AFHLE, HUNGARIAN HOUSE RECEIVES $24,999 QUALITY OF LIFE GRANT FROM THE CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION FOR A SUPERTRAC WHEELCHAIR LIFT

“For Immediate Release.”
(New York, NY) – (August 20, 2024) – AFHLE, HUNGARIAN HOUSE is proud to announce that it has been awarded ($24,999) as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2024 Direct Effect 1st Cycle Quality of Life grants. Seventy-three grants totaling $1,472,579 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations empowering individuals with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,800 grants totaling $44 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.

The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. "These grants are dedicated to restoring independence to our community members," stated Dan McNeal, Director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. "Our primary mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with paralysis. We are honored to collaborate with numerous committed organizations that tirelessly ensure accessibility and inclusivity and are integral to their programs."

AFHLE, Hungarian House is frequented by hundreds of elderly community members monthly for programs/events, but those living with paralysis and who wish to attend are dissuaded by the fact that the only access to the main hall is by stairs. Faced with the obstacles presented by the mid 19th century structure and dimensions, the solution to enhance access was difficult. AFHLE, Hungarian House has purchased the Garaventa Super Trac-52 portable inclined platform wheelchair lift, unique in the wheelchair lift market, and all this was made possible in thanks to the award from the Reeve Foundation,

Ilona Beatrice Polyak, the general manager of Hungarian House of New York, expressed how greatly community members will be impacted by the new wheelchair lift “because not only will the individual living with paralysis be able to join in the activities their peers and other community members regularly participate in, but their families and caregivers will also be able to engage with their loved ones in an environment that fosters togetherness and offers local neighborhood support.” Having a wheelchair lift “opens the opportunity to attend film screenings, musical performances, theatrical renditions, book talks, and numerous other events that are otherwise difficult if not impossible to currently access at our facility. This generous grant enables Hungarian House to enhance the quality of life for dozens of our patrons, members, and guests.”

AFHLE, Hungarian House is honored to receive this grant award and deeply thanks The Reeve Foundation. “The Hungarian House is located in a beautiful old building from the 19th century, but unfortunately inaccessible for many of our community members. Your donation made a real difference in enabling enhanced ability for us to cater to all of our constituents!” Arpad Krizsan, President of the Board.

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 130,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence.
We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), as part of a financial assistance award totaling $8,700,000 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The content is those of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by ACL/HHS or the U.S. government.

About AFHLE, Hungarian House:

The American Foundation for Hungarian Literature and Education, Ltd. (dBa: AFHLE, Hungarian House) provides programming for children, adults, and seniors and serves as an educational and community resource for those of Hungarian descent to learn and engage with customs, traditions and cultural heritage. As a bridge to our American community and friends, offered programs are in both English and Hungarian and include Hungarian music, history, literature, science, film, theater, language, youth leadership/scouting, dance, and seasonal heritage activities. For newly arrived Hungarians entering into American society, we serve as a springboard to integration and AFHLE, Hungarian House stands as a second home by providing services that facilitate keeping contact and celebrating Hungarian and Hungarian-American ancestry, while providing channels to gain access to essential resources and information about living in the United States. www.hungarianhouse.org , (212)249-9360

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Contact
Ilona Beatrice Polyak
American Foundation for Hungarian Education and Literature, Ltd
(dBa - AFHLE, Hungarian House)
212-249-9360
hungarianhousenyc@gmail.com

Reeve Foundation
Julia Leonard
973-933-7222
media@reeve.org