Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund Surpasses $100,000 In Grants

The Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund has passed $100,000 granted to 17 local nonprofits serving residents impacted by the pandemic.

The recovery fund, which was launched last month by the United Way of Bucks County and Penn Community Bank, has been able to provide resources to groups with a focus on life-sustaining and essential human services.

Below are the organizations that have received funding in the fourth round of grants:

• The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, which focuses on prevention, intervention, and addiction recovery, will use their grant to help extend the hours of their referral line, provide transportation to work for clients who live at the Women’s Recovery Community Center, and to provide recovery supports virtually. The Council notes that these services are all critical for people in recovery from substance use disorder.
• Keystone Opportunity Center will use their grant to help their current housing clients in Bucks County. These clients have experienced unanticipated job losses and other hardships as a result of COVID-19. Using a progressive engagement approach, they will ensure clients get the resources they truly need to remain stable through this crisis.
• Bucks County Children and Youth will use additional funds to ensure clients have essentials like food, hygiene and cleaning supplies, and diapers. Their team of highly skilled case workers will ensure that resources get to those in urgent need of assistance.
• A new grant to YMCA of Bucks County will provide food and educational care packages. Care packages will go to low-income early education students who are not able to attend YMCA centers. YMCA wants to be sure that parents have what they need to support learning goals at home.
• Family Service Association will use recovery funds to replenish their Food Pantry, including both food and cleaning supplies. The pantry, which is a longstanding part of their Family Strengthening programs, serves families facing many COVID-related challenges.
• Penndel Mental Health Center, which serves over 3,000 clients each year, will use their grant for additional food, as well as the technology they need to allow their team to work with more clients in a virtual environment.

“As we all experience the many challenges of this COVID-19 emergency, there are aspects that are particularly daunting to the Recovery Community,” said Jennifer King, The Council of Southeast PA’s executive director. “We know the importance of connection and community for people in recovery and are working to ensure that people can access that connection virtually during this crisis. We’re so grateful to the United Way of Bucks County, and the generous donors who have made this support possible.”

United Way of Bucks County’s member agencies grants are reviewed by a panel of business and nonprofit leaders.

Donations to the fund can be made at uwbucks.org/COVIDrecovery or by mailing a check to United Way of Bucks County, 413 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills, PA 19030 with “COVID Recovery” in the subject line.

Editor’s Note: Publisher Tom Sofield is a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors. 

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