LARGEST ALLOCATION YET WILL ADDRESS MOST CRITICAL NEEDS
United Way of the Ozarks recognizes the great work being done by its nonprofit partner agencies and released the third round of funding from their Coronavirus Response Fund to address the most critical needs. The $70,731 awarded to nonprofits in this third cycle is the largest allocation yet from United Way of the Ozarks.
United Way of the Ozarks meets virtually with its 22 nonprofit partners every week to discuss how agencies are responding to the pandemic and how the nonprofit community can transition from “crisis response” into “recovery” mode. The partner agencies noted their finances continue to be stretched to the limit to meet the increased demand for services.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the work of our partner agencies or the way our community has stepped up to help meet their needs,” said Greg Burris, President & CEO of United Way of the Ozarks. “Organizations like 3M, Liberty Utilities and United Way Worldwide have helped make this our largest Coronavirus Response Fund allocation to date. The generosity of our community is awe-inspiring.”
United Way of the Ozarks has been working with Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Community Partnership of the Ozarks to maintain a master list of area nonprofits’ funding, supply, and volunteer needs.
On Monday, June 8, United Way of the Ozarks announced the third round of funding was issued to the following organizations:
- Bobby & Betty Allison Ozarks Counseling Center (OCC) – $3,500 to support OCC’s sliding scale mental health services. Clients’ unemployment has significantly reduced their ability to help pay for mental health services during a time of increased depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks – $4,332.40 to support additional expenses due to their new virtual volunteer recruitment model.
- Boys Scouts of America, Ozarks Trail Council – $2,150 to provide sanitizing equipment and supplies to allow Camp Arrowhead and other Ozark Trails Council camps to operate this summer.
- Boys and Girls Club of Springfield – $8,900 to purchase a floor scrubber for the Henderson Unit and utility assistance funding for the families they serve.
- Community Partnership of the Ozarks – $16,871 for alternative shelter/containment options for the most vulnerable/highest risk of our homeless population.
- CASA of Southwest Missouri-$3,928.46 for operations in lieu of lost revenue due to canceled fundraising and awareness events.
- Girls Scouts of the Missouri Heartland – $2,150 for operations in lieu of lost revenue due to the cancellation of numerous program events and loss of revenue in the retail shop.
- Great Circle – $1,700 to purchase cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment, and thermometers to continue to provide healthcare and sanitary housing for approximately 90 children.
- Harmony House – $2,500 to support the increased expenses for shelter supplies, food, and cleaning items and the technology required to operate remotely as necessary.
- Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri, Southwest – $5,000 for utility assistance for LFCS clients.
- Ozark Regional YMCA – $2,500 to provide cleaning equipment, as well as summer day camp for children.
- Reading Buddies, Council of Churches – $700 to purchase ten no-touch thermometers.
- The Kitchen Inc/Rare Breed – $2,500 to purchase laptops and improved technology to continue to serve clients remotely.
- The Salvation Army of Springfield – $7,500 to support additional operating costs due to COVID-19 and for utility assistance for Salvation Army clients.
- The Victim Center – $1,500 to provide cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment for clients and staff, virtual meeting software subscriptions, and remote-access software necessary to provide services virtually.
- Tri-Lakes United Way – $5,000 for utility assistance for those in need in the Branson area.
- Tri-Lakes United Way provided $5000 in utility assistance to:
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- Christian Action Ministries (CAM): $1,250.
- Elevate: $1,250
- OACAC Stone County Neighborhood Center: $1,250
- The Caring People: $1,250
“We continue to be proud of our partner agencies, as we have been throughout this pandemic response. They have led with their hearts, their creativity and their passions,” said Burris. “It is our honor to serve them.”
United Way encourages all citizens to own their community and join in the response efforts:
- Give. Those who are able can take the “Community Challenge” and contribute to the Coronavirus Response Fund. Donors are encouraged to challenge their friends and family on Facebook and other social media channels to make donations by texting SGFresponds to 41444 or by visiting uwozarks.org/covid19.
- Advocate. Continue to support non-profits in the Ozarks. The added burden of helping those in need is higher now than ever.
- Volunteer or donate supplies. See a list of volunteer and supply needs by organization at uwozarks.org/covid19.