Pleeeeease VOTE!!! AUTISM FAMILY FUN CENTER

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Hi. I REALLY need your help in my poll. I am planning to sell a very legitimate, and quite profitable plumbing company to start up a non-profit business for families of Autistic children. I put the stress here on the word FAMILIES. Theres LOTS of services for the children, but very little that really helps the parents and siblings cope with the stresses of raising autistic children. Thats the primary goal of my business, to help the parents and siblings, as well as the actual autistic children, and provide them a place to meet and relax on a regular basis. This business will also go beyond the children. Autistic teens and adults without children will be allowed as well. There are Autistic adults out there who would benefit from this as well.

Here's what I need: Please ~~carefully and thoughtfully~~ read my shortened, "public friendly" business plan, (still under construction) and just vote as to whether or not YOU PERSONALLY would be willing to pay the $65.00 monthly membership fee if this business were available in your hometown. Of course you wont EVER be asked to. I just want a general idea as to whether or not this will succeed. I figure what better place to get a fast opinion than here!

Heres my business idea:

The Autism Family Fun Center is a prototype business for autistic children and their families. To date, I am not aware of any other business thats performs in the same exact manner.

OVERVIEW:

The Autism Family Fun Center will provide a place in which autistic children, teens, and adults may enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere, play some games, enjoy a refreshing nutritional beverage, and "shake off" the cares of the outside world. I wont comment on the number of suicides or accidental deaths among autistic parents or their children, but the statistic is downplayed. In any event, life can be very difficult when faced with these challenges. Autistic parents face obstacles the average adult knows nothing about. Autistic children are fighting severe communicational dysfunctions, learning disabilities, and physical problems. They often face a world of peers who criticize, bully, and scrutinize their every move. Parents of these children face the same obstacles and more. The Autism Family Fun Center will simply provide a place parents and children alike can relax amongst their own.

Building location:
North-Western Lexington or Southern Winston Salem (Arcadia Community) NC. Building is being researched at this time.

Building Layout:
There will be a parent area, designed much like a vacation resort patio, complete with tropical decor. A faux tiki-bar will serve nutritional Vita-Mix drinks. Vitamix drinks are 100% organic, 100% natural, dye free, sugar free, and additive free. They consist of vegetable or fruit smoothies, coffee creations, and all natural ice creams, frozen yogurts, and hot and cold soups. Since autistic children often have allergies and sensitivities to certain foods and preservatives, all vitamix creations are made on the spot, at customers' exact requests.
The adult area will be centered in the building, and elevated up off the floor to provide easy view of parents' children. Parents can grab a smoothie and a book, and relax at bistro style tables. (* See side note about these tables!!!!) Tropical decor and ambiance will help melt away the stress while the parent has full view of their child. Full DSL connection (such as in cyber cafes) will offer adults the opportunity to research autism websites and service providers, and compare ideas, thoughts, and concepts. Parents can also exchange email addresses and websites for future coordination and mental support. (We need to stick together!) There will be a small library with books on autism, educational literature, and the latest findings and offers from related surrounding agencies.
The parents and children alike will have access to fun and games such as foozball, skeeball, ping pong, skittles, and a other skill games. In addition we will have a wide array of newer interactive video games, including a Wii setup with all accessories and surround sound on a large screen TV. All games will be violence-free, and family centered. There will also be educational, learning, and stimulative toys and equipment, computers preloaded with educational software and games, and autism and disability DVDs and movies. Separate TVs will also be available with Disney movies. In short, something for everyone.
The building will have an entrance that requires all visitors prior to entering, to wash their hands, check in with the attendant, and sign in all members, visitors, and guests. Children will be allowed to leave ONLY when escourted out with their parents. A "hand stamp" identification system will ensure that the children leave ONLY with the correct adults. Parents will be instructed to supervise their children at ALL TIMES, and lack of cooperation in this matter will not be tolerated. This facility is for families. It is NOT a daycare, respite provider, or afterschool hangout. However, respit care workers may bring their clients in as well. Parents who refuse to take responsibility of their children will be asked to leave for the safety of others.

We will also have one of the largest Autism related stores of its kind, selling all types of learning products, books, DVDs, custom made T-shirts with dozens of Autism messages ranging from the serious to humorous, bumper stickers, buttons, stimulation toys, and therapy toys and equipment.

The center will be available (membership) for any and all immediate families of persons having any form of Autism; including Aspergers, PDD, and Bipolar.

