We are excited to share some incredible news with our San Juan Island community! The Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center has been awarded a grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center, as part of their 2025 Priority Impact Cycle Quality of Life grants.

This grant will allow us to expand and enhance support services for islanders living with paralysis and mobility challenges, furthering our mission to create an inclusive and supportive community for all.

What This Grant Means for Our Community

For decades, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has been a leader in supporting individuals and families affected by paralysis. Their Quality of Life grants program has distributed more than $46 million in funding to organizations working to increase accessibility and improve lives.

With this new grant, JLSFRC will be able to:

• Expand services for local residents living with paralysis.
• Enhance programs like YAAS! (Young Adult Association of San Juan) and P2P (Parent-to-Parent) to better support individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Increase inclusivity across community initiatives, ensuring that more islanders have access to meaningful resources, social connections, and advocacy.

Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation, explains the impact of these grants:

“Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”

A Commitment to Inclusion and Support

At the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, our mission is to provide resources, advocacy, education, and support to ensure that every islander has the opportunity to live a healthy, safe, and fulfilling life. This grant reinforces our commitment to fostering a community where no one feels left behind.

We are deeply grateful to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for their generosity and trust. This funding will directly impact local lives, providing essential services and new opportunities for those living with paralysis in our community.

What’s Next? Stay Tuned!

We can’t wait to put these funds to good use! In the coming months, we’ll be sharing updates on how this grant is helping to expand accessibility, build new programming, and strengthen support for individuals and families navigating paralysis and mobility challenges.

For more information about the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and their work, visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive San Juan Island community!