2024 Projects & Programs

FUNDACJA AVALON

Thanks to a grant from the Polish American Congress Charitable Foundation, provided in early 2024, Fundacja Avalon located in Warsaw, Poland was able to purchase a C-Eye Pro System.

One of the alternative communication tools available at the Avalon Foundation, the C-Eye Pro is an innovative device that uses eye movement to select a letter, word or picture on a computer screen.

This is a tool dedicated to children suffering from, among other: physical and/or intellectual disabilities (including severe disabilities), cerebral palsy (CP), muscular dystrophy (including Duchenne dystrophy), and Rett Syndrome.

Further, it is so advanced and extensive that it can also be used in the treatment of delayed speech development or even simple dyslexia and the consolidation of correct sounds in speech. We also use them for visual and auditory training, memory training, extending the time of concentration on a task and developing logical memory and cause-and-effect thinking. For this purpose, we use not only eye movements, but also selection with a cursor, in the case of children who have motor skills.

In addition to the purchased equipment, the Avalon Foundation, thanks to this generous donation, will be able to provide 800 hours of free therapy for children and adolescents up to 18 years of age, as part of speech therapy using C-Eye PRO equipment.

Przystanek Betlejem

Thanks to funding provided, in large part, by the PACCF and the Joseph W. and Rose M Kaminski Trusts, the Community Self-Help Center "Przystanek Betlejem" in Krakow, Poland has completed renovations of the new Respite Care Wing and Roof Replacement Project.

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Group photo taken during a 2023 visit by PACCF Treasurer, Antoinette Trela

Insulation installed and roof replacement begins

Roof replacement nearing completion

New Roof with Solar Panels

Respite Wing prior to renovation

Respite Wing renovations underway

Respite Wing renovations completed

Respite Wing sleeping room

Furnished Respite Wing sitting room with sleeper sofa for overnight caregiver

Ensuite Bathroom

Examples of unique therapy and outings, as referred to in the letter from Director M. Lopata, Mleko i Miód Foundation

Skoda 120L (without engine or electronics, of course) brought into the center building thru a window, to provide therapy for Tomasz S. who was having severe socialization issues.

Racetrack Outing - Therapeutic especially for Aleksandra, who is blind and a quadriplegic - feeling the wind and hearing the roar of the engine as a passenger provided much needed sensory stimulation.

Rock Climbing Outing - Rafal B., who is quadriplegic, enjoying the experience with a little help from Piotr Podgórski (the head andfounder) of Przystanek Betlejem.

Padre Pio Elementary School

Padre Pio Elementary School for the Visually Impaired & Blind is now open! The School, funded by the PACCF in 2023 welcomed their first class of students in the Fall 2023. Below is their letter of gratitude and photos of the Grand Opening celebration, school rooms, equipment and students...including Astor their therapy dog.

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Officer Visit to “Podleśna Przystań” Foster Home in Stalowa Wola

On August 4th, while visiting Poland with her family, Treasurer, Antoinette Trela made a visit to “Podleśna Przystan” Foster Home in Stalowa Wola. We were warmly greeted by Director Małgorzata Warchol, who gave us a tour of the facility and specifically the rooms that will be renovated prior to the end of this year, through funding provided by the PACCF. Our Organization has supported this facility since 2019 and photos of the renovations will be posted when the project is completed.

Below is a group photo with Treasurer Trela and Pani Warchol and the lovely Certificate of Recognition that was presented to the PACCF.