BANK OF AMERICA DONATES $15K TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES LIVE INDEPENDENTLY

Sacramento, California - Bank of America is helping people with developmental disabilities access
affordable housing and develop financial skills so they can live independently through a $15,000 Critical Needs grant to UCP of Sacramento and Northern California’s independent living program. UCP empowers people with developmental disabilities to live life without limits.

“Too often when someone is diagnosed with a disability, society assumes the only option is to forever lock that person into a life of dependency, which can be a drain on society and on the spirit of that person,” said Doug Bergman, UCP president and CEO. “We are grateful to Bank of America for recognizing that people with disabilities can live life without limits when they are empowered with the right tools.”

Serving 32 people each month, UCP’s independent living instructors provide individualized instruction tailored to each person’s specific goals. Instruction includes personal and social development, financial management, accessing affordable housing, health, nutrition, cooking, public transportation, navigating the health care system, safety, household management and self-advocacy. By helping people with disabilities live independently, the program reduces state costs by up to two-thirds.

Each month, UCP of Sacramento and Northern California serves 3,300 children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in Butte, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Shasta, Sutter and Yolo counties. Programs include Saddle Pals adaptive horseback riding, UCP’s Autism Center for Excellence at Sacramento State, adult day programs, independent living services, transportation and in-home respite care for families. For more information, visit www.ucpsacto.org.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports high-impact initiatives, organizations and the development of visionary leaders. Last year, the foundation contributed more than $200 million to address critical issues facing neighborhoods and communities. In June 2012, the foundation awarded more than $22 million in grants to more than 650 nonprofits addressing housing needs. Based on data provided by nonprofit partners, these funds are estimated to benefit more than 31 million people. The foundation’s Critical Needs grants focus on individuals struggling to provide basic necessities for their families. Support is focused on helping people at their point of need, from immediate human needs such as food and shelter to addressing financial wellness and stability issues facing low-income communities, such as access to benefits and resources. For more information, visit www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.