FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 22, 2026
Easterseals Central Illinois Receives $23,589 Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
HUDSON, IL — Easterseals Central Illinois is proud to announce that it has been awarded $23,589 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2025 Direct Effect 2nd Cycle. Fifty-six grants totaling $1,141,186 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that support individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 4,100 grants totaling $50 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-05).
The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program, awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Priority Impact grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.
“These grants represent more than funding—they represent freedom, possibility, and dignity for individuals living with paralysis,” said Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to improving everyday life for our community. We’re proud to support organizations nationwide that are expanding access and creating programs built on accessibility, care, and respect.”
Easterseals Central Illinois will use the grant at their Timber Pointe Outdoor Center for the installation of accessible automatic doors on both sides of two bathhouses and the pool house, increasing independence, safety, and dignity for campers living with paralysis.
“We are honored to receive this support from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and deeply grateful for their investment in accessibility, inclusion, and the individuals and families we serve. This grant will help create a more independent, safe, and welcoming experience for our campers at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center.” — Melissa Riddle, President and CEO of Easterseals Central Illinois
About the Reeve Foundation:
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 139,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
Reeve Foundation
media@reeve.org
About Easterseals Central Illinois
For 106 years, Easterseals Central Illinois has provided exceptional services to help children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs reach their full potential. Today, we continue to offer a wide range of programs and support that empower children, adults, and families to thrive and achieve independence.
