The money came from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act fund. SELF plans to use a portion of this funding for emergency assistance to those in need and who qualify, he said.
SELF is also partnering with area nonprofit organizations to extend the use of these funds, including the Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton, the Community Building Institute of Middletown, and Sweet Cheeks diaper bank in Cincinnati.
The Boys and Girls Club will receive assistance for its summer programming, setting up of a computer lab, funding for personal protective equipment, and academic work packets, Diver said. Work with Sweet Cheeks includes getting diapers to low-income recipients of Primary Health Solutions’ Women, Infants and Children program.
Karen Miller, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club, said the money will be “extremely helpful” because the coronavirus has reduced the number of children the agency can serve and increased the cost of those services.
Instead of serving 75 to 80 children, the club is limited to 24, she said.
She said the academic work packets are valuable because they allow the club to “stay connected” academically with the students when they’re at home and able to get to the club.
SELF will work with the CBI by providing funding for its baby pantry and summer programming that assists children with retaining knowledge they learned throughout the school year. Verlena Stewart, program director at CBI, said the pantry was financially supported by Atrium Medical Center up until this year.
Stewart called the $10,000 from the grant “a blessing” and said it will provide diapers and other necessities for the next three years.
Working with CBI, SELF will also provide school supplies for 1,000 back packs that will be distributed throughout the district’s seven elementary schools. Stewart said the back packs filled with school supplies and hand sanitizer will assure the “kids are ready for school.”
SELF will use these funds to expand its comprehensive employment program, JOBS NOW!, to offer it in more locations throughout Butler County, including Middletown, Oxford and West Chester, he said. It will also work with the community to meet any COVID-19-related needs and link its clients to other community resources available.
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