Turnstone Awarded Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant to Support Accessible Strength Training
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (July 19, 2023) – Turnstone Center was awarded $25,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2022 2nd Cycle Direct Effect Quality of Life grants. This grant supports Turnstone’s efforts to create accessible strength training opportunities for its clients.
The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Fifty-seven grants totaling $1,122,501 were awarded this year. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,700 grants totaling over $41 million have been awarded.
Turnstone Center used the awarded grant funds to purchase new accessible strength training equipment for fitness and aquatic members to use. The new equipment will enhance the variety of options for adaptive fitness, directly benefit clients who are veterans, and empower clients to challenge themselves.
“Turnstone Center is thrilled to receive this support. Our members have been excited to use the new equipment that is available to them,” said EJ Whitney, Director of Fitness, Aquatics & High-Performance Sports. “As an inclusive and adaptive exercise facility, it is important to us that there is something for everyone to enjoy. Support from this grant ensures that we are living out our mission to create possibilities for people with disabilities.”
The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Direct Effect Quality of Life grants program funds organizations up to $25,000 to support a wide range of projects and activities that will serve individuals living with paralysis and their families.
“These awarded projects are addressing some of the most dire needs of our community. Organizations are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic and are now bracing for a possible recession while facing inflation and ever-rising costs,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “The Reeve Foundation is proud to partner with these organizations and support their initiatives that enhance the quality of life for the community we serve.”
The Reeve Foundation’s support for people living with paralysis also includes a recent Seated Therapeutic Yoga seminar that was offered to Turnstone’s Adult Day Service clients courtesy of the Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center. Turnstone was one of multiple locations during a cross-country initiative to increase education about the benefits of seated yoga. Participants learned how to use seated yoga to build overall physical, emotional, cognitive, and epigenetic resilience, as well as reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms. Participants also received a free seated “Yoga for All Abilities” DVD.