Groups serving people with disabilities receive $59,000 to ease COVID-19 isolation in Arizona

ADDPC and Arizona Community Foundation team up to offer small grants

by Sarah Ruf, Community Relations Specialist

PHOENIX—(May 11, 2020) Two grantmakers teamed up to award $59,000 to organizations serving people with disabilities to ease social isolation in Arizona during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) and the Arizona Community Foundation funded 28 groups that provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Statewide nonprofit The Arc of Arizona acted as the grant administrator for the process.

Experiencing change in normal routines and social isolation away from some friends and loved ones are major sources of anxiety for many - particularly for some people with I/DD. In one week, 70 organizations applied for funding, demonstrating the high need around the state.  “We applaud the service providers across the state that have adapted their programs to continue providing critical health and wellbeing programs in these unprecedented times,” said Glenn Wike, Senior Director of Strategy & Public Policy at ACF.

Recipients include group homes, day programs and in-home therapy providers. Overall, it is expected that at least 1,521 individuals with I/DD will be immediately impacted. Items to be purchased include gardening supplies, craft kits, digital tablets, exercise items, sensory toys, musical instruments, weighted blankets, games and other supplies. At least 6 grants will be implemented in rural areas, including the Navajo Nation, Show Low, Lake Havasu City, Kingman, Cottonwood and Hereford.

“Arizona is grateful to the organizations supporting Arizonans with intellectual and developmental disabilities while we limit time away from home to protect public health," said Governor Doug Ducey.  "Thank you to the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Arizona Community Foundation and everyone working to support those in need during COVID-19.”

A full list of the initial grant awards is listed below:

Arizona Training & Evaluation Center (AZTEC)

Arts for All, Inc

Chandler Gilbert Arc

City of Peoria

Civitan Foundation

Easterseals Blake Foundation

Goldensun Peace Ministries

Gompers

Hozhoni Foundation

Life Challenge, Inc.

Marc Community Resources Inc/Copa Health

Milemarkers Therapy Inc.

NAU-Institute for Human Development

Northland Rural Therapy Associates

Northland Therapy Services

One Step Beyond Inc.

TCH/The Centers for Habilitation

The Opportunity Tree

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona

VALLEYLIFE

Y.E.S. The Arc

Arizona Cooperative Therapies

Community Options, Tempe

Echoing Hope Ranch

Ideal Care LLC

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Mohave County Arc

Quality Connections

About the Arizona Community Foundation

Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. With five regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $960 million in trust and endowment assets and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF and its affiliates have awarded more than $783 million in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies. More information is available at azfoundation.org

About The Arc of Arizona

The Arc of Arizona advocates for the rights and full community participation of all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services, connect families, inspire communication and influence public policy. Find out more at http://arcarizona.org/