and electric)
Augmentative Communication Devices ***iPad*** included
Environmental Controls
Computer Equipment
Lifts in the nominee's own/parent's van or home
Hearing Aids
If you have questions, a helpful resource is Jack Schillinger and he can be reached at (305)757-8989 or jschill497@aol.com
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | February 14, 2012 at 11:29 PM EST | No Comments
Over the past few months I have had so many families contact me sharing their story of how recently their financial security has changed drastically. AutismCares is a consortium of leading autism organizations and was formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to coordinate relief efforts for the thousands of families who were victims of the disaster. AutismCares subsequently assisted families displaced by Hurricanes Rita and Wilma and now supports all families affected by autism who fall victim to natural disasters. Children with autism often require intensive biomedical and behavioral therapies and thoroughly planned routines. AutismCares has created a network to support families whose struggle with autism is intensified by natural disaster, forced relocation and scarce resources.
Financial Support Awards provide financial relief up to $1,000 for individuals with ASD and their families to help cover costs associated with critical living expenses such as housing, utilities, car repair, funeral expenses, and other essential items on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are reviewed by the Partners following the 22nd of every month.
Eligible families have a child (children) medically diagnosed with ASD
Family income of $40,000 or less
Have experienced at least one of the following qualifying event in the last 90 days: - Natural disaster: fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, severe storm or earthquake - Death or critical illness in the immediate family - Loss of home through foreclosure, eviction or natural disaster - Termination of employment for the primary income-earner
Any questions contact AutismCares via Serena Selkin, Autism Speaks Family Services Grants Manager at (917) 475-5059 or e-mail autismcares@autismspeaks.org.
Peter Bell, CEO of Cure Autism Now, explained, “AutismCares was born out of the compassion that members of the autism community have for one another. Many of us know firsthand how challenging it is to care for a child with autism. Add on top of that a natural disaster like Katrina that strips a family of everything they have, and it’s a recipe for yet another disaster.”
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | February 07, 2012 at 11:24 PM EST | No Comments
What drew me to Joni and Friends was their grant that they administer called the Christian Fund for the Disabled. CFD provides one-time grants to qualifying individuals in the United States and Internationally in cooperation with mission organizations or churches that are willing to provide matching funds. CFD is administered through their Area Ministries in the U.S. -- Area Ministry staff provide CFD applications which are assessed and then sent to the CFD committee for final review. Requests must reflect a practical equipment or educational need relating to a disability concern, or a disability outreach project or program which includes an evangelism component. Grants are also available to churches desiring to become accessible. For Guidelines and application contact:
Karen Johnson, CFD Coordinator
Joni and Friends
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 91376
E-mail: kjohnson@joniandfriends.org
Phone: (818) 707-5664; Fax: (818) 575-1798
Now a friend of mine is fond of Joni and Friends for another reason and here is her story. (Kind of like a guest blogger! Thanks Kate!)
We went to a weekend family camp in August of 2010. It was at this camp that we found out about Joni and Friends. We became aware that they offered a weeklong camp at different locations throughout the United States and abroad. I called them first thing the following Monday. We talked about what Joni and Friends was all about and what their mission was. I asked about the family camp I had heard so much about the previous weekend. The camp started the next week, so I figured it would be full for this session and was asking about the next camp. Imagine my surprise when I received a phone call two days later asking if we could attend the session just a few days away. There was a family that had a full scholarship but was unable to attend. Our family was able to slide into that slot.
My husband was unable to secure the time off of work in such a short notice. I took both of my kiddos and drove 5 hours to get to camp. I was very thankful that the drive went so very well. When we got to camp it was like a pep rally waiting for us. There were people with banners, pompoms and welcome signs everywhere! Instantly it felt like we were going to have some fun.
We got settled into our room and met our short term missionaries (STM).We had a STM for each of the kids and it was great to have extra support so there were less worries. There was a connection with the other parents who understood my worries and concerns.It was another Mom who had been to Family Camp before that reassured me that my kids would be fine. I was worried as my son likes to run and has no regard for his personal safety. After explaining all of this to his STM, I started to relax.
The camp itself is in Jumonville, PA. It was in the mountains with lots of little hills to climb to go back and forth to each building. It was fun to explore the camp and the grounds. There were activities planned for every hour, including a down time for a couple of hours each day. The kids had separate activities planned, so although we were separated, the kids had so much fun. The STM’s let each child choose what they wanted to do. My son is obsessed with picking dandelions and his STM spent hours in the field picking “flowers” with him.
