The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation Awards West Bay Residential Services Two Grants - Michael Beauregard
Posted Thu, Oct 3, 2013 at 1:07 pm ET Patch.com
October 1st [Warwick] – Staff of West Bay Residential Services, a non-profit organization that provides care to adults with developmental disabilities, witnessed philanthropy first-hand on Tuesday, September 24th. Julie Howard-Lecours, Founder and President of The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation, personally visited two West Bay Warwick homes to award grants for much needed, new equipment. The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation was started in 2011 and focuses on helping families and organizations care for underprivileged children and individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs.
AnnMarie Gregson, a physical therapist at West Bay for 22 years, submitted the proposal on behalf of two individuals with mobility issues. The funds will go towards purchasing a new En-fold chair and a barrier-free lift.
This equipment, due to the specialized purposes, is not covered by health insurance or SSDI, nor is it funded by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. “It has become extremely difficult to acquire any medical or modified equipment”, said AnneMarie. The dedicated West Bay leadership continues to adapt in an ailing economy, finding new sources of funding and providing the highest level of care in spite of budget constraints over the past five years.
Judy Crowley and John Petit have directly benefited from the charitable mission of The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation. Judy will experience a far more comfortable life when her new multipurpose end-chair arrives. West Bay's direct-care staff eagerly anticipate the new equipment for John as well, making transfer from his chair to various areas far easier with the new barrier-free lift installation. Julie Howard-Lecours said: “Being here is truly remarkable on so many levels. We are a young foundation, so we are still forging our identity. Originally, our focus was on younger children, but being here today to help these wonderful people, broadens the scope of our mission statement. We hope to make a difference in their lives the same way Ethan forever changed ours.” Julie, the mother of Ethan Lecours, the heroic little boy whose life inspired the formation of the foundation, was joined by Ethan's father, Steve Lecours, and other Board Trustees on her visit to the West Bay homes. It was an emotionally charged and uplifting experience for everyone present.
West Bay Residential Services, Inc. provides care and residential support services to more than 130 individuals with developmental disabilities. West Bay helps individuals make daily choices, maintain friend and family relationships and have fun while establishing their role in the community.
About The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation:
The Ethan Henry Lecours Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Their mission is to provide support to families and organizations caring for individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs, as well as underprivileged children. The Foundation was created as a tribute to the very courageous and brave little boy, Ethan Henry Lecours.