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Tom and Rita O Neill split their time between Fort Wayne and Connecticut, where their son Josh, who has Down syndrome, lives. The O Neills have spent more than 40 years volunteering and doing philanthropic work in the Down syndrome community. Previous Next
Sunday, May 02, 2021 1:00 am
City couple devoted to helping son, others
BLAKE SEBRING | For The Journal Gazette
When Tom and Rita O Neill s son Josh was born 42 years ago with Down syndrome, he was immediately diagnosed in critical condition and required two surgeries over the next 37 days. His life depended upon his oxygen machine.
“You watch this infant striving to live, and I remember thinking this guy is really tough because he wasn t supposed to live,” Tom O Neill said. “He s a strong soul.”
Congratulations to Arc Noble County Foundations for receiving a $75,000 award that will help it to better serve northeast Indiana. The mission of The Arc Noble County Foundations is to support individuals with disabilities in northeast Indiana to maximize their abilities to succeed at work, at home and in their community. Its website arcfoundations.com states “We are committed to promote meaningful partnerships with all stakeholders to contribute to a rewarding and productive quality of life for all . We help companies meet their manufacturing goals while preparing individuals to obtain and maintain employment. We support individuals to learn, to volunteer and to succeed in their local communities.” Kay Craig, executive director, said, “With federal and state changes to our services, The Arc simply must develop new and innovative partnerships to support the individuals in Noble County who depend on our services throughout their lifespan.” Based at 506 S. Orange St., Albio
by: Reed Parker, Inside INdiana Business
Posted:
Feb 25, 2021 / 09:37 AM EST
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) The Fort Wayne-based AWS Foundation has announced three more years of support for Greater Fort Wayne Inc’s disability inclusion work with a new grant that has prompted a name change: the GFW Inc Disabilities Initiative. GFW says the services began in 2018 as an employee program, but has since expanded to deal with workplace accessibility, leadership training and quality of life.
“GFW Inc. continues to bridge the knowledge gap connecting businesses that are hiring and people with a disability seeking employment and recognition as future leaders in our community. AWS Foundation is pleased to continue to provide funding for this important initiative that supports both individuals with disabilities and area employers,” said AWS Foundation Chief Executive Officer Patti Hays.
Briefs
AWS grant helps disability effort
AWS Foundation hasawarded a three-year, $165,200 grant to support Greater Fort Wayne Inc. s disability inclusion efforts, officials announced Wednesday.
The program will also receive financial support from Greater Fort Wayne and its members.
The services, which began in 2018, have expanded to address workspace accessibility, leadership training, newcomers quality of life and connectedness, and many other issues. The updated name is the GFW Inc. Disabilities Initiative.
Patti Hays, AWS Foundation s CEO, said, “Awareness, education and understanding are the gateways to inclusion.”
“GFW Inc. continues to bridge the knowledge gap connecting businesses that are hiring and people with a disability seeking employment and recognition as future leaders in our community,” she said in a statement. “AWS Foundation is pleased to continue to provide funding for this important initiative that supports both individuals with disabilities and
Foundation Renews Support for GFW Disability Initiative insideindianabusiness.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from insideindianabusiness.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.