The United Way of Chatham-Kent and the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation are providing $435,897 in relief funding to 32 different charities and local groups alongside the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF) Grants.
The joint funding was open for applications in May. The funds were earmarked to provide financial support to charities and other qualified applicants to adapt 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 locally with United Way of Chatham-Kent, Chatham Kent Community Foundation and the Canadian Red Cross.
Over the past few months, United Way of Chatham-Kent received 45 applications for community programs and services that support vulnerable community members.
32 grants have been approved for the Government of Canada’s ECSF for a total of $435,897. All 32 approved charities and groups have already received their funding.
“The Foundation is very proud to be working with Community Foundations Canada and our local partners in this collective effort to flow the funds provided by the Government of Canada to the most impacted populations in Chatham-Kent,” says Ruth Hook, chair of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation
“When we collectively work together, we can ensure that there are services out there to help people in this community and to prevent duplication or fracturing of existing supports,” adds Steve Pratt of the United Way of Chatham-Kent. “By working together, we can ensure that forgotten areas in our community are not left behind and we are better prepared for the community’s rapidly emerging needs.”
See a full list of the programming sharing the funding:
These programs were funded in part by United Way of Chatham-Kent and in part by Chatham Kent Community Foundation
​Active Lifestyle Centre: $25,000
Funds will be used to offer outreach programs, services, health services (footcare) and support to the older adult population of Chatham-Kent that is 50+.
This programs was funded $12,500 in part by United Way and $12,500 in part by Community Foundations.
Family Service Kent: $48,375
Funds will be used to offer a Coordinated System that will increase access to food and support service navigation, especially in smaller communities, through a coordinated delivery system and a mobile market.
This programs was funded $16,125 in part by United Way and $32,250 in part by Community Foundations.
Loads of Love: $15,000
Funds will be used to reopen the thrift store.
This programs was funded $7,500 in part by United Way and $7,500 in part by Community Foundations.
March of Dimes: $26,800
Funds will be used to support their social connections programming. Social connect promotes an inclusive community, despite physical distancing in response to COVID-19, by matching a local person with a disability with a friendly volunteer.
This programs was funded $13,400 in part by United Way and $13,400 in part by Community Foundations.
The Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent: $40,000
Funds will be used to provide outreach through peer support, educational opportunities, social rehabilitation, self help, referrals to appropriate services, paid and volunteer opportunities as well as family support.
This programs was funded $20,000 in part by United Way and $20,000 in part by Community Foundations.
Victoria Order of Nurses (VON): $5,000
Funds will be used to match youth with socially isolated seniors who are struggling with the social distancing measures put in place due to Covid-19.
This programs was funded $2,500 in part by United Way and $2,500 in part by Community Foundations.
​These programs were funded on behalf of United Way of Chatham-Kent’s portion of the Emergency Community Response Fund.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chatham-Kent: $26,700
Funds will be used to support virtual outreach programming to the doubly vulnerable youth to decrease likelihood that it will take them years to recover from the impact of social distancing during COVID-19.
Canadian Liver Foundation: $10,000
Funds will be used to offer virtual support services for individuals living with liver disease.
Chatham-Kent Children’s Services: $23,348
Funds will be used to support the Autism Transitional Classroom providing short-term placement for students in Chatham-Kent with very severe developmental disabilities-Autism and Intellectual Disabilities.
Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre: $19,063.20
Funds will support migrant worker health programming.
Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council: $10,000
Funds will be used to promote education and knowledge exchange to our community to help prevent, treat and reduce the harms associated with substance use.
Chatham Kent Women’s Centre: $15,000
Funds will be used towards creating and distributing activity and resource kits for men, women and children impacted by intimate partner violence to help improve their emotional and social well-being.
Chatham-Kent Public Health: $15,000
Funds will be used for mental health initiatives in co-ordination with multiple non-profit organizations.
Crohn’s and Coltis Canada: $2,000
Funds will be used to offer virtual mental health group support.
Family Service Kent: $7,500
Funds will provide CK’s vulnerable persons with nutritious, prepared meals at a subsidized rate; free delivery anywhere in C-K for people in need.
Easter Seals Ontario: $8,761
Funds will be used to provide mobility and accessibility equipment to children and supporting their families in the Chatham-Kent region facing increased challenges due to the COVID19 crisis.
Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent: $39,380
Funds will offer academic assistance to elementary aged children through tutoring and Facebook Live reading sessions.
New Beginnings ABI & Stroke Recovery Association: $5,000
Funds will be used to focus on making our outdoor space accessible to our members for programing.
​Ridgetown and Area Adult Activity Centre: $5,000
Funds will be used to offer foot care onsite by a RPN to members and the community. Adequate timely foot care can reduce health complications.
Victoria Order of Nurses (VON): $50,000
Funds will be used to support the Kids’ Circle program that specializes in illness and bereavement support for children and teens (4-18) in one to one and group sessions.
These programs were funded on behalf of Chatham-Kent Community Foundation’s portion of the Emergency Community Response Fund.
Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation: $5,000
Funds will be used to provide wage support for additional hours to support care to residences and their families.
Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre: $3,000
Funds will be used to provide PPE and basic needs for shelter workers and clients.
Family Service Kent: $7,500
Funds will be used to provide the community’s most vulnerable frozen meals at a subsidized rate.
Family Service Kent: $15,000
Funds will be used to provide free single session counselling for mental health support.
Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent: $5,926
Funds will be used to provide literacy programming to school aged children.
Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent: $10,000
Funds will be used to provide food packages and delivery service for their clients; and support their compassion calls daily, peer support, online programs, and virtual meetings to keep people connected.
​NeighbourLink: $10,000
Funds will be used to provide outreach programming and provide a delivery service to people who are isolating are requiring basic needs.
Restorative Justice Chatham-Kent: $9,572
Funds will be used to support the Positive Strides program into the transition of using virtual platforms and in person when safe.
St. Andrew’s Residence: $19,000
Funds will be used to support meal deliveries through the Meals on Wheels Chatham-Kent programing.
Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada: $1,500
Funds will be used to provide “Play From Home” care packages to support 15 immunocompromised children living in CK.
​​YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Chatham-Kent: $ 7,840
Funds will be used to provide activity toolkit.
​YMCA of Southwestern Ontario Chatham-Kent: $ 2,450
Funds will be used to provide support to seniors through check in phone calls and care packages.
For people wanting to signing-up for volunteer initiatives, make a donation the Chatham-Kent COVID-19 Community Response fund or requiring help can visit CKgives.ca.