The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities (RCBDD), known locally as the Pioneer Center, are pleased to announce that six Ross County projects have received funding through the Landrum Endowment Fund. These grants will support projects related to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ross County, Ohio.
The Landrum Endowment Fund’s second annual grant round was designed to support nonprofit and public organizations serving those with developmental disabilities in Ross County by working across the areas of community advocacy, inclusion, and employment, while also supporting parents and families. Over $40,000 was awarded to six recipients, including Camp Cattail Inc., Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio, Mighty Children’s Museum, Ohio University-Chillicothe Student Success Center, Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center, and Ross County Park District.
“We are so pleased to offer this second year of funding to Ross County projects through the Landrum Endowment Fund,” said RCBDD Superintendent Amy Beeler. “All six of these projects will create a positive impact for those living with developmental disabilities in our community.”
The 2021 Landrum Endowment grant recipients include:
Camp Cattail Inc. received funding to increase the accessibility and overall experience of its day camp programs, which engage children and adults with developmental disabilities in activities such as walking and fishing. Grant funding will allow the camp to update its restrooms to be more accessible and up-to-date.
Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio received funding to provide new handicap accessible doors for their Western Avenue location. Making entry easier and safer will enhance the accessibility of Easterseals programming, including the Ross County Adult Day Program, which offers adults with disabilities opportunities to live, learn, work, and play as vital members of the community.
The Mighty Children’s Museum received funding to support instructional videos, which will promote learning in and out of schools by offering educators and parents tools to tailor use of museum resources for students in grades K-12, with an emphasis on grades K-5. Instructional videos will also include accommodations and differentiation to support educators in their work with students who live with developmental disabilities.
Ohio University Student Success Center in Chillicothe received funding to support college-bound students with remote tutoring programs. These remote tutoring programs offer free, peer-led tutoring to local high school students who self-identify as individuals with disabilities as one way of supporting affordable access to higher education in the region.
Pickaway-Ross Career and Technology Center received funding for the Driving for Success project. The Center hopes to support young people with disabilities by enhancing their independence and encouraging participation in job shadowing, internships, and social activities by making transportation more accessible. Through this project, ten students will be selected to utilize the Center’s driving simulator to prepare for driving school.
The Ross County Park District received funding to increase the accessibility of outdoor experiences and its nature conservation and education programs by installing ADA compliant sidewalks at its shelter house. The shelter house is the center of all structured activity and home to the only public restroom on the property.
The Landrum Endowment Fund was created in 2016 after George Landrum, a lifelong resident of Ross County, left an endowment of $1.2 million to support the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Pioneer Center. George’s brother, John Landrum, received over 30 years of service from the center.
Gifts to the Landrum Endowment Fund are tax deductible and can be made in many ways, including cash, bequests, and life insurance. Donations can be made online by designating the Landrum Endowment Fund. To mail your donation, please designate the fund and mail to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, PO Box 456, Nelsonville, OH 45764.
For more information about the Landrum Endowment Fund and its upcoming grand round, visit www.AppalachianOhio.org/Landrum or contact the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio at 740.753.1111 or email info@ffao.org