The Organized Community Action Program/Pike County (OCAP) has been awarded a $5,000 Quality of Life grant by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF).

The foundation awarded $330,456 in Quality of Life Grants to 47 organizations nationwide. The grant funds are used to provide opportunities for and improve the day-to-day quality of life for families and individual living with disabilities.

The grants are awarded twice a year and recognize programs that enable people with disabilities to live independent and active lives.

Mary Terry, OCAP executive director, said the agency plans to assist low-income families who need a wheelchair ramp and could not afford one otherwise.

In order to receive financial assistance through the CRPF grant program an individual must have a spinal cord injury, disease or other conditions that resulted in paralysis.

Terry said OCAP serves a seven-county area and the agency will try to assist all of those with a need.

"We are asking clubs and communities to volunteer their labor to build some of the wheelchair ramps," Terry said. "That would enable us to have more funds to serve more individuals."

The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation is committed to funding research that develops treatment and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resources center and advocacy efforts.

Individuals or groups that would like to assist OCAP in building wheelchair ramps for individuals in the seven-county area are encouraged to call the OCAP office at 334-566-1712.