Grants for Programs That Support Independent Living

Ten agencies will receive grants from the United Way of Allegheny County totalling $2.16 million to enhance services that help frail seniors and persons with disabilities be healthy and safe in their homes. United Way President Bob Nelkin says 26 organizations submitted proposals for the grants and more than 80 business volunteers reviewed the applications and determined which would help the seniors and the disabled the most.
Nelkin says these grants are part of the United Way's new Impact Model which is designed to support programs that have the greatest impact on the community's critical needs and respond to donors who are seeking the best use of charitable donations. He says the focus of these grants is helping the elderly and disabled remain in their homes safely...
"They need someone looking in on them. They need transportation to health care appointments. Often they need help with getting groceries and with chores so they can stay in their homes. The alternative is one they often don't want...being placed in a nursing home or institution."

One of the grant recipients is the attendant care training program provided by United Cerebral Palsy. The workers provide direct in-home personal care including bathing, dressing, preparing food and transportation.
"Our grant is intended professionalize the attendant care, to help create the training so they can help the individual but in a very respectful way."

Other grant recipients include:
--Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh
--Catholic Youth Association
--Centers for Healthy Hearts and Souls
--Community Human Services
--Family Service of Western PA and North Hills Community Outreach
--Jewish Community Center with Jewish Association on Aging and Jewish Family and Children's Service
--Lutheran Service Society
--Northern Area Multi Service Center
--Vintage and the Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging