About the AIMS Program
The “AIMS Program” (Awards In Motion to Succeed) is the financial arm of WYNGS. It was developed to answer the unmet needs and fill the gap after insurance coverage, family assistance and government resources have been exhausted. Through the AIMS Program, WYNGS has provided survivors of spinal cord injury with essential equipment and services that they cannot afford to pay for themselves. Most items and services granted through AIMS cost from $200 to $2,000. Items of greater expense may occasionally be possible through WYNGS partnerships with other foundations.
To those with financial need, AIMS may provide non-durable medical supplies such as urinary catheters and pressure-relieving positioning boots, durable medical equipment such as fully supported, reclining, rolling shower chairs, pressure-relieving wheelchair cushions, wheelchair ramps for homes, hydraulic lifts and hand controls for automobiles. We have bought voice-activated computers, textbooks, or tuition to enable our applicants to access higher education and reach their fullest potential. AIMS has subsidized personal and professional services, repairs to wheelchairs and other medical equipment, and emergency rent to assist SCI survivors who lack the essentials of day-to-day living because they are in financial crisis. By filling the needs not met by health insurance or government assistance, WYNGS seeks to break down the barriers that can keep the economically and physically disadvantaged person living with spinal cord injury from living a safe, independent, socially rewarding, and financially productive life.
Applications to AIMS:
To qualify for AIMS: applicants must have a spinal cord injury, make a reasonable and legitimate request, and have exhausted all other funding options in order to be considered. Individuals can apply to the AIMS Program for assistance by requesting an application form through the WYNGS office:
WYNGS
Attention: AIMS Chairperson
7900 Nelson Road
Panorama City, CA 91402
Phone: (818) 267-3031
Fax: (818) 267-3095
Or, you can apply through our website by clicking here.
The AIMS committee, composed of members of the WYNGS Board of Directors, meets on a monthly basis, or more frequently if emergencies arise. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Committee evaluates each request and explores all of the possible ways to fulfill the need. Depending on the nature of the request, we might collaborate with durable medical equipment vendors, other agencies or funding sources, solicit donations of product, or refurbish a previously owned item.
Donating Used Medical Equipment to the AIMS Program
WYNGS welcomes the donation of durable medical equipment that is in good working order or requires minimal refurbishing before it can be given to an individual who meets the requirements of the AIMS Program. Donated wheelchairs and bath equipment are refurbished and stored free of charge by local medical supply companies; van lifts are acquired by donation or at wholesale prices and sometimes installed gratis by the companies that sell them in the area. If you have items, supplies or services that you would like to make available to WYNGS, please contact us at (818) 267-3031. Thank you.
Volunteering with the AIMS Program
Community volunteers give their time in delivering the donated equipment to storage and later delivering it to the right candidate. Volunteers also staff the office and are invaluable to the smooth operation of many WYNGS fund-raising activities. Our passion is to help people to become independent, improve the quality of life and support increased social integration with dignity. You might volunteer with WYNGS during one or more events each year. You might be in a position to organize groups of students to assist us with mail-outs of invitations and newsletters. If you would like to get involved with WYNGS as a volunteer, please call us at (818) 267-3031 or access the volunteer form on our website. There are many volunteer opportunities with WYNGS. Thank you for your generosity.