An Interview with Ultimate Project

In this month’s blog post, Gary chats with Danny Patriquin, Executive Director of Ultimate Project. He shares a bit about how our partnership has helped them implement business practices that have contributed to the growth of their organization.

 

“Many people have a vision to make a difference.

Gary Crews took our vision and helped us make it a reality.”

 

We are so thankful for the opportunity to partner with local organizations like Ultimate Project, helping them implement innovative solutions that set them up for success.

Learn More About Ultimate Project

Gary: Tell us a little about your organization.

Danny: Ultimate Project Is a Homeless Advocacy Ministry designed to lift the homeless and those who serve our homeless neighbors. We are focused on the multi-level issues that oppress people who have no homes and support the volunteers who see the value of caring for this population.

Gary: How long have you been in business?

Danny: We launched Ultimate Project in 2021 and started with an initial focus of visiting homeless encampments several times a week to provide clothing and food, using these moments to start conversations and relationships.

Since then, we opened up a downtown location to be able to have meeting space for Mental Health, Legal Teams, Veteran Benefits, and Medical Health Partners to meet and work with our people. We have also begun to help other outreach teams with products and training, so they can be successful.

Gary: What inspired you to start this organization?

Danny: Our inspiration for Ultimate Project came from seeing the struggles of great homeless outreaches and the need for more advocates to guide people through the paperwork of services.

Gary: It’s been said that smart people learn from their mistakes and wise people learn from the mistakes of others. What have you learned along the way and how can others learn from your experience?

Danny: Always have a professional like Gary to guide you through the legalities of setting up your non-profit and tax-exempt organization. The urge to help people without a home must be filtered through the lens of those people wanting a better life.

Don’t just facilitate homelessness. Lift people up. The meaning of this is: We want to help people paddle the boat of their life, but they have to also paddle or we will only be moving in circles. Helping people just facilitate homelessness and continued drug and alcohol abuse is not fruitful.

Gary: What has been most inspiring to you?

Danny: Many of my people on the street have street names. In 2021 I met Batman in a camp with many other people. His addictions started over 40 years ago and his time on the street was close to 6 years in length. Thanks to assistance from Ultimate Project, since May of 2023 Batman has been sober and living a brand-new life.

Early in May he came to us and said these words, ”I can see myself doing this!” Meaning, he could see past his present situation. Two days later he gave away his tent and went into a 30-day detox. As of now, he is still sober, has passed with flying colors, and is now a registered Peer Recovery Specialist. He is now leading other folks out of homeless camps and into detox and sober living facilities.

Gary: How has our law firm helped you with implementing your business plan?

Danny: After consulting with Gary Crews, he provided me with key counsel and navigated the legal paperwork to start our ministry. Gary made what could have been a daunting task, easy, so I could focus on the building of this project.

Gary: Are you a 501C3 so that contributions to your organization are tax deductible?

Danny: Thanks to assistance from Gary Crews, the Ultimate Project is now a federally Registered 501C3 Tax Exempt Organization

Gary: How can people contact you to support or donate to your organization?

Danny: The best place to learn more about Ultimate Project is to visit our website https://ultimate-project.com

 

We are so thankful for the opportunity to partner with organizations like Ultimate Project, helping them implement solutions that work for them.

 

At Gary Crews Law, we are strong believers in the work that Ultimate Project is doing in our city and we are proud to support them in their endeavors. Please click the link to learn more about how you can partner with the ultimate project.