RICHMOND, Ind. — Cooking a meal, managing a budget and caring for a home are skills that can create more choices in everyday life. Abilities Indiana hopes to give adults with disabilities a dedicated space to practice them through a proposed Independence Lab.

The Richmond nonprofit is among eight finalists in the 3Rivers Big Give, which will award three $75,000 grants. Public voting continues through Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Abilities says a grant would help bring the lab to life, providing a supportive environment where participants could learn and practice cooking, laundry, budgeting, personal care and home management.

The goal is to help individuals build confidence and skills that support greater independence and thei personal goals.

Based at 831 N. E St., Abilities provides services for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, both within its day program and in the community. Its approach emphasizes each person’s abilities, preferences, and informed choices.

Abilities also operates Undercover Coffee Shop, where individuals practice making drinks, operating the register and providing customer service while connecting with the community.

The proposed lab would give that mission a practical setting, with opportunities to work on everyday tasks that support a more independent life.

How voting works

Each person may cast one vote during the entire Oct. 21–Nov. 4 voting period.

Public voting contributes to each finalist’s overall score, alongside an evaluation by a selection committee. Receiving the most public votes does not automatically determine the grant recipients.

Recipients are scheduled to be announced Nov. 13.

Readers can learn more through Abilities Indiana’s website and review the finalists, contest rules and voting link on the 3Rivers Big Give page.