Contributed by Michele Harmeling
Happy New Year from Your United Way of Mat-Su!
It’s hard to believe it’s already 2020! United Way of Mat-Su would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our community. Your generous, ongoing support means we will be able to advance Education, Financial Stability and Health for all in the Mat-Su, for years to come.
The application period for State of Alaska PFDs is now open! Don’t forget to Pick.Click.Give to your favorite local nonprofit. It’s a quick and easy way to donate, and your contributions through the Pick.Click.Give program help organizations like United Way of Mat-Su provide vital programs and services across the state.
McKinley Fire Relief and Long-term Recovery
The McKinley Fire Long-term Recovery Group continues its efforts to bring fire survivors and their families back to stable, pre-disaster conditions. Despite the cold, the Construction Management team has completed a cabin that will be move-in ready for a fire family soon. Another cabin is nearing completion and will provide a permanent, warm home for a family in need. The LTRG is providing heating assistance to those in need, including firewood, heating oil and propane. Case management is ongoing as we work to remain in regular contact, assessing the needs of each family as we move forward. The Case Management team works carefully to ensure confidentiality while addressing survivors’ needs with compassion, efficiency and sensitivity to the uniqueness of the community. Our recent Rummage Sale was a success, even at -10 below! The sale raised over $700, which will directly benefit fire recovery efforts. Special thanks to Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, and to those who bravely volunteered to work outside in the cold: Brenda McCain, Butch Corgen, Linda Cline, and Traci Odom.
For more information on fire relief efforts, visit mckinleyfireltrg.info
Project Homeless Connect 2020
This year’s Project Homeless Connect will take place on Wednesday, January 29 at the Curtis D. Menard Center from 10am-3pm. Those experiencing housing instability and homelessness are invited to this one-day, one-stop shop, where services including foot care, personal care, public health screenings, and a hot meal are available free of charge.
Volunteers are still needed to make the day run smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Becky Stoppa at 745-5827 or impact@unitedwaymatsu.org
Applications for vendors are still being accepted. If you are a local service provider and would like to apply, please call 745-5827 or email impact@unitedwaymatsu.org
Early Childhood Partnership Updates
The Early Childhood Partnership is excited to offer several new programs in 2020!
Join us for Play Time at the Borough Gym, every Wednesday from 10am-noon. Parents/caregivers and children ages 5 and under are welcome to attend. You are welcome to bring your own toys, but we ask that Razor scooters, pedal bikes and skateboards stay at home. This project was conceived by Palmer Parents’ Group, administered by the Early Childhood Partnership and funded by a generous grant from Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Are you a childcare provider whose facility needs repairs or renovations? Providers are invited to apply for a Facility Repair grant through ECP.
What qualifies under this grant?
Playground repairs and improvements (ie; sanding, painting, repairing or replacing equipment, gravel and yard fill/maintenance)
Purchases of supplies or items to improve safety (ie; outlet and heat register covers, non-slip floor coverings, security lighting)
Repairs to center interiors to meet inspection requirements
Improvements to center exteriors and exterior walkways to improve safety Applications are
accepted on a rolling basis. Once your application is complete, you will be contacted by the ECP administrator to schedule a walk-through of your facility. Applications missing materials will not be considered. Generally, grants will be awarded in amounts of $500-$2,000.
Questions? Please call 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org
Do You Know A Valley Youth Who Excels at Community Service?
Nominations are now open for the Thrive Mat-Su Youth Making A Difference Awards. Have you worked with or do you know a Mat-Su youth who volunteers their time for their community? Please consider nominating them for the Thrive Mat-Su Youth Volunteer of the Year award. Awards are given to one Middle School and one High School Volunteer.
All materials must be submitted by February 7, 2020. To receive a Nomination Form, please contact Becky Stoppa at 745-5824 or impact@unitedwaymatsu.org
