TD Charitable Foundation Supports DDI's Project GROW

LongIsland.com

TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, has awarded the Vocational Program of Long Island's Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) with a $7,500 grant to assist in the job training and coaching of individuals with Autism ...

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TD Bank, through the TD Charitable Foundation, has awarded the Vocational Program of Long Island's Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) with a $7,500 grant to assist in the job training and coaching of individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. This donation has been earmarked to fund non-reimbursed costs associated with the Greenhouse Recreation Opportunities Workshop, also known as Project GROW.

"We appreciate the support from the TD Charitable Foundation," stated John Lessard, DDI's Executive Director. "TD Bank is helping to support our efforts here at DDI to assist individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to become more independent and able to lead self-sufficient lives in the future."

Project Grow is a greenhouse based horticultural program for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. With the supervision of fully trained staff members and various support staff, the young men and women are able to learn a variety of skills associated with horticulture, acquire specific vocational training and develop their social skills. GROW also donates flowers to several town beautification projects and other community organizations.

"We believe that organizations like DDI play a significant role in sustaining vibrant and thriving communities," said Peter DelBianco, Retail Market Manager, TD Bank. "A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation provide financial and other support to affordable housing initiatives, financial literacy and education and the environment, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families."

DDI is a not-for-profit agency headquartered in Smithtown, NY, with more than 30 locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Serving nearly 1,000 children and adults with a diagnosis of an autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), DDI is the largest provider of services for individuals with Autism on Long Island. It provides educational, vocational, and residential programs, as well as medical and dental services for over 1,500 children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI also operates family-centered preschool programs for both children with disabilities as well as typically developing students. DDI was founded in 1961 by a group of parents to address the special educational and therapeutic needs of their children with autism or other developmental disabilities. DDI is a member agency of the United Way of Long Island. For more information about DDI, visit www.ddiinfo.org.

About the TD Charitable Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation is the charitable giving arm of TD Bank N.A., which operates as TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank ®, and is one of the 10 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States. The Foundation's mission is to serve the individuals, families and businesses in all the communities where TD Bank operates, having made $70.4 million in charitable donations since its inception in 2002. The Foundation's areas of focus are affordable housing, education and financial literacy, and the environment. More information on the TD Charitable Foundation, including an online grant application, is available at www.TDBank.com.