A capacity grant for a new printer-copier for the Jackson Center has been transformative

The capacity grant from the Community Foundation of Morgan County has had a significant impact on the  individualized programming and parent education delivery options at the Jackson Center for Conductive Education.  The new printer-copier is leased through Gordon Flesch. With its advanced features and high-speed capabilities, we can produce a larger volume of high-quality educational resources more efficiently.  This improvement allows our staff to quickly create customized learning materials tailored to the specific needs of each child we serve.  Additionally, the new printer/copier supports the production of visually engaging and accessible content, facilitating better learning outcomes and ensuring that our students receive the best possible support in their educational journey.

Additionally, the enhanced capabilities of the printer-copier have significantly improved our grant application process and informational resources for donors and support networks. The ability to produce professional and comprehensive grant applications has boosted our chances of securing additional funding. Likewise, it is crucial that we communicate our efforts about the clientele we serve.  Twice a year, we send out informational updates about what is going on at the center and upcoming fundraising events, including pictures.  This allows us to share the progress our children make in their physical and cognitive skills while providing a clear and accurate portrayal of their development visually.  Informing people about upcoming grants and fundraisers from the Jackson Center is important because it engages the community, increases participation, demonstrates transparency, encourages donations, builds trust, and enhances outreach.  This is vital for our center, as approximately 60% of our funding comes from grants and fundraisers. The printer-copier has thus become an essential tool in our fundraising efforts, enabling us to continue and expand our programs.

One of the most impactful benefits of the grant is that it has allowed us to provide 25 educational series throughout the year to all the families at the Jackson Center. These materials cover a variety of important topics such as coping with grief, developing behavioral plans for children with disabilities, the importance of exercise and stretching for kids with cerebral palsy, and strategies for approaching IEP meetings in the school system. These resources empower families with valuable knowledge and support, enhancing their ability to care for and advocate for their children.

Moreover, we have been able to develop specialized educational materials for the children, including handwriting practice, scissor skills, arts and crafts projects, and activities that create a welcoming atmosphere through positive encouragement. These materials not only support the children’s educational development but also contribute to a positive and nurturing environment throughout the Jackson Center.

Lastly, art is a means of expression for our children with motor disabilities.  Each year, we help them to create a piece of art that is then turned into a card, which we sell at our fundraisers.  This initiative showcases the children’s creativity and talent, boosting their confidence and pride in their work.  It also provides a unique way for the community to support and celebrate the achievements of our students.  Our copier’s clear and crisp presentation of materials ensures we deliver the beat quality outcome.

The support we have been blessed with from the Community Foundation of Morgan County through the capacity grant has been transformative, enabling us to maintain and enhance our services. It has had a direct and positive impact on the lives of the students and families we serve. This aligns perfectly with the mission of the Jackson Center: to provide specialized educational and developmental programs that help individuals with motor disorders achieve their highest level of independence. Thank you for your continued support in helping us fulfill our mission.