Institute for Disability Studies Receives Calm Harbor Grant Award

Tue, 03/05/2024 - 11:17am | By: Rebecca Holland

The Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has been presented a generous grant award, funded by Mr. Kurt Brautigam, through the Pinebelt Foundation.

Brautigam, a USM alumnus, founded the Calm Harbor Fund in 2023 to support various organizations whose work positively influences the education of children in local school districts. His vision to help the community is and will continue to make a significantly positive difference in Lamar and Forrest counties.

IDS received one of three Calm Harbor grant awards. All funding from the Calm Harbor award will be administered through IDS’ Project Recovery and will go directly toward the purchase of school supplies and uniforms for Forrest County students in need.

Ms. Caroline Nurkin, Director of Operations for the Pinebelt Foundation, and Brautigam, had the opportunity to visit with IDS staff on USM’s Hattiesburg campus to learn more about the numerous services provided by the Institute. IDS is Mississippi's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) and has provided interdisciplinary education, community services, and information dissemination for nearly 50 years.

IDS expresses special thanks to Brautigam and the Pinebelt Foundation for this generous award, which will enable IDS to expand its work in the community.