So many resources for children with disabilities – like effective therapies, equipment, and learning opportunities – are not covered by insurance and are out of reach financially for many families. To create greater access to these critical resources, The Arc founded the Family Fund in 2017.
Since then, the Family Fund has granted over $90,000 to children in the community for therapeutic riding, specialized medical equipment, assistive technology, and alternative educational opportunities.
This year, with support from The Bowen Foundation for Autism, the Family Fund will distribute $75,000.
“We are incredibly grateful to the community for their generosity to the Family Fund this year,” said Catie Comer, Vice President of Advancement. “With costs increasing everywhere, it is gratifying to know that the community prioritizes programs like this that create greater health equity and access for everyone. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fund this year – we would not be able to offer this resource without you.”
The Family Fund is 100% donor-funded and saw a record number of contributions this year, including a $21,000 donation from The Bowen Foundation for Autism in memory of Bowen Levy.
This year, families will also be able to apply for overnight camp for their children, thanks to The David & Jason Sandel Scholarship. The scholarship will pay up to $1,000 in expenses for one child.
Applications for the Family Fund open on February 1 and will close on February 17. To be eligible, families must:
- Have a child with a disability under the age of 21
- Live in one of the nine counties supported by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region
- Complete and submit the online application
Preference is given to thorough applications that clearly explain the grant’s impact on their child and family, as well as first-time applicants. If you have questions about the application, contact our Family Navigator at resources@thearcccr.org.