Annotated Table of Contents

Preface: How Far We've Come
Our history — and our results — in one thousand words.

Introduction: Earl Copus and the "Evolution of the Revolution"
by Dan Pearce
Reflections from a 22-year veteran on what sets Melwood apart.

PART ONE
"WE CAN DO IT!"
THE MELWOOD STORY

Chapter 1: Melwood's Early Years
As parents fought for the rights of their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, society began to emerge from the dark ages, and organizations like Melwood took root. The personal stories of two families offer guidance for parents today.

Chapter 2: From "Old Can't" to "Can Do"
By refusing to take "no" for an answer, Melwood persevered, but not without learning some tough financial lessons along the way. The rise of self-earning enterprises, the birth of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, and the expansion of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (JWOD) are turning points.

Chapter 3: Most Valuable Players
Getting the right people into the organization makes all the difference in the world. During their decades at Melwood, Dick Barnard, Wally Szyndler, and Dan Pearce contributed mightily in key areas, including JWOD contracts, international outreach, and the Home of Your Own program. The Melwood board of directors continues to bring much-needed business perspectives to social entrepreneurship.

Chapter 4: An Autobiographical Detour
People sometimes ask Earl Copus how he became a social entrepreneur. The roots lie in his early life story, from his Georgia boyhood through his Peace Corps and Job Corps experiences.

Chapter 5: Melwood's Growth and Expansion
Important milestones include overcoming the "not in my backyard" attitude about group homes, seizing JWOD opportunities, building the donated vehicle program, Kamp A-Kom-Plish, Access Adventures, the Alumni Program, and more. Also featured are profiles of love and marriage among Melwood consumers.

Chapter 6: The International Dimension
The remarkable stories of two of Melwood's Sister-to-Sister partners, Brazil's AVAPE and Japan's Bussien, reveal commonalities of social entrepreneurship that transcend borders. The exciting promise of international staff justifies the effort to overcome the visa challenges.

PART TWO
HOW YOU CAN DO IT:
ENTREPRENEURIAL TOOL KIT

Introduction: Mrs. Mubarak and Melwood
Our Entrepreneurial Tool Kit offers "how-to" insights on the nuts and bolts of growing a not-for-profit organization and keeping it financially strong. The story of the visit to Melwood by the First Lady of Egypt, Suzanne Mubarak, highlights the importance of all of Part Two's topics and shows how they are interrelated.

Chapter 7: Social Entrepreneurship
The inspiring story of John Sheehan and his mother Lorraine, an outspoken advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, introduces the concept of social entrepreneurship. "How-to" information includes seven ways an organization can strengthen its bottom line and 18 keys to social entrepreneurial success.

Chapter 8: Community Relations
It takes time to achieve household-name status, but the effort is worth all the energy invested. Here's a cornucopia of practical tips on how to build your organization's image.

Chapter 9: Fund Development
Are you obtaining your share of available funds? Get the lowdown on grants from foundations and corporations. We also share Melwood's experiences (some typical, some not) with fund-raising events, direct mail, board member involvement, endowments, and annual drives.

Chapter 10: Government Relations
A guide to building relationships and maximizing funding at the federal, state, and local levels. Whether your organization has a dedicated government relations team or a one-person effort, here's some helpful advice from Melwood specialists, plus Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer and Lorraine Sheehan, a long-time advocate in the disabilities field.

Chapter 11: Thoughts on Leadership
What keeps an organization growing? What deepens our knowledge and abilities? Find answers in insights gleaned from noted social entrepreneurs and business experts. Also essential: guidance on corporate governance for nonprofits in the wake of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Chapter 12: Imagining the Future
Five challenges remain for all of us who serve people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. We need to eliminate the waiting lists for help; address unmet health needs; combat loneliness and social isolation; enlighten the public; and ensure that advancements in assistive technology reach front-line job trainers and employment specialists.

PART THREE
RESOURCES