Handicap couple need YOU and Social Media. Please spread the word!
First off, this is not a tax donation charity. This is one guy, not an organization. This has the potential to greatly improve one family's life. A disabled couple doing their level best to enjoy each other and as independent a life as is possible.
Meet Jim Hodges and Guide Dog Gifford. This is a fundraiser designed to assist a man to realize the dream of home ownership for a second time, complete with a home audio recording and broadcasting studio. Which he will use to continue working on his catalouge, as a A.S.C.A.P. (American Society of Composers and Performers) member and as a weekly internet Radio Broadcaster. Jim also has hopes to one day become involved in creating jingles and voice overs, possibly as a home business idea.
Even if you are not in a position to assist this fundraising you may know someone who is. Please share this link where you can.
Gifford is Jim's second Service Animal.
In 1995 Jim suffered a head injury and was in a coma for some time. Upon waking he regained 25% of his central field of vision. Still very near sighted and sensitive to brite light and also is unable to see very well in low light situations. Jim also suffers from a "Post Surgical Neurological Disorder" (Seizures).
Early on in his rehabilitation, while still in Kernan Hospital, a friend brought Jim one of his guitars. Music was there in the beginning to help rebuild a shattered life.
During his long rehabilitation, and following that trajic day in September, 2001, on Christmas Eve, Jim was reunited with his family after twenty years incommunicado.
In 2004 Jim traveled west to see his mother one last time before she was taken by The same type of cancer that took is oldest sister the year before, giving her an in home preformance with that same flat topped guitar.
Little did she know, that the small boy she had once taken into a music shop at age 5 would become talented enough to sing and play guitar. This was a side of Jim that she had never seen, since he was raised mostly out of her care.
While there he made two promises at his mom's request. To purchase a house he could call his own and to do something with his music.
With that in mind Jim bought a small house in NW North Dakota in 2005 and began production on a home produced album.
Which was awarded a 2007 Music Fellowship Award from the North Dakota Council on the Arts.
Here is a link to Jim's Band page on MySpace:
Jim maintains that is has been his love of music which has helped him through the hard times. When disability and lack of transportation kept him home bound and dependant upon others for shopping and medical appointment trips, it was music which filled the hours and served as a vehical for Jim to regain proficiency and confidence, building self esteem and gaining trust in his own abilities.
In 2010 Jim sold a house he purchased for $2,500.00, invested another $2,500.00 into, for $15,000.00 and relocated to Florida.
Where a woman he had dated back before his head injury, was living.
You know where this is headed, right?
Yep, October 7th, 2011 Jim married, for the first and last time in his life, to a woman he had known for over 25 years.
All part of the ongoing rehabilitation from, and surviving of, a serious brain injury which nearly took his life and honoring the commitments he made to his dying mother.
Because Jim has been existing on a very low income of disability insurance, life has not been easy. It's been hard to work on his talent and push his craft. It's been difficult to provide the right environment that is conducive to the creative process, in a small rent assisted apartment.
Because Jim pays his bills on time, for so many years, he no longer has a credit rating. Which is worse then having bad credit!
A recent application to U.S. Rural Development, for a low interest housing loan came back as eligible, but only for $20,000.00. Property in his new state of residence does not have suitable housing in that price range.
With that in mind Jim has also looked into alternative funding sources. And is currently seeking information on a S.H.I.P. Application.
This is my attempt at helping him reach his goals.
Other, non-financial ways to help!
Besides the need for purchasing the house, Jim and Suzanne would also appreciate:
*Coupons for Iams Lamb and Rice dog food.
*An up to date desktop computer and a fairly decent laptop computer.
The laptop would be used for mobile presentations and performances, while the desktop will go towards the home audio studio setup.
These can be gently used or previously owned devices. If you have recently upgraded and have no need for the old equipment this is a great solution!
*Coupons for food stuffs and anything else that can keep the household expenses at a manageable level.
*Transportation alternatives.
In todays global society it is often not unheard of getting one thousand people to donate $1,000.00 each. Being realistic we are hoping to raise no where near that amount and in smaller increments from many more Kind and Generous people are what we hope will be the case.
If you feel comfortable with PayPal you can send donations to hawkinnc45@comcast.net as well.
AGAIN, PLEASE FORWARD THIS FUNDRAISER TO ANYONE WHO YOU BELIEVE MAY WISH TO HELP.
It is planned that Jim can use the funds as leverage towards his goals of independent living as an Internet Radio Broadcast Host, an award winning Musician who has produced two albums, an advocate for the disABLED and an average guy who could use a hand up with the load he is carrying. Help him to get into a house of his own so that he can dedicate more time pursuing his artistic endeavors free from the worry and stress of his current living situation. Jim used his last house to finance his relocation to his potential wife, now he is concerned about providing for her during the years after he is gone.
