New 501(c)(3) Non-For-Profit gives back to the community!

A local Non-For-Profit Organization, The LINK Scholarship, is seeking opportunities to give back to the community through volunteerism. The purpose of the Non-for-Profit is to "LINK" students with disabilities to community resources via volunteerism, bridge college connections and employment, and provide post-secondary experiences to become successful and productive citizens. 100% of the profits/donations go directly to our Scholarship Fund in which a student with a disability will use for needs such as: NISRA Camp, AAC device/app, therapy Camps, college or post-secondary employment and/or living expenses.

Volunteering has many benefits including positive mental/emotional health, sense of purpose, and creating networking opportunities. The Scholarship Funds are awarded to students with a disability under the federal law, IDEA, who are in 9th-12th grade and have documented at least 100 hours of volunteer work within the community. There is an interview process in late May/early June in which an interview panel selects the winners of the Scholarship Fund. We promote volunteerism for McHenry and Kane Counties at this time. Anyone can volunteer through our organization to promote a positive and healthy community, however, the Scholarship Funds go directly to students with a disability.

"It's a positive way to build connections and provide students with disabilities opportunities to contribute their abilities to our community." Stated the Monica Furlong, Director of the Non-For-Profit. As part of the organization, they provide volunteer coaches, which are comprised of teachers, related services, and parents who assist and coach students through the volunteer experience.

Over a billion people live with some form of disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the world's population. Between 110-190 million adults have very significant difficulties in functioning. Rates of disabilities are increasing, due to population aging and the global increase in chronic health conditions. It's time to come together as a community and provide opportunities for students with disabilities to feel a sense of purpose, belonging, and contribute their abilities to our community. (Disability and health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.who.int/news-room/f...)

Our first event was held at the Huntley Animal Shelter, where about 35 people donated over 50 blankets, washed walls, walked animals and provided other tasks to support another local non-for-profit organization. The organization is seeking donations to ensure they can provide a student or students with a Scholarship Fund to support the students needs. Check out the website for the listing of the upcoming volunteer events and ways to donate to the Scholarship Fund. www.thelinkscholarship.org Donations $250 or above are tax deductible.