FUNDING SOURCES:

not for profit status
grants
charitable contributions
food and beverage sales
vitamix sales
educational toy sales
autism related merchandise sales
educational software sales
monthly membership fees (currently $65 a month)

CHOICES AGAIN:
I have a family member with Autism, and I would DEFINATELY join if this were in my area
I have a family member with Autism, and I would NOT join
I don't have an autistic family member, but if I did I would DEFINATELY join
I don't have an autistic family member, but if I did I still would NOT join

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Almost forgot!!! About the tables... I have a couple hours to make my final decision about the business. If I decide to start the business, I have access to a huge lot of the ACTUAL BISTRO TABLES that were at Walt Disney World Resorts! I already have a family member lined up to pick them up in FL, and I can get them VERY cheap. So the tables would be tables you might have sat at at WDW. (Thats just a side note!!!)

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I'd like to also add that anyone may use my idea anywhere they like, as long as they do NOT use my exact business name (Autism Family Fun Center) and as long as they do NOT do it in the Piedmont Triad NC!!! I have an open market. I'm not sure I could exist if there were any competition.

Even if I don't start this business up, I think its a great idea. It could be replicated all over the US by different owners. So if you've been considering something like this... you now have some more ideas!!! Free of charge ideas!

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

Whoops... forgot to mention... there will be some exercise equipment as well. We have a vintage Exercycle and a mini trampoline we're going to donate. Plus we plan to get a Schwinn Airodyne and an eliptical machine, and maybe some weights. But since its not a gym, thats the extent of that. That small area would be off limits to children of course.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

How does bipolar play into this center?

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

The Bipolar part is still under consideration. We have a friend who has a bipolar child. His condition is VERY similiar to my son's condition who is autistic. He was once disgnosed as Autistic. Now he's diagnosed as bipolar. Bipolar is very close to autism in some aspects, so we're still looking into that one. We havent completely decided on the extent outside of Autism we're going to allow, but the emphasis in any event will be Autism.

savvy?

 

[WildGrits]

It sounds like a very nice idea.

Unfortunately I would not join. $65 would be a bit much for us to handle on a monthly basis.

Just feedback here. Maybe you could check out Gilda's Club. They are a non-profit and it costs nothing to go there. Obliviously a different disease but close in premise.

Good Luck.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

I considered that, but most parents of autistic children get SSI, and one month's check would cover a years membership. Besides, I dont want to make it free. I dont want the hassles of medicaid, and besides, if its free, theres some people who will come just because its free, and they wouldn't respect the place. Ive seen it happen anywhere services are free. There is a certain group (though very small) who I don't want coming. The type who don't give a crap about anything or anyone and who abuse the system. I feel like as long as it costs the person something they MIGHT (hopefully) respect the place. I'm going to invest my life into the place I'd like for those who join to have respect for the equipment and such.
A good example is Chuck-E-Cheese. Those skeeball machines are upwards of 10 grand each, and some families (like above) let their kids climb up on the machines, walk up to the machine and throw 1 pound skeeballs at the electronic scoreboards. They ruin everyone else's game, walking across their machines while they are playing, grabbing everyone elses skeeballs from the slot, and the lazy parent just sits there and watches. Its called "lack of respect" for anything and those type I don't want. Its sad that there are that type of people in the world. But lets face it, there are.

 

[Figment1964]

I considered that, but most parents of autistic children get SSI, and one month's check would cover a years membership.

Not always. I have 2 children on the spectrum (14 and 8) and don't get SSI for either one of them. I know lots of families with ASD kids who don't get it.

That being said, I think we would be interested in your idea if we didn't have our Game Club. We are part of a game night once a month that has been operating for over 7 years for ASD kids. We have video games that are projected onto the walls, a quiet game room, a board game room, a teen area, a movie on a big screen with popcorn (always a movie that's just been released on DVD) and a room for parents to hang out and chat while eating from the food that people bring to share. For anyone in the Portland, Oregon area, here's a link to it:

http://aspergersnet.org/gameclub.html

It's been an incredible experience to get to know these other families of kids with similar issues to what we face everyday, too.

Best wishes on your idea...it sounds great!

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I considered that, but most parents of autistic children get SSI, and one month's check would cover a years membership. Besides, I dont want to make it free. I dont want the hassles of medicaid, and besides, if its free, theres some people who will come just because its free, and they wouldn't respect the place. Ive seen it happen anywhere services are free. There is a certain group (though very small) who I don't want coming. The type who don't give a crap about anything or anyone and who abuse the system. I feel like as long as it costs the person something they MIGHT (hopefully) respect the place. I'm going to invest my life into the place I'd like for those who join to have respect for the equipment and such.
A good example is Chuck-E-Cheese. Those skeeball machines are upwards of 10 grand each, and some families (like above) let their kids climb up on the machines, walk up to the machine and throw 1 pound skeeballs at the electronic scoreboards. They ruin everyone else's game, walking across their machines while they are playing, grabbing everyone elses skeeballs from the slot, and the lazy parent just sits there and watches. Its called "lack of respect" for anything and those type I don't want. Its sad that there are that type of people in the world. But lets face it, there are.

