Foundation News
August 25, 2022
|
|
Nazareth College Thanks Tom Golisano for Turning Vision into Reality |
|
|
|
Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing Accredited for Continuing Professional Development |
Congratulations to the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing at the Wegmans School of Nursing at St. John Fisher University, which has earned accreditation for continuing professional development in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The work of the Institute, including the accreditation process, is made possible through the support of the Golisano Foundation.
|
|
|
|
Ann Costello Opens Healthy Athletes at Special Olympics 2022 USA Games |
Thousands of athletes took advantage of Healthy Athletes' health screenings at this year's Special Olympics USA Games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Ann Costello was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open Healthy Athletes. She spoke with clinical directors, volunteers, and athletes, and saw the incredible work being done to help athletes stay healthy and fit as they competed in this year's games. Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation have been proud to support Special Olympics Health for more than 10 years, providing more than $67 million in funding to expand access to inclusive health.
|
|
|
|
Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida Celebrates 5th Birthday! |
Tom Golisano donated $20 million to the capital campaign to build a new, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2017. It has continued to provide world-class care and expand services. Cheers to the next 5 years of Golisano!
|
|
|
|
Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to Florida Gulf Coast University’s Community Autism Network
|
A $1 million Golisano Foundation grant made to the Community Autism Network at Florida Gulf Coast University will advance initiatives to improve the quantity and quality of resources available to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and related practitioners. It will help FGCU train more students and care providers, initiate more research, and provide pro bono diagnostic and skill-building services. Read more
|
|
|
|
Rochester Rookies Celebrates 45th Anniversary |
Happy 45th anniversary to the Rochester Rookies! The program provides, promotes, and develops opportunities for children and "young at heart" adults with physical disabilities to participate in recreational and competitive wheelchair and ambulatory sports. After pandemic challenges, the program established a new partnership with Nazareth College and the Golisano Training Center, sparking renewed excitement and energy from athletes. The Golisano Foundation has funded Rochester Rookies annually since 2012 providing $92,500. Adaptive Sports Program Director Ryan Chalmers expressed his gratitude to the Foundation, saying, "We have successfully grown with the Foundation's long history of contributions and continuous support."
|
|
|
|
AutismUp Wrapping Up First Year of Full Life Academy, Fall Registration Starts August 29 |
AutismUp's Full Life Academy, part of the Center for Community Transition, offers innovative classes to help people address personal goals for lifelong skill development. The program was launched last year thanks to a 3-year $300,000 grant awarded by the Golisano Foundation. The personalized, goal-driven, learning opportunity includes classes and experiences in a supportive environment. They are designed to interconnect and integrate the eight core foundations of a full life. Students can hone their skills, enjoy meaningful experiences, interact with peers, and build new relationships all while reaching new personal goals and milestones.
Registration for Fall Term 2022 opens Monday, August 29. The Fall Term runs September 19 through December 18 and includes both in-person and virtual group classes at AutismUp.
|
|
|
|
Pilot Project is Increasing Equity & Access in Self-Directed Services |
In 2021, the Golisano Foundation awarded $200,000 over two years to Empowering People’s Independence (EPI) to support the collaboration of four agencies – Catholic Charities Family and Community Services (CC), Ibero-American Action League, and the Urban League of Rochester – to expand knowledge and access to OPWDD’s self-directed services through a mentoring partnership. In year one, EPI and CC, which are Self-Directed Providers, are working with Urban League and IBERO on Self-Direction processes. This summer the Urban League received OPWDD approval to be a self-directed provider. In year two, Urban League and IBERO’s participants will be enrolled into self-direction with guidance from EPI & CC.
|
|
|
|
Golisano Foundation Recognized for Support of New Lowry Center Day Services Center at Official Opening |
The Golisano Foundation's $750,000 challenge grant to Lifetime Assistance was recognized at a ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the newly expanded and renovated Lowry Day Services Center in June. The Foundation’s gift is the largest in Lifetime's Independence Together Campaign that is helping to transform three Day Services Centers. At the event, Ann Costello said, "It is wonderful to see the new opportunities people now have for more mobility, socialization, and inclusive activities that are allowing their talents and abilities to shine. The Foundation is proud to be able to help make this beautiful and accessible new environment possible for so many who depend on these critical services."
|
|
|
|
$500,000 Grant Awarded to Alzheimer’s Association for IDD Health Initiative in New York and Florida
|
In February, the Golisano Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter for Phase II of its IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) Health Initiative. The initiative extends to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Western New York Chapter in Rochester and Buffalo, and the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter.
“People with IDD are experiencing an unprecedented increase in longevity and, consequently, facing more age-related challenges, including the development of dementia,” said Teresa Galbier, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter. “There are limited training and health system supports for professional and family caregivers of people with IDD as they develop and live with dementia. This generous funding will help address that gap.”
The program will target a wide range of individuals and organizations influencing the diagnosis, care, and support of individuals with IDD living with dementia. Read more
|
|
|
|
Foundation Awards $421,500 in Grants |
The Golisano Foundation awarded $421,500 in grants in July to the following organizations:
-
Bivona Child Advocacy Center - $180,000 to transform the Monique Burr Foundation school-based abuse prevention program for students with IDD.
-
GiGi’s Playhouse in Buffalo - $40,000 to expand the Amina Grace Speech and Language program for individuals with Down Syndrome.
-
Homesteads for Hope, Inc. - $80,000 towards a Farm Project Manager position to promote and coordinate programs and farm projects for the inclusive community including those with IDD.
