Colby's Army Inc
Programs
Budget
$20,000.00
Description
We started by distributing backpacks stocked with toiletries to men and women who are homeless, but this has expanded to weekly or twice weekly outreach, and distributions of food and supplies by trailer load to homeless encampments, and individual homeless, as well as providing post-housing supportive and peer support services. It is amazing what a huge difference a toothbrush or a clean pair of socks can make in a person's life. Most items we distribute are donated, but we also purchase some. The gift of supplies to a person who is homeless also develops trust and conversation. We can then work with other nonprofits and agencies to help that individual receive medical care, social work, case management, housing, and other services. We work closely with the Metro Homeless Impact Division, Mental Health Co-op, Park Center, West Metro Police Precinct, Neighborhood Health, Centerstone, and many others to best serve our clients.
Program Successes
A man ill with pneumonia agreeing to go to the hospital, encouraging a man to save enough money to purchase a vehicle that eventually led to a job and an apartment, a couple receiving enough food and clothing to stay healthy throughout the winter, referring a woman to mental health services that gave her needed medication so she could stabilize, and re-unite with her family, getting 85% of individuals living in an encampment to sign up for Metro Nashville's HMIS, which can eventually lead to housing; providing the food, clothing, and supplies needed until housing, meds, and health care can be obtained.
Category
Human Services - Services for the Homeless
Beneficiaries
Unhoused individuals
Adults
Long-term Success
We have been doing this since 2010, and have expanded from backpacks given monthly to food, clothing, and supplies given once or twice a week. We even have a library, since many of our homeless friends love to read. We now have a dedicated outreach area at our farm facility where we can sort and store donations, and have a dedicated group of trained volunteers who work diligently to bring in and distribute donations. In 2019, with a grant from the Kroger Foundation, we also began giving camp homeless organically-grown potted vegetable plants and they love nurturing the plants and eating the produce. As a result we see them performing better self-care, and becoming more responsible.
Short-term Success
In 2020, through a grant from the Boulevard Bolt we were able to purchase an enclosed trailer to better facilitate our distributions, and this has helped us distribute supplies in all kinds of weather, and to better sort supplies as we distribute. It has also tripled our capacity to carry items so we can better serve this population. In addition, we have worked much more closely this year with other organizations that provide housing, and mental and physical health services. In 2021, we added a dedicated outreach building.
Program Success Monitored By
Our success is determined by the physical and mental health of our homeless, and also by the number who, through our referrals, become housed--and stay housed. Success is also determined by the trust our homeless have developed in us, since we take time to get to know each of them, and this also helps us better serve them.
Program Areas Served
95% in Davidson County, with limited services in Cheatham County.
$20,000.00
Description
We started by distributing backpacks stocked with toiletries to men and women who are homeless, but this has expanded to weekly or twice weekly outreach, and distributions of food and supplies by trailer load to homeless encampments, and individual homeless, as well as providing post-housing supportive and peer support services. It is amazing what a huge difference a toothbrush or a clean pair of socks can make in a person's life. Most items we distribute are donated, but we also purchase some. The gift of supplies to a person who is homeless also develops trust and conversation. We can then work with other nonprofits and agencies to help that individual receive medical care, social work, case management, housing, and other services. We work closely with the Metro Homeless Impact Division, Mental Health Co-op, Park Center, West Metro Police Precinct, Neighborhood Health, Centerstone, and many others to best serve our clients.
Program Successes
A man ill with pneumonia agreeing to go to the hospital, encouraging a man to save enough money to purchase a vehicle that eventually led to a job and an apartment, a couple receiving enough food and clothing to stay healthy throughout the winter, referring a woman to mental health services that gave her needed medication so she could stabilize, and re-unite with her family, getting 85% of individuals living in an encampment to sign up for Metro Nashville's HMIS, which can eventually lead to housing; providing the food, clothing, and supplies needed until housing, meds, and health care can be obtained.
Category
Human Services - Services for the Homeless
Beneficiaries
Unhoused individuals
Adults
Long-term Success
We have been doing this since 2010, and have expanded from backpacks given monthly to food, clothing, and supplies given once or twice a week. We even have a library, since many of our homeless friends love to read. We now have a dedicated outreach area at our farm facility where we can sort and store donations, and have a dedicated group of trained volunteers who work diligently to bring in and distribute donations. In 2019, with a grant from the Kroger Foundation, we also began giving camp homeless organically-grown potted vegetable plants and they love nurturing the plants and eating the produce. As a result we see them performing better self-care, and becoming more responsible.
