Edward Scott Zdenek Enrichment Fund
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Inherent in the mission of the Centre Region Down Syndrome Society (CRDSS), is the act of providing financial support to people who have Down syndrome so they can have the resources of equipment needed and participate in activities that improve their lives. Since its inception, the Enrichment Fund has awarded families with a diversity of support. CRDSS is pleased to empower these individuals to live their best life.
In July, 2024, the Board of Directors amended the approval policy to request that you volunteer your time at one of our events or make a donation to one or more of our fundraising efforts throughout the year. If you have not volunteered or donated within the previous 12 months, your request will be held until June (near the end of our fiscal year) and approved only if there are still monies available for awards. This change was made as more families have used the program and our expenses have risen. Your participation is needed to continue to offer all that we do for our members and their families. Extenuating circumstances, such as illness or family hardship, will be considered. Please reach out to the Director if you have a question or a concern. Types of Things & Activities the Enrichment Fund Supports (just a sampling!):
This fund was established in memory of Edward Zdenek, son of Brad and Kathleen Zdenek. "We are thrilled to announce the newest bike rider in our house, Addison! Like every family today, we are participating in more outdoor activities, but were struggling to meet all the needs and abilities of our family. Addison asked for a bike when she saw several neighbors riding every day. We reached out to CRDSS to inquire about support from the Enrichment Fund. Before we knew it, they found the perfect wheels for Addie and helped us with the purchase. We are so grateful for this program. Our daughter is amazing on her bike and proud to peddle around the neighborhood with her pals!" The Smith Family |
Eligibility
Persons with Down syndrome who live in the Central Pennsylvania region are eligible to apply for an Enrichment Fund award. The application process is completely confidential. CRDSS promotes the program with photos and testimonials of participants, but that is entirely dependent on the family agreeing to this promotion.
Most any activity that can reasonably be expected to improve and enhance the life of the recipient will be considered. To allow as many individuals as possible access to CRDSS Enrichment Funds, a limit of $500 per individual with Down syndrome will be considered in a fiscal year. (The CRDSS fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 annually.) Within the limits of its resources, CRDSS provides awards to as many individuals as possible who otherwise would not be able to participate in activities that improve their lives. While we wish that all requests could be granted, our funding is limited. In order to allow as many individuals as possible access to CRDSS enrichment funds, a second request for additional funds may not be approved if we have already reached the limits of our budgeted amount, even if you have not reached your $500 grant limit.
Most any activity that can reasonably be expected to improve and enhance the life of the recipient will be considered. To allow as many individuals as possible access to CRDSS Enrichment Funds, a limit of $500 per individual with Down syndrome will be considered in a fiscal year. (The CRDSS fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 annually.) Within the limits of its resources, CRDSS provides awards to as many individuals as possible who otherwise would not be able to participate in activities that improve their lives. While we wish that all requests could be granted, our funding is limited. In order to allow as many individuals as possible access to CRDSS enrichment funds, a second request for additional funds may not be approved if we have already reached the limits of our budgeted amount, even if you have not reached your $500 grant limit.
Application & Approval Process
- The individual (or their caretaker) completes all required fields on the form found when you click "Apply Online" (below).
- The applicant will receive notification of approval from CRDSS via email.
- If approved, the email will also include the Reimbursement Form, which is emailed after we receive your request.
- The applicant then makes their purchase or signs up for the activity.
- Once receipts are received by you, the applicant submits the completed Reimbursement Form to CRDSS along with receipts.
- CRDSS processes payment and mails the applicant the check.
NOTE: CRDSS makes every effort to respond to fund applications as quickly as possible, however it can take some time to process applications, determine award amounts and disperse payment. Please take this timing into consideration when requesting funds, especially if participation in the activity is completely dependent on receiving funds to do so.
