James Edward Hanger founded his company, Hanger Inc., a patient care provider and distributor of orthotic, prosthetic and rehabilitative solutions in 1861. For years after the company’s founding, Hanger and members of his staff consistently donated millions of dollars in free care and financial contributions for patients and hardship cases in communities where they lived.
The outcome of these individual initiatives was the founding, in 2009, of the non-profit Hanger Charitable Foundation. The organization’s mission is “to advance our communities by giving grants to organizations that benefit people with physical challenges by supporting 501C3 organizations that help people with physical challenges live life as fully as possible.” The organization advances its mission through in-kind donations, volunteerism, and donations. In 2016 the foundation gave more than $424, 000 to 25 organizations.
Since its first grant award to Angel City Games in May 2015, the foundation has given more than $674, 000 to more than 30 non-profits that share the foundation’s mission to empower people with physical disabilities to live life as fully as possible.
The parameters for giving are:
- Awareness and prevention of diseases that adversely affect physical activity
- Rehabilitation and support services for related illnesses or trauma such as stroke, sports injuries, combat related injuries
- Patient advocacy initiatives focused on advancing policy changes that positively impact patients
- Athletic programs and events for individuals with physical challenges.
Among the recent grant recipients are the Amputee Coalition of America, which received $100, 000 to expand the organization’s existing advocacy program. The No Limits Foundation Camp received $100, 000 to provide scholarships for campers and teen mentors at nine camps for children with limb loss. And $10, 000 went to The Painted Turtle camp program for children with serious medical problems. The Adaptive Sports Skiing program received $5, 000 to fund a skiing program for children and adults in the greater Boston area.
The Foundation’s Next Step Program is aimed at maintaining and improving health and wellness for people who have moved on from their strokes. Three key areas, Communications, Life After Stroke and Physical Fitness are covered. Communication activities provide an opportunity for individuals to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills. The Health Behaviors program deals with stress management, change and incorporating healthy food choices.
Life After Stroke deals with individuals who have problems moving their arms and legs and must learn new ways to do daily activities. The program helps individuals be productive members of their communities and helps them move on to take their next steps in life.
