The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), is proud to announce an $18,250 grant from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County to continue and expand the critical healing and crisis prevention work through Coping with COVID.
Created in Summer 2020, Coping with COVID helps people with I/DD process their emotional response to the pandemic and identify ways to adapt to the many changes and disruptions in their lives.
“Our role as a provider is to proactively acknowledge the challenges and changes people are experiencing, and to help people grieve healthily so they are able to move forward without fear,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO, The Arc. “People with I/DD are already at an increased risk for isolation. Ongoing social distancing could lead to people feeling disconnected from their community, resulting in challenging behaviors and even trauma.”
Coping with COVID consists of small group sessions, led by clinical psychology expert Dr. Karyn Harvey. Each session helps people process their emotional response to the pandemic and identify ways to adapt to their new reality.
“As we are now almost a full year into the pandemic, there is a need to support people to work through the long-term effects this crisis will have. With support from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County we will be able to continue this vital work,” said Rondeau. “People with I/DD are our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. They are a part of the fabric of our community, and the mental health and well-being of our broader community start with the mental health and well-being of each community member.”
About the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County
The Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC) is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), publicly supported philanthropic organization with the long-term goal of building permanent funds that provide support to local nonprofit organizations through grants and special projects. Its mission is to inspire and promote giving in Anne Arundel County by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1998, CFAAC is one of the largest funders of nonprofit organizations in Anne Arundel County. CFAAC distributed nearly $3 million in 2019 to a variety of nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.cfaac.org.