Cupertino’s Via West gets county grant

Via West gets grant

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently approved a one-time matching grant to Camp Via West in Cupertino to fund camp facility renovations, including critical accessibility modifications for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Via West used the funding to renovate its sports field, including ADA-compliant bathrooms, storage for sports equipment and a concession stand to provide food and water for campers and spectators at the sports field.

“This should help alleviate some longstanding accessibility and mobility challenges for youth and adults who want to engage in camp activities,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who proposed the grant.

Via West’s 13.5-acre campus is located on county-owned land in the Cupertino foothills and is operated by Via Services Inc., an independent nonprofit that has been serving the disability community in the Bay Area since 1945. Camps for both youth and adults are held from June to August,

with a wide array of activities including swimming, arts and crafts, sports and games, and gardening.

Via West typically serves approximately 80 campers per session, totaling nearly 800 campers each summer. The camp alternates weeks for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit https://viaservices.org.

CERT registration

Residents can learn the skills needed to care help themselves and their community through a crisis by becoming a Community Emergency Response Team member. The next training academy hosted by Santa Clara County Fire starts on Jan. 30. Register at https://www.sccfd.org/education-and-preparedness-overview/emergency-preparedness/cert.