Funds received through the federal government's Community Services Recovery Fund are having big impacts on three local organizations.
Family Fuse, Cook-Up, and Artcite each received a grant from the fund and are now using the money to host programs that support families, entrepreneurs, and art professionals.
CookUp is an organization that helps entrepreneurs in the food industry get off the ground. Co-founder Trishauna Linton said the grant is helping to build resiliency for their clients to support them past the launch of their business.
"There were a ton of very unique and creative things that happened during COVID, so how do we work with entrepreneurs to bring some of those innovative and creative ideas into our city and into their business if that means they are going to build a resilient business,"
The additional funding has allowed CookUp to support 16 entrepreneurs in their incubator program this year.
All three organizations are focused on offering mentorship opportunities for their clients whether that's Black families navigating the education sector or artists trying to establish a professional career.
Family Fuse is using the funding to support its mentorship program that helps Black families in the community navigate the education system.
"This allows us to offer our services free to the community and those who are looking for this type of support," said Program Coordinator Christie Nelson. "Growing up I wish that I had a prominent mentor in my life so I see this as an opportunity for young people to come in and learn in different spaces."
Artcite is also using the funds for a mentorship program to support young artists.
“As a not-for-profit artist-run space that is in its fourth decade of programming, we know the importance of moving forward with the community we serve. The pandemic demanded that we sit still and take the time to reimagine our work and how we approach our mission. The creation of our Community Leadership for Aspiring Arts Professionals (CLAAP) program was born,” said Executive Director Teajai Travis.
The Community Services Recovery Fund grants were delivered through the United Way and the Windsor Essex Community Foundation. In total, 51 local organizations received received nearly $2.5 million.
