Association Name: Lucy and Friends Association

Goal: Supporting children and individuals with autism through interaction with animals and participation in various workshops.

Main Activities:

• Creating and operating a therapeutic microfarm.
• Organizing painting, music, cooking, carpentry, and 3D production workshops.

Mission: Lucy and Friends Association aims to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for children and individuals with autism by integrating therapeutic and educational activities involving interaction with animals and participation in creative workshops.

Vision: Promote social inclusion and improve the quality of life for people with autism through innovative therapies and educational activities.

Problem Context:

• Autism affects a significant number of individuals who often face difficulties in social integration and developing life skills.

Proposed Benefits:

• Animal-assisted therapies have shown positive effects in reducing anxiety and improving social skills.
• Creative workshops contribute to the development of fine motor skills, creativity, and self-confidence.

Target Audience:

• Children and adolescents with autism.
• Adults with autism who want to develop their skills and participate in social activities.

Therapeutic Microfarm:

• Direct interaction with animals (horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, goats).
• Daily animal care activities and animal-assisted therapy sessions.

Creative and Educational Workshops:

• Painting: Developing creativity and expressing emotions.
• Music: Music therapy sessions and instrument lessons.
• Cooking: Learning basic kitchen techniques and preparing simple recipes.
• Carpentry: Simple woodworking projects that develop practical skills.
• 3D Production: Using 3D printers to create objects and learn basic concepts about 3D design.

Phase 1: Establishment and Preparation (First 6 Months)

• Official registration of Lucy and Friends Association.
• Identifying and purchasing land for the microfarm.
• Building the necessary infrastructure (buildings, barns, workshop spaces).

Phase 2: Development and Launch (6-12 Months)

• Purchasing animals and ensuring their care.
• Hiring qualified staff (therapists, workshop instructors, animal care staff).
• Promoting the association and enrolling the first beneficiaries.

Phase 3: Stabilization and Expansion (12-24 Months)

• Evaluating feedback and adjusting programs based on beneficiaries' needs.
• Organizing fundraising events and partnerships with other organizations and sponsors.
• Expanding activities and increasing beneficiary capacity.

Promotion:

• Creating an informative website and social media pages.
• Collaborating with schools, clinics, and other organizations to attract beneficiaries.
• Organizing opening events and open house days.

Communication:

• Producing promotional materials (brochures, posters).
• Media campaigns and articles in local publications.
• Presence at fairs and conferences dedicated to mental health and autism.

Funding Sources:

• Donations and sponsorships from companies and individuals.
• European funds and grants for social inclusion and mental health projects.
• Organizing fundraising events.

Estimated Budget (First 2 Years):

• Initial costs for purchasing land and building infrastructure: 100,000 EUR (2000 sqm already bought and 2400 sqm under purchase)
• Annual operational costs (salaries, animal maintenance, workshop materials): 50,000 EUR
• Promotion and marketing costs: 10,000 EUR
• Reserve funds for contingencies: 20,000 EUR

Financial Projections:

• Year 1: Estimated revenue from donations and sponsorships: 60,000 EUR
• Year 2: Estimated revenue from donations, sponsorships, and events: 80,000 EUR

Evaluation Methods:

• Periodic feedback from beneficiaries and parents/guardians.
• Assessing individual progress of beneficiaries based on set objectives.
• Monitoring the impact of activities on beneficiaries' quality of life.

Success Indicators:

• Increase in the number of beneficiaries.
• Improvement in social and behavioral skills of beneficiaries.
• Satisfaction level of beneficiaries and their families.

The Lucy and Friends Association has the potential to become a key player in supporting individuals with autism by offering innovative therapies and educational activities. Through our commitment and community support, we will create an environment where our beneficiaries can thrive and feel integrated and valued.