Bello Machre Awarded $10,000 Grant from Bank of America to Support Individuals with Disabilities

PRESS RELEASE
Date: December 8, 2014

Contact: Tracy Lynott – Director, Development
443.702.3016

Bello Machre Awarded $10,000 Grant from Bank of America
to Support Individuals witt Disabilities   

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD: Bello Machre is pleased to announce today that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to welcome four adults into one of its new wheelchair-accessible homes.

“Bello Machre’s work with people who are developmentally disabled is incredibly important to the Anne Arundel community,” said David Millman, Maryland and Baltimore Market President, Bank of America. “Immediate shelter needs and supportive housing are a critical necessity, especially for vulnerable individuals and families.”

“The need for services for people with developmental disabilities has exploded,” Dr. Robert T. Ireland, President and CEO of Bello Machre stated. “Currently, there are more than 7,690 people on the Maryland Development of Disability Administration waiting list.”

Of the 7,690 people, 1,274 of them on the waiting list are in crisis prevention and need immediate services to avoid a potential crisis due to an aging caregiver or unstable living situation. “Bello Machre continues to have people knocking on its doors in need of emergency services,” Dr. Ireland said. “We sincerely appreciate Bank of America’s support and generosity.”

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation announced $270,000 in grants to 17 nonprofits in the Baltimore area addressing critical needs, such as hunger and shelter to longer term solutions that promote financial wellness through access to benefits and resources.

Bello Machre, founded in 1972, means Home of My Heart in Gaelic. It is a non-profit organization in Anne Arundel Country, Maryland that provides homes and support to children, teens, adults, and seniors with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to enrich the lives of those served through loving care, guidance, and opportunity so that they can live life to its fullest. Many of the people served live in its 57 community homes located throughout Central Maryland. Bello Machre also provides help and support to hundreds of children and adults in their own homes. The Hertha and Jesse Adams Ray of Hope Program offers assistance with expenses such as specialized summer camp, physical therapy and adaptive equipment. Trained and caring staff also provides residential respite care, during family hospitalizations, emergencies, and vacations—24-hours a day – seven days a week. Bello Machre is there to help with whatever is needed, empowering people with developmental disabilities to live life to its fullest.

###