SHORT HILLS, N.J., June 29, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation announced it has awarded almost $425,000 in Quality of Life Grants to 69 nonprofit organizations in the United States. Twice yearly, the Quality of Life Grants Program rewards nonprofit organizations that mirror the Reeve Foundation's mission to enable individuals living with paralysis to live full and healthy lives. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program's inception, 2,055 grants totaling over $15.6 million have been awarded.

The Painted Turtle Gang Camp of Santa Monica, California received a $7,500 grant for the Spina Bifida and Paraplegia Family Weekend, which brings whole families together to experience empowering recreational activities, learn new methods of self-care from medical professionals, and foster peer support.

Another camp being supported by a Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grant is Lions Camp Tatiyee in Little Rock, Arkansas. This $4,000 grant will help to support camperships for children living with spinal cord injuries at a well-established, accessible camp. Campers that would not otherwise be able to attend camp to enjoy new experiences, meet new friends, increase their independence and self-esteem will be able to benefit from all that camp offers.

Gottsche Rehabilitation and Wellness Center based in Thermopolis, Wyoming was awarded a grant of $19,751 to support a project that will provide functional electrical stimulation motorized ergometry rehabilitation to its patients at the rural Cody, Wyoming center. No other facilities in this region currently offer this type of therapy.

One of three organizations in Florida that received a Quality of Life Grant was awarded to Stand Among Friends, located in Boca Raton. The $5,500 grant will support a career-focused Assistive Technology Initiative for college students and adults living with disabilities. The program uses Assistive Technology as a key component of a larger professional placement program called Careerability, which includes vocational evaluation, pre-placement training, internships, on-the-job training, placement, job coaching and long term success mentoring.

"The Reeve Foundation believes that each of the nearly six million Americans living with paralysis deserves access to the best programs and services available. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports other nonprofit organizations that not only believe in that same independence, but achieve great success in carrying out their programs' missions," said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. "We are honored to recognize these organizations which empower those affected by paralysis."

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grants program was conceived by the late Dana Reeve to address the myriad needs of children and adults with paralysis and other mobility impairments and their families. Grants support critical life-enhancing and life-changing initiatives that improve physical and emotional health and increase independence. Funded projects offer a diversity of services and approaches: improving access; providing education and job training; sponsoring organized sporting activities; and much more. Quality of Life grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Award #1U59DD000838).

About the Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at http://www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

Janelle LoBello (973) 379-2690 ext. 7111 JLoBello@ChristopherReeve.org

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Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Awards 69 Nonprofit Organizations Quality of Life Grants