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UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine selects 2 programs to receive grants through The Compassion Project

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Tue, Nov 12th 2019 02:45 pm

Boys on the Right Track, Explore & More to each receive $5,000 toward programs

UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine announced two recipients of grants through The Compassion Project: Boys on the Right Track and Explore & More. Each of these organizations will receive $5,000 to help promote and grow their youth programs in Western New York. 

“We’re pleased to announce the two recipients of our fifth annual The Compassion Project grant program,” said Dr. Leslie Bisson, president of UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, the June A. and Eugene R. Mindell, MD Professor, and chair of orthopaedic surgery at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. “UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine strongly values the Western New York community, and this program helps support organizations whose mission is to help the people that live here.” 

Boys on the Right Track, based in Angola, works with young boys, ages 8 to 13, teaching life and leadership skills while training them to run a 5K race. Participants of all athletic and physical abilities attend the program after school in the fall or spring semester over the course of nine weeks. At the end of each session, boys in the program complete a service project to help give back to others in the community. Students in the latest program group recently visited Elderwood in Hamburg to share what they’re thankful for in their lives with the residents.

“We’re so grateful for UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine’s support of our program,” said Juliet Meade, executive director and founder of Boys on the Right Track. “Their support will help us provide enhanced program access to the underserved through the creation of additional scholarship opportunities.”

With the grant funds received, Boys on the Right Track will expand participation opportunities in its programs to increase access for students with the greatest financial need. The new scholarships will help grow the program’s availability for students in the City of Buffalo and across Erie County.

The second organization, Explore & More, has been part of the region for more than 25 years, and recently opened the brand-new Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum in Buffalo. In addition to its outreach and children’s programming options at Canalside, the organization offers a range of programs specifically tailored for families of children with special needs, including those with more extensive medical or mobility issues. 

“It is our mission to provide best-in-class play experiences where all children, families and communities can explore, learn and develop together,” said Michelle Urbanczyk, CEO at Explore & More. “Through this grant, we can reach, serve and provide play for more children and families in our community.” 

With the grant funding from The Compassion Project, Explore & More plans to offer additional no-cost evening programs throughout the year for families and children with special needs. These events will give families with special needs an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families will have access to the museum space and play zones, with featured activities held in each of the museum’s educational studios, including music therapy, therapy dogs, sensory art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social narrative about the new museum and its play zones, quiet kits and calming sensory-friendly spaces.

“This is my first year being a part of The Compassion Project grant selection process,” said Allison Camp, marketing specialist for UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. “It is truly a great feeling to be able to offer funding to two organizations who already have – and will continue to have – a great impact on the Western New York community.” 

The Compassion Project grant program is an annual effort of UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine as part of the organization’s effort to give back to nonprofit groups in Western New York. Eligible not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organizations were invited to apply for funding to support a wide variety of efforts, including health and wellness, sports and fitness, activities for the mentally disabled, men’s and women’s health programs, geriatric health and other relevant industries.

This year marks the fifth year of the grant program, which has helped such agencies as Mason’s Mission, WNY STEM, Danceability, Curvy Girls of Western New York and the Niagara Erie Youth Sports Association. 

To learn more about The Compassion Project, contact UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine at 716-204-3200.

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