United Way of the Midlands (www.UnitedWayMidlands.org) and the UWM Foundation have awarded a new grant, and will soon be distributing third-year funding for another grant, on behalf of the Ellen C. Karnett Trust, which focuses its funding on the care, education and training of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Omaha metro area.
Ollie Webb Center’s new “First Chapter Book Club” received a first-time grant which will provide reading and socialization opportunities for high school students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It officially launched at Papillion LaVista, Papillion LaVista South, and Westside High Schools in mid-September. The Karnett Trust committee approved a three-year grant for the center’s club totaling $110,000.
Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI) is in Year 3 of the inaugural Karnett Trust grant for its “Autism Care for Toddlers” program that provides comprehensive, early intervention and clinical services for economically-disadvantaged and underserved toddlers diagnosed with autism. MMI’s 3-year grant totals $165,000.
The Ellen C. Karnett Trust, held through the United Way of the Midlands Foundation, is in its third year distributing funds to local programs. Ellen C. Karnett left the trust funds to United Way to administer her wishes to benefit children in our community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funds are distributed in honor of Ellen’s son, Richard.