BLOOMFIELD HILLS (WWJ) - A metro Detroit non-profit agency was gifted a $25,000 grant on Tuesday to help adults with developmental disabilities cope with isolation and depression brought on by COVID-19.
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The grant, received from the Donald R. and Esther Simon Foundation, will fund JARC's new mission to offer individualized support, mental stimulation, leisure time and encouragement which has become essential to individuals with developmental handicaps.
While providing mental health needs has always been a priority, the organization said those needs had been "amplified" due to restrictions brought on by the pandemic. JARC was forced to shut down all of their day programs which left individuals served unable to socialize outside their homes.
"Most of those we serve have even more down time now, and that has brought with it mental health struggles such as depression and anger," JARC CEO Shaindle Braunstein said.
"Mental health plays a strong role in physical health, so it is crucial that we address isolation and do what we can to safely mitigate its effects."
The organization said while physical needs are funded through the State of Michigan, services to promote mental health and engagement actives are not and many emotional support services were independently paid for by JARC.
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Braunstein said the grant will greatly aid the program's mission by "providing the necessary stimulation and encouragement needed for persons served to be active and engaged." The organization hopes to expand on the success it has seen so far and looks to offer new actives and therapies now possible through the grant.
"The additional emotional support provided allows persons served to have the opportunity to thrive and live their best life," JARC said in a statement.
JARC's mission to support individuals with developmental disabilities expands across 80 locations and includes care within group homes, adult independent living facilities, a respite services for children, teens and young adults. Based in Bloomfield Township, the non-profit serves in accordance with Jewish values.
More information can be found at jarc.org.