Revised - ECF Earns $100,000 Grant from S. Mark Taper Foundation

Culver City, CA, March 08, 2018 --(PR.com)-- The Exceptional Children’s Foundation (ECF) received a $100,000 grant award for its Early Start program from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. ECF’s Early Start program provides early intervention and educational services for families with infants and toddlers (ages 0-3) who have or are at risk of developmental disabilities/delays, which maximize child development. The program also supports parents and siblings in learning how to actively participate in helping their family member who is living with special needs.

ECF’s Early Start program serves over 2,000 participants annually from two program sites: one in the West Adams District of Los Angeles and the other in the City of Arleta in San Fernando Valley. Nearly 96% of the families served are low-income or poverty level.

“This investment by the S. Mark Taper Foundation ensures ECF can provide families in need with access to the highest quality of services in safe and nurturing settings,” says Scott Bowling, President and CEO of ECF.

The grant funds will be used towards important health and safety improvements, and the purchase of therapeutic equipment. The public funding received for program operations cannot be used for capital expenses by ECF, nor does it fully cover the nonprofit’s expenses for the comprehensive range of specialized services it provides to children living with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injuries or the costs of family supports like Parent & Me classes, nutritional assistance, parenting education, and counseling.

The S. Mark Taper Foundation also provided funds in 2004 for ECF to open a program site to serve adults with developmental disabilities at 1430 Venice Boulevard in the Pico-Union district of Los Angeles, named the S. Mark Taper Foundation Center for Exceptional Citizens in honor of their generous support.

“We are pleased to support ECF’s important work as they help create successful futures for individuals with special needs,” says Adrienne Wittenberg, Executive Director of S. Mark Taper Foundation.