Puzzle Pieces has been selected as a State Farm Neighborhood Assist Top 200 Finalist. The local nonprofit that serves individuals with intellectual disabilities is one of four causes in Kentucky that made the finals and could win $25,000.
“We are still in shock that we were chosen,” said Puzzle Pieces Executive Director Amanda Owen. “To be one of only four organizations in Kentucky to have this unique opportunity is very humbling and exciting!”
State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a crowd-sourced philanthropic initiative that empowers communities to identify issues in their neighborhoods. The State Farm Review Committee selected the top 200 finalists from 2,000 submissions across the United States. The top 40 causes that receive the most votes will each receive $25,000.
“We are very blessed to be a part of a community that has continually supported us,” Owen said. “We need everyone to rally around us in order to win this funding. Each vote matters and we know that Owensboro is going to show up in a big way for Puzzle Pieces.”
Funding from this grant will go to serve clients in Puzzle Pieces’ Owen Autism Center. They opened this division last year and immediately began serving 20 clients. They have since grown to serve 40 clients, but still have a waiting list. In the Owen Autism Center, individuals with autism are given the skills they need to pursue a job, a college degree, and a chance at an independent life. This allows the Owensboro community to receive trained, highly motivated professionals to enter the workforce.
Voting is open now and ends Aug. 27 at 10:59 p.m. CST. Residents who are 18 and older with a valid email address can vote up to 10 times per day at neighborhoodassist.com.
The top 40 vote-receiving causes will be announced on Sept. 29.
