CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Access Living, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides services and advocacy for people with disabilities, celebrated a surprise $8 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
President and CEO Karen Tamley said she doesn't know how they got on Scott's radar, but she said they are moved by her generosity.
“This is an amazing, really transformational gift,” Tamley said. “It’s incredible. It’s humbling, and it’s really exciting, too. I’m really excited about the future and the work that we can do to really make life better for people with disabilities.”
Tamley said the one-time gift will be used to advance Access Living's strategic initiatives including addressing extreme poverty.
“Our community is twice as likely to live in poverty as those without disabilities, and it’s really compounded if you’re a disabled person of color,” said Tamley.
She said they also hope to tackle issues regarding the unemployment gap, health equity and affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities.
“Really our vision is that Chicago and Illinois is a place where disabled people can really thrive and not just survive on the margins,” Tamley said.
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