AWS Awards Kosciusko Community YMCA An Inclusive Programming Grant
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Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
The Kosciusko Community YMCA recently was awarded a grant that will enable it to grow its efforts to support and engage those in the community with physical or intellectual disabilities. The grant, awarded by the AWS Foundation, will start with an initial gift of $50,000 with a follow-up grant of $20,000. These funds will be used to purchase more adaptive equipment, start a performing arts program for individuals with a disability and fund increased staffing to serve individuals with disabilities. The adaptive equipment will allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work out independently even if they’re in need of a wheelchair. The performing arts program will include a camp for individuals with a disability and will be organized around the performance piece “I am a Person,” which integrates a poem with theater, movement, music and audience interaction to portray people with disabilities as people. Steven Kuhn, director of aquatics and inclusive programming, said, “We are beyond excited to have received this gift of confidence and financial support from the AWS Foundation. This will greatly help us to further increase the programming and support for individuals we serve with disabilities in our community and at our Y. We can’t wait to see the increased impact we will have on our members, program participants, and partnering groups in the community.” The Kosciusko Community YMCA also will offer its First Annual Community Resource and Disability Awareness Fair for free from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. In alignment with March as National Disability Awareness Month, the Y will be showcasing several organizations to increase awareness of local, regional, state and national services and resources for those with disabilities. Throughout the day, there will be speakers, demonstrations and activities provided by Kosciusko County Special Olympics, Turnstone, Magical Meadows, Forte Residential, Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Joe’s Kids, Kosciusko County 4H, Lighthouse Autism Center, Warsaw Community Schools, Advocacy Links, Bowen, A Rosie Place and WorkOne Disability Job Placement Services. For more information, contact Steven Kuhn at 574-269-9622, Ext. 223.
