It's important that we LIVE UNITED through this pandemic.
About the COVID-19 Community Response Fund
In an effort to provide a coordinated philanthropic response to the current COVID-19 health and economic crisis, the United Way of Kanakee and Iroquois Counties and the Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley have launched the Kankakee & Iroquois Counties COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
The region's health and human service organizations are experiencing a surge in demand for services from neighbors and communities significantly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. It's critical that these nonprofits have resources to continue to operate at the highest capacity.
Every donation to this community fund will impact and support the organizations that are ensuring our neighbors can access basic needs in this time of crisis. Together, the United Way and the Community Foundation will rapidly deploy resources to eligible organizations.
The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley made an initial commitment of $10,000 and will match up to $100,000 in donations to the Fund.
Or mail a check payable to United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, PO Box 1286, Kankakee, IL 60901 specifically marked for the COVID-19 Response
COVID-19 Community Response Fund Recipients
Below is a list of local organizations awarded grants through the Kankakee and Iroquois Counties COVID-19 Community Response Fund to date. The funds are distributed to help increase the organizations' capacity to provide access to essential services such as emergency food and supplies, health services, and financial assistance through direct cash transfers, as well as mortgage, rent, and utility assistance. If your organization is interested in applying to future funding cycles, click here for more details. (as of 6.1.20)
Agape Community Outreach Mission, Inc.
The Baby Fold
Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53
The Bread Basket of Watseka
Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet
Compassionate Ministries Center of Hope
Easterseals
Fortitude Community Outreach
Good Shepherd Manor
Harbor House
Helen Wheeler Center
Iroquois County Public Health Department
Kankakee Area YMCA
Kankakee YWCA
Kankakee County Community Services Inc.
Kankakee County Youth Intervention Agency
Kankakee School District 111
Kankakee School District 111 Health Clinic
Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center
Nexus Indian Oaks Family Healing
Nexus Onarga Academy
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Pembroke Farming Family Association/Run-Away Buckers
Pembroke Public Library
Hope House Family Restoration Center/PJ's Place
The Salvation Army
Spanish Community Center
Thresholds
Volunteer Services of Iroquois County
Youth for Christ Life Center
As we individually take steps to protect our own families, workplaces and neighborhoods, let's not forget the impact this will have on our local neighbors. Fortunately, even in isolation, you can still help.
Five things you can do today:
1) Donate to the Kankakee & Iroquois Counties' COVID-19 Fund.Your gift supports community resources that serve struggling families in Kankakee and Iroquois counties. Workers are losing wages and tips due to event cancellations and business closures. Kids who rely on free- and reduced-price breakfast and lunch at school risk going hungry. As food pantries and other community resources are inundated, donations to Kankakee & Iroquois Counties' COVID-19 Fund help ensure these vital services are available.
2) Direct people to 211. United Way of Kankakee & Iroquois Counties' 211 is working on the front lines of the pandemic. Expert 211 specialists provide real-time information on social services and other resources to those in need. If you know someone who is struggling or just looking for a source of reliable information, tell them to call 211.
3) Spare something for local food pantries. As stores run out of bulk food and toilet paper, food pantries are struggling to fill their shelves, even as more people are coming in for help. Consider donating what you can spare, especially non-perishable food and toiletry items. Find information on local food pantries here.
4) Call your friends and family. Loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.Even during isolation, modern technology allows us to stay connected. Checking in on friends and family is more than polite right now, it's essential.And don't forget elderly neighbors and others living alone.
5) Take care of your mental health. Keep busy with hobbies, try out arts and crafts, pick up an old musical instrument, organize family game nights, and step outside for fresh air and exercise. You can't take care of others unless you take care of yourself.
COVID-19 Community Response Fund Supporters
Thank you to our partners and donors who have come together to support our community through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
Founders:
AMITA St. Mary's Hospital, Aqua of Illinois, Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley, Compeer Financial, Dynegy, First Financial Bank, Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund, Iroquois Federal, Meijer, Midland States Bank Foundation, Peoples Bank of Kankakee County, ReCharge Coffee Bar, Sarah Viall - Country Financial and Van Drunen Family Farms and Futureceuticals
Apply for Funding
Grants from the fund will be prioritized for nonprofit organizations providing vital basic needs, services, and resources to disproportionately impacted individuals, families, and vulnerable populations in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. Requests to support other nonprofit organizations experiencing financial hardship or providing support services to individuals and families will also be accepted.
For more information regarding eligibility and how to apply, visit The Community Foundation of Kankakee River Valley's website cfkrv.org
