WICHITA — The Golden Belt Community Foundation's partnership with Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas Inc. (CPRF) supports the organization’s new endowment campaign.
This campaign will support CPRF’s Wheelchair & Posture Seating Clinic and Equipment Fund programs, which provide customized seating systems and funding for assistive technology/medical equipment for people with all types of disabilities in Barton, Rush, Pawnee and Stafford counties. For decades, CPRF has served adults and children in this area who otherwise may not receive the services or equipment they need. As one of only three Medicaid-approved seating clinics in Kansas, the services provided by CPRF are critical for individuals with disabilities like Christopher Schneweis-Trickey, a long-time CPRF client and Great Bend resident.
Christopher’s story
“Christopher received his first wheelchair when he was about 3 from CPRF. He is now 16,” said Christine, Christopher’s mom. “Not only his growth but changes in his physical condition have made modifications and several new chairs necessary. All have been provided through CPRF. They take the time to listen to me as well as check Christopher in regard to the wheelchair to make sure he is comfortable, the wheelchair fits him correctly, and it is operating properly.”
The seating systems built by CPRF are designed specifically for people who use a wheelchair as their primary or sole mode of mobility, with each chair customized to its user.
“Christopher’s chair has several features that allow him to be more comfortable,” she said. “The chair not only tilts back but also reclines. It has an adjustable head/neck support and lateral supports. The most recent modification is a customized air cushion seat. Living in Great Bend, we are 2+ hours from most of Christopher’s medical providers. Having a specialized chair to accommodate those long days has been a huge blessing for both Christopher and me. As a single parent of a young man who is well over 100 pounds, I am not able to lift him by myself but the features on the chair allow for repositioning when he has to be in the wheelchair for an extended time; particularly on those medical appointment trips.”
These systems don’t just provide mobility; they allow people to pursue their interests, gain independence, and improve their overall health and wellness.
“Christopher is a person who likes to get out and do things,” said Christine. “He enjoys going to church, to the library, movies, bowling, shopping, swimming, and for walks. Lying around in the house watching TV would not be his idea of an enjoyable day! His direct service care provider noticed that while taking walks he especially enjoyed it when she would run with him so we’ve started running. He will participate in his first 5K as an athlete rider with Ainsley’s Angels Rolling on the Prairie 5K in Haysville, Kansas, April 2, 2022.”
Although Kansas Rehabilitation Services and United Way of Central Kansas are long-time supporters of CPRF, the organization faces a sizeable funding shortfall each year to administer these programs in the Great Bend area.
“CPRF is truly blessed to have the generous support of the Golden Belt Community Foundation to assist in establishing this endowed fund,” said Patrick T. Jonas, CPRF President & CEO. “Those we serve in this area will undoubtedly benefit from this initiative, and we hope to soon reach our fundraising goal to allow for the ongoing support of these vital services for generations to come.”
This contribution initiates the CPRF Community Mobility Fund at the Golden Belt Community Foundation. This endowed, designated fund will support only those clients who reside in this area. The CPRF Board of Directors pledged a 20% match for all funds raised toward this $412,000 endowment fund goal. To find out more about this campaign and how to help, contact Jennifer Knight, CPRF Vice President of Development, at 316-652-1552 or jenniferk@cprf.org.
About CPRF
Founded in 1972, CPRF is a nonprofit organization that provides people with all types of disabilities of all ages the customized services, support, and technology they need in order to facilitate their chosen personal and economic independence, with a focus on mobility and employment. CPRF’s Wheelchair & Posture Seating Clinic addresses the needs of people with various types of physical disabilities, offering custom-built wheelchair seating systems. Since the program began in the 1980s, CPRF has built tens of thousands of systems for Kansans of all ages throughout the state. The CPRF Equipment Fund is a resource for people with disabilities throughout Kansas who need referral services, information, or financial assistance for medical devices and assistive technology.
About the Golden Belt Community Foundation
At $24 million in total assets and more than 185 funds under management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information call 620-792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.
