Wheelchairs 4 Kids was recently awarded $20,000 from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center as part of the 2024 Direct Effect 2nd Cycle Quality of Life Grant Program.
Fifty-three grants totaling $1,056,391 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis.
Since the grant program’s inception, more than 3,990 grants totaling $46 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.
“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, director of the Quality of Life Grants Program.
“Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”
Wheelchairs 4 Kids will use the grant to bring 40 physically disabled children and their families to Camp Twin Lakes, an all-adaptive camp in Rutledge. Everything at this camp is wheelchair accessible, including the rock-climbing wall, zipline course, and high ropes course. Campers also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and s’mores.
“We are truly honored to receive this grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation,” Wheelchair 4 Kids leaders said. “At Wheelchairs 4 Kids, we are dedicated to providing children with physical disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of adaptive activities. We are incredibly grateful to the Reeve Foundation for their commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, and we look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our community.”