Fort Wayne, Ind. —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 WindSwell 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 to support 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:
- $1,500 to Image of Hope Ranch in Auburn
- $1,750 to Tri Lakes Baptist Church in Columbia City
- $1,750 to Cahoots Coffee Café in Angola
“The individuals we serve benefit so much from being actively involved with other community organizations that it means a lot to them to be able to show their gratitude with these donations,” said Donna K. Elbrecht, CEO of Easterseals Northeast Indiana. “Pay It Forward Day is a great example of how WindSwell Foundation brings nonprofits together to build an inclusive community.”
Pay it Forward Day was started in 2007 to show that a small act of kindness can have a big impact. WindSwell Foundation tasked self-advocates with selecting nonprofits in their communities that have had an impact on their lives and to donate to them. Self-advocates nominate local nonprofits who they volunteer with, who provide services to them, and who make a positive impact.
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About Easterseals Northeast Indiana: Easterseals Northeast Indiana empowers people with disabilities, families and communities by providing personalized support, practical resources and innovative opportunities to learn and grow. The organization delivers programs and services that enrich education, enhance health, expand employment and elevate communities throughout the region with locations in Fort Wayne, Columbia City and Angola. To learn more, visit eastersealsnei.org.
About WindSwell Foundation: WindSwell Foundation is a grantmaking organization that awards nearly $6 million dollars in grants each year to community partners throughout Northeast Indiana. We build awareness, share resources, initiate conversations, create connections and fund programs that support children and adults with disabilities to be engaged in their daily lives and empowered throughout their lifetimes. At WindSwell Foundation, we build others up—so that together, we can build a more inclusive community. For more information, visit windswell.org.