Fort Myers, FL – A local philanthropist and the Duffy’s Foundation each stepped up and pledged a $5,000 Matching Grant Challenge to benefit LARC, Inc. through March 31st. March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and LARC’s 64th anniversary. LARC, (Lee Association for Remarkable Citizens) has been providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lee County since 1954.
LARC provides services for approximately 300 local men and women annually through vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services. LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs. LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
“LARC is a training center for success,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director. “When individuals receive the training and resources they need, capabilities naturally surface and lives change for the better.”
Geri Emmitt with Duffy’s restaurants started ‘Duffy’s Foundation’ in honor of her late husband Paul. “We believe so much in the mission and goals of an independent, responsible life,” Emmitt said. “My late husband’s brother is autistic. Partnering with LARC is wonderful.”
“The majority of individuals enrolled in LARC services rely on Medicaid Waiver (iBudget) for funding which covers approximately 54% of the actual cost of services,” said Angela Katz Development Director for LARC. “These benefits are being threatened everyday which makes opportunities like this matching grant more important than ever. We are 75% to goal, together, we can double LARC’s impact and help individuals with disabilities achieve success!”
For more information, contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x229 or visit www.larcleecounty.org.
About Duffy’s Foundation:
The Duffy’s Foundation was founded in February 2016 and is committed to providing community enhancement by benefiting organizations and individuals who positively impact their local communities.
About LARC:
Since 1954, LARC’s mission is to promote and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work and participate in their communities to the fullest extent their capabilities allow. LARC, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that has served thousands of local residents and families since inception, and serves over 300 individuals annually. LARC offers vocational training, community residential services, community based services and an array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis. For more information about LARC, visit www.larcleecounty.org or call 239-334-6285.