Fairhaven Program Award Grant to Expand ‘Art with Rick’ Class

NILES, Ohio – Thanks to a $7,500 grant from the Good Shepherd Foundation of Ohio, the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be able to expand its “Art with Rick” program.

The grant is the second-largest awarded to the board, also know as The Fairhaven Program, and is the result of an effort by the organization to increase its grant funding, said Executive Director Ryan McNaughton in a statement.

“This grant will allow the Board to provide classes for free to anyone served by the Board who is interested once we are able to meet in person again,” added board superintendent Edward Stark. “These classes promote the talent of local artists and provide opportunities for them to share common interests.”

The Art with Rick program is hosted twice a month by Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities service and support administrator Richard Cesta. He creates works of art and then walks upward of 25 participants through the process of making their own. 

“Rick is incredibly selfless towards those we serve,” said McNaughton. “Securing these funds from the Good Shepherd Foundation will allow him to take this program to the next level in ways we never before dreamed of.”

The board provides services to help those with disabilities with employment, education and training. It serves around 1,100 people. For more information, visit TCBDD.com.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.