News & Stories
Opening Doors to Inclusion and Belonging
Being treated with dignity, having autonomy, and getting the chance to participate in a variety of activities are necessary ingredients that contribute to a positive quality of life. Grand Traverse Industries (GTI)—a Traverse City organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—strives to provide their clients with opportunities to engage with each other and the local community. Since 2023, our diversity, equity, inclusion funding has supported both accessible transportation and recreation at GTI.
"For us, inclusivity means that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can attend community events and activities,” said Cindy Evans, GTI’s Executive Director. “Grant funding from the Community Foundation has opened up more opportunities for our team members to participate in the rich and diverse fabric of community life.”
Along with offering access to community activities, GTI helps individuals with disabilities find employment with local businesses and provides enrichment programs for those using their services. Their goal is keeping team members active and involved in vibrant social lives.
In 2023, GTI received one of our diversity, equity, inclusion grants for a weekly accessible Bay Area Transportation Authority bus to take members to arts and recreation events. The organization’s 2024 diversity, equity, inclusion grant sponsored an automatic opener for the door leading to their ADA-accessible Friendship Park.
Friendship Park features a wheelchair swing, a recreation area, raised garden beds, benches and picnic tables, and a memorial garden for past employees. Cindy described it as a place of peaceful contemplation, but noted that, without the automatic opener, participants with wheelchairs would have needed the park door opened for them every time they wanted to go outside. Community Foundation funding offered an opportunity for wheelchair users to have autonomy in their access to nature.
“For us, it’s about everyone having access to work, recreation, community, and public events,” Cindy said, “Our partnership with the Community Foundation makes a difference.”
Writer: Alex Daily