For years, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has supported Sunrise Northeast by providing funding for our summer camp program for people with disabilities. Even at the onset of the pandemic, the Foundation generously supported our efforts to provide a virtual camp experience to over 150 enthusiastic campers in the safety of their homes.
Last year, however, the Hartford Foundation expressed its support in a more critical way. Understanding the need for highly specialized, but often expensive equipment, when providing services to people with disabilities, the Foundation awarded Sunrise Northeast $11,800 to purchase 2 electronic sit-to-stand and 2 battery-operated Hoyer lifts for our Hartford-based Day program. Their support could not have come at a better time!
At Sunrise Northeast’s Hartford Day Program, most of the individuals we support have moderate to severe physical limitations, several of whom rely on mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs. The lifts that the Hartford Foundation are critical to the population we serve, facilitating a variety of daily needs from bathing to repositioning individuals who have significantly limited motor skills. Studies have also demonstrated that this equipment specifically is also beneficial to our staff, considerably reducing the risk of injury when carrying out their responsibilities.
The units Sunrise purchased are extremely versatile, durable, and portable, enabling staff to assist individuals at any time and anywhere throughout the center. Once again, we are so grateful for the Hartford Foundation’s support, both in providing enriching recreational experiences and in funding more critical services to people with disabilities. On behalf of our staff and the people we are dedicated to supporting, thank you, Hartford Foundation!
