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Its partner agencies began receiving grants from the United Way of Central Missouri on Tuesday, just four days after the opportunity was announced.
Little Explorers Discovery Center received $6,800.
The Salvation Army of Jefferson City received $15,000.
The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City has been approved for about $18,000. That money would be used to provide child care services for families of health care workers and first responders whose children are out of school because of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is tentative, depending on how long schools are to stay closed, said Ann Bax, president of the local United Way.
The service may be necessary for up to 150 children, club administrators said.
On Friday, the United Way announced an immediate grant opportunity for all 28 of its partner agencies. The organization quickly made $50,000 available, specifically to offset harm done by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Partner agencies are eligible to apply for the Emergency COVID-19 Grant to be used to serve the most vulnerable in our community for immediate, critical basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, child care, utility assistance, etc.
One piece of the funds for Little Explorers would allow for the facility to open spots in each of its age groups for children of first responders and medical personnel, Bax said. A small second piece would pay for additional cleaning supplies.
The third piece would help the center's clients keep their children there.
"So many of their clients have been laid off," Bax said. "Or their hours have been impacted."
They pay on a "sliding scale" at the center, which means they pay based on their capacity to pay. And they will have less income, Bax said.
"Many families will have a bigger gap. United Way funding fills that gap," she said. "I feel really good about that."
The Salvation Army will use the money it received for its rent and utility assistance program, Salvation Army Capt. Justin Windell said.
Windell said he couldn't remember seeing such a quick grant approval process.
"We've seen an uptick for people needing this kind of help. The grant helps us meet demand," Windell said. "It's a continuation of what we've always done."
To learn if you qualify for the rent and utility assistance program, call 573-635-1975 and follow the prompts to reach social services.