Plus One Foundation 

We fund activities such as art and music therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, aquatic and integrated movement therapies, meditation, martial arts and more. These activities positively impact the rehabilitation and recovery process, however they are rarely covered by insurance. According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide have a neurological disorder.

We have three grant programs: Occasions, Mermaid Pool Pass, and Free Workshops.

The Occasions program funds non-medical activities in the community that are typically not covered by insurance, but offer true results in education, rehabilitation, or training. We partner with approved service providers in the community and make it possible for a person with a neurological disorder to continue their recovery or improve quality of life. For example, we fund art and music therapies, integrated movement therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, meditation, martial arts, and aquatic therapy.

The Mermaid Fund provides access to aquatic therapy by granting a 3 month all-access pool pass to Seattle Public Swimming Pools. Many of the recipients rely on swimming 3-4 times a week in order to maintain mobility, strength, and independence.

At least 3 times a year we also offer free workshops to children and adults with neurological disorders. We coordinate the instructor, location and materials to offer workshops and classes that assist in the rehabilitation and recovery process. Our past programs have been: Calligram Art Workshop, Zumba Dance Class, MELT Method (pilates) 6 week series. In 2013 we are already planning 2 MELT Method classes and an art workshop. These classes are very important to people who cannot afford even low-cost services. We rely on donations to provide the financial support to make these possible and free to eligible participants.

For many of our grant recipients, specific therapies are the only way to provide relief and benefit for their medical condition. Marcia has been through a particularly painful and complicated series of events. “I have had multiple cranial surgeries for a brain tumor and on-going issues. Swimming is much less jarring to my head than any other form of aerobic exercise. Swimming has been especially important to my overall health (mental and physical) in the follow-up of the surgeries (and injuries). My medical bills have compounded in recent months and the cost of health insurance has increased yet again. I was genuinely uncertain as to how I would cover the cost of the pool pass until I received a grant from the Mermaid Fund.” Plus One is there for people who need financial assistance to pursue their recovery and independence.

We are always looking for volunteers, since we are 100% volunteer driven. We also currently use old laptops and donated equipment. Any donations would be used to upgrade our laptops and other IT infrastructure.