Falk: People with disabilities can experience public service thanks to grant

June 08, 2007
David W. Carlson, Public Relations Manager, Dane County Human Services, 608-242-6424 Emily Engel, Dane County PASS Americorps Program Coordinator, 608-242-6413

People with disabilities will get the chance to perform public service by helping with environmental cleanup work thanks to a grant from the Waisman Center of Madison, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk said Friday. Dane County’s AmeriCorps-supported PASS (Partners in After School Success) has received the $3,550 grant to support the cleanup activities that will partner those with disabilities with PASS participants. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to help people with disabilities participate in public service,” Falk said. “And, for the youth involved with PASS, this is an opportunity for them to see what people with disabilities can do with a little help.” Individuals with disabilities interested in participating in the PASS cleanup activities are invited to attend a dance and informational meeting from 6 – 8:30 p.m. on June 21 at the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 S. Segoe Road, in Madison. The PASS program will use the Waisman Center grant to recruit participants and provide needed supplies to allow people with disabilities to volunteer in the planned environmental cleanup activities – which may include clearing trails and raking. The ARC-Wisconsin Disability Association also is a partner for the initiative. The PASS program supports Dane County students in academic achievement, community service projects and youth employment initiatives through a $311,241 grant from the Wisconsin National and Community Services Board that also is funding the AmeriCorps program adult leaders. To register for the cleanup activities or to get more information, contact James Mulder at the Waisman Center, 265-9440, Ext. 440. # # #