As resources permit, Everyman is constantly involved in assisting those in need with special programs

Everyman is constantly involved in special programs to help the community. Our ability to help is governed by our financial resources and by the availability of our volunteers.

There are two special programs we would like to highlight.

1. The Handicapped, Disability and Poverty Census because it was instrumental in shaping two key Everyman programs and bringing the plight of our constituents to the attention of the government and,
2. The Vaccination Program as it is one of the special programs we would like to make a permanent ongoing program.

HANDICAPPED, DISABILITY AND POVERTY CENSUS

In 2002, Everyman Foundation, in conjunction with the School of Social Services from the University of Panama completed a very important census. Its purpose was to help us better understand the magnitude of the problem of disabilities coupled with poverty.

We intend to use the following crucial information produced by the census to mobilize the government and the community to help those in dire need:

• The city of Colón has 3,630 citizens with some type of disability—1.8% of its population. (This number proved to be twice the number recorded in the statistics the government of Panama and the city of Colon base their budgets and programs on).
• 70% of all disabled people in the city of Colón are not involved in any type of physiotherapist treatment.
• 87% of all disabled people in the city of Colón are under the level of poverty.
• 98% of all disabled people in the city of Colón over the age of 18 are not involved in any type of program.

VACCINATION PROGRAM

Everyman provides regular 4WD transportation, volunteers, and support for a team of doctors and nurses who travel into remote and inaccessible areas of Panama to vaccinate children (and also many adults) against polio and malaria.

Our first program vaccinated more than 900 people in a single a week.

At times, it involved the use of horse-back and also enabled many families to receive otherwise unobtainable medical
examinations and treatment.

It also enabled Everyman to include the many handicapped children living in these remote areas, in a new Everyman census.

Omar was shocked by the depth of poverty he witnessed, but was also overwhelmed by the love and gratitude he experienced from the beneficiaries of the program.

This was the first time they had been surveyed and counted. As a result, their specific existence became known to the Panamanian government.

EXAMPLES OF OTHER SPECIAL EVERYMAN PROGRAMS

Panamanian Institute of Special Rehabilitation.

Everyman has assisted with physical and mental therapy for disabled children at the Panamanian  Institute of Special Rehabilitation.

Disabled Teenager Education

Everyman has held periodic, special education classes to teach basic work skills to disabled teenagers to help prepare them for the work force. Special emphasis is placed on office and administration skills.

Omar has volunteer teachers from local businesses providing the classes.

Special Olympics Census

To help focus attention on the plight of handicapped children, and to help improve their self-esteem, Everyman Foundation assisted the Panamanian Special Olympics Committee by contributing Everyman volunteers to identify handicapped children who would be suitable to participate the Special Olympics.

Assistance For The Elderly Living In Poverty

Everyman worked with the Department of Social Development to institute a new program to provide the elderly people over 70 years of age with $200 per month. The department asked Everyman to help by going door to door to help the elderly fill out the application. Everyman provided the volunteers and the government provided the transportation and meals.