Grants to Support Hoosiers with Disabilities
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowTwelve Indiana communities that partner with nonprofits are set to receive more than $1.6 million in a second round of federal funding from the Community Corrections for People with Disabilities grant program. Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch’s office says the goal is to address the effects of the pandemic on Hoosiers with disabilities and increase community and workplace inclusion.
The program comes from a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services.
“Hoosiers once again are working together to ensure all people are included as Indiana pushes forward,” Crouch said. “Through this collaborative grant program, individuals with disabilities are receiving critical support to promote their everyday lives. The technology and resources being made available with these funds will further boost social, economic and health aspects by keeping these individuals connected to their support networks.”
The second round of the program will implement strategies, including virtual or technology-assisted activities, to address social isolation and lost access to natural supports, or the loss of employment and training opportunities due to COVID-19.
“We are so excited that this Round 2 funding means 12 additional communities will be working with their local disability organizations to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on Hoosier adults with disabilities,” said DDRS Director Kim Opsahl. “These funds will help communities re-engage Hoosier adults with disabilities in services, employment and community inclusion efforts.”
Communities receiving funding include:
- The city of Angola, in partnership with EasterSeals RISE, is awarded $195,585 to create a virtual Employment Readiness Academy to provide employment skills development to participants.
- The city of Auburn, in partnership with EasterSeals RISE, is awarded $174,870 to create virtual employment and training programs, utilizing a device lending library of 100 tablets and 100 MiFi devices.
- The city of Lebanon, in partnership with ARC Greater Boone County, is awarded $25,648 to create virtual learning and networking content, including videos, discussion groups and classes.
- The city of Noblesville, in partnership with Janus Developmental Services, is awarded $193,067 to create a multi-prong outreach, training and community access strategy.
- The city of Vincennes, in partnership with the YMCA Betty J McCormick, is awarded $200,000 to create virtual and hybrid social inclusion activities focusing on health and wellness.
- The city of Westfield, in partnership with Westfield Washington Schools, is awarded $53,255 to expand virtual and in-person employment training, and school-to-work transition activities.
- Fountain County, in partnership with Child-Adult Resource Services, is awarded $55,500 to develop online zoom classes on topics including music, art, and employment skills, among others.
- Hendricks County, in partnership with Sycamore Services, is awarded $112,763 to create a device lending library to facility access to a virtual suite of services.
- Huntington County, in partnership with Pathfinder Services, is awarded $156,464 to create a multi-prong hybrid employment and training program.
- Knox County, in partnership with Knox County ARC, is awarded $146,300 to create a new outreach and basic employment services program, connecting previously unreached individuals with disabilities to employment and training opportunities.
- Noble County, in partnership with ARC Noble County, is awarded $68,381 to create a new video series titled “Discover Your Path in Our Community.”
- St. Joseph County, in partnership with LOGAN Community Resources, is awarded $200,000 to develop a community employment initiative with the local South Bend airport. Funds will be used for staff support.
According to Crouch, the state has now awarded 23 grants through the program, totaling more than $3.2 million. The first round of 11 grants was awarded earlier this year.