The YMCA of Metro North is proud to announce that it was awarded $24,500 for its Partnership Program as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) 2019 High Impact Priority grants program. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,150 grants totaling over $28 million have been awarded. Funding for these new cycles of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.

The grants will allow the YMCA of Metro North to purchase additional specialized adaptive fitness equipment for its Torigian Family YMCA branch in Peabody. In 2015, the association began its Partnership Program with an initial investment of $75,000 to design a structured group exercise program for persons with physical disabilities or those recovering from traumatic injuries, stroke and cardiac recovery or mobility-limiting diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s. Currently, 27 men and women are registered in the program, and their ages range from 21 to 82.

“The Y strives to be the most inclusive fitness community around. We are always searching for opportunities that enhances facility access and serves members with a diverse range of abilities, health conditions, life circumstance, and fitness goals. We are very grateful to the Reeve Foundation for their generosity and we welcome everyone in the community to come out and try this new equipment,” said Chris Tognazzi, Health and Wellness Director at the Torigian YMCA.

With the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation grant, the YMCA of Metro North will be able to continue to grow their Partnership Program. The grant funds will be invested in a pool chair lift, a NuStep T5XRX Recumbent Cross Trainer as well as four accessible strength training pieces from the Cybex Total Access Line, which is a line with removable seats to allow wheelchair access, including: a chest press, overhead press, row/rear dealt fly, and a Bravo Functional Trainer.

“Now in its third year, our High Impact Priority grants program, is showing great results in terms of impact on people living with paralysis – especially in the areas of employment and transportation programs and transitioning people into homes in which they can embrace independent living,” said Mark Bogosian, Director, Quality of Life Grants Program at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “The Reeve Foundation is incredibly proud of this program and thrilled to have the YMCA of Metro North join our ever-growing cohort of grantees.”

About the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by advancing innovative research and improving quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is a program of the Reeve Foundation and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (cooperative agreement number 90PRRC0002). For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.