History & Mission
Our
mission is simple:
“Mobility for Independence is committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities by helping provide a means for them to become more mobile.”
Mobility
for Independence was founded in 1990 as the Leo Grossman Fund.
The founder, Leo Grossman, suffered from a rare genetic illness
(Buerger’s Disease) that eventually required multiple amputations over
numerous years leading to his immobility and confinement to a wheelchair.
Unable to continue his previous vocation in teaching and coaching,
Leo’s unbreakable spirit enabled him to continue providing goodwill and
community service through motivational speaking.
Not
having any means of transportation, his friends and family organized a “Wheels
for Leo” celebrity roast that raised the necessary money to purchase a
specially equipped van. With the
use of this van, Leo was able to travel throughout Minnesota providing
inspiration to others in need.
Touched
by the generosity of his family and friends, Leo decided to dedicate the rest of
his life to providing mobility to those in need with the creation of The Leo
Grossman Fund. Leo was determined to ensure mobility to the disabled and it was
fitting that he became determined to pass onto others the example of generosity
that was bestowed upon him. He was
insistent that the disabled be able to live independent lives and influence
their communities in a positive way.
During
his life, he was proof that quality of life depends on what lays insides a
person’s heart. Sadly, Leo passed
away in 1992 but his dream continues on through the organization’s mission.
In 2000,
the Fund’s name was changed to Mobility for Independence in order for others
to more easily identify with the organization’s purpose.
Since 1990, Mobility for Independence has granted more than $650,000 to individuals with disabilities in the Minnesota region, including both adults and children.
Contact Information
- Mobility for Independence
- 1622 West 31st Street
- Minneapolis, MN 55408
- Telephone
- 612.825.1845
- Website: www.mobilityforindependence.org
- Webmaster: mobility-mariann@comcast.net