Funds to support Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation recently awarded the West Virginia University Eye Institute a grant of $76,380 to continue the Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) in the Greater Kanawha Valley area.
By working with community partners, children with incurable vision loss in the area will be able to receive vision evaluations, support, devices, and instructions. The children will gain access to the visual environment independently, thus making employability a reality.
“Through its support of the Children’s Vision Rehabilitation Program, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation has improved the quality of life and provided tools for success to children with little or no sight in West Virginia,” Rebecca Coakley, CVRP program director, said. “This foundation has been a steadfast supporter of our mission. The long-term relationship has allowed this partnership to take root in the community and flourish.”
The foundation has provided the WVU Eye Institute grants to support children’s low vision rehabilitation in the Greater Kanawha Valley area since 2004.
“We are grateful for the continued support the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation provides the WVU Eye Institute to help children with low vision receive the same opportunities as their sighted peers,” Ronald L. Gross, M.D., director of the WVU Eye Institute and chair of the WVU Department of Ophthalmology, said.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation was created in 1962 by and for the people of the Greater Kanawha Valley area and encompasses a six-county region. It is the largest community foundation in the state of West Virginia. The vision of the foundation is to enrich the lives of those they serve — their contributors, beneficiaries, and community — by being the premier provider of philanthropic and charitable services for all citizens in the region.
“The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is pleased to support the efforts of the WVU Eye Institute as it provides quality care for children with low vision,” Becky Ceperley, president and CEO of the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, said. “This care allows the children to reach their full potential.”
The contribution was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $750 million comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2015.