WindSwell Foundation gave a total of $342,300 to 1,141 special education teachers across 46 public school districts and cooperatives in Northeast Indiana. Each teacher received a $300 gift card to purchase needed materials for their classrooms. With cuts in education funding and a shortage of special education teachers in the state, WindSwell Foundation saw an opportunity to give back to the educators who give so much to their students. Research shows that around 90% of teachers spend out of their own pockets for their classrooms.On average, the teachers spend between $500 to $750 each year, some spending even more. “Special education teachers work hard to support their students’ education, many going above and beyond to meet each unique need,” says WindSwell Foundation Chief Program Officer Dr. Joni Schmalzried. “This is our small effort to show our appreciation for the value they bring to the lives of students with disabilities.” Each teacher, in addition to the gift card, will receive a letter and a list of resources available to them through WindSwell Foundation. To help the WindSwell Foundation staff prepare these gifts, students from the Fort Wayne Community Schools Young Adult Transition (YAT) program assembled each of the 1,141 envelopes. The YAT program supports young adults, ages 18 – 22, with disabilities as they bridge the gap between high school and adult independence. The gift cards began being distributed through administration at each district starting Monday, November 2. A complete list of the districts and cooperatives included can be found online. WindSwell Foundation is a grantmaking organization that awards nearly $6 million dollars in grants each year to community partners throughout Northeast Indiana. The foundation builds awareness, shares resources, and initiates conversations, create connections and fund programs that support children and adults with disabilities to be engaged in their daily lives and empowered throughout their lifetimes. At WindSwell Foundation, the foundation builds others up so that, together, communities can build a more inclusive community. For more info, visit windswell.org. ...read more read less