In celebration of Pay It Forward Day on April 28, self-advocates from Easterseals Northeast Indiana presented a total of $5,000 in donations, with support from AWS Foundation, to local nonprofits that are creating a more inclusive community for people with disabilities.
Self-advocates are individuals with disabilities who use their experiences to promote inclusion, accessibility, and positive change in their communities. Selected nonprofits were nominated by the self-advocates themselves—organizations they volunteer with, receive services from, or who make a positive impact in Northeast Indiana.
Easterseals Northeast Indiana participants presented donations to the following organizations:
- Haven Hills Therapy Center in Angola: Self-advocates gave $1,667 to the farm because participants have been welcomed there with open arms, and several participants have progressed from caring for the horses to learning how to ride.
- First Church of God in Columbia City: Self-advocates gave $1,667 to the church because it has gone above and beyond to assist people with intellectual disabilities in the local community.
- Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control: Self-advocates gave $1,667 to the animal shelter because of its positive impact on the community and the meaningful experiences participants have had volunteering there.
Pay It Forward Day is a worldwide celebration of kindness that takes place every year on April 28. AWS Foundation granted a total of $110,000 to local nonprofits and agencies this year.
“It’s important for our community to empower people with disabilities to give back,” said Patti Hays, CEO of AWS Foundation. “When a person’s daily activities depend on support from others, the opportunity for them to give may be limited. Pay It Forward Day offers self-advocates the chance to make an impact and to donate to those organizations who have given to them.”
About AWS Foundation
Founded in 2007, AWS Foundation supports a wide range of organizations and service agencies in northeast Indiana, working to develop a community in which people with enduring intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life. For more information, visit awsfoundation.org.