Three rounds of grants now total $84,411
(BLACKHAWK REGION) – United Way Blackhawk Region proudly announces its latest round of COVID-19 Action Fund grants equating to $17,650.
Thus far, United Way’s COVID-19 Action Fund has awarded $84,411 to local health and human services providers.
The following nonprofit programs/ agencies were awarded a COVID-19 Action Fund grant:
- $5,000 to Aptiv toward the purchase of equipment to support the sensory needs of individuals with disabilities who have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals have high medical, behavioral, and physical needs and require around-the-clock care. The equipment will be used primarily in three, adult family group homes in Janesville (with a fourth to be added soon) and are also portable for day and youth services if needed.
- $2,250 to AWARE in Evansville, a program of Community Action, Inc. of Rock and Walworth Counties. The grant is awarded for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other COVID related items for students who meet economic eligibility criteria in the Evansville School District.
- $5,600 to Boys & Girls Club of Janesville to purchase supplies and equipment for two additional after-school site programs. Attributed to changes in local and state health and safety guidelines, the Club needs to change its service model by providing services in school vs. “in Club.” If this expansion is not executed, the Club estimates serving 60% fewer youth during the school year.
- $4,800 to Red Road House, a residence for adults in recovery from substance use disorders. Operations are supported primarily through fees for room and board. Due to COVID-19, residents have been laid off or lost jobs and are unable to pay rent. The grant will help to make up that loss in the operational budget.
“United Way is unparalleled in our ability to convene partners, providers and resources to address the needs of communities in crisis, and it has never been more important than now,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “We are doing all we can to mitigate the immediate impact of the virus, but no one knows the scope of what will be required to rebuild communities long-term.”
The fund priorities will continue to evolve as our region adapts, responds and recovers from the health and economic consequences of the pandemic. United Way’s volunteer-driven process will continue to support communities most impacted, providing resources for triage and nurturing community resilience.
“We don’t do our work alone. We are in this together,” Fanning-Penny concluded. “United Way is strives to provide stability for the long haul, and thanks to the generosity of our donors we have the agility to give help where it’s needed most.”
To donate or learn more about United Way Blackhawk Region’s COVID-19 Action Fund, its donors or grant recipients, visit LiveUnitedBR.org.
