While physically distancing from friends, family, and colleagues, and sheltering in-place, it’s natural to feel isolated. Staying away from other people, though necessary, doesn’t fulfill our need to take action, and do something in the face of this crisis.

Yet even during these difficult times, Women United is making a difference!

WOMEN UNITED ESTABLISHES A PROJECT WIN COVID-19 FAMILY SUPPORT FUND WITH A $55,000 GRANT TO THE OPPORTUNITY ALLIANCE.

Thanks to your generous gifts, Women United is able to support some of our most vulnerable neighbors, our Project WIN families. Reductions in work schedules, school closures, changing bus schedules, alternative childcare costs, difficulty accessing food and home supplies and challenges accessing health care disproportionately affect low-income mothers and their children.

Fortunately, your 2019 contributions to Women United will help ensure our Project WIN families receive the support they need without falling into financial crisis.

Taking Action: $55,000 Investment in a Project WIN COVID-19 Two-Generation Support Fund

• Invest $35,000 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on Project WIN mothers. Project WIN staff forecast the potential impact on Project WIN families to include lost wages due to layoffs, lost overtime, increased food expenses, and increased childcare and transportation costs. This fund ensures Project WIN families do not incur additional debt and can meet their family’s basic needs not covered by state and federal relief funds.

• Invest $20,000 to create and maintain a Project WIN COVID-19 Summer Care and Learning Plan. The impact of COVID-19 on Project WIN families creates additional emotional, logistical, and financial strain on the entire WIN cohort, especially the children. With family systems under such unprecedented stress, children are particularly vulnerable and in need of structured, carefree and compassionate care. There is no certainty that summer camps will be open, and families may need alternative and non-traditional types of support for individualized summer learning needs. 

Together, though apart, we are continuing our group’s legacy of support for single mothers and their children through your generous investments. For questions, or to learn more, contact Amy Erskine Hinitt, Manager, Women United at womenunited@unitedwaygp.org or 207-347-2343.