Press Release: United Way of Northern Ozaukee Awards $15,000 Grant to Balance Inc. to Enhance Children's Social Skills Program.
Grafton, May 10, 2024 —
United Way of Northern Ozaukee approved a $15,000 grant to Balance Inc. to support Balance’s Children's Social Skills Program. This grant will bolster the impactful efforts of Balance Inc. in providing essential services to children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) within Ozaukee County.
Balance’s Social Skills Program fosters relationship-centered development for children with IDD from ages 5 to 17. Focusing on individualized growth, this program offers a nurturing environment where participants are encouraged to thrive through peer-to-peer interactions, volunteer mentorship, community engagement, and supportive relationships with dedicated staff.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support of United Way of Northern Ozaukee County," said Lillian Short, Development Coordinator, at Balance "This generous grant enables us to continue empowering children with IDD to navigate social settings confidently.”
The program's comprehensive approach integrates various activities and community experiences, including dance classes, music workshops, animal encounters, art projects, and enriching community outings.
United Way of Northern Ozaukee is dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance the lives of individuals and families throughout our community. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit unitedwayno.org
Since 1991, Balance has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities by providing programs that promote and respond to each person’s goals, dreams, and needs.
Balance strives to empower each individual in determining the direction of their life.
Balance’s community-based programs also enhance our communities’ capacity to understand and embrace individuals with special needs.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Barbara Bates Nelson
United Way of Northern Ozaukee
Executive Director
unitedwayno@gmail.com
Robin Malek
Balance Inc.
Director of Fund Development and Marketing
rmalek@balanceinc.org
Lake Michigan Bird Observatory visiting Balance’s Children’s Social Skills program. Participants learned about birds and made their own birds to take home.
Our Social Skills group went to visit Concordia Universities Pet Therapy Lab in Mequon, Wisconsin, where they learned about therapy animals and met therapy dog Sage.
Social Skills participant Jack with Grafton’s Chief of Police during a tour of the Grafton Police Station. On this tour participants got a tour from the Chief and learned about how the police department works.