Short-term Success
In 2020, through a grant from the Boulevard Bolt we were able to purchase an enclosed trailer to better facilitate our distributions, and this has helped us distribute supplies in all kinds of weather, and to better sort supplies as we distribute. It has also tripled our capacity to carry items so we can better serve this population. In addition, we have worked much more closely this year with other organizations that provide housing, and mental and physical health services. In 2021, we added a dedicated outreach building.
Program Success Monitored By
Our success is determined by the physical and mental health of our homeless, and also by the number who, through our referrals, become housed--and stay housed. Success is also determined by the trust our homeless have developed in us, since we take time to get to know each of them, and this also helps us better serve them.
Program Areas Served
95% in Davidson County, with limited services in Cheatham County.
Budget
$17,000.00
Description
Our learning center is located on 54 acres in Ashland City where our therapy horses and our trained, certified PATH instructors teach life and riding skills to children and adults who have life challenges. We teach in a unique barn setting, and in our outdoor classrooms through specialized riding and ground activities.
Program Successes
Examples include one pre-teen who when frustrated in school began throwing books at other students. By learning to problem solve through issues during her mounted lessons, the poor school behavior lessened, and eventually stopped. A young man with autism and Down syndrome who was mostly uncommunicative learned to communicate yes and no through riding interactions with his horse. This was life-changing for him and for his family, and his angry, frustrated outbursts lessened. A teen with cerebral palsy, after riding for six months, was able to lose 25 pounds and become physically strong enough to walk with arm crutches and spotter into his doctor's office, where previously he had to be wheeled longer distances. And, a formerly homeless adult woman with low self esteem became empowered and transformed through her work with our horses, and now also volunteers regularly.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
People with physical disabilities
Long-term Success
We have been providing services for this program since 2012, and have won numerous regional, national, and international awards: 2015 PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Region 5 (Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Africa) Volunteer of the Year, 2016 PATH International Video of the Year, 2017 Parade magazine Hometown Hero award, 2017 PATH Region 5 Volunteer of the Year, 2017 PATH Region 5 Equine of the Year. But the real success is with our participants who gain physical strength, and who learn needed life skills that make their life, and the lives of their families easier.
Short-term Success
2020-21 was challenging, as it is difficult to provide a therapeutic riding lesson or ground skills lesson and still maintain social distancing. Instead, we implemented horse knowledge classes given via Zoom, and also over the summer, gave socially-distanced horse knowledge classes outdoors at the farm. Participants learned about horse health, saddle fitting, horse breeds and colors, horse behavior, etc. In June 2020 we had three weeks of lessons for our more independent riders and began riding those participants this fall. Since they can mount and dismount by themselves, we are able to socially distance. We held spring and fall 2021 sessions but were not back to full capacity due to a shortage of volunteers and riders, but we do hope to open at full capacity in spring 2022.
Program Success Monitored By
Our program success is monitored by the gaining of physical, cognitive, and emotional strength, as reported by the individual, our instructor, the individual's family, and often, their teachers.
Program Areas Served
Davidson, Cheatham, Sumner, Robertson, Montgomery, Williamson, Dickson, and Hickman counties
$17,000.00
Description
Our learning center is located on 54 acres in Ashland City where our therapy horses and our trained, certified PATH instructors teach life and riding skills to children and adults who have life challenges. We teach in a unique barn setting, and in our outdoor classrooms through specialized riding and ground activities.
Program Successes
Examples include one pre-teen who when frustrated in school began throwing books at other students. By learning to problem solve through issues during her mounted lessons, the poor school behavior lessened, and eventually stopped. A young man with autism and Down syndrome who was mostly uncommunicative learned to communicate yes and no through riding interactions with his horse. This was life-changing for him and for his family, and his angry, frustrated outbursts lessened. A teen with cerebral palsy, after riding for six months, was able to lose 25 pounds and become physically strong enough to walk with arm crutches and spotter into his doctor's office, where previously he had to be wheeled longer distances. And, a formerly homeless adult woman with low self esteem became empowered and transformed through her work with our horses, and now also volunteers regularly.
Beneficiaries
People with other disabilities and/or are neurodivergent
People with physical disabilities
Long-term Success
We have been providing services for this program since 2012, and have won numerous regional, national, and international awards: 2015 PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Region 5 (Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, Puerto Rico, and Africa) Volunteer of the Year, 2016 PATH International Video of the Year, 2017 Parade magazine Hometown Hero award, 2017 PATH Region 5 Volunteer of the Year, 2017 PATH Region 5 Equine of the Year. But the real success is with our participants who gain physical strength, and who learn needed life skills that make their life, and the lives of their families easier.