At one of the breakout sessions, there was pampering for the women. This included manicures and foot reflexology. The entire time was about recharging my own energies. The STM’s even ate meals with our family and helped the kids while I ate.The last dinner was a picnic dinner for couples and a served meal for those without a partner with them.Members from a local church served as wait staff and decorated the tablescape in a Tropical theme.
The week was an amazing experience and simply a chance to relax and recharge. It would not have been possible for our family to attend without the funding provided to us through Joni and Friends.
After hearing Kate's story I researched and found that Joni and Friends reaches thousands of families affected by disability around the globe through radio and television ministries, the Wheels for the World international wheelchair distribution ministry, Family Retreats to provide respite for those with disabilities and their families, Field Services to provide church training along with educational and inspirational resources at a local level, the Christian Institute on Disability (CID) to establish a firm biblical worldview on disability-related issues, and the Christian Fund for the Disabled. Many wonderful resources for families with children that have special healthcare needs! Check them out. www.joniandfriends.org
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | January 31, 2012 at 11:39 PM EST | No Comments
Small Steps in Speech is such an amazing organization I don't even know where to start. The story of how this organization was started truly shows where their heart and motivation is.
The motivation behind Small Steps in Speech is to remember Staff Sgt. Marc J. Small. Marc was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the United States Army. On February 12, 2009 Marc was was killed while serving his country in Afghanistan.
The foundation was created in honor of SSG Marc Small, fiancé of Amanda Charney, foundation director. Marc had dreams of Amanda opening her own private practice and came up with the name, "Small Steps in Speech" to symbolize her soon to be last name along with the small steps children must take to build their communication skills. When the heart breaking news came of Marc's passing, starting this non-profit foundation seemed like a good way to start keeping Marc Small's memory alive and keep him close to her heart.
Marc's mom, Mary MacFarland, is President of SSIS and oversees the financial and administrative matters of the foundation. SSIS's goal is to give children the chance to better express themselves in the world in which we live. Much like Marc was doing in Afghanistan before he died.
Applications are reviewed and grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Grants are considered for children and/or organizations that need funding to improve communication skills. Grants are not limited to private therapy. If there are communication needs such as devices/equipment, workshops, organizational needs, or therapy please apply. If applying for a grant to be used toward an assistive technology device, an assistive technology evaluation from a qualified service provider must be included. Funding for AT devices will only be considered if the device is recommended by such a provider and to be used solely for the purpose of communication. So here is an organization that will fund an iPad for communication.
Follow the guidelines and hopefully your child will get the chance to be heard!
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | January 24, 2012 at 10:47 PM EST | No Comments
Variety the Children's Charity is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Through a network of 43 Tents (or Chapters) in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with special needs.
Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of the young, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities, and the world...one need at a time.
Find your local chapter and check in with them and see what programs and services they offer. Variety the Children's Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. Ex.
1.Variety Australia- www.variety.org.au has helped thousands of children each year gain mobility and communicationand thereby, their freedom, independence and the chance to join in with other kids in the community.
2.Variety Club of Great Britain- www.varietyclub.org.uk has three broad areas of help. Mobility. Caring & Health. Youth & Education.
3.Variety of the United States- www.usvariety.org Kids on the Go is their national mission but their 23 chapters through out the country empower their local kids who are disabled and disadvantaged to live, laugh, and learn.
This organization is AMAZING!!! They will help cover just about anything not covered by insurance, school districts, county programs and other funding organizations. So see, they do like to hear how you have applied else where. They also want you to share your story with them. So be ready with that 200 word narative. Grants can be from $100 to $5000.
There are a couple things NOT funded...
Transportation requests (cars, car repair, transportation passes, air travel)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Personal Needs (rent, utilities, family vacations)
(Did you notice a certain piece of durable medical equipment that isn't listed here?????? hint: iXXX)
Families that have multiple children with autism and families with an annual household income below $100,000 will be reviewed first. That being said, APPLY!!!! Deadline this quarter is Feb 15, 2012. They also have a seperate set of funds for military families so check out http://www.acttodayformilitaryfamilies.org/
They are SO helpful too. Amy is there to answer any questions and even mail you an application if you need. Contact her at amy@act-today.org or (818)705-1625.
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | January 11, 2012 at 07:32 AM EST | 1 comment
After being diagnosed on October 9, 2007, the first phone call I made was to the Autism Society of Northwest Ohio (ASNO). Questions were answered, more questions popped into my head, and many more hours were spent researching on line. I then read an article in a local paper about how Easter Seals was helping families with speech therapy. Getting our son to talk was the whole reason we went to the Developmental Pediatrician, so I figured I would give them a call. An hour and a half later I had two pages of notes and resources that I still use to this day!!
