Envisioning a Virginia where every need for mobility-related rehabilitation equipment is fulfilled.
The fight to regain physical mobility and independence after a serious illness or injury can be the most challenging experience of a lifetime. For many, partial recovery means reliance on special equipment to help them achieve their fullest potential.
This equipment can make the difference between living independently and productively or living a life of dependence and immobility. Imagine the frustration of knowing equipment is available that would give freedom and independence, but not having access to it because of inadequate insurance or the inability to pay. For many citizens throughout Virginia this is a harsh reality. Our services help adults regain their mobility and independence and saves Virginians millions of dollars annually.
WHAT WE DO: The Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment (F.R.E.E.) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit based in the state of Virginia. We collect, sanitize, and gift donated mobility equipment to low-income uninsured or under-insured adults in Virginia.
OUR MISSION: We acquire and provide mobility-related rehabilitation equipment to maximize functional independence and improve quality of life.
OUR VISION: We envision a Virginia where every need for mobility- related rehabilitation equipment is fulfilled.
OUR OVERARCHING GOALS:
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Assist individuals to whom equipment is not otherwise available;
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Be a model program for other communities;
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Develop partnerships with others; and
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Combine resources to maximize our ability to recycle equipment.
Our services significantly impact both the lives of the individuals we serve and their communities.
F.R.E.E. service outcomes translate into more than $31 million in cost savings to the state of Virginia annually due to avoided hospital re-admissions, avoided ER visits with ambulance services due to injuries from falls, avoided doctor visits related to falls and immobility, avoided premature skilled nursing home and assisted living admissions, and avoided caregiver job loss.
Meet the F.R.E.E. Leadership and Staff
F.R.E.E. is led by the Virginia Board of Directors headed by its President, Leah Savelyev. Day-to-day management is led by our Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Robin Ramsey. For general inquiries, please contact our Roanoke office at roanoke@free-foundation.org.
Board of Directors: Leah Savelyev (President), Bryan Gregory (President-Elect), Mike McGuire (Treasurer), Sheila Peters (Secretary), Sara Ruhlman, Catherine Kilbane, Debbie Ruffin, and Natasha Claytor.
F.R.E.E.’s founder is Dr. Bruce Stelmack.
Robin Ramsey
Executive Director &
Chief Operating Officer
F.R.E.E. of Virginia
Krista Hale
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of
Williamsburg
Kristin Span
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of Northern Shenandoah Valley
Tracy Meador
Senior Director
of Programs
F.R.E.E. of Virginia
Holly Weddle
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of Roanoke
Palmer Gross
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of Richmond
Tobi Somorin
Director of
Community Development
F.R.E.E. of Virginia
Debbie Menadier
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of
South Hampton Roads
Robin Turner
Program Manager
F.R.E.E. of Lynchburg
Susan Ribelin
Lori Roberts
Cathy Cheeks
Program Managers
F.R.E.E. of Harrisonburg
