Joseph B. Cross Memorial Scholarship Fund
The scholarship funds are available for adults (ages 18 & up) with disabilities and special needs for select Therapeutic Recreation (TR) programs through the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Therapeutic Recreation programs are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities in the Irmo and Chapin communities outside Columbia, South Carolina. TR offers programs and activities for children and adults with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities. Their purpose is to create positive experiences that develop appropriate leisure and social skills that help participants become increasingly self-confident, courageous and independent. Joe was an active participant in many TR programs including CAST, Outer Limits and Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre.
As of January 2020, the scholarship fund has awarded two full CAST (Columbia Actors with Special Talents) scholarships to some very deserving actors who will participate in performing art programs with other adults. The funds are also being used to help new families seeking recreation opportunities with the Therapeutic Recreation program, and we are able to fund one outing per quarter for these families.
If you, or someone you know, would benefit from the scholarship program or would like more information about the Therapeutic Recreation programs or activities for people with special needs, you may contact Jordan O’Keefe, the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator at jokeefe@icrc.net. You may also visit their website by clicking here.
Published in the March 2020 CAST performance playbill.