Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation Awards $17,000 Grant to MHA

SPRINGFIELD — The Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation has awarded a $17,000 grant over two years to MHA Inc. to help upgrade and repair two of the nonprofit organization’s community-based residences for people with developmental disabilities. The scope of work provided through the grant targets two of MHA’s residential programs located in Chicopee and will provide a new wheelchair-accessible ramp and roof repairs.

“There is a tremendous need for community-based housing for residents who face a variety of life challenges resulting from developmental disabilities,” said Cheryl Fasano, president and CEO of MHA. “This $17,000 grant, which recognizes MHA’s long-standing commitment to provide innovative, community-based housing for people with disabilities, helps to ensure that our residences are in a good state of repair and fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. We are thrilled that the Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation is a willing partner with MHA to ensure that our residents can live in the community in comfortable, welcoming homes.”

MHA’s developmental-disability homes based in Chicopee serve adults facing challenges such as severe developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autistic disorder, epilepsy/seizure disorder, and blindness.

“On behalf of the foundation’s board of directors,” said William Wagner, foundation president, “we are pleased to lend our support to MHA, an organization that has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities residing in our community for many years.”