Jonesboro, Ga. (June 22, 2016) – The Heritage Community Foundation presented a grant to Amy Murray, Executive Director, Katie Lauter, Principal, and Andrea Nelson, Grants Manager, of The Joseph Sams School (JSS) on June 13, 2016. The $2,000 grant will be applied towards the purchase a Rifton Hi/lo Medium Activity Chair. This chair is intended to provide comfortable seating with adjustable support for people with disabilities in the classroom. The chair allows for growth, can be used by multiple users, and is available with various accessories that are easily adjustable to fit the user. The Rifton Activity Chair can be used for feeding, speech therapy, active learning, and for users with sensory processing challenges. According to Ms. Nelson, it is vital for children to have time out of their wheelchairs for alternate positions and weight shifts. The Rifton Activity Chair achieves this goal and also provides opportunities for better inclusion in class activities since it is at the same level as classroom chairs.
JSS is a private, non-profit school dedicated to the education and life skills development of children who are intellectually, physically, or developmentally challenged. It was founded 32 years ago by three mothers who each had a son with Down syndrome. When their attempts to find accessible, full-time early intervention programs for their children left them unfulfilled, they joined their skill sets and knowledge to create a school where children with disabilities could receive a high-quality education, as well as therapeutic services. Founded in 1984 as a 501(c) 3 organization, the school remains committed to helping children reach their full developmental and academic potential in order to become productive members of their families and communities. JSS is the only fully-accredited non-profit school in the state of Georgia that serves children from ages two through twenty-two who have diagnosed mild to severe disabilities.
Additionally, JSS is involved in the MOVE® (Mobility Opportunity via Education) International program, and is proud to be one of only 30 MOVE model sites worldwide. The MOVE International program provides children with severe physical disabilities the opportunities for acquiring functional sitting, standing, transitioning, and walking skills. This past year, 100% of students participating in the MOVE program at JSS demonstrated advances in functional mobility skills. The Rifton Activity Chair will be utilized as part of the MOVE program for our younger students who do not currently have an activity chair that is properly sized.
For more information on how to apply for a grant with Heritage Community Foundation, make a donation or volunteer, please visit www.heritagecommunityfoundation.org. You may also contact Rocky Davis, Executive Director, at 770-478-8881.
Heritage Community Foundation (HCF) is a 501c3 organization which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations in Clayton, Henry and Fayette counties. HCF is designed to support Heritage Bank’s first mission, “Committed to those we serve.” The bank absorbs all of the operating costs of the foundation, so 100% of the funds raised go directly to meet community needs.
Heritage Bank, a state chartered commercial bank, has been serving metro Atlanta’s Southern Crescent since 1955. The independent community bank has six full-service offices, features a well-rounded offering of commercial and consumer products, and is an active, involved member of the community it serves. The company’s stock is traded under the symbol “CCFH”.
Photo Front left to right: Sheri Dockweiler, HCF; Charlie Feldt, Student; Nygil Manns, Student; Katie Lauter, Principal, JSS Back left to right: Andrea Nelson, Grants Manager, JSS; Amy Murray, Executive Director, JSS; Rochelle Hehir, HCF; Roxanne Rogers, HCF; Luann Daniels, HCF
