During the many challenges and difficulties 2020 brought to our mountain communities, the Grand Foundation was able to extend its reach beyond Grand County’s borders. We assisted our neighboring communities of Clear Creek and Jackson County through the challenges COVID-19 brought. Because neither community has its own dedicated United Way branch or community foundation to handle local needs, the Grand Foundation has been able to assist with facilitating and distributing funds to help our neighbors get the resources they need to get back on their feet.
In administering and facilitating COVID relief to these communities, the Grand Foundation worked with housing and human services organizations in Clear Creek to accept and process more than 140 applications for assistance through the CARES act. The result was more than $93,000 being distributed to residents in need. In addition, our volunteers and Board Members went above and beyond, helping Clear Creek secure a grant of more than $100,000 through the Colorado COVID Relief Fund. Clear Creek has asked the Grand Foundation to continue to assist with the ongoing administration and distribution of those funds.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and volunteers.
Without the help of our partners, the Grand Foundation would not be able to make the impact we do today. We want to send a special thanks to these amazing partners:
Mountain Parks Electric partnered with the Grand Foundation to provide both Jackson County and Grand County residents with utility assistance.
Grand Beginnings partnered with the Grand Foundation to administer Gap funding and tuition-assistance programs to help provide local families with high-quality licensed child care.
Mind Spring Health partnered with the Grand Foundation to provide counseling sessions and no-cost mental health services for those affected by COVID-19 and the wildfires.
Mountain Family Center operated a “good neighbor” food bank in Walden (Jackson County), providing food for anyone in need. This was in addition to their amazing work in Grand County during COVID-19 and the wildfires with basic human needs.
Freeport McMoRan has contributed significantly to several of the funds managed by the Grand Foundation and other non-profits in the area.
Grand County endured so much in 2020, but one of the most amazing lessons we’ve taken away has been about the power of community. Whether we ran errands for someone in quarantine, sheltered families who lost their home, donated items for people in need, or simply checked in on each other with a friendly hello from the driveway, it became increasingly clear that when it comes to neighbors, well, we need each other.
Here are some easy ways to bring that neighborly vibe to your own community.
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