On May 19, United Way Northumberland launched a call for applications for the Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF). The fund provides financial support to charities and other qualified donees adapting their frontline services to support vulnerable Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECSF is funded by the Government of Canada and is being administered in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada, Community Foundations of Canada, and the Canadian Red Cross.
On July 20, 2020, United Way Northumberland is pleased to share an update on the recipients of this funding. United Way Northumberland has received 19 applications for community programs and services that support vulnerable community members. All 19 organizations have been approved for a total of $342,942.
· Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northumberland – Power Play 2.0: Engages children and youth aged 12-16 in weekly group mentorship promoting positive emotional and mental health, social connectedness and physical activity
· Community Care: To purchase personal distress alarms and a new integrated phone system to increase outreach for isolated seniors
· Five Counties Children’s Centre – Help At Home: Providing much need virtual treatment for children while they remain at home
· Green Wood Coalition – Reconnecting Community: To support the rebuilding of community connections through street outreach, food-sharing home visits, and mental health recovery-oriented activities
· Habitat for Humanity ReStore: To reopen the ReStore to generate revenue and community support to continue that allows the development and delivery of affordable housing programs
· The Help Centre – Senior Service Help Program: Assist low-income seniors to gain access to community services relating to health, wellness, and finances to improve quality of life and remain self-sufficient
· La Jeunesse – Online Program: Adaptation of programming to offer high-quality online musical and theatrical activities
· Northumberland Community Legal Centre: Free and confidential legal services that keep a roof overhead and food on the table of the low-income and vulnerable residents of Northumberland County
· Northumberland Child Development Centre – Virtual Child and Family Services: Delivery of early intervention, assessment and treatment virtually to children with special needs and ongoing support to vulnerable families
· Northumberland Community Counselling Centre: Provide rapid assessment and individual and group treatment to at-risk people who are increasingly compromised by social isolation measures and are presenting with significant anxiety and depression and harmful coping mechanisms
· Northumberland County Agri-Food Centre – Soup Program: A partnership with a local food entrepreneur, to produce 18,000 servings of safe, nutritious, and re-heatable soup for local food banks, school nutrition programs and community service organizations
· Port Hope Community Health Centre – Food Cupboard: Providing prepared meals, baked breakfast items and food hampers to any community member in need of food in Northumberland, including delivery for those with limited transportation and/or mobility.
· Rebound Child and Youth Services: Support to reach new clients through virtual platforms, and assist with the development and delivery of new supports including Webinar Series, Back to School Readiness, Peer Support, Literacy Help, and Emotional Self-Regulation
· Salvation Army – Community and Family Services Integrated COVID-19 Outreach & Emergency Response Service: Combining the Salvation Army Homelessness Program, food banks, health bank, community outreach services, emergency transportation and disaster services to respond to community needs
· Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG): Musical education program for children and youth facing barriers including, poverty, racialization, gender and sexual identity, newcomers and learning disabilities
· Transition House – Emergency Shelter Services: Providing 24hr access to emergency shelter services and food for those in need in Northumberland County
· Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.): In support of reopening their Adult Day Programs with cleaning products to ensure proper sanitization
· WrapAround Northumberland: Providing PPE and technology facilitators to support many families who are feeling isolated and requiring traditional WrapAround support
· YMCA Northumberland – Fee Assistance for Access to Recreation: Access to day camps and recreation for people with low income throughout Northumberland County
United Way Northumberland is proud to support the important investment of $342,942 into our local communities.
“Charities and non-profit organizations are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, acting as lifelines for many vulnerable Canadians. The Government of Canada is pleased to support these organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so they can continue their invaluable work,” said The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
“The pandemic has affected us all, but for those experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles, financial difficulties, and food insecurities, it has caused an extra strain on an already tough situation,” says Bobbie Dawson, Executive Director, Northumberland United Way. “The work of Northumberland United Way and our community partners has never been more important. This trusted investment from the Government of Canada, guided by local expertise from our dedicated United Way team, will support those who are struggling in our community.”
For more information about Northumberland United Way and our work locally, please visit mynuw.org, or follow Northumberland United Way online.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