Short-term Success
2020-21 was challenging, as it is difficult to provide a therapeutic riding lesson or ground skills lesson and still maintain social distancing. Instead, we implemented horse knowledge classes given via Zoom, and also over the summer, gave socially-distanced horse knowledge classes outdoors at the farm. Participants learned about horse health, saddle fitting, horse breeds and colors, horse behavior, etc. In June 2020 we had three weeks of lessons for our more independent riders and began riding those participants this fall. Since they can mount and dismount by themselves, we are able to socially distance. We held spring and fall 2021 sessions but were not back to full capacity due to a shortage of volunteers and riders, but we do hope to open at full capacity in spring 2022.
Program Success Monitored By
Our program success is monitored by the gaining of physical, cognitive, and emotional strength, as reported by the individual, our instructor, the individual's family, and often, their teachers.
Program Areas Served
Davidson, Cheatham, Sumner, Robertson, Montgomery, Williamson, Dickson, and Hickman counties
Budget
$1,000.00
Description
Many of our homeless also have pets and we work collaboratively with Nashville Humane, other street outreach organizations, and veterinarians and foster programs to make sure each pet has the appropriate food, medical care, collars, leashes, crates, etc. to keep them healthy and safe.
Program Successes
Helping one man train a puppy he found in a ditch to become a happy and valued companion, obtaining spay/neuter services for each of our pets living with unsheltered owners, working with one woman whose dog has allergies to find kibble that does not cause itching--and then providing that food weekly.
Beneficiaries
Unhoused individuals
Long-term Success
Since 2020 we have taken care of 10-12 dogs and cats weekly. These pets provide emotional support and safety for our homeless and sometimes are their only family. The well-being of our pet owners who are living unsheltered depends on the safety and well-being of their animals. We ensure that each animal has the safety, nutrition, and medical care they need to thrive in challenging curcumstances.
Short-term Success
Helping one man train a puppy he found in a ditch to become a happy and valued companion, obtaining spay/neuter services for each of our pets living with unsheltered owners, working with one woman whose dog has allergies to find kibble that does not cause itching--and then providing that food weekly.
Program Success Monitored By
The safety and health of our unsheltered pets, pets who transition well into housing along with their newly housed owners.
Program Areas Served
Dsvidson and Cheatham counties
$1,000.00
Description
Many of our homeless also have pets and we work collaboratively with Nashville Humane, other street outreach organizations, and veterinarians and foster programs to make sure each pet has the appropriate food, medical care, collars, leashes, crates, etc. to keep them healthy and safe.
Program Successes
Helping one man train a puppy he found in a ditch to become a happy and valued companion, obtaining spay/neuter services for each of our pets living with unsheltered owners, working with one woman whose dog has allergies to find kibble that does not cause itching--and then providing that food weekly.
Beneficiaries
Unhoused individuals
Long-term Success
Since 2020 we have taken care of 10-12 dogs and cats weekly. These pets provide emotional support and safety for our homeless and sometimes are their only family. The well-being of our pet owners who are living unsheltered depends on the safety and well-being of their animals. We ensure that each animal has the safety, nutrition, and medical care they need to thrive in challenging curcumstances.
Short-term Success
Helping one man train a puppy he found in a ditch to become a happy and valued companion, obtaining spay/neuter services for each of our pets living with unsheltered owners, working with one woman whose dog has allergies to find kibble that does not cause itching--and then providing that food weekly.
Program Success Monitored By
The safety and health of our unsheltered pets, pets who transition well into housing along with their newly housed owners.
Program Areas Served
Dsvidson and Cheatham counties
Budget
$2,000.00
Description
Operation Agritourism Earth Care teaches people about environmental, sustainable, and other earth-friendly practices through our organic garden, trails, online tips; and school, business, and social group educational presentations and tours. From recycling, repurposing, and upcycling, our facility is also a lesson in earth-friendly practices. We also grow herbs and vegetables organically that help people, including our participants and job interns, learn to grow their own food, and helps us feed hungry people, such as our homeless. We can accommodate school and tour buses in our parking lot and can customize programs to the group's needs.
