National Wellness Month: Fostering Wellness and Opportunities This August

The Importance of Wellness for All

Wellness encompasses more than just physical health; it includes mental, emotional, and social well-being. For people with disabilities and mental health needs, achieving holistic wellness can sometimes present unique challenges. Access to recreational, educational, and entertainment activities plays a crucial role in promoting a sense of well-being, inclusion, and joy. These experiences not only enrich lives but also empower individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

About the Wellness & Opportunity Fund

The Wellness & Opportunity Fund was established to honor former CRi President and CEO Dennis J. Manning upon his retirement from CRi. This fund is a testament to Manning's unwavering dedication to the respect, well-being, and independence of the individuals supported by CRi. Throughout his career, he passionately advocated for creating opportunities for hope, recovery, dignity, and leading full lives for those with disabilities and mental health needs.

Manning shared that his lifelong mission has been to work tirelessly on behalf of individuals, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. The Wellness & Opportunity Fund embodies this vision, aiming to provide critical support to over 1,000 individuals each year. This includes people supported in CRi's transitional or permanent homes and day program settings and the 700+ community members who receive services and support.

The need for such a fund has become more critical than ever. Virginia Medicaid, CRi's primary funding source, does not cover many essential services like dental care, psychiatric co-pays, and numerous prescriptions. Additionally, previously-covered services such as recreational opportunities and special therapeutic interventions, including art therapy, are increasingly constrained or very rarely funded. This is why the Wellness & Opportunity Fund matters. It is designed to bridge the gap left by these funding constraints, ensuring that individuals supported by CRi have access to the comprehensive care and opportunities they need to lead fulfilling lives.

Support Wellness & Opportunity Today!

How You Can Make a Difference

During National Wellness Month, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those we support by contributing to the Wellness & Opportunity Fund. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference. Your support helps us create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of learning, playing, and exploring. Your generous donations will help us provide:

• Recreational Activities: From art classes to sports events, your support will enable individuals to engage in activities that promote physical health and social interaction.
• Educational Programs: By funding educational opportunities, you can help individuals gain new skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their passions and goals.
• Entertainment Experiences: Your donations will allow us to organize outings to theaters, concerts, museums, and more, offering moments of joy and cultural enrichment.

The Wellness & Opportunity Fund is administered by the CRi Foundation Board of Directors, alongside other CRi Endowment Funds. The income generated from the Wellness & Opportunity Fund will be directly available to those supported by CRi, ensuring Manning's legacy of compassion and empowerment continues to impact lives for years to come.

From educational programs to recreational outings and entertainment activities, the Wellness & Opportunity Fund ensures that everyone has the chance to enjoy a full and vibrant life. To support enhancing the wellness and opportunities for those we serve, please consider making a donation today. 

Join Us in Celebrating Wellness

This National Wellness Month, let's come together to celebrate the importance of wellness for all. By donating to the Wellness & Opportunity Fund, you are not only supporting the well-being of individuals with disabilities and mental health needs but also fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Together, we can create a brighter, healthier, and more inclusive future for everyone. To learn more about who we are and how we support people in our community, visit us on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. 

Thank you for your generosity!