The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) recently announced the award of $585,000 in grants to five counties and 35 municipalities through the Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities (ROID) program. The FY2024 ROID grant recipients and projects include the following:
Cumberland County’s grant in the amount of $10,000 will go toward implementing the 2024 Recreation Plan in serving individuals with disabilities.
ROID grants help local governments offer activities specifically designed for individuals with disabilities so they can fully participate in municipal and county recreation programs. The grants also assist local governments in meeting Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Programs supported through the ROID grants include athletics, performing arts, after-school programs, and other activities such as visual arts, storytelling, and cooking classes. The activities emphasize positive reinforcement, social interaction, and community awareness.
“We are pleased to make an investment in recreational programming that helps to develop and maintain activities that enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities in New Jersey,” said DCA Acting Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Participating in recreational activities is essential to feeling part of the community and to improving quality of life. From sports to crafts to cooking, DCA looks forward to the rewarding opportunities that will result from these grants.”
Created in 1978, the ROID program offers two grants to assist municipalities and counties in delivering both short-term special events and comprehensive recreational services for individuals with disabilities. The Special Event Grant funds short-term events, which fulfill a specific community need, while the Comprehensive Grant supports continuous, integrated recreation and leisure service programs. Each grant requires a 20 percent funding match from the local government.
