SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts has been awarded a Quality of Life Grant of $12,500 by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation toward funding the purchase and installation of an elevator to increase accessibility to its two-story building and theater.
The community arts organization is in the midst of an $875,000 building renovation and expansion project that also includes accessible bathrooms, an exterior ramp, and other features designed to make the center's programs and performances available to all.
The award was one of 73 grants totaling over $537,550 awarded by the foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers.
Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded 2,380 grants totaling over $17.6 million since 1999.
“We are honored to be supported by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation,” said MSA Director Margo Ghia in a news release.
“The need for an elevator is at the heart of our building renovation and expansion project. MSA's popular theater and dance studio are on the second floor of our historic building, and our goal is to make our building accessible for everyone who wants to attend a performance, participate in a class or enjoy a special event,” she added.
“The Saxtons River community and beyond depend on MSA as a vital contributor to the arts and quality of life in our region. The elevator and other accessibility features along with our building expansion that includes new studios, entrance and classroom space will enable us to meet the creative needs of our region for years to come,” Ghia explained.
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, at www.christopherreeve.org, 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.