MADISON — Easterseals Wisconsin’s FARM Program was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Otto Bremer Trust, a bank holding company and private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn. Farmers with disabilities, whether due to injury, chronic illness, or debilitating conditions, in Bremer Bank communities in Northwest Wisconsin and throughout the state will benefit from the generosity of the philanthropic trust.
Since 1989, the FARM Program has offered resources and support to help people with disabilities achieve their goals of developing a successful farm operation or even begin an agricultural career. FARM Rural Rehabilitation Specialists deliver on-farm worksite and assistive technology assessments, which include equipment recommendations and workplace or work task modifications, to allow farmers to continue their agricultural enterprise and allow the farm to remain profitable.
“We are delighted to once again partner with the Otto Bremer Trust to help meet the ever-increasing demand for vocational rehabilitation services within the agricultural community here in Wisconsin,” says Paul Leverenz, Easterseals Wisconsin President and CEO. “Empowering people to sustain their way of life, not only for themselves but for their families, is why we do what we do at Easterseals Wisconsin. For nonprofits to receive support such as this from private investment proves that our communities are strongest when working together – seeing value in the investment today and what that means for our future.”
If you are a farmer or farm family member experiencing the effects of a disability, please contact the Easterseals Wisconsin FARM Program at 1-800-422-2324 or email info@eastersealswisconsin.com.
About Easterseals Wisconsin: For 95 years, Easterseals Wisconsin has provided services that help children and adults with disabilities gain greater independence. Easterseals Wisconsin’s primary services – vocational rehabilitation, respite services, camping and recreation, information and referral, and public education – benefit close to 10,000 individuals with disabilities and their families each year throughout Wisconsin. Visit eastersealswisconsin.com.
About the Otto Bremer Trust: The Otto Bremer Trust is a bank holding company and a private charitable trust based in Saint Paul, Minn., that works at the intersection of finance and philanthropy. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is today one of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations and is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. OBT is the majority owner of Bremer Financial Corporation, a regional financial services company; manages a diversified investment portfolio; and operates Community Benefit Financial Company, a financial resources subsidiary. Since its founding, OBT has invested more than $841 million in people, places, and opportunities in the Upper Midwest. Visit ottobremer.org.
— Easterseals Wisconsin
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