Contributed by Michele N. Harmeling
Your United Way of Mat-Su staff remain hard at work, despite the challenges of working from home and conducting business virtually. We are here for you-please call 373-5807 for assistance.
UWMS is supporting COVID relief efforts daily. You can text MATSUCOVID to 91999 to donate directly to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. These funds will be used to benefit those most affected by the COVID-19 crisis, whether that be through unemployment, housing challenges, basic needs shortages or other hardship.
We’ve been busy! Here’s a snapshot of the projects, initiatives and collaborations we’ve supported in recent weeks:
· Convening local agencies and non-profits to address community issues stemming from COVID-19, collaborating to find solutions that will benefit the Mat-Su in the long-term.
· Creating and supplying the Mat-Su with a one-page COVID-19 Resource List.
· Supporting and celebrating our graduating high school seniors.
· Connecting families by advocating for access to needed technology and internet services.
· Funding face coverings and PPE for the community, made by local mask makers.
· Continuing to support McKinley Fire relief and rebuild.
· Advocating for positive change in the Mat-Su virtually, through local Town Hall meetings, participation in community, school district, city and borough activities.
· Funding vital programs to provide for the needs of children, families, seniors, and those experiencing hardship due to COVID-19, including through the Santa Cops & Heroes Program, REACH907 and others.
We look forward to building a better Mat-Su in new and innovative ways. Remember: We’re all in this together! We can support each other, whether via social media, a kind text, a catch-up phone call, or a donation to your favorite local non-profit. We encourage our friends and neighbors to stay healthy, stay safe, and find moments to connect with one another.
Mat-Su Cares: COVID-19 Resources Around the Valley
UWMS and our partners at Mat-Su Health Foundation have convened a group of Valley agencies, community members and non-profits to address needs in the community stemming from the COVID-19 crisis. A one-page COVID Resource Flyer is available, listing programs and services including food distribution sites, mental health and wellness support, housing resources and more. We provide COVID resources, information, volunteer opportunities, donations requests and local updates via our website as well. You may submit a request for handmade PPE or volunteer as a mask-maker by clicking the link on our home page.
You can view and download the flyer and resources on our website at www.unitedwaymatsu.org.
To date, there are ten (10) COVID testing sites open in the Mat-Su. Call the clinic nearest you for instructions and current hours. (Patients are asked to call Capstone Clinic’s triage line at 864-4642 to be directed to a Capstone site.)
If you need assistance navigating resources call 2-1-1 to be connected to help near you. 2-1-1 has behavioral support specialists standing by: if you need someone to talk to, a specialist is here to assist. You may also call Connect Mat-Su at 373-2628.
Early Childhood Partnership News
The Early Childhood Partnership has awarded three grants to local childcare centers! We are pleased to announce A Touch of Home Daycare, Profiles of Excellence Child Care and Tree of Life Child Development Center as our recipients. These trusted Valley childcare providers will utilize funds to repair and improve their facilities to provide better safety, security and comfort for the children they serve.
ECP may be able to reimburse your center for costs incurred from:
· Food items
· Infant needs (diapers, wipes, infant formula, baby food)
· Cleaning supplies (sprays, surface wipes, mops and buckets)
· Personal hygiene items (hand soap, hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves)
We may also be able to help find handmade masks for your staff. Please submit receipts for any of the above to admin@unitedwaymatsu.org. If you have purchased items not for your center’s use, you must indicate these on your receipts.
Interested in summer activities with the Early Childhood Partnership? Let us know what types of activities would most benefit you! Call 745-5824 or email admin@unitedwaymatsu.org to take our short survey.
Updates from Thrive Mat-Su
Thrive Mat-Su is proud to support Valley graduating seniors! It is our pleasure to have provided recognition for the Class of 2020 from the following Valley schools:
· Burchell High School
· Wasilla High School
· Redington Junior/Senior High School
· Palmer High School
· Colony High School
· Cottonwood Creek Elementary 5th Grade Class of 2020 Promotion
Thrive Mat-Su provided resource flyers for distribution by local food pantries and area senior centers, as well as meeting virtually with youth development agencies around the Valley to enact positive change.
Mat-Su COAD News
Mat-Su COAD encourages all Valley residents to consider a defensible space plan for this summer. Create a buffer zone against fire around your home by removing weeds, brush and other vegetation. Safely remove trees and shrubs, ensuring there are none near power lines or your home. Removal of dead or dying trees is especially important. Take time to review your family’s emergency escape plans. Do you have an emergency kit, first aid kit, and evacuation route and plan in place?
Interested in joining Mat-Su COAD? Call 745-5827 or email impact@unitedwaymatsu.org for more information.
