CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES GRANT PRESENTATION

In 1941, Rotarian William J. Roemer established a trust in the name of his wife, Helen Thom Roemer, to support the work of the Orthopedic Committee of the Rotary Club of Appleton and named the Rotary Club of Appleton the trustee of that trust.  Today that committee is called the Children with Disabilities Committee.  The income from this fund was set up to be used to benefit disabled children within a radius of 50 miles. The committee approved the following distributions from the Helen Thom Roemer Fund in the Appleton Rotary Foundation:

Agape ($7,303.01)

Agape offers people with developmental and other special needs individualized opportunities for independence.  These funds will be put towards the purchase of a van for the children’s group home allowing children to be part of our community.

Appleton Area School District ($3,500.00)

Appleton Area School District provides speech and language therapy in the child’s natural environment. Their grant will be used to purchase iPads, cases, and additional apps for the itinerant Speech and Language Therapy Department to use during therapy with children that are serviced within the community and not at a school site.  The iPad not only provides interactive features but it provides learning in a fun avenue that is highly interesting to young students.

ARC Fox Cities ($2,000.00)

The Arc Fox Cities focuses on youth and adult programming, family support, advocacy and guardianship services to improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.  Funding will go to the SOAR Program to assist youth entering and navigating through the transition years--from youth to adult programming.  Their goal is to connect transition students with Arc Programs and other students from other schools which offering a comfortable inviting environment. 

Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin ($2,000.00)

Residential Camp Sandy Wheels was started in 1979 and is held at the Mt. Morris Camp and Conference Center in Wautoma. Their mission is to provide services that positively affect the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families. The funds will be used to provide Camp Sandy Wheels scholarships for children with disabilities.                                                          

Easter Seals Wisconsin ($2,500.00)

Since the Easter Seals HelpLine started providing services in the Fox Cities it has looked to fill gaps in services available to individuals with disabilities.  One of these gaps is funding for equipment for children with disabilities not covered by any existing funding source.  Funds will be used to help purchase equipment such as adapted recreational equipment; equipment that aids in independent living; safety equipment and equipment that helps families care for children with disabilities.

Fox Valley Sibling Support Network ($2,250.00)

The Fox Valley Sibling Support Network was established in 1998 to provide programs for children and adults who have siblings with disabilities or long-term illnesses.  The Fox Valley Sibling Support Network in collaboration with The Arc Fox Cities plan to host the 10th annual, Santa Celebration on December 7, 2013 at the Grand Meridian, Appleton. At this event, children with disabilities and their families enjoy breakfast with Santa and other fun activities designed to involve children with disabilities of all ages with their siblings.

                                                               

Haven of Hope Day Care ($500.00)

Haven of Hope is a caring and compassionate center for adults and children with special needs, providing individualized quality day services.  These funds will be used for transportation costs for client outings to learn and experience different aspects of the community.

Muscular Dystrophy Association ($2,000.00)

Each year, MDA hosts a summer camp (Camp Hope) in Green Lake for children 6-17 living with neuromuscular disease.  These funds will help provide scholarships to this camp.

YMCA Camp Hope ($1,000.00)

YMCA Camp Hope is a two week day camp held at Plamann Park for children, ages 6-15 years, with physical and cognitive disabilities.  Camp Hope is designed to offer recreational and social experiences including swimming, arts/crafts, nature walks, games and a family picnic event. The program focuses on enhancing skills and helping children with disabilities enjoy the outdoors.