Easter Seals
Easter Seals offers HELP, HOPE and ANSWERS to more than a million children and adults living with autism and other disabilities or special needs and their families each year. Services and support are provided through a network of more than 550 sites in the U.S. and through Ability First Australia. Each center provides exceptional services that are individualized, innovative, family-focused and tailored to meet specific needs of the particular community served.
Local chapters have lending libraries, summer camps, therapy services, employment training and placement, adult & senior services and much more. At the core of the Easter Seals organization is a common passion for caring, shared by it's more than 23,000 staff members and thousands of volunteers.
So what do I do next?
Call your local Easter Seals chapter and find out what services they have that might benefit your child.
Be specific about your diagnosis and give them an idea of what services you are looking for. Ex. " My child has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS and Apraxia. We are looking for speech therapy and social groups to work on behaviors. What services do you offer that might benefit my child?" or " I have a 15 year old with Downs Syndrome and we are looking for resources to get him a communication device. Can you recommend someone locally to contact?"
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | January 03, 2012 at 02:10 PM EST | 2 comments
This is my first blog entry, so be patient with me. I'm sure this will come easier each week, as did applying for grants! So, we can take this journey together, me learning to "Blog" and you writing for grants for your child.
A bit about me (Tammy, iTaalk Vice President) and why grants are my passion:
About three years ago, in the midst of dealing with the acceptance of an autism diagnosis for my son, my husband and I were blindsided by a financial crisis as well.
As a flight attendant for over 20 years, I had been offered furlough from my employer and decided that since my son's therapies took me "all over town, all day long, every single day!", this might be a good opportunity to focus on my children for a year or so, and really get a hold of this AUTISM thing!
Well, exactly one week after signing my furlough agreement, my husband came home from work and informed me he'd been let go. Amongst other financial worries, we had just signed a contract with my son's clinical autism program agreeing to the hefty $30,000/yr tuition.
I guess you could say I was forced into resourcefulness! To make what could really be a LONG story, short, I have a very fond place in my heart for our first TUESDAY TREASURE feature foundation:
The first grant I applied for...and the first grant I received!
It is very important to know if you meet the criteria. If you do not clearly meet the following criteria, your application will not be considered, and I would hate for anyone to waste their time.
1. MUST have Commercial Healthcare Plan (no state or federal funded insurance like Medicaid)
5. Income cap of $125,000 for family of 5, $100,000 for family of 4, $75,000 for family of 3, $50,000 for family of 2.
6. MUST live in the United States and receiving services in the United States.
What to do before applying
Know your out of pocket medical costs before you apply. The online application will require this information.
Know what you are applying for up front - changes cannot be made to the application after it is submitted.
Know what your commercial health benefits cover, how much it covers (percentage, number of visits, dollar maximum, etc.) or what it doesn't cover. The online application will require this information.
If you state in the application that you have zero coverage for a specific medical item, you will be required to send proof.
Make sure the doctor note you send is from your child's primary care medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) and that he/she states the child's medical condition and if he/she supports what you are requesting in the application. Non-M.D. or D.O.letters are not acccepted. The doctor must sign the letter.
Tips and suggestions
Please mail all the information requested in one single packet.
You have 30 days for UnitedHealthcare to receive all paperwork. After 30 days, the application will be closed.
Don't wait until the 30 days is nearly over. If something is missing, they will not have time to work with you on obtaining that information.
Make your application personal so it will stand out. Send photo, have your child write a short paragraph or draw a picture to enclose, decorate outside of envelope, and always follow up and send a thank you either way.
If there is an e-mail or phone number get in contact prior to applying. Ask any questions and share your story to see if this is something they will cover. PLUS it gets you a little insight into the organization and gives you an insider that could sell your story to the Board.
Last, please never hesitate to post questions or email me with private questions. It is our hope that we at iTaalk can help every family get the best treatments, services, devices, etc for their children. ~ Tammy
By iTaalk Autism Foundation | January 03, 2012 at 01:37 PM EST | 6 comments
We are very excited to be launching a weekly blog that will feature a different non-profit offering grants and/or funding to families/individuals. We will provide current information on the grant, details for qualification, deadlines, and also tips from the organization itself.
Over the next one year, Tuesday's Treasures will highlight 52 different organizations in hopes that at least one will meet the need(s) of each parent/family in the iTaalk circle of friends!
a single point of access to more than 475 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 200 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
see his progress. 
