Maximus Foundation awards grant to Emory Valley Center for Enabling Technology
The Maximus Foundation awarded Emory Valley Center a $4,000 grant to help continue to deliver innovative programs that empower individuals and families.
Through the Maximus Foundation grant, Emory Valley Center obtained several pieces of enabling technology for assisting the people they support. The use of a variety of technology helps people they support achieve goals they have chosen for themselves to live more independently.
One of the more popular pieces is the “Oculus.” The Oculus is a piece of technology that gives people the opportunity to have real-life experiences without leaving their homes. By utilizing the Oculus, Amy P. was able to go virtual scuba diving and experience the Natural History Museum in London.
“Securing enabling technology for people we support gives them the opportunity to explore new experiences,” said Miranda McLain, the Emory Valley Center’s community innovation manager. “Especially people with limited mobility, they can go skydiving or swim with sharks virtually if they choose to, by using the Oculus.”
The Oculus is also used to assist people while they choose a place of employment by virtually touring different jobs, such as working in a factory or being a salon assistant. It can also be used to expose people to specific life experiences, like going to the dentist, before it actually occurs.
“During these extraordinary times, many organizations have stepped up to continue to be cornerstones of the community,” said John Boyer, Maximus Foundation chairman. “Not only is Emory Valley Center providing essential services, but through their programming and leadership, they uplift the most vulnerable members of the community during particularly challenging and important times. Emory Valley Center supports people, addresses their needs, and helps them keep reaching their goals and aspirations.
“With this award, we recognize Emory Valley Center for their critical role in building a foundation of strength and support within our community despite the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As the philanthropic arm of Maximus, the foundation extends the mission of the company by identifying and awarding grants to partners with specialized expertise to deliver results within the same populations and communities served by the public programs the company operates.
The Maximus Foundation is completely funded by Maximus and its employees, and provides grants to local community organizations with programs and projects in the areas of child and youth development, health and community development.