Community Emergency Needs Fund Awards Financial Support to Local Nonprofits for Long-Term COVID-19 Recovery
Brunswick, Ga., October 29, 2021 – This week, leaders from the Community Emergency Needs Fund (CENF) announced their committee has awarded an additional $150,250 to local charities to support long-term COVID-19 recovery throughout Coastal Georgia.
Eight organizations operating a variety of programs in Camden, Glynn and McIntosh counties received financial support from the CENF, an initiative operated in partnership between United Way of Coastal Georgia and the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation. The funds available through CENF are generated by the generosity of area residents, as well as private foundations across Georgia and the nation.
“While we each have a unique mission, United Way and the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation are similar in our visions for a stronger, more resilient community,” explained Justin Callaway, President & CEO, United Way of Coastal Georgia. “Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, both organizations recognized the critical need to quickly and efficiently raise, then distribute relief funds. Through our partnership, the Community Emergency Needs Fund was established. By combining efforts, we make an even bigger impact while broadening the base of donors and making meaningful investments.”
In September, the partnership released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to area nonprofits soliciting program proposals that would support the ever-changing needs within our community in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Said Paul White, President & CEO, Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, “this round of grants is aimed at funding those organizations that have programs supporting individuals and families negatively impacted by the continuing pandemic. From diminished educational experiences to families facing eviction and other household challenges including unexpected medical bills, many Coastal Georgians are facing unprecedented hardships through no fault of their own. The organizations we are supporting with this round of funding are delivering much needed relief where it is most needed”
Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in April 2020, over $960,000 have been distributed through the fund to support local relief and recovery efforts.
“Our purpose is to respond to our community’s most pressing needs – whether it is immediately providing resources to meet the basic needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents or addressing the effects of a prolonged crisis on financial resources, education, and mental health so our community can emerge stronger than before,” added Janelle Harvey, Director of Community Impact, United Way of Coastal Georgia.
Funded programs include:
- Boy Scouts of America serving Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh: Personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to maintain the health and safety of the Camp Tolochee facility to continue programming.
- Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Georgia serving Glynn and McIntosh: enhanced educational activities to combat the negative impacts of school closures and virtual learning.
- Communities in Schools serving Glynn and McIntosh: academic tutoring to combat the negative impacts of school closures and virtual learning.
- Coastal Community Action Authority serving Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh: funds to provide emergency rental assistance.
- Darien United Methodist Church serving McIntosh: financial assistance to support the Backpack Buddies program to prevent food insecurity.
- Faithworks serving Camden, Glynn, and McIntosh: funds for emergency assistance to support utility bills and/or medication costs.
- Morningstar Children and Family Services: operational and programming support to continue residential education programming.
- YMCA of Coastal Georgia serving Glynn and McIntosh: support to provide childcare and afterschool meals to combat the negative impacts of school closures and virtual learning.