Introducing the Winners of the 2020 Inclusive Community Development Awards by the Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development
In 2020, the Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development introduced the Inclusive Community Development Awards Program. The purpose of the awards is to raise the visibility of financial institutions and community-based organization’s activities that are promising and exemplary in support of low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals with disabilities to improve their financial stability and health and be more active participants in adding value to our nation’s economy.
Nominations were evaluated on innovation, responsiveness, collaboration and impact in building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families. Focus areas included: workforce development, affordable and accessible housing, small business development, financial literacy and counseling, adaptive technology, digital literacy and digital access.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the First Annual Inclusive Community Development Awards. Each of our winners have created unique initiatives that support people with disabilities in low- and moderate-income communities. All of our winners demonstrated innovation, impact and inclusiveness that contributed not only to the vibrancy of their communities, but created economic and employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well. — Michael Roush, Director, CDICD
In 2020, the Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development introduced the Inclusive Community Development Awards Program. The purpose of the awards is to raise the visibility of financial institutions and community-based organization’s activities that are promising and exemplary in support of low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals with disabilities to improve their financial stability and health and be more active participants in adding value to our nation’s economy.
Nominations were evaluated on innovation, responsiveness, collaboration and impact in building a better financial future for people with disabilities and their families. Focus areas included: workforce development, affordable and accessible housing, small business development, financial literacy and counseling, adaptive technology, digital literacy and digital access.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the First Annual Inclusive Community Development Awards. Each of our winners have created unique initiatives that support people with disabilities in low- and moderate-income communities. All of our winners demonstrated innovation, impact and inclusiveness that contributed not only to the vibrancy of their communities, but created economic and employment opportunities for people with disabilities as well. — Michael Roush, Director, CDICD
2020 Awardees
If you have questions about the Inclusive Community Development Awards, please send an email to ask@ndi-inc.org.
The CDICD is sponsored by:
2020 Inclusive Community Development Awardees
Regions Foundation
Mission: The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
When we invest in innovative workforce development programs, we’re also investing in the potential and the future of each person who is part of them. We’re making a contribution that can help create a positive ripple effect, lasting for years to come. — Marta Self, Executive Director, Regions Foundation.
Regions Bank
Mission: Regions’ mission is to achieve superior economic value for our shareholders over time by making life better for our customers, our associates and our communities and creating shared value as we help them meet their financial goals and aspirations.
Regions Bank has proudly supported Paraquad’s mission to empower people with disabilities for the past 10 years through financial support and the volunteerism of our associates. This community collaboration among Paraquad, LaunchCode, Regions Bank and the Regions Foundation elevates that support to an entirely new level with the focus on removing employment and economic barriers for people with disabilities. It promotes long-term opportunities for people with disabilities to learn valuable new skills, meaningfully contribute in the workplace and thrive in their personal lives. — Nancy Barnes-Ault, Community Relations Officer for Regions Bank in Missouri
Paraquad
Mission: Paraquad empowers people with disabilities to increase their independence through choice and opportunity.
We are honored to be recognized for the Inclusive Community Development Award. As we celebrate 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we acknowledge the inequities that still exist for people with disabilities, particularly around employment. The partnership with the Regions Foundation, LaunchCode and Paraquad expands opportunities by offering free tech education and job readiness training to people with disabilities in a supportive environment. Together, we are investing in the future of people with disabilities and I could not be more grateful. — Aimee Wehmeier, Paraquad President
LaunchCode
Mission: To build a skilled workforce by creating pathways for driven people seeking careers in technology.
LaunchCode is committed to providing accessible pathways to family-sustaining tech careers for people of all backgrounds and experiences. As we continue to change the face of tech talent, we are thrilled to engage and train a dynamic group of students with disabilities through our partnership with Paraquad, Regions Foundation and Regions Bank. This effort is helping St. Louisans with disabilities into high wage, upwardly-mobile tech careers, and it’s also allowing LaunchCode to gain insight from Paraquad about better serving our students with disabilities in future classes. We are grateful for this opportunity to make our training more inclusive and welcoming to community members of all abilities. — Jeff Mazur, Executive Director of LaunchCode
Iowa ABLE Foundation
Mission: The Iowa Able Foundation helps people of all abilities become financially independent by providing solutions to financial needs and empowering Iowans to achieve financial goals.
The Iowa Able Foundation is proud of the partnership with Easterseals Iowa that values and supports the collaborative efforts to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain independence in their homes, workplaces, and communities. It is for this reason that we are so pleased that Easterseals Iowa was selected as one of the awardees for the 2020 Inclusive Community Development Award. The Easterseals team are so deserving of recognition for all their efforts to support individuals with disabilities overcome the financial obstacles to improve their lives. — Anna Magnusson, Executive Director, Iowa Able Foundation
Easterseals Iowa
Mission: Easterseals Iowa provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
I am so thankful to work with such dedicated and compassionate team members in the Easterseals Assistive Technology Program. We would not be able to serve more than 3000 Iowans annually without the support of great partners like Iowa Able. It is through this collaborative effort, that we are able to make a life-changing difference for so many Iowans. We are so incredibly honored to be recognized for the Inclusive Community Development Award, and this would not have been possible without our partnership with Iowa Able Foundation. — Tracy Keninger, Rural Solutions and Assistive Technology Program Director, Easterseals Iowa
Houston Financial Inclusion Working Group
Mission: The goal of the Houston Financial Inclusion Working Group is to improve financial stability of LMI people with disabilities through actively engaging clients in mainstream financial products and services, promoting financial education to ensure accessibility and inclusion and help clients overcome credit barriers through financial resource fairs, webinars and workshops and one-on-one financial coaching through its partnering agencies.
Easter Seals Greater Houston is honored to accept this award on behalf of our Houston Financial Inclusion Working Group. As co-chair of our committee, I was absolutely elated to hear the news of the award! I feel this national recognition will not only shed light on the important collaborative work we are doing for our disability community here in Houston, but hopefully create a spark for other cities to follow our lead and spearhead change for people with disabilities through similar community partnerships. — Carmen Phillips, Montgomery County Program Coordinator and Housing/Financial Coach, Easter Seals Greater Houston
JPMorgan Chase
I am very appreciative of this wonderful award to our Houston Financial Inclusion Working Group and to the Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development. At JPMorgan Chase, nearly everyone at our firm is touched, either personally or through a loved one, by a physical, intellectual or mental health challenge. We aim to grow a culture that fosters a greater awareness and appreciation of the unique backgrounds, styles and perspectives our employees offer. This award is very much appreciated and will be shared with all.— Dora Cantu, Community Engagement, JPMorgan Chase.
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Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development (CDICD)
National Disability Institute’s Center for Disability-Inclusive Community Development works to improve the financial health and well-being of low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals with disabilities and their families by increasing awareness and usage of the opportunities and resources available under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