If you don't accept medicaid you may be cutting out the chance of grants & grant writing which really can cover overhead/etc. of such an organization.
I would think you would also have to have class options for parent run by a professional. I think you are really thinking from your heart which is wonderful but being from the foundation/hospital/non profit setting you really have to expand your plan and look at asking for money as a major part of your daily routine.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

That being said, I think we would be interested in your idea if we didn't have our Game Club. We are part of a game night once a month that has been operating for over 7 years for ASD kids. We have video games that are projected onto the walls, a quiet game room, a board game room, a teen area, a movie on a big screen with popcorn (always a movie that's just been released on DVD) and a room for parents to hang out and chat while eating from the food that people bring to share. For anyone in the Portland, Oregon area, here's a link to it:

If we had something like that here I probably wouldn't be considering this! Thats a great idea.

 

[Forevryoung]

I question how much of the general population in your area (i.e. 20 minute radius) would fit into your target population.

Then, I would poll THAT population to see if they have that type of money available to spend and if they would be willing to spend that much money on something like this.

While I think it's a good idea, I just wonder if the target population in your area would get involved.


You might do better starting a social skills group or something similar with less overhead for now

 

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

I think it's a great idea, and I applaud you for thinking of it...
but honestly, I wouldn't join because of the monthly fee. If it was more like a 'pay as you go' idea, that would be something that I would do though.
Good luck to you!

 

[Bugsmom73]

We don't get SSI. 65 dollars would be too much for us. I like the game room better.

 

[momof3girls6712]

My youngest is on the spectrum and we do not get SSI either. I would think 65 a month would be to high for most people. Perhaps having a one time play price and a monthly membership price would help.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I like your idea, but I'm afraid your potential audience might be way too limited for it to be profitable. Have you done a study on how many families there are in your area with autistic kids? Of that number, you would need to figure out how many would use the center and how many could afford it.

I also wanted to comment on the parent area. You mentioned it would be a raised floor where parents could watch their kids while relaxing, reading, web-surfing, etc. You also mentioned that parents would be responsible for watching their own kids. I would be afraid that parents would get distracted and lose track of their kids. Also, would the area be close enough to anywhere their kids could go to be within voice range? If your child gets into a scuffle with another child, would they hear their parents talking to them? Or would the parent be able to quickly get to their child to intervene?

This part caught my eye because I've taken my son to The Jungle before. He's 12 and has Asperger's. He's definitely on the mild side and functions pretty well, but I find in places like that I have to be right with him most of the time. He tends to say inappropriate things or have trouble waiting his turn in that kind of environment. I don't feel comfortable leaving him by himself, especially when the place gets really crowded. Those places are so overly-stimulating that all of the kids get jacked up and it can quickly turn into chaos. I usually can't wait until we get out of there, let alone have a relaxing experience.

It sounds like your place would be much calmer in terms of stimulation for the kids. But if you get enough kids and enough video games in the room, it's bound to get noisy.

I don't think we would join if you had to pay a monthly fee. I just don't think we would find the time to go often enough to make it worthwhile. We would probably check the place out if it was a pay whenever you show up kind of deal.

I think it's great that you're thinking of a way to make life easier for parents with autistic kids. I hope it works out for you!

 

[htmom]

I think it is a nice idea. But there is no way we could afford to go. We barely have enough to cover meds at our house, no "extra" fun money.

And will the staff be watching the children as well? Because if you have a parents area that is raised and seperate how can the parents supervise properly? My son needs one on one (especially in places where there are loads of people) so the parents area would be wasted on a family like ours.

 

[Disneylush]

My son is autistic and I would NOT join.
A) we do not get SSI
B) cost is WAY to much.. consider pay as you go with a discount if you buy a whole month.
C) This seems more stressful then relaxing... I have to stay with my son and help him to enjoy the activities.
D) If this is a FAMILY center what can and can't my non-autistic children take part in?
E) Our public school / my son's school offers open activity nights where the kids can play on the structures they are use to with people they feel safe with (teachers and classmates) and parents can meet.
F) The safety factor of parents being away from their children freaks me out. (My son doesn't have balance and it is not uncommon for him to grab the closest person to stop from falling. Sometimes people think his is being ruff or trying to hurt them. There is also shoving that occurs after this)
G) As far as food I don't think I would buy anything more than a bottle of juice, water or pop if we had played hard and were thirsty.
H) we just flat out do not have time for something like this during the week. May be on the weekend.

