Nearly a dozen local organizations are benefiting from the second round of funding through the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF), which totals a $188,411 disbursement.
The Chatham-Kent Community Foundation, United Way of Chatham-Kent, and the Canadian Red Cross started accepting applications for the second round of ECSF funding in early October.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau first announced the $350 million ECSF in April to help those who are most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. The money was to be doled out to organizations to then administer locally.
A long list of non-profits and charities in Chatham-Kent received a total of $435,897 through the first round of funding in August.
“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 Steve Pratt, CEO of 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.”
The United Way of Chatham-Kent said this time around, it received 22 applications for funding.
Below is a breakdown of the funding disbursement.
Successful applicants through the United Way of Chatham-Kent:
- $30,000 to Ska:na Family Learning Centre to allow the organization to invest in a case manager who will strengthen and/or create relationships with education for governments and non-Indigenous organizations.
- $25,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent to provide “family activity boxes” for vulnerable youth.
- $15,000 to New Beginnings ABL to support seniors who have survived a brain injury or stroke by providing hot meals to those who for whatever reason are unable to cook.
- $15,000 to Family Service Kent to subsidize transportation services to help older adults, those with disabilities, and low-income families.
- $11,000 to R.O.C.K. Missions to create an operations manager position so that resources can be more effectively organized and utilized.
- $10,000 to Maple City Centre for Older Adults to help provide staff with the equipment they need to attend virtual meetings, access online resources, and provide online classes or training.
Successful applicants through Chatham-Kent Community Foundation
- $23,590 to Blenheim Youth Centre / Tilbury Solid Rock Café to give youth the opportunity to engage in after school recreational and social-skill building services during the pandemic from their own homes.
- $18,821 to TJ Stables to allow for more private and semi-private equine therapy sessions with trained professionals.
- $15,000 to the Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent for an extension to the "Backyard Camp" program, offering free virtual activities and workshops for children and youth.
- $15,000 to the You Are Not Alone! program at St. Andrew's Residence to add a temporary staff position as well as supplies to support individuals in isolation.
- $10,000 to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation to support the need for additional staff hours.
