Thanks to a $3 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, The Arc of the United States (The Arc) is awarding grants to 45 local chapters of The Arc across the U.S. in support of a new initiative designed to help youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way, a local Arc based in Norwalk was selected to receive this prestigious grant.
These Sub-Grants are being awarded as part of the Walmart Foundation School-to-Community Transition Project. The project aims to increase transition outcomes and to build inclusion and involvement of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities in independent living, employment, post secondary education or vocational training, and community, social and civic affairs.
STAR, Inc. Lighting the Way, in partnership with families and communities, is an innovative leader in providing individuals with disabilities opportunities for a meaningful life through personal development and participation in the community. “STAR, Inc. is honored to have been selected as a sub-grant recipient for it’s new transition program called Aim for the STAR’s.” said Katie Banzhaf, Executive Director for STAR. . “Through this grant STAR will be able to partner for the first time with Norwalk Community College to provide post secondary options to students with developmental disabilities. It is a wonderful opportunity to improve outcomes for students who are transitioning from high school into adult life.” Katie Banzhaf further stated.
“The Walmart Foundation is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities and ensuring they have opportunities to live better,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “Our recent grant to The Arc reinforces our commitment by supporting programs of The Arc across America.”
The Arc of the United States (The Arc) promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and related developmental disabilities, from any of hundreds of specific syndromes and neurological conditions throughout their lifetimes. Together with a network of 730 state and local chapters as well as individual members, The Arc supports their full inclusion and participation in their communities and influence public policy. For more information, visit www.thearc.org.
