CLEARFIELD – Resource Alternatives, a support group for Community Connections of Clearfield/Jefferson Counties, has set up a new fund with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation.
The fund will help provide monies to Community Connections of Clearfield/Jefferson Counties, which was formerly known as the Clearfield/Jefferson Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program.
Jack Green, one of the men who originated the fund, explained how the group was formed in 1984. At that time, surplus state money was available to mental health/mental retardation programs but only if the funds could be matched by the organization.
Those involved with Clearfield/Jefferson Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program decided to form a committee to raise money to match the state money.
“It was an easy sell,” Green said, “a good methodology.”
This effort was spearheaded by Donald Georgino and Pat Hildebrand.
Green said they wanted to “change Harrisburg” so these programs could be funded without having to raise the additional money. Eventually legislators agreed and the conditions were altered allowing funding without the requirement of matching funds.
The money left from previous fundraisers is being used to start the new fund, which will continue to support the programs of Community Connections. In the past, the group has raised money by doing mailings, which were very successful. With the start of the fund with CCCF, Green said they hope to get back to raising money again.
Green thanked attorney Kim Kesner for his part in setting up the fund and also acknowledged Nancy Micks, CCCF board member, for her assistance.
The mission of Community Connections of Clearfield/Jefferson Counties is to provide the people of its communities with the resources needed to live meaningful lives, according to information provided by CCC-J.
CCC-J provides a variety of services for those with an intellectual disability, including home and community habitation, transitional work service, supported employment, transportation, home accessibility adaptations, nursing and therapy services and more; and behavioral health services, including vocational rehabilitation programs, student assistance programs, crisis services, housing support services, suicide prevention, psychiatric rehabilitation, disaster crisis outreach and referral team. More information is available on their website, www.ccc-j.com.
Contributions to Resource Alternatives or any of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation’s funds can be made at the foundation Web site, www.Clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org or can be mailed to: P.O. Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830.
Established in 2004, the purpose of the CCCF is to enhance the quality of life in Clearfield County through the support of services that promote health, education, social welfare, public and urban affairs, arts and culture, conservation and the environment.
The CCCF welcomes inquiries from potential donors or those interested in establishing funds to benefit local communities and organizations. Additional information regarding the Foundation is available at the foundation’s Web site or by calling 814-592-7331.