NEWS & EVENTS
Press Releases – 2006
March 2, 2006
Alternatives in Motion awarded Quality of Life grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation
(Grand Rapids, MI) The Board of Directors of the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) approved a Quality of Life grant for Alternatives in Motion (AIM) for $5,000 to be used to purchase wheelchairs for those who need them but can't afford them.
The award was made on the enthusiastic recommendation of the CRF Board's Quality of Life Committee for the second cycle of giving in 2005. The competition for funds was extremely fierce as $581,034 was awarded to 86 programs.
Quality of Life grants are given to programs or projects that improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice yearly to programs in 13 categories.
"These programs use creative thinking and understanding to overcome the everyday roadblocks most people living with paralysis face, from wheelchair accessibility to answering the phone," said Dana Reeve. "Though widely varied, each program focuses on helping people with mobility-related disabilities become more independent, more empowered, and better able to live the lives they choose," said Reeve. For more information please visit www.christopherreeve.com.
Alternatives in Motion is a nonprofit organization in Grand Rapids, MI whose mission is to provide wheelchairs to people who need them but cannot afford them and who don't qualify for other financial assistance. To date, AIM has raised over $1.3 million and has placed 650 wheelchairs to individuals in 17 states and over 130 Michigan communities. This is the third time AIM has been awarded a Quality of Life grant from the Christopher Reeve Foundation. AIM was the only organization in Michigan to receive the grant during the second cycle of giving in 2005.
"It's an honor to be recognized by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. This grant will help us acquire wheelchairs for more recipients, and more importantly, will help publicize the unique mission of Alternatives in Motion," said Johnnie Tuitel, AIM's founder.
Learn more about Alternatives in Motion at www.alternativesinmotion.org or call Johnnie Tuitel at (616) 493-2620, Toll Free (877) 468-9335 Monday through Friday from 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m.