FARGO, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation has awarded HOPE Inc. a grant that will provide family-friendly sport and recreational opportunities critical to the development of children and adults living with mobility challenges, the only organization of its kind within a 200-mile radius of Fargo-Moorhead.
Kelly Buhr, HOPE Inc. Program Manager states, “A third of the families served at HOPE Inc. have a household income at or near poverty levels. In addition, all the families served by our organization are under constant financial strain of medical experiences associated with caring for an individual living with a mobility challenge. Due to the financial circumstances of the families we serve, it is critical for our organization to offer our activities at as minimal cost as possible. For over a decade HOPE, Inc. has offered our adapted team sports activities for $10 per activity, per week, for the entire family and the recreation activities we offer are at no cost to the family. We are so grateful for the BCBSND Caring Foundation grant so we can continue to offer our activities at this minimal rate and continue to ensure no family is ever faced with a financial obstacle to take part in our activities.”
HOPE Inc. not only serves the individual living with a mobility challenge, but their family as well, who are strongly encouraged to use their adaptive equipment to play alongside their family member or friend living with a mobility challenge. Many times, this is the first opportunity the family gets to truly play together, a unique experience that embodies inclusion.
Pam Gulleson, BCBSND Caring Foundation Executive Director shared, “Access to recreational opportunities is vitally important to our community. BCBSND Caring Foundation strives to increase access in many areas that impacts one’s health to help build thriving communities and a stronger state. We are pleased to offer grant funding to help elevate these services and keep costs low for their clients. These services will be able to help mobility challenged individuals and their families experience recreation activities that they deserve, where they can feel included, make friends, and have so much fun.”
About the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) Caring Foundation
Established in 1989, the BCBSND Caring Foundation (www.BCBSND.com/caring-foundation) is a private 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Through giving and investing, the Caring Foundation focuses on key health issues that help improve the health and well-being of North Dakotans and their communities. Caring Foundation staff work with grantees to support nonprofit sustainability, collaborate on shared outcomes and create lasting change.
