These past several months, while exceptionally challenging at times, have also been inspiring. We’ve seen our community come together to care for our neighbors in need, springing into action to support those most adversely affected by the pandemic.
Through our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, were able to invest $10 million to support low-wage workers who have been laid off, expand access to medical care, provide shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness, increase food access, and so much more. This would not be possible without our compassionate donors – a diverse group of individuals and businesses who helped us mobilize $10 million for coordinated relief and recovery efforts. Thank you for standing with us to make a difference.
You can read about our impact here – and, below, learn more about how our nonprofit partners helped create this impact. Their stories of kindness and courage are truly inspiring.
Care for Your Health, Inc.
Care for Your Health believes that every single patient who receives adequate medical care is a win for the whole community.
As the pandemic grew and Care for Your Health staff began working remotely, the organization knew it was critical to support its staff with high-speed Internet, since most activities were pivoting to telemedicine. As a COVID-19 Response Fund grantee, they also received funding for office supplies, stamps and other essential items needed to serve the low-income and uninsured communities of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
We have effectively taken care of our clients’ primary care medical problems, either via telemedicine or with visits from the nurse practitioner and the physician. In relation to the 80 new patients incorporated into our practice during the pandemic, we have tested them for COVID-19, attended to their medical problems, and referred them to other health providers and social workers when appropriate.
CCI Health & Wellness Services
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 test kits are a key component of fighting COVID-19—as well as software that allows telehealth visits. As CCI Health & Wellness pivoted to better serve its community during the early stages of the pandemic, our COVID-19 Response grant allowed them to focus on shoring up equipment, processes and guidelines. Notable milestones include:
Establishing workflows and designating separate space for persons under investigation and those testing positive for COVID-19
Installing sneeze safety guards that form a dividing wall to better separate symptomatic and non-symptomatic patients
Implementing routine deep cleaning at all health centers on a weekly basis and on demand in response to virus outbreaks in staff areas
Placing respiratory hygiene stations in all health center waiting rooms
Purchasing PPE for health center personnel
Testing for COVID-19 at three health center locations and securing all supplies necessary to stand up temporary testing sites at four health center locations
Montgomery Hospice, Inc.
Providing quality, compassionate end-of-life care is critical. Hundreds of individuals in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties are coping with terminal illnesses and require specialized care—and the COVID-19 pandemic presents many challenges in doing so.
Montgomery Hospice, Inc. used its Emergency Response Fund grant to provide quality care for terminally ill coronavirus-positive patients at Casey House, an inpatient facility.
During the grant period, patients received comprehensive, compassionate care, and they and their families were protected from infection. Furthermore, our services reduce patients’ use of other healthcare resources, especially hospitals, that are strained by the pandemic.
Total Family Care Coalition
Total Family Care Coalition aims to help keep families together for a better and safer community.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted life as we know it, particularly when caring for loved ones. Families are experiencing stress and exacerbated mental health challenges as a result of unemployment and financial instability. Youth are experiencing increased exposure to poor parenting, domestic violence, and child abuse and neglect.
[The Community Foundation’s] funds made a huge difference to the community. Children could eat. Parents were able to reduce anxiety and increase self-care techniques such as mindfulness to increase positive parenting.
With funding from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Total Family Care Coalition:
Served more than 275 individuals including 112 children, 85 adults and 80 families
Kept its doors open and responded immediately to families’ needs
Helped parents receive appropriate mental health medication they could help their small children
Kept one single, young mom from taking her own life by consistently reaching out and letting her know that she and her baby are loved