People Inc. receives $100,000 Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Elmwood Health Center

People Inc. it has been awarded $100,000 from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center Expanded Effect Quality of Life Grants cycle. The award was one of seven grants totaling $663,946 given to nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis.

Since the program’s inception, 3,153 grants totaling over $26 million have been awarded.

Funding for this new pilot program of expansion grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0002-01-01).

The Expanded Effect Quality of Life grants is a brand-new initiative for the Quality of Life Grants program, joining others such as the Direct Effect and High Impact grants. With the program being in existence since 1999, the new expanded effect grants also marks the first time the Reeve Foundation has specifically awarded a cohort of grants that support significant expansion of strategies and programs previously supported by the Reeve Foundation, that are evidence-based, have proven innovative practices, and/or best practices in the field they serve to improve quality of life for people with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.

In this cycle, the Reeve Foundation funded a wide variety of projects from education programs to arts programs for veterans, and adaptive sports programs. 

“It is an exciting time for our grants program as we continue to innovate new avenues to provide greater opportunities to our applicants,” said Mark Bogosian, director, Quality of Life Grants Program. “The expanded effect grants program promises greater impact. The program truly embraces both Christopher and Dana Reeve’s vision and legacy to advance the quality of life of those living with paralysis.”

People Inc. will use the grant to purchase specialty equipment at the Elmwood Health Center.

“We are so thankful for this generous donation from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation,” said Frank Azzarelli, executive director of the Elmwood Health Center. “The equipment, including a new Quantum Q6 Edge power wheelchair, pressure mapping system, ceiling tracks, exam tables, wheelchair scales and a power wheelchair driver training system, will greatly benefit our 500 patients living with paralysis. Through use of these resources, patients will be able to access exceptional health care, increase their health and enhance their quality of life.”

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Paralysis Resource Center is the support side of the Reeve Foundation’s twin missions to provide “Today’s Care” and to strive for “Tomorrow’s Cure.” It offers a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers.

The foundation meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and holds the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, visit ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.

Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., is a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for the general public. Specially designed services for people with developmental disabilities are provided. The Elmwood Health Center is located at 2128 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo.

People Inc., a multispecialty nonprofit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org.