August 2024 Newsletter

August 2024

From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

One of the most empowering services we provide in our community is home modifications to assure a safe and accessible environment for people with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible. While there is little funding available for home modifications, we are fortunate to have recently received a grant from Greater Cincinnati Foundation through their Accessible Communities funding. This $30,000 grant will provide a variety of home modifications that can allow as many people as possible the ability to engage in daily activities, care for themselves, or maintain access to community participation. Since launching this project on July 1, we already have several projects underway!

A home modification can be as simple as changing doorknobs to lever style handles, to installing a temporary ramp - basically anything that increases a person’s independence and safety at home. Do you or someone you know need a home modification? See the article below about our guidelines and the referral process.

But what happens when the grant funding has been spent? Making home modifications available to people with disabilities does not need to end when the grant runs out. We have established our own Home Modifications Fund where your contributions can sustain the program long after the grant ends. I encourage you to make a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities by supporting this fund; click here to make your secure donation. Our goal is to continue to build this fund, so we never have to deny future requests for home modifications. With your generous support I am confident we can make that happen.

Thank you for your support in advance. As always, I enjoy hearing from you. Please feel free to contact me by phone at 513-338-5100 or by e-mail.

Enjoy the rest of your summer,

Rob Festenstein

Executive Director

Independence Alliance is Accepting Referrals for Our 2024 Home Modifications Project!

This project, funded in part by a grant from Greater Cincinnati Foundation, will provide home modifications that will assure a safe and accessible environment for people with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible.

Home modifications are changes made to a person’s home that create a living environment that is accessible, safe, and promotes independence. These changes can include adding supportive features, such as those that improve a person’s ability to engage in daily activities, care for themselves, or maintain access to community participation. While handrails or temporary ramps are common home modifications, this project can also provide modifications such as lowering a mailbox or doorbell, changing doorknobs to lever style knobs, lowering closet rods, installing a raised toilet, updating faucets to lever handles, adding a handheld shower spray, or updating to a digital thermostat.

Interested in submitting a referral? Our referral guidelines are as follows:

· Home modifications must be reasonable and necessary.

· Home modifications must increase a person’s independence.

· Home modifications must follow ADA guidelines.

· Interior home modification referrals for a rental property will require a written authorization from landlord or property owner.

· Eligible applicants must have no other resources to help obtain this modification.

· The completed referral form must be signed by the participant or a representative.

· Participants may live in Southwestern Ohio or Northern Kentucky.

A Home Modifications Project committee will review all referrals. If your referral is approved, an on-site assessment will be completed, and modification/installation work will be carried out through our partnership with People Working Cooperatively or Right Now Mobility. It is our goal to work together to complete each project in an efficient manner and within a suitable time, however, all projects are subject to the availability of the contractor and materials.

Home Modifications Referral Form, click here.

Questions?

Contact Debbie Moorehous or call: 513-338-5110

We are seeking a candidate to fill a unique part-time position on our core services team. Click on the job title for the full description, qualifications, and how to apply.

Information & Referral Specialist

Independence Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community.

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No Phone Calls Please.

It's already been four weeks since we launched our new name and logo!

We would love to hear how you feel about our new brand - just send us an email.

Do you plan on visiting Independence Alliance?

We are a fragrance-free environment and ask that you avoid the use of fragranced products when visiting our office.

Please know we are available to discuss your need for accommodations or accessibility for your visit with us. Contact us!

Summer Crisis Program

The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Hamilton County residents with cooling assistance during the summer months.

This program began on July 1 and provides assistance with electric utility bills (up to $500), a payment, or the purchase of an air conditioning unit and/or fan (if you have not received one within the last three years), or a combination benefit.

To learn more click on the link above.

Employee Anniversary

Join us in congratulating Kyle Dixon, Director of Finance, celebrating 13 years of service.

Learn more here about how using your

Kroger Plus Card can support our organization!

Once you have signed up there is nothing more

to do other than use your Kroger Plus Card

at the checkout!

Help us increase the number of households participating by signing up today!

Jazzed About Art

Benefiting Art Beyond Boundaries

This annual event continues to be one of the premiere fusions of

art featuring local visual and musical artists creatively collaborating for a cause! Tickets include music from Art Gore & The Jazz Knights with dinner catered by Ollie's Trolley, and valet parking. The fun includes a Bourbon Pull and a fabulous raffle.

Friday, November 8, 2024

6:00 - 10:00pm

Woodward Theater, 1404 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Tickets $75 per person

Purchase tickets at Woodward Theater or Art Beyond Boundaries

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