COVID 19 Recovery

Background

In June 2021, we reached a milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. More businesses are opening as individuals get vaccinated and life is getting back to some sense of normal. The crisis for many is not over, however. Unemployed or underemployed families are still struggling to cover basic needs expenses, children and families are still without affordable childcare, families are still facing homelessness, and individuals and families are isolated by the lack of technology in their communities. Monadnock United Way through The COVID-19 Recovery Fund hopes to be able to help close the gap for programs and initiatives that are working to help families in need. 

Applications received in July 2021 were evaluated by a trained and qualified group of volunteer investment team members in August 2021 and awards were made in September 2021. $85,500 was awarded to qualifying programs and MUW plans to award the remaining $44,500 at a later date.

Awards

Keene Housing Kids Collaborative received $2,500 to fund summer activity scholarships for children. These scholarships allowed children to participate in community recreational activities, intended to support social and emotional skill development, during the summer in preparation for reentering school. This initiative addresses the need to help children to develop social and emotional skills during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Mayhew Program received $10,000 to support students participating in one-on-one and small group mentoring with positive male role models during 2021, providing them with essential social, emotional, and academic supports during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Monadnock Alliance for Families (MAF) received $15,000 for general support of families struggling through COVID-19 recovery. These supports include: home visiting, case management, resource connection, programs for parents/caregivers that support building parenting skills, and enriched engagement programs for children.
 
Monadnock Community Early Learning Center received $10,000 for temporary child care scholarships for families transitioning back to the workforce or school during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
The Monadnock Social Services Collective is a newly formed collective consisting of Keene Senior Center, Keene Housing, Cheshire Medical Center, MFS, CVTC, HCS, SCS, SWRPC, Service Link, MAT, RSVP. The Collective received $15,000 to conduct a needs assessment on digital literacy and access in the Monadnock Region. The funding will help build understanding about the gaps in our community and provide an action plan to support those who are under-served or financially challenged with ways to receive quality services that will help keep them healthy, enhance their quality of life and help them to continue living independently as long as possible.This initiative addresses the need to try to close technology gaps like broadband access, digital literacy, and affordable digital devices for residents during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 
 
The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund received $5,500 to produce a video highlighting the affordability, availability, and quality of life afforded by home ownership in a Resident Owned Community addressing adequate and affordable housing for families in the Monadnock Region during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
New Hampshire Legal Assistance received $7,500 for housing-related advocacy. This initiative addresses the need for financial stabilty and policy advocacy the area of affordable housing for individuals and families in the Monadnock Region during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Rise for baby and family received $10,000 for child care scholarships and continuation of safety protocols initiated during the height of the pandemic. This initiative addresses the need for affordable quality child care, safety, and financial stability for children and families in the Monadnock Region during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Winchester Learning Center received $10,000 for funding to provide support for staff education and training. This initiative addresses the need for affordable quality child care for children in the Monadnock Region during this period of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.