Communication devices and therapy provided for dozens of children across the United States
CLEVELAND – Dec. 17, 2019 – PRLog — The Orange Effect Foundation Board of Directors is proud to announce that in 2019, more than $130,000 was awarded to children in need across the United States. These grants for speech therapy and speech devices will ensure that the recipients, some as young as two years old, will be empowered with the ability to communicate.
Speech language pathologist and board member, Melissa Meehan, explains that some parents unwillingly choose to forego speech therapy for their children because the money is required for more immediate needs such as food and housing. Melissa explains that, “the Orange Effect Foundation works very hard to identify children who demonstrate the highest communicative and financial need.” In addition to submitting current speech and language evaluations, documentation of insurance coverage and household income, grant applicants are asked to explain why an Orange Effect grant is needed and how it will improve the child’s and/or family’s quality of life.
Since 2015, Orange Effect grants have purchased 44 speech-generating devices and over 4,200 hours of speech therapy. Although over 195 children nationwide have benefited from an Orange Effect grant since the foundation’s inception, the board knows that the need for funding is significantly greater.
The Orange Effect Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or sexual orientation. Although grants are awarded based on financial need, the foundation does consider extenuating circumstances. In all cases, the Orange Effect Foundation prefers to be the funder of last resort, relying on corporate, community, and individual support to raise funds.
The next grant application deadline is February 15, 2020. For more information and to obtain a copy of the grant application visit theorangeeffect.org.
About the Orange Effect Foundation
The Orange Effect Foundation (theorangeeffect.org) strives to ensure that children have the ability to communicate. The foundation, while officially formed in 2014, actually began back in 2001 when the founders’ son was born with autism. Early intervention helped him to become a heartwarming and independent young man. The Pulizzi family wanted to give back by empowering other children with the therapy and tools they need to communicate effectively.
The OEF Golf for Autism is the Orange Effect Foundation’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds from the event have raised more than $300,000. The Orange Effect Foundation’s 14th Annual Golf for Autism will be held August 3, 2020 at Elyria Country Club. For more information and to register, please visit theorangeeffect.org.
Contact
Maureen Stanton
***@theorangeeffect.org
