Parrott’s gift to provide home for people with brain injuries

By Rachel Cohen

Pathways to Independence has received a grant for $200,000 from the John M. & Bernice Parrott Foundation. The funds were donated to help the not for profit agency to build a new fully accessible home in Belleville for adults living with a developed brain injury.

Pathways to Independence provide community based living support to people with impairments in cognitive functioning.

“The support of the Parrott Foundation is critical to helping us achieve our dream,” said Lorrie Heffernan, executive director of Pathways to Independence.

The agency has a long-term plan to build fully accessible homes where needed, for people who have an acquired brain injury.

“Many of our clients are aging, and homes that were suitable many years ago, no longer meet their needs,” said Deborah Paus, manager of human resources and administration of Pathways.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of the Parrott Foundation who helped us renovate our facility back in 2007,” said Paus.

With the donation from the Parrott Foundation, the new home will be built in Belleville, and is closer to the amenities of a larger, more urban environment. The people Pathways support who currently live in the Stirling area, will be able to access a greater range of community-based services, medical support and leisure activities when they move into their new home later this year.

“Without the support of the Parrott Foundation, our dream would take us much longer to realize, and we are grateful to the Parrott Foundation for their generous support,” said Heffernan.

According to Pathways, many people in the community who have an acquired brain injury live with and depend upon the support of their families to meet their daily needs.

Marguerite Cooke, president of the John M. & Bernice Foundation wrote in a news release: “Each year, the Foundation receives many requests for support which fall within its mandate which is to assist in improving the quality of life in the Quinte area. We are pleased to support Pathways to Independence in its excellent work.”