As Assist ME continues to grow, we’re grateful for leaders like Tom Reda who take the time to understand our mission up close. Tom’s firm, PAG, partners with companies to reduce operational costs and suggests they redirect savings toward community impact — a mission that aligns beautifully with the work we do every day. His reflections below capture the heart of our organization and the people who keep it moving.
Here’s Tom’s LinkedIn message:
MORE THAN WHEELCHAIRS. MORE THAN WALKERS.
Last week I had the opportunity to visit Assist ME and receive a tour from Community Outreach and Development Chair Jolyn Sloan and Board Member Jim Sloan.
Like many people, I thought I had a pretty good understanding of what they do.
I was wrong.
What I discovered was an incredibly well-organized operation that is changing lives by providing free medical mobility equipment to some of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors.
Wheelchairs. Walkers. Rollators. Shower chairs. Crutches. And much more.
But what impressed me most wasn’t the equipment.
It was the people.
Assist ME is growing at an incredible pace, roughly doubling its impact every 19 months. Yet much of this work is accomplished by a dedicated team of volunteers. In fact, after years of growth, they recently hired their very first paid part-time employee.
As I toured the facility, I was struck by how efficiently everything operates. Donated equipment is received, cleaned, refurbished, organized, and made available to those who need it most. Every room, every process, and every volunteer plays a role in helping neighbors regain mobility, independence, and dignity.
I was also fascinated to learn about their partnership with Atrium Health. When patients who need mobility equipment can receive it quickly through Assist ME, hospital rooms become available sooner for new patients requiring care. A perfect example of a community partnership creating benefits for everyone involved.
Thank you to Jolyn, Jim, Nancy Collins, Dr. Lee Fanning, and the entire Assist ME team for your hospitality and for the important work you do every day.
The equipment may help people move.
But it is the volunteers who keep the mission moving forward.
If Tom’s message resonates with you, come take a tour of our facility! We welcome corporations, churches, nonprofits, community leaders, influencers, and individuals who want to champion meaningful impact to make an appointment to visit and learn how Assist ME is expanding mobility access across our region.
Whether you lead an organization or simply want to use your voice, influence, or resources to help your neighbors, there’s a place for you here. It takes a village. We’d love you to be part of ours.
