The Barbara Stone Foundation, a regional nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, announced this week that it has distributed $22,500 in Community Innovations Grants to five Upstate South Carolina organizations. The grants are intended to fund creative solutions that address unmet needs within the local disability community.
Grant recipients and focus areas
Each of the five recipient nonprofits will receive a portion of the total grant amount to advance programs that directly benefit people with disabilities. While the foundation did not disclose the exact dollar amount each organization will receive, all grant winners share a common goal: to expand access to services, education, and employment for the disability community.
CAN Talks highlights the foundation’s mission
The awards were presented during the seventh annual CAN Talks event on October 20. CAN Talks provides a platform for six individuals with disabilities to share personal stories and life experiences, fostering greater community understanding of the challenges they face each day. The event also raised an additional $20,000 to support the foundation’s broader effort to increase employment access for people with disabilities.
“CAN Talks is such a meaningful program for us and really gives the community an opportunity to better understand the challenges that those with disabilities navigate each day,” said Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation. “These grants allow our partner nonprofits to expand vital services and create new pathways to meaningful work for the individuals we serve.”
Community impact
Local leaders and volunteers praised the foundation’s commitment to the region. By directing funds to organizations that already have deep roots in the community, the Barbara Stone Foundation aims to amplify existing efforts rather than duplicate services. The grants are expected to support a range of initiatives, from adaptive technology training to job placement programs and inclusive recreational activities.
Residents who attended CAN Talks expressed appreciation for the visibility the event provides. “Hearing directly from people with disabilities helps break down misconceptions and encourages us to think about how we can all be more inclusive,” said a longtime volunteer at one of the recipient nonprofits.
Looking ahead
The Barbara Stone Foundation plans to continue its annual grant cycle, seeking additional donors and partners to increase the pool of available funding. The organization encourages community members to learn more about its mission and upcoming events by visiting its website.
For further information about the Barbara Stone Foundation, its grant program, or upcoming CAN Talks events, please visit barbarastonefoundation.org.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
