Throughout the year, Alta Mira relies on unrestricted gifts from individual, corporate and foundation donors to meet our operational needs.  Some needs are very specific and present excellent opportunities for donors who prefer to underwrite specific elements of agency programs or to donate needed goods directly.  Various opportunities are listed below.  Please let us know if you have a particular interest or any questions about our Wish List.

SUPPORTED COMMUNITY INCLUSION  
Parent Support Project                         $25 - 50
Developmental Specialists (DS) support families as they struggle to understand and address their child's unique challenges.  Far too often, families withdraw from regular activities -- church attendance, eating out, family gatherings -- because of unpredictable behaviors and fears of criticism from others.  At Alta Mira, we believe that the sooner a family can find a new "normal" the more rapidly the child progresses and the less isolated and vulnerable the family becomes.  This process includes the DS observing the family in a challenging environment and providing specific suggestions and strategies to adapt successfully and help them feel more confident.  MANY of our families cannot afford to pay admissions for community outings or for transportation.  Your contribution will provide admission for 2 adults and 1 child to local museums, attractions and events as well as bus passes for family transportation. 

 
Respite Services                                   $318
Respite services provide much needed breaks from caregiving responsibilities for parents, family members and other caregivers.  $318 provides one 24-hour segement of respite for a caregiver whose dependent is on the waiting list for State General Services Fund respite services.  For many families on the waiting list, Alta Mira respite services provide the only relief for caregivers.                                                            

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Early Intervention                                  $150
Agency staff must maintain a Professional Development Plan every year to ensure agency compliance with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) Part C.  The State provides funds for approximately 15 people -- Alta Mira must provide training for more than 25 staff members.

Infant Massage Trainer Certification   $5,000
Certify 25 Early Intervention staff to train parents, family members, other caregivers and new staff.  The benefits of infant massage include improvements in early child development.  Certifying our staff members as trainers ensures the sustainability of this important program.  (Detailed clinincal information and benefits are available by request.)

Management Training                            $150 per hour
Effective management at all levels of our organization ensures optimization of resources and sustainability.  And effective management requires on-going training for management and supervisory staff.

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Child Care                                                $64 per month
Two trained and qualified child care providers are needed for each parent support meeting.

Printing and Postage                             $138 per month
Monthly mailings reach in excess of 250 families. 

Stipends for Guest Lecturers              $50 per month
Small stipends allow Alta Mira to recruit well-known experts to guide families dealing with developmental risks, delays and disabilities.

ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
Translation Services                             $100 per hour
Translators perform a vital function at Alta Mira:  they act as translators in meetings as well as provide written translation of program documents.  Alta Mira and all other entities providing services through the Medicaid or State General Fund contracts must provide translation for all agency programs.  Translation services are not reimbursable by either Medicaid or the State General Fund.