Able News has embraced becoming a true storyteller. Whether you’ve been a long-time reader of Able News, or are fairly new to our readership community, you’ve likely noticed it has transformed its news style over this past year. Our pages are now filled with diverse perspectives on topics impacting the disability community, narratives of success, articles that educate and focus on health, sports, culture, travel, and words that encourage advocacy—all powerful stories.
Through these stories we’re connecting with our readers. Recently, we learned just how deep their connection to the stories we share have become. John Kornreich, a staunch subscriber who peruses each issue from cover to cover, has paid particular attention to pieces about programs, resources, and budding entrepreneurs with disabilities.
As a result of Able News’ reporting, John and his wife Janet have been inspired to take action, establishing what he describes as a “venture philanthropy” fund to provide support to up and coming disability-owned small businesses and disability-focused community-based programs and resources. Longtime supporters of The Viscardi Center, John and Janet Kornreich are bestowing donor-designated grants through the Viscardi Investment Program (VIP) to organizations that align with, and expand upon, Viscardi’s mission to educate, employ, and empower children and adults with disabilities.
Nearly two dozen organizations have been selected to receive funding to enhance their own mission. This one-time funding commitment is supporting a wide range of initiatives from adapted competitive sports to expanding digital accessibility to the disability community to summer camp and employment opportunities for disabled youth. Recipients also include a company providing a solution to the lack of ride-share accessible transportation on Long Island, in particular, and a forward-thinking nonprofit dedicated to empowering parents with all types of disabilities to help them and their children thrive.
When asked about the impetus behind setting up this program, Mr. Kornreich said, “With these diverse investments, The Viscardi Center can extend its own mission to empower people with physical disabilities to reach their potential beyond its own doors to entrepreneurial organizations with a similar mission.”
As the Oscar Wilde quote goes, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” We would not be more flattered than if you’re inspired to pay it forward too. Become part of our story by becoming part of someone else’s, just like John and Janet Kornreich.