Desert Healthcare District Funds Program for Developmentally Disabled

Photo courtesy of the United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire

By City News Service

Desert Healthcare District has awarded a $178,000, two-year grant to United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire to fund an after-school program for 36 Coachella Valley children and young people with developmental disabilities, the recipient group said Wednesday.

The Skill Builders Community Integration Program serves 12 young people at each of three Boys and Girls Clubs, including sites at Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs.

“We are so appreciative of the Desert Healthcare District for supporting our Skills Builders Program for the past several years,” said Greg Wetmore, president and CEO of UCPIE. “As a nonprofit organization that relies on community grants and donations to sustain our programs, the Foundation’s assistance means so very much to our organization and the children we serve every day.”

In the twice-weekly program, students receive help in improving social, communication and safety skills, independence and health.

The students, ages 7 to 22, have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, intellectual delay or epilepsy.