Program Successes
One special needs young lady did not realize that tomatoes grew on a plant. "Tomatoes grow in Kroger," she said. We showed her several varieties of tomatoes, and let her taste them. She was so enamored that she convinced her mother to plant a garden, which turned into a passion for both of them. Today the young lady had lost weight, eats more vegetables, and has a hobby she enjoys. A man from a tour wrote to us that he did not realize the lack of bees and other pollinators was such a problem to our food supply, and turned his entire front yard into a pollinator paradise--and also convinced many of his neighbors to plant plants that attract pollinators.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
This program started online in 2015, educating people about the sad effects of litter and pollution, but has since expanded to in-person classes and tours with information on agriculture, recycling, sustainability, upcycling, gardening, and how they can conserve energy and natural resources.
Short-term Success
In 2020 we obtained a grant from the Nashville Herb Society to develop a handicapped accessible herb garden, and this has turned into a high point of our facility and our tours. We have 55 herbs with educational signage for each herb planted in tires. We also moved our organic vegetable garden from the back of the property to the front to make it more visible and accessible, and through a grant from the Nashville predators, made it an educational garden as well. We added a scavenger hunt option to our tours, and have incorporated agricultural and environmental education into eight sensory stations that we built with another grant from the Nashville Predators Foundation.
Program Success Monitored By
Success is determined by the volume of people we reach, and the "one fact, one change" model. If each participant remembers one fact, and as a result, makes one positive change toward a better environment, organic food, litter, clean water, recycling, etc. then we have success, since we assume that some members of their household will also make the positive change. In 2019 we had more than 2,000 people come through in tours alone. In 2020 we were inactive with this program, but we opened in fall of 2021 and should see a full schedule in 2022.
Program Areas Served
Mostly Middle Tennessee, but have had tours in from Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, and Ohio.
$2,000.00
Description
Operation Agritourism Earth Care teaches people about environmental, sustainable, and other earth-friendly practices through our organic garden, trails, online tips; and school, business, and social group educational presentations and tours. From recycling, repurposing, and upcycling, our facility is also a lesson in earth-friendly practices. We also grow herbs and vegetables organically that help people, including our participants and job interns, learn to grow their own food, and helps us feed hungry people, such as our homeless. We can accommodate school and tour buses in our parking lot and can customize programs to the group's needs.
Program Successes
One special needs young lady did not realize that tomatoes grew on a plant. "Tomatoes grow in Kroger," she said. We showed her several varieties of tomatoes, and let her taste them. She was so enamored that she convinced her mother to plant a garden, which turned into a passion for both of them. Today the young lady had lost weight, eats more vegetables, and has a hobby she enjoys. A man from a tour wrote to us that he did not realize the lack of bees and other pollinators was such a problem to our food supply, and turned his entire front yard into a pollinator paradise--and also convinced many of his neighbors to plant plants that attract pollinators.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Long-term Success
This program started online in 2015, educating people about the sad effects of litter and pollution, but has since expanded to in-person classes and tours with information on agriculture, recycling, sustainability, upcycling, gardening, and how they can conserve energy and natural resources.
Short-term Success
In 2020 we obtained a grant from the Nashville Herb Society to develop a handicapped accessible herb garden, and this has turned into a high point of our facility and our tours. We have 55 herbs with educational signage for each herb planted in tires. We also moved our organic vegetable garden from the back of the property to the front to make it more visible and accessible, and through a grant from the Nashville predators, made it an educational garden as well. We added a scavenger hunt option to our tours, and have incorporated agricultural and environmental education into eight sensory stations that we built with another grant from the Nashville Predators Foundation.
Program Success Monitored By
Success is determined by the volume of people we reach, and the "one fact, one change" model. If each participant remembers one fact, and as a result, makes one positive change toward a better environment, organic food, litter, clean water, recycling, etc. then we have success, since we assume that some members of their household will also make the positive change. In 2019 we had more than 2,000 people come through in tours alone. In 2020 we were inactive with this program, but we opened in fall of 2021 and should see a full schedule in 2022.
Program Areas Served
Mostly Middle Tennessee, but have had tours in from Kentucky, Georgia, Texas, and Ohio.
CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments
| For the past ten years we have maintained a steady output of services, but are so eager to do more. Our learning center allows us to build a sustainable living people/pet/environmental facility that improves the lives of so many. who struggle with life's challenges. Finances are our struggle. We have purchased our 54-acre property (with the help of First Financial Bank) but we need to do some facility upgrades bevore our bigger plans can become a reality. Our Board wisely ensures that we make no improvements or additions until we look long-term and explore all options. Our center is unique, and provides a unique set of services. We did hire a program director in 2020 and an outreach specialist in 2021, which will free up our ED to do more networking and fundraising. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we look forward to a bright future. |
