Your Contributions Have Impact

One of the most rewarding aspects of participation as Foundation contributor is seeing the difference your donation is making. The Foundation's role of Celebrating Life by Giving Back is never more evident than in the feedback we receive from our grant recipients. Below is a sampling of some of the feedback the Foundation has received.

The Center for Independence Through Conductive Education received a $10,000 grant from the NAILBA Charitable Foundation in 2010; their grant application was endorsed by NAILBA member Karen Knippen at Euclid Managers. The Center's mission is to educate children with physical disabilities to optimize their physical, cognitive and social independence. Conductive Education is a unique, intensive group method of special education combined with physical and occupational therapy.

 The support that the Center received from NAILBA helps them to serve all children, regardless of income or insurance limitations. An example is Charlotte, a bright, inquisitive and happy 4-year old girl. Charlotte was born 13 weeks early and as a result, suffered a brain hemorrhage which resulted in cerebral palsy. Sadly, like many of the children the Center serves, Charlotte’s health insurance provider limits her therapy to $2,000 per year, which is approximately 16 visits per year, or less than 1½ hours per month. While limited, intermittent therapy may be effective for a child with a broken arm or sprained leg, it is not effective for a child like Charlotte who must “learn” how to perform everyday tasks most of us take for granted.

Since starting the program, Charlotte has learned to sit independently, is able to eat with a fork, has learned how to take her shoes off and can now take steps with her walker independently! The Center is thrilled with her progress and so are her parents! By next year, Charlotte is expected to be strong and independent enough to enter a mainstream kindergarten.

The generous support from NAILBA members and corporate partners ensures the full participation of over 125 children with physical disabilities, regardless of income limitations or lack of insurance.

Your gift will last a lifetime!