Next in our series of posts about new Charitocracy nominees, we have nominee Sabrina Cohen Foundation, nominated by donors Alistair and Rebecca. They improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities by providing adaptive fitness and beach access. You can find their web site here.
A few words on Charitocracy
Firstly, for newcomers: here's how it works. Donors pool their monthly contributions, as little as $1. The cause with the most votes each month wins the pot. No matter how much or how little you contribute, each donor at Charitocracy gets one vote. This is where charity meets democracy. So please share this post (see social sharing icons at top of post) and ask your friends to join us and vote! That's how we spread the word and, as a result, grow the monthly pot. The bigger the pot, the bigger our positive impact on the world!
About nominee Sabrina Cohen Foundation
Exercise is an activity many people enjoy to strengthen bodies and calm minds. It is especially beneficial for those living with catastrophic illness, injury and secondary health conditions related to long-term disabilities. In many communities, however, gyms and leisure centers are “no-go zones” for the disabled because these facilities often lack ramps, lifts and automatic doors, making them difficult to navigate. High membership fees, inaccessible locker rooms, no specialized equipment and inexperienced staff members are some of the common barriers that can prevent disabled people from participating.
Since 2013, SCF has been working with the City of Miami Beach to develop more inclusive outdoor spaces. On July 23, 2014 the City Commission voted unanimously to approve SCF’s plan to create a fully accessible beach and adaptive playground for kids with special needs on Collins Avenue. To best compliment these outdoor activities, the development of an adaptive recreation center will provide a “go-to” destination offering beach access to participants, with full-time specialized staff, a dedicated place to store all personal belongings (wheelchairs), plus adaptive beach equipment, shelter from rainy days and an indoor first aid station.
SCF will play a leading role in the day-to-day management of the center and fundraising initiatives – partnering with veteran associations and various disability related organizations.
Our History
From 2006 to 2012, SCF focused on raising funds to support scientists advancing the field of Regenerative Medicine. SCF donated research grants to the University of California, Irvine, where studies of restoring mobility in paralyzed rats and research on spinal cord injuries yielded the world’s first-ever FDA approved embryonic stem cell treatment to be tested in humans; to Dr. Joshua Hare, Cardiologist and Director of the University of Miami Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, where he is currently using adult stem cells in clinical trials treat heart disease; and to Dr. Sally Temple, co-Founder and Scientific Director of the New York Neural Stem Cell Institute, to support their Optic Nerve Injury Program.
As the spokesperson of SCF and the cause, Sabrina traveled all over the country to educate the public about the importance of moving this science forward.
So please visit the page of nominee Sabrina Cohen Foundation to vote for, like, or discuss this cause! And check out this 1 minute video illustrating their manifesto.