The Maressa Center for MS Wellness at Jefferson Health – New Jersey recently was awarded a $30,000 Priority of Impact Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Resource Center.
Jefferson officials said the center strives to enhance the quality of life for South Jersey residents living with multiple sclerosis through innovative, educational and therapeutic wellness classes.
The Reeve Foundation awards several grants of varying amounts and categories under the Quality of Life program. Each tier focuses on a high-priority issue to increase access to services, as well as the independence or inclusion of people living with paralysis, their family members and caregivers. The grant Jefferson Health – New Jersey received falls under the tier of COVID-19: Addressing Social Isolation.
“The Priority of Impact program focuses on areas of deep need within our community of people living with paralysis, and their families and caregivers,” said Mark Bogosian, the Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants Program director. “These areas include respite and caregiving, addressing social isolation, assistive technology, and employment — all of which enhance the quality of life and are, in many ways, its very foundation.”
The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Jefferson Health – New Jersey was one of 17 organizations awarded grants, totaling $499,700 for 2021. Since its inception, nearly 3,500 grants totaling more than $36 million have been awarded.
Larry Slagle, associate vice president of development for the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey, said the support will help the center expand its commitment to improving the lives of community members with MS.
“We are grateful for the visionary partnership with the Reeve Foundation,” he said.
