Freeport, Ill. — A newly awarded $10,000 grant from AT&T will help the RAMP agency continue to advocate for the disabled in Illinois and provide a vital support system for those in need, said Amy Morris, the development director for RAMP.
“We will use the grant to continue our advocacy efforts for those with disabilities,” Morris said. “It really comes down to our basic core services: peer support, information and referral, education and advocacy, and independent living.”
RAMP (Regional Access Mobilization Project) provides independent living services to residents in Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, and DeKalb counties. It was established in 1980 as a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL). RAMP opened its Freeport office in 1997, and continues to advocate and serve people with disabilities in this area.
Earlier this month, RAMP was awarded a $10,000 AT&T Investing in Illinois Grant. Morris said RAMP received a grant through this program last year, but for a much lower amount ($2,500). The fact that their AT&T grant was substantially higher this year bodes well for RAMP’s programs, and is primarily the result of many area legislators writing letters of recommendation in support of RAMP, Morris said.
“We know that the legislators are such a vital part of making sure (our) voices are heard in Springfield,” Morris said. “This grant wouldn’t have been possible without our area legislators. They each sent a letter of recommendation to AT&T.”
Investing in Communities
According to a RAMP news release, the AT&T Investing in Illinois Award is given to Illinois non-profit groups and programs that are “investing in their communities and striving to make a real difference.” A check for the $10,000 was presented to RAMP at a special ceremony on Oct. 6.
“The AT&T Illinois Investment Awards provide resources and recognition to organizations and programs that are improving lives in their communities and the state by advancing education, economic growth, new technologies, and other essential community services,” said David Strahl, director of external affairs for AT&T Illinois, in the news release.
Morris could not provide a specific example of what RAMP programs will receive funding from this grant. However, she said the funds will be a great help to the organization by allowing it to continue its important advocacy work.
“It will go to help fund our basic elements of what we do in each community,” Morris said.
For more information on RAMP, visit the group’s website at:
www.rampcil.org.
#Source: The Journal-Standard By Travis Morse
http://www.journalstandard.com/highlight/x597430483/RAMP-receives-major-grant-funding-will-go-to-help-disabled
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