Landrum Endowment Fund Awards Grants To Ross Special Needs Projects

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(Chillicothe) – The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities, known locally as the Pioneer Center, are announcing two Ross County projects have received funding through the Landrum Endowment Fund. These grants will support projects related to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ross County. 

The Landrum Endowment Fund’s third annual grant round was designed to support nonprofit and public organizations serving those with developmental disabilities in Ross County by working across the areas of community advocacy, inclusion, and employment, while also supporting parents and families. More than $25,000 was awarded to two recipients.  

“The Pioneer Center is pleased to once again support projects in Ross County through the Landrum Endowment Fund,” said RCBDD Superintendent Amy Beeler. “This year’s funded projects will make sure those with developmental disabilities have better access to Ross County’s beautiful outdoor spaces with their families and peers.” 

The 2022 Landrum Endowment grant recipients are: 

Camp Cattail, Inc. received funding for the pond and dock improvement project. The dock and pond are used by people with disabilities during summer camps and throughout the year. Grant funding will allow Camp Cattail to remove trees and overgrown brush around the pond, as well as renovate the dock which is more than two decades old. Repairs to the grounds will increase accessibility for those in wheelchairs. 

Ross County Park District received funding for the Don Coppel Athletic Complex ADA parking and sidewalk project. The mission of the Ross County Park District is to provide the best possible outdoor experience for Ross County citizens through nature conservation and education, health, and wellness opportunities. Funding will support increased access to the shelter house at the Coppel Athletic Complex and the trail at the Earl H. Barnhart’s “Buzzard’s Roost” Nature Preserve. The Ross County Park District will install an ADA-designated concrete parking space and sidewalks to the shelter house. Funding also will be used to widen and clear trails, as well as to purchase a power electric wheelchair designed to navigate rugged terrain at Buzzard’s Roost. This wheelchair will be available at no cost to the community, allowing increased access for people to enjoy nature. 

The Landrum Endowment Fund was created in 2016 after George Landrum, a lifelong resident of Ross County, left an endowment of $1.2 million to support the Ross County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Pioneer Center. George’s brother, John Landrum, received more than 30 years of service from the center. Learn more about the Pioneer Center atwww.rossdd.org.   

Since 1998, FAO has been working with donors who are passionate about Appalachian Ohio, its communities, and its future. The organization helps donors give back in ways that are meaningful – to them and to our region.