The United Way of Chatham-Kent has released a long list of local organizations and programs to receive a total of $435,897 in relief funding through the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF).
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first announced the $350 million ECSF in April to help charities and non-profit organizations support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money was to be doled out to organizations -- such as the United Way of Chatham-Kent, Chatham Kent Community Foundation, and the Canadian Red Cross -- to then administer locally.
“The [Chatham-Kent Community Foundation] is very proud to be working with Community Foundations Canada and our local partners in this collective effort to flow the funds provided by the Government of Canada to the most impacted populations in Chatham-Kent,” said Chair Ruth Hook in a statement.
The call for funding applications was issued in May by the local United Way and Community Foundation. Of the 45 applications received, 32 grants were approved. Those successful applicants have since received funding.
"When we collectively work together, we can ensure that there are services out there to help people in this community and to prevent duplication or fracturing of existing supports," said CEO Steve Pratt, United Way of Chatham-Kent. "By working together, we can ensure that forgotten areas in our community are not left behind and we are better prepared for the community’s rapidly emerging needs.”
Residents who want to sign-up for volunteer initiatives, make a donation to the Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Community Response fund, or those who require help can visit CKgives.ca.
Below is a break down of the funding disbursement.
Programs funded on behalf of United Way of Chatham-Kent's portion of the ECSF:
- $50,000 to Victorian Order of Nurses to support the Kids' Circle program that specializes in illness and bereavement support for children and teens (4-18) in one to one and group sessions.
- $39,380 to Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent to offer academic assistance to elementary-aged children through tutoring and Facebook Live reading sessions.
- $26,700 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent to support virtual outreach programs.
- $23,348 to Chatham-Kent Children’s Services to support the Autism Transitional Classroom, which provides short-term placement for students in Chatham-Kent with severe developmental disabilities.
- $19,063.20 to Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre to support migrant worker health programing.
- $15,000 to the Chatham Kent Women's Centre to create and distribute activity and resource kits for men, women, and children affected by intimate partner violence to help improve their emotional and social well-being.
- $15,000 to Chatham-Kent Public Health for mental health initiatives in co-ordination with multiple non-profit organizations.
- $10,000 to Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council to promote education and exchange knowledge to help prevent, treat and reduce the harms associated with substance use.
- $10,000 to the Canadian Liver Foundation to offer virtual support services for individuals living with liver disease.
- $8,761 to Easter Seals Ontario to provide mobility and accessibility equipment to children and support their families in the Chatham-Kent region facing increased challenges due to the COVID19 crisis.
- $7,500 family Service Kent to provide CK's vulnerable persons with nutritious, prepared meals at a subsidized rate, along with free delivery for people in need.
- $5,000 to New Beginnings ABI & Stroke Recovery Association to be used to focus on making outdoor spaces accessible to members.
- $5,000 to Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre to offer foot care onsite by an RPN to members and the community.
- $2,000 to Crohn's and Colitis Canada to offer virtual mental health group support.
Programs funded on behalf of Chatham-Kent Community Foundation's portion of the ECSF:
- $19,000 to St. Andrew’s Residence to support meal deliveries through the Meals on Wheels Chatham-Kent program.
- $15,000 Family Service Kent to provide free single session counselling for mental health support. Also, an additional $7,500 to provide frozen meals at a subsidized rate to the community's most vulnerable.
- $10,000 to Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent to provide food packages and delivery service for their clients; and support their compassion calls daily, peer support, online programs, and virtual meetings to keep people connected.
- $10,000 to NeighbourLink to provide outreach programs and provide a delivery service to people who are isolating and require basic needs.
- $9,572 to Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent to support the Positive Strides program into the transition of using virtual platforms and in-person when safe.
- $7,840 to YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Chatham-Kent to provide activity toolkits. Also, an additional $2,450 to provide support to seniors through check-in phone calls and care packages.
- $5,000 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation to provide wage support for additional hours to support care to residences and their families.
- $5,926 to Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent to provide literacy programming to school-aged children.
- $3,000 to the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre to provide PPE and basic needs for shelter workers and clients.
- $1,500 to Starlight Children's Foundation Canada to provide “Play From Home” care packages to support 15 immunocompromised children living in CK.
Programs funded in part by the United Way of Chatham-Kent and by Chatham Kent Community Foundation:
- $48, 375 to Family Services Kent to offer a coordinated system that will increase access to food and support service navigation, especially in smaller communities. ($16,125 was funded by the United Way and $32,250 by Community Foundations.)
- $40,000 to the Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent to provide outreach through peer support, educational opportunities, social rehabilitation, self-help, referrals to appropriate services, paid and volunteer opportunities, as well as family support. ($20,000 was funded by the United Way and $20,000 by Community Foundations.)
- $26,800 to March of Dimes to support their social connections program, which matches a person with a disability with a friendly volunteer. ($13,400 funded by the United Way and $13,400 by Community Foundations.)
- $25,000 to the Active Lifestyle Centre to offer outreach programs, services, health services (foot care) and support to the older adult population. ($12,500 was funded by the United Way and $12,500 by Community Foundations.)
- $15,000 to Loads of Love to reopen the thrift store. ($7,500 was funded by the United Way and $7,500 by Community Foundations.)
- $5,000 to Victoria Order of Nurses to match youth with socially isolated seniors who are struggling with social distancing measures. ($2,500 was funded by the United Way and $2,500 by Community Foundations.)
