Birmingham Nonprofit Commits $1.25 Million to Enhance Research on Intellectual Disabilities

Birmingham Nonprofit Pledges $1.25 Million to Research Center for Intellectual Disabilities

Birmingham, AL – Civitan International, a global service organization headquartered in Birmingham, is set to make a significant investment in the future of research and treatment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This past week, the organization announced a pledge of $1.25 million to the University of Alabama Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) over the next five years.

Details of the Pledge Announcement

The formal announcement will take place on October 30 at the research center located at 1719 Sixth Ave. S.. Mark Eisinger, the executive vice president of Civitan International, expressed enthusiasm about the commitment to support groundbreaking research being conducted on the UAB campus.

“We are beyond excited to make this announcement with fellow Civitans, researchers, and other leaders present to continue our organization’s commitment to the ground-breaking research happening on UAB’s campus,” Eisinger stated.

About the Civitan International Research Center

The CIRC, established in 1989, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the study and treatment of various developmental disabilities, including autism, Rett syndrome, and brain disorders. Currently, the center employs over 100 researchers who are actively engaged in these important studies.

Craig Powell, the director of CIRC, highlighted the importance of the new funding by saying, “It is powerful to realize Civitans globally find it important to support the work being done at the CIRC here in Birmingham and continue to fundraise to support the studies of our scientists who are focused on research related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Funding History and Future Goals

This recent pledge represents the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between Civitan International and CIRC. The organization has already donated over $21 million to the center since its inception, primarily through grassroots fundraising efforts led by volunteers. Events like the Walk & Roll for Research, the Breakthru Golf Benefit, and the All In Summit, a youth leadership conference for Junior Civitans, help raise funds to support the center’s essential work.

The continuous support from Civitan International has not only bolstered the research efforts at CIRC but has also enhances the center’s reputation for excellence. Faculty members at CIRC have received numerous national and international awards for their contributions in research and training.

Community Impact and Engagement

Local community members are hopeful that this pledge will bring further attention and resources to a cause that affects many families in the Birmingham area. The commitment underscores the importance of continued research and development in the field of intellectual disabilities, which touches many lives across the globe.

As the announcement date approaches, excitement builds around the potential advancements in research that this funding could facilitate. Both researchers and community members are eager to see the impact of Civitan International’s commitment unfold in the years to come.

For more information about Civitan International and the CIRC, local residents are encouraged to attend the announcement event on October 30, where they can learn more about the ongoing work being done at this essential research facility.