Zoo Nation Welcome Mats

Motivated by Darrell's mother’s wishes of taking care of a family member in need, Darrell and his extended family became acutely aware of the challenges facing not only the person that suffers from mental illness, but also the challenges facing family members supporting those individuals.

100% of profits from our company's signature product, the welcome mat, will go toward our goal of raising $1,000,000. As we hone our skills and offerings moving forward, we hope to raise $1,000,000 sooner than later. With your help, Zoo Nation will fund a variety of organizations and causes that promote the well being of others, encouraging a stronger community in which we live; with a special focus in areas of mentall illness, developmental disabilities and youth enrichment.This includes: depression, substance abuse, suicide, bipolar disorder, autism, panic disorder, attention deficit disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, developmental disabilities, youth mentoring, and teen awareness.

Where will the proceeds go?

Starting out the proceeds will go to organizations right here in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire, namely Newmarket Community Education Partnership, The Friends Project, and Danny's Team. As we grow in other areas, Zoo Nation will be supporting organizations in those areas.

As more money is available to distribute, partnerships will be forged with larger organizations that are in keeping with Zoo Nation's causes. But, our commitment to smaller grassroots organizations will always remain an important priority.

We will be announcing on a monthly basis where contributions have been made.

What does 100% of profits mean?

After the direct expenses of purchasing and distributing the welcome mats - 100% of the remaining proceeds will go to the organizations that have forged partnerships with Zoo Nation. The family branding side of the business will be sustaining the day-to-day expenses of operating Zoo Nation.

Why a welcome mat?

Not to be confused with a door mat, the welcome mat not only welcomes guests into your home, your business or your community, but also signifies a welcoming presence and a safe haven to those facing the challenges of character development, developmental disabilities and mental illness. The opportunity for recovery is much greater in a society of acceptance and welcoming.

Did you Know:

• One in four adults - approximately 57.7 million Americans - experience a mental health disorder in a given year. One in 17 lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder and 1 in about 10 children live with a serious mental or emotional disorder.
• Only 8.4 million K-12 children (15%) participate in afterschool programs. An additional 18.5 million would participate if a quality program were available in their community.
• Out of the 291.1 million people in the US population in 2005, 54.4 million (18.7%) had some level of disability and 35 million (12%) had a severe disability.
• Numerous studies have found that increased participation in school breakfast programs is associated with increases in academic test scores, and class participation, and it has also been linked to reductions in absences and tardiness.

Zoo Nation Welcome Mats are a symbolic gesture of support and welcome to individuals and caregivers of people living with challenges. They are also ideal for individuals, families and corporations that believe in making a statement of support for individual enrichment for all.

At Zoo Nation we want everyone to feel welcome.