All monies raised will be spent in the UWNEK service area to support efforts to offset the economic impact on community services.
UWNEK Executive Director Jerri Compton said the new fund is in line with efforts being undertaken by United Ways nationwide.
“The stated focus of United Way is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community,” Compton said.
“The extraordinary global event we now find ourselves in is a threat to all of our goals. The health of our communities is obviously at risk, but also the financial havoc this is causing in our communities will be astronomical. With schools and after-school programs shut down, our educational infrastructure is also at risk. With COVID-19 threatening all the pillars of a healthy, thriving community, we were compelled to launch the UWNEK COVID-19 Response Fund and we are encouraging everyone to join us. We know that ours communities have always supported us generously, but an unprecedented event such as this is going to require an equally unprecedented response. I know that our communities are up to the task.”
Residents can donate to the UWNEK COVID-19 Response Fund by visiting uwnkey.org/donate. Additionally, donors can also text . “By supporting the UWNEK Rapid Response Fund, you can do your part to assist coronavirus efforts while knowing that 100 percent of your donation will go towards efforts in your own community,” Compton said.
The fund will provide for small grants to UWNEK’s community partners for efforts related to the pandemic. Additionally, today UWNEK also announced the formation of the UWNEK COVID-19 Response Fund Taskforce, which will help design the criteria for the funding process. “We’re asking those looking to help lead our community’s COVID-19 response to join us by helping us design this program so that effective efforts are supported in a way that produces the results we all hope to see,” Compton said.
Those interested in joining the UWNEK COVID-19 Response Fund Taskforce should call the UWNEK office at (606) 325-1810. UWNEK is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization that works with community programs to improve lives in neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. Established in 1936, UWNEK serves Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Lawrence, and Greenup counties. For more information, visit uwnek.org or connect via social media at facebook.com/uwnek.