-
Protected Harbor - $40,000 toward the expansion of case management services for adults in Collier County, Florida.
-
Camp ONSEYAWA - $20,000 towards an overnight camping experience for 100 children who have physical and or developmental disabilities.
-
Rochester Hearing and Speech Center - $20,000 to support a collaboration between Nazareth College and Monroe County Early Intervention Program for children waiting for services.
-
Inclusion in Motion - $19,000 towards construction of the MJ pavilion with accessible bathrooms and motorized wheelchair charging stations at the inclusive playground.
-
David’s Refuge - $15,000 toward overnight respite, resources, and support connections for parents and guardians of children living with IDD.
-
Edith B. Ford Memorial Library - $5,000 toward creating a Lending Library, Sensory Friendly Fridays and Sensory Friendly programs for library patrons with autism and/or IDD.
-
Center for Disability Rights - $2,500 toward the 2022 “Accessible Trunk or Treat” Halloween event for children with IDD and their families.
|
|
|
|
Golisano Global Health Leadership Awards to Be Announced |
The 2022 Golisano Global Health Leadership Awards will be presented in New York City in September. The seven honorees will be chosen from the 39 Golisano Health Leadership 2021 awardees recognized at the country and U.S. state levels. The Awards are named for Tom Golisano and recognize health champions—leaders and organizations—that are making a significant contribution to equal access to health, fitness, and wellness for people with intellectual disabilities. The awards also promote awareness of the progress and extraordinary efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health work. This is the highest Special Olympics honor for health partners. You can read more about 2021 and past honorees here, and see the reach of their work on this global map. Stay tuned for our big announcement from NYC next month.
|
|
|
|
Tom Golisano Named Grand Marshal of 2022 Columbus Celebration, Will Lead NYC Columbus Day Parade On October 10 |
The Columbus Citizens Foundation announced that Tom Golisano will serve as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day Parade on New York City's Fifth Avenue. The annual Columbus Day Parade, the largest celebration of Italian American heritage and culture in the United States, will take place on Monday, October 10, beginning at 11:30 a.m. As Grand Marshal, Golisano will lead marching bands, floats, and more than 100 marching groups up the Fifth Avenue parade route, from 44th Street to 72nd Street. The parade will air live on WABC-TV in NYC from 12 noon to 3 p.m. News release
|
|
|
|
$20,000 Grant Will Provide Equipment for Pet Pride of NY's New Healing Paws Medical Suite
|
|
Bailey and Friends has provided $20,000 to Pet Pride of NY to outfit a new in-house surgical suite that will include a surgery, preparation, and recovery room. The suite is part of a new 4,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility where cats and kittens will receive timely, first-class veterinary care. Spay and neuter surgeries, dental procedures, and routine and emergency treatments will be performed on-site. A groundbreaking was held in May and the new facility is expected to open this fall.
|
|
|
|
$20,000 Grant Helps Outfit New Surgical Suite at Humane Society of Yates County Shelter Addition |
Bailey and Friends awarded $20,000 to outfit the new in-house surgical suite in a 400-square-foot addition at the Humane Society of Yates County's Shelter of Hope. This facility will house a larger dog wing and medical clinic space for future community spay/neuter, medical, and wellness programs.
|
|
Now Online! Bailey and Friends Latest Year in Review |
Bailey and Friends is dedicated to supporting animal welfare in Western NY and Southwest Florida. With a focus on dogs and cats, Bailey and Friends works with shelters, rescue groups, veterinary clinics, and other lifesaving programs to promote wellness, ensure safety, and keep pets and families together. The fund awarded grants of $101,000 in 2021. Read more about our impact in the 2021 Year in Review
|
|
Bailey and Friends Awards $27,000 in Grants in July |
Bailey and Friends awarded grants to the following organizations in July:
Ferals and Kittens and Cats Oh My - $4,000 toward the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program for kittens and cats living in the underserved, inner city areas of Rochester.
Friends of Verona Street Animal Shelter - $9,000 for wellness clinic services for households with accessibility and affordability barriers in underserved areas of Rochester.
Florida Coastal Cocker Rescue - $9,000 for vetting and wellness care of rescued Cocker Spaniels and other small dog breeds in preparation for adoption.
Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest, Florida - $5,000 for the Sugar Face Initiative that provides medical services, therapies, and medications for senior dogs.
|
|
About Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation
Tom Golisano, — entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader — is the founder of Paychex, Inc., the nation’s largest human resource company for small to medium-sized businesses, providing integrated human capital management solutions for payroll, benefits, human resources, and insurance services for more than 730,000 clients in the U.S. and Northern Europe. Mr. Golisano’s vision, perseverance, and action have left an indelible mark on a broad spectrum of issues that touch our lives - in business, healthcare, education, voter policies, politics, and tax reform. His continuing investments are helping drive the success of numerous businesses and start-ups. His personal philanthropic contributions to hospitals — including three children’s hospitals that bear his name — and numerous educational institutions and other organizations exceed $330 million. He has dedicated more than $95 million to advancing inclusive health around the world, including $67 million to Special Olympics, helping to close the significant gap in access to care for people with intellectual disabilities.
A fierce advocate for dignity and inclusion, in 1985 Tom Golisano applied his pioneering spirit to establish the Golisano Foundation to make the world a better place for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than $60 million in gross assets, it is one of the largest private foundations in the U.S. devoted to supporting programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities awarding about $3 million annually to non-profit organizations in Western New York and Southwest Florida.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
