CULLMAN, Ala. – With increased numbers of people out of work during the COVID-19 shutdown, organizations that work to meet the basic needs of those hardest hit are doing crucial work- in current parlance, we can call it “essential”- and as the days go by, those organizations can run low on the resources they seek to provide. That, at least around here, is where United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) comes in.
UWCC created the COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support organizations that are working to support others.
In a message to The Tribune, UWCC director Becky Goff wrote: “In March, United Way created the COVID-19 Community Response Fund and committed $5,000 to establish the fund. This fund provides Cullman County with an opportunity to give with the reassurance their donations will be responsibly invested and quickly deployed where they are needed most. In addition to individual donations, we are thankful to Trust Foundation Grant (formerly Sun Trust/BB &T) for their donation of $2,600; The Daniel Foundation for their gift of $2,885, The Lions Club of Cullman, $1,000, and Regions Bank for their donation of $5,000 to support our COVID-19 Community Response Fund.”
UWCC has approved several local organizations for the first round of $500 grants to support feeding programs, including:
- Cullman Caring for Kids
- Pilot Light Home
- Victim Services
- Parkside Outreach Program
- The Link of Cullman County
- Daystar Church
- First United Methodist Church
- North Alabama Agriplex Foundation
- Restoring Women Outreach
- Cullman Little Pantry
Additionally, Brooks’ Place Child Advocacy Center was approved for a grant to help purchase technology that will allow counselors to continue providing services online by video conference.
In a note to The Tribune, Goff wrote, “Living UNITED, means helping ALL of our Cullman County neighbors, especially the most vulnerable, as we navigate this pandemic. Our staff, board of directors and volunteers have been working collectively to offer support and resources to our community and are proud of our accomplishments to date. There is no doubt that this is a difficult time for our community, but we are doing all we can to make it better.”
An ongoing process
The funding process was not a one-shot deal. UWCC’s website says:
“We anticipate multiple phases of funding to address both the acute needs from the outbreak and the longer-term impacts of recovery. In this first phase, we are prioritizing community-based organizations that are serving communities and individuals who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis. In this first round, we are not able to prioritize organizations who have lost revenue or are likely to lose future revenue due to canceled events or programs. We recognize these challenges, and as the crisis and long-term impacts continue to unfold, we will continue to work with our partners to assess and evolve our funding strategies.”
Resources for nonprofits
Goff shared, “We have established the Food Pantry Forum which has been meeting virtually. These community conversations allow nonprofits across our community to connect, explore collaboration, share resources or find ways to support each other.
“Working with our corporate partners like Walmart DC 6006, we were able to supply cleaning supplies and other resources to nonprofits in our community. We coordinated a food drive thanks to Coke of Cullman that resulted in over 1,500 pounds of food for local food pantries. We also facilitated a donation from a Golden Flake vendor to supply snacks to local pantries.
“These collaborations with our network ensure the continuation of services for our community, and help us to share the resources quickly.”
Encouraging volunteers
Goff said, “United Way of Cullman has rallied local volunteers to support Cullman Caring for Kids and our homebound senior meal program through Commission on Aging. We have distributed over 500 ‘thank you bags’ to health care workers in nursing homes and assisted living facilities thanks to our Women United Board. Volunteers have contacted us to share their skills and experiences to encourage and support our community.”
UWCC’s Young Professional Board is also planning its annual Stuff the Bus event to help prepare more students for the upcoming school year.
Said Goff, “Whether students are participating in online learning or return to the classroom, we want to be sure they have the tools they need to succeed.”
Goff concluded, “Our community is at its best when we connect with one another and leverage strengths and partnerships for the greater good. Navigating the sometime-difficult landscape of public and nonprofit assistance can be challenging. For many, the financial and emotional strife caused by COVID-19 represents their first time needing support from human services such as food banks, rent assistance and more. We want the community to know we are here to help.”
Get involved: donate, get funding or get help
Goff said, “As we move to the next phase of the recovery process, we will need the continued support of everyone in the community.”
If you want to help or have questions, call 256-739-2948 or visit www.uwaycc.org.
If your nonprofit organization is responding to community needs related to COVID-19 and you need help keeping up the good work, or if you would like to donate to the Community Response Fund, visit www.uwaycc.org/2020-community-response-fund.
Please note that, according to UWCC, “Grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or other charitable organizations able to receive a tax-deductible contribution, such as schools, faith-based organizations and other public entities.”
If you need help, a call to 211 provides real-time accurate information on a wide array of available resources. The line is open 24/7.
Copyright 2020 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
