New Trier Township Community Support Grant Applications Now Available to Assist Persons with Disabilities

The Community Support Grants Program for fiscal year 2014-15 is currently accepting applications for grants for persons with disabilities. The grants are provided to persons with disabilities that cover a wide range of issues including, but not limited to autism spectrum disorders, developmental and/or cognitive delays, mental health disorders, multiple impairments in cognitive and/or social/emotional functioning and physical impairments. Residents of New Trier Township with diagnosed disabilities may apply for Community Support Grant assistance. Applications are available at the Township Office at 739 Elm Street in Winnetka or on the Township website at www.newtriertownship.com. The deadline for submission of applications including all supporting documentation is January 2, 2015. Applicants will be notified of their grant award by mail in February, 2015.

Community Support Grants provide financial assistance to help meet some of the special service needs and extraordinary expenses related to the person with a disability. The grant can be used for therapeutic services such as those described above, respite care, medication, or any number of necessary costs involved with the care of the person with a disability. For example, children with movement disorders, causing damage to the motor control centers of the brain, can be greatly assisted by physical and occupational therapies often limited by insurance coverage. Imagine a parent’s worry when insurance benefits run out and the subsequent financial struggle to fund therapies easily costing several thousand dollars per month.

The grant can also be used to remodel a home environment to ensure the safety of a disabled individual, to create ease of access, or to facilitate independence. Seniors who otherwise might be required to leave their homes can now safely remain in their communities by using grants to remodel a bathroom and/or build an access ramp.

The program annually awards grants of up to $1,500 for qualifying residents who need financial assistance for a host of reasons that relate to a disability. There are no age or income restrictions. A complete explanation of eligibility considerations, residency requirements and covered expenses are also available on the Township website. For more information, please contact Social Services Administrator Jeanne Winsted Rosser at 847-446-9201 or jwinstedrosser@newtriertownship.com.