Joe’s Kids Board members Josh Wildman, David Bazzoni, and Winona Lake Limitless Park committee chair Erin Porter were on site to receive the grant along with Joe’s Kids Executive Director, Rebecca Bazzoni. Check presented by Lynne Gilmore, AWS Foundation Executive Director (center).

By KASEY KOHLMORGEN
Director of Community Relations, Joe’s Kids

The AWS Foundation in Fort Wayne recently awarded grants to two local organizations, supporting its mission of helping children and adults with enduring developmental and physical disabilities live as independently as possible, be included in the community and function at their highest potential.

A grant in the amount of $24,500 was awarded to Joe’s Kids, a pediatric rehabilitation clinic located in Warsaw. The grant funds will be used to purchase additional therapy equipment and provide operational funding for the clinic.

The AWS Foundation’s support of Joe’s Kids, which provides physical, speech, and occupational therapy to children with disabilities, shows their dedication to the special families in Kosciusko County.

Executive Director Rebecca Bazzoni says, “We are incredibly thankful for the support of the AWS Foundation. We feel blessed to serve these special families, and financial gifts from our community make that possible. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of families in and around Kosciusko County.”

Additionally, AWS has supported the efforts of Winona Lake Limitless Park through a grant. The vision of Winona Lake Limitless Park is to create a place that embraces the beauty of the surrounding environment and engages everyone in limitless play. The organization’s master plan utilizes universally accessible equipment and infrastructure that go beyond minimal ADA guidelines to inclusive recreation for people of all abilities.

“We are so thankful that AWS Foundation has extended their support into Kosciusko County first with Winona Lake Limitless Park and now Joe’s Kids,” said Erin Porter, Winona Lake Limitless Park Committee Chair. “These three groups share a common vision that every person, regardless of their ages or ability, should have the practical support they need to live their lives up to the fullest potential. AWS Foundation’s increasing presence and support in Kosciusko County will help ensure that no one feels sidelined, but instead, that everyone knows that they are a valuable member of their community.”

To learn more about Joe’s Kids, visit www.joes-kids.org.
To learn more about Winona Lake Limitless Park, visit http://www.winonalake.net/limitlesspark.htm.
To learn more about the AWS Foundation, visit http://www.awsfoundation.org.