Community Collaboration
To
multiply the positive outcomes of its efforts, FFC partners with
Arcs in the states of Ohio and Washington to help this grass
roots disability advocacy group continue their social change
work. Through this partnership, FFC hopes to not only directly
impact the lives of people with disabilities, but also change
the root causes of the barriers that confront them. Through all
our efforts we envision a day when all people with disabilities
are considered neighbors and friends.
In 2009, Foundation For the Challenged recruited eight Arc Chapters in Ohio to participate in a challenge match grant program to raise additional dollars to ensure that some of the 400,000 people with developmental disabilities in the states of Ohio and Washington have access to basic living necessities. The nonprofit collaboration created a “mini stimulus fund” for individuals in need of basic living necessities not available from other sources. Each Arc Chapter was challenged to match a $5,000 donation made by FFC dollar for dollar with donors from within their respected communities. This was the first of the kind program to challenge and train Arc chapters on how to raise funds.
Pictured from left to right, Linda Fox, Executive Director - The Arc of Yakima County, Shayne Nagel, Executive Director – The Arc of Snohomish County and Sylvia Fuerstenberg, Executive Director - The Arc of King County.
The Arc of Ohio accepted a $5,000 Challenge Grant check from Foundation For the Challenged after successfully raising their $5,000 match from The Columbus Foundation Benham Memorial Fund. One hundred percent of dollars raised through the challenge match will be distributed to people with developmental disabilities living below 30 percent of medium income in Franklin County for such things as wheelchair ramps, home furnishings and other living necessities not covered by other sources.
Pictured from left to right, Fran Wesseling, President – Foundation For the Challenged, Judy Murray, Board President – The Arc of Ohio and Gary Tonks, Executive Director - The Arc of Ohio.