Community foundations have provided another source of funding that enables Genesis to carry out more projects, enhance existing programs and realize new opportunities. We are grateful to each of the foundation boards for considering our requests and making greater things possible for people with disabilities and the staff who assist them.   During the last funding cycle, Genesis programs in three of our locations have benefitted from community foundation grant awards. 

 v The Warren County Philanthropic Partnership has funded the installation of two computer workstations in the commercial laundry there.  The workstations have greatly increased the efficiency of the operations supervisors and the computer work they do allowing them to spend more time on the floor monitoring work flow, consumers progress, and laundry staff. 

 v Because of the significant increase in the number of people being served by Genesis in Boone County after the closing of Good Connections Inc (GCI), Genesis offices and services will be moving to a new location in November – the old Hy-Vee building on 8^th Street.  That building has only one handicapped accessible exit.  The Boone County Endowment Fund has provided funding to help pay for the installation of a ramp, railing and lighting at the rear of the building.  Because that exit was constructed as a loading area for Hy-Vee, some reconstruction of the area will be necessary to install the ramp.  We hope to have it completed by the end of October.

 v The Buena Vista County Community Foundation has approved funding for a handicapped accessible exit at the rear of the Genesis building in Storm Lake.  The project there includes concrete work and an automatic door that will allow individuals who use wheelchairs, crutches or with mobility issues independent access to the rear of the building for emergency purposes or to access the recreation area there.  Through on-going fundraising efforts, the Storm Lake Discovery group has paid for the construction of a gazebo with a ramp in that area.