I think it is a good idea but it needs a LOT more research

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

B) cost is WAY to much.. consider pay as you go with a discount if you buy a whole month.

I COMPLETELY disagree. Its basically the same as a one day basic ticket for ONE person to WDW (hotel NOT included) . So, you could get a one day ticket for ONE to disney, or you could have a place to make friends for 30 consecutive days. You could play on the Wii, or the $8000.00 EACH skeeball machines, enjoy a drink you can't get anywhere else in THIS town at least. you can keep up to date on the newest research. If there's a potential cure or medical breakthrough my customers would know it immediately. Its also less than the price of the average monthly cellphone bill. Its LESS THAN the average monthly bill of a cigarette smoker. http://nosmoking.ws/news/newstobaccopoor091001.htm Its LESS than the cost of being an alcholic. Its far better than being lonely or depressed or suicidal. If you make some friends how can you equate that to a monthly fee? If you find some little TINY piece of info that you never would have discovered that greatly improves your life (or your son/daughter) how can you put a price on that? How can you put a price on sanity? I realize that many people with autistic children do NOT have it as bad as others. Some parents' biggest problems are how their child is focusing in school. A friend of mine had a spouse who committed suicide. He couldn't take the stresses of raising an autistic child. Problems were a bit more serious for them I'd say. Or at least they SEEMED more serious to them. Maybe some of you have this or that in your area, and thats great, but in my area, there isn't much.
NOW, the positive...
According to even the bleak statistics of this poll... If this poll were the same as reality, I would have almost 800 families to join up. I only need 100. If I had 800 families join, I'd have to build the building 8 times bigger than I originally figured!!!
So you see... I'm not easily discouraged. Ive had several people who BEGGED me to create this place. Ive had some of my customers from my current business to offer free services. one of them that offered to volunteer on a part time basis is fully licensed in autistic childcare. My family therapist stood up an cheered after reading the business plan. She said "This area REALLY needs this!!!"
Then theres the "sooner or later" philosophy. Lots of people are naturally skeptical at first, but as more and more positive reviews come in, they eventually give it a try.

Because if you have a parents area that is raised and seperate how can the parents supervise properly?

This is a case of mis-reading. I clearly stated the whole purpose of the parent center being raised up off the ground a few feet was so the parents COULD clearly see the children from any spot in the building. You just mis-read that part. There would be much better visibility than Chuck E Cheese.

I think it is a good idea but it needs a LOT more research

Your seeing ONE page. I have 30-40 pages of statistics, figures, and information. These pages are "computer pages"... Some are equivalent to 20 printed pages. I've done my homework. I'm an over analyzer. Thats why I came here to the DIS forum. I know how people here can present a challenge.

I think $65 a month is giving the services away. Considering all the expenses involved of bringing a place like this to creation.

So if your trying the reverse psychology test... I think I passed.

I'm making great money at the moment doing plumbing, and my phone rings off the hook. I even did an emergency job Christmas eve and even did one today on Christmas day. I turned down 8 jobs over Christmas eve and Christmas day. Last week I worked one day till midnight. THAT is my only real hesitation. I hate to sell a very successful company.
I thank everyone, both positive and negative for your votes and input.

 

[SelfEmployedDebtFree]

One more thought...

I think it is a nice idea. But there is no way we could afford to go. We barely have enough to cover meds at our house, no "extra" fun money.

I tried meds. I tried specialists. LOTS of specialists. They tried my son on many many medications. All he got from them was severe weight gain, messed up thyroid, messed up kidneys, and a life of stomach problems ever since. They did NOT help any of his autism problems and the weight gain just further broadened the gap between him and his classmates. I'm NOT saying meds don't help your child. Really, I'm not. They might be your golden ticket. If so I'm really happy for your success. However, IF there were an alternative OTHER THAN meds that WORKED... Wouldn't it be worth a consideration? At a center like this you could see ALL the possibilities. NOT JUST the ones your doctors want you to see. The center would be open for ANYONE with ANYTHING to offer to have a place to present their literature. Herbal companies could offer their options and herbal supplements. Everything from meditation to medication to alternative ideas would have a central location to state their case, then YOU, the customer, could look over any or all of the findings, and YOU could decide how much of it (if any) is worth trying. There might be something that you could do that would prevent the need for meds.

One of the major needs of the service is to gather ALL the findings of the individual members AND the professionals, and present them (the findings) in an easy to access collective. Then with EVERYONE contributing... who knows?