Golden Gets $250G Grant for Guild To Help Disabled

April 12, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
Share this:

BAY RIDGE — A non-profit organization dedicated to helping the developmentally disabled and their families is getting a $250,000 funding boost from New York state.

The Guild for Exceptional Children (G.E.C.) will be presented with a check by state Sen. Marty Golden (R-Bay Ridge/Marine Park) on Monday, April 16, at its headquarters at 260 68th St.  Golden obtained a grant for the guild through the New York State Economic Development Assistance Program, according to guild officials.

“The G.E.C. is deeply grateful to Senator Golden for his continuing efforts to help improve the quality of life for people living with developmental disabilities,” Paul Cassone, G.E.C. executive director, said.

The money will be used toward the purchase of a new building to house programs for the G.E.C.’s senior citizen clients, Cassone said.

Subscribe to our newsletters

“I am proud to have awarded this funding to the Guild for Exceptional Children so to increase their operations and serve more of our most needy,” Golden said.

The G.E.C. was founded in 1958 by a group of Bay Ridge parents of developmentally disabled children who were dissatisfied with the public education system and with what they perceived as a lack of services for their youngsters.

Today, the G.E.C. serves more than 2,000 people, from infants to senior citizens, with developmental disabilities. The agency provides housing, therapy, educational programs, vocational classes and job training for clients. There are also support services for parents and families of the disabled.

The G.E.C. sponsors more than 20 residential group homes in Brooklyn. The group homes accommodate eight to 10 individuals who live with a home care attendant. The residents travel back and forth to the guild headquarters for classes and job training, officials said.

“Since 1958, the guild has been an integral part of our community and their work must continue,” Golden said.
    
— Paula Katinas
    Brooklyn Daily Eagle


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment