Agency Gets Grant to Open Center for the Disabled

An agency that promotes the independence and empowerment of disabled people has received an $846,000 grant to establish an Independent Living Center, officials said Tuesday.

The nonprofit Community Rehabilitation Services said the State Department of Rehabilitation grant awarded two weeks ago will be used to provide peer counseling, job training and referrals, and financial planning to disabled people.

“The two primary needs for persons with disabilities are housing and livable income,” said Executive Director Al Rivera. “In general, persons with disabilities live on a fixed income provided by Social Security. We want the people to hear success stories from other disabled persons so they can know they can succeed independently.”