Fort Atkinson, WI – May 18, 2020 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties has issued their second round of COVID-19 relief support to five area school districts and two local nonprofit partner agencies.
“On March 31st, we issued our first round of COVID-19 relief checks totaling $9,530. We are so incredibly pleased that our second round of checks, sent on May 15th, totaled $22,000 in grant support to our local schools and two emergency financial assistance programs,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director. “We have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities. Donations are continuing to come in, and we’re confident that our final round of support checks on June 30th will be our highest distribution.”
A total of $31,530 has been distributed thus far through the United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Those funds have been allocated to the five school districts in United Way’s service area: School District of Fort Atkinson, School District of Jefferson, Whitewater Unified School District, Lake Mills Area School District and then Palmyra Eagle Area School District. Funds have also been distributed to the emergency financial assistance programs through Bethel House and St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson. One additional support check will be sent to each of these organizations on June 30th.
“We were able to get some support out quickly to these groups to help with the immediate needs they were seeing from children and families,” Hartwick states. “But we know the need for assistance is only going to increase over the next handful of months. We are so grateful to be in a position where we’ve grown our relief fund so that we can continue to provide funds to help these organizations provide longer term support to those in our communities who will need it most.”
The school districts are able to utilize the funds in whatever capacity is needed in order to best serve their students during the closure and through the beginning of the summer break. The emergency financial assistance funds will be available for individuals and families who are in immediate need of support to cover their living expenses.
“Our school districts are adapting on a daily basis to serve their students and they deserve any and all support they need to continue to do so,” Hartwick states. “Bethel House & St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson are in a strong position to reach those individuals and families who need immediate assistance to cover expenses like utility bills, rent, and clothing and groceries. Many families have been helped through the CARES Act, but we know there will be a huge increase in demand for support longer term.”
Donations towards the United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund will be taken through June 30th, when the last anticipated checks will be sent. No administrative fees are being taken by United Way, so 100% of all donations for this fund will be distributed back out into our communities.
“The support we have received has been so incredible,” Hartwick states. “I am so proud to lead this organization and am so proud to have grown up here and to now be raising my own family here. On behalf of United Way, and all the people we serve, thank you so very much to those who have generously supported our efforts to help strengthen our communities during this unprecedented time. We will continue to do all we can.”
Anyone who would like to donate to the United Way’s COVID-19 fund can visit the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com and click on “Donate Today” to be taken to the donation page where full details are available. Donations can also be mailed to 734 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. For any questions, please contact United Way at 920.563.8880 or [email protected].
