HOW TO OPEN A ADULT FAMILY HOME 4 THE MENTALLY CHALLENGED?

There are many ways to start. First thing, sit with yourself and make a plan, define your mission, organize the budget. Visit other groups in your local area to get any ideas.

To open an adult family home you need a group with the same needs and interests and this you can do on case by case basis.

For beginning form a core group

One-on-one conversations are a great way to recruit members.

When you meet individuals who are really interested, get them involved in talking to others. This will allow you to reach out to new contacts (individual or groups) whom they know.

Talk with people at your workplace, local community events and at other places where people gather (e.g. libraries and book stores, grocery stores and shopping centers, etc.)

Identify people who it is key to involve, such as individuals with skills and or connections that would benefit the group.

Address meetings of groups that you belong to and other groups in the community, such as local religious groups.

Don't leave people or groups out because you don't know them or because they're part of a different culture or ethnic group. Diversity brings a wider range of ideas, opinions, talents and connections.

Carefully track everyone that you speak to. Keep a record of their contact information and make a note about their level of interest, skills, or concerns.

New volunteers need to be contacted within 24-48 hours. If they request additional information get it to them in a similar timeframe. If you don't have all the information in that time period contact them anyway to make sure they know that you haven't forgotten about their interest or their request.

Follow up initial phone calls with an email. Don't overuse email--it is a great way to communicate with those who are already active, but it doesn't replace personal contact.--Remember that most people are moved to action through personal contact.

Create a simple informational flyer or handout that is easily copied, and always have extras on hand.

Use flyers to announce your work and to encourage people to join in. Always include a contact name and phone number, and suggest ways that people can get involved.

Everyone knows someone whom you don't know. Ask your friends, neighbors, and classmates if they know someone who may want to be involved. Whenever you meet someone new be sure to ask them if they know someone else who may want to be involved.

Networking is a very effective tool, because people generally respond better to personal interaction.

You are trying to build a new group of people that are committed to action and change. Involving as many people as possible around the core group who will work and join in actions is what member recruitment is all about. Personal contact is the most likely way to move people to action. Any and all of the above activities are effective recruitment methods.

I think I helped you a bit.