All About Developmental Disabilities, an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provides support services, advocacy and training to Georgia families living with developmental disabilities, has announced the establishment of the Sarah Kenan Kennedy Endowment Fund.
The fund was created by Sarah Kennedy’s husband, Jim Kennedy, chairman of Cox Enterprises, as a birthday gift for his wife that would honor her commitment to the organization.
“What can I give her as a gift that would mean something?” Jim Kennedy said he asked himself when deciding upon the gift. AADD’s mission is a cause they champion personally, as Sarah Kennedy grew up with developmentally disabled siblings and is aware of the challenges families can face, he said.
The $2.5 million endowment, the largest ever gift to AADD, will fund in perpetuity programs at AADD for individuals and families who cannot afford services. In 2015, it will fund two full-time positions at AADD, and it will help more than 500 families.
“When people don’t have resources to get help, it’s debilitating for the family,” Jim Kennedy said. “If we can help them, we want to.”
Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities serves children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities. AADD programs include recreational programs for young people and supported employment programs for adults.
“The work that All About Developmental Disabilities does is so important, and we are excited that our endowment has already been put to work,” said Sarah Kennedy. “This fund will offer long-term support for people with developmental disabilities who often lack the financial resources to live and function independently in the community.”
AADD also provides family support and wellness workshops. The organization’s Family Support Center was established in 2012 to help families who need assistance leading meaningful and independent lives in the community.
“Families face many challenges as children move into young adulthood,” said AADD board chair Lisa Blanco. “The Family Support Center was established to help these individuals when few supports are available in the community. The Sarah Kenan Kennedy Endowment Fund will provide assistance directly to these families.”
Added AADD executive director Kathy Keeley, “Our goal is to provide support and job coaching to keep workers successful and employers well satisfied. We want to have people with developmental disabilities working alongside people without disabilities earning minimum wage or above.”
For more information, see www.AADD.org or call 404-881-9777.
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