Council releases more than $810,000 through COVID-19 contingency fund

Hunger relief, baby and household supplies, mental health services and assistance with calls to 211 Helpline are among the programs supported through more than $810,000 in COVID-19 emergency funds released in the past few months by Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County (CSC).
The Council’s board approved $500,000 at an emergency meeting in March to support nonprofits working to meet the expanded needs of local families, and added another $250,000 in April. As of late August, nearly 60 nonprofits have received CSC funding - ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. 
The funds from CSC, and dollars dedicated by nine other partners, are being distributed by each organization through the COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Application process. The Council’s funds are earmarked for food, basic needs (excluding shelter), and direct services to children and families.
Early funding was directed to hunger relief, including:
•    Palm Beach County Food Bank, which provides food to more than 100 sites directly serving families. Money from CSC will help address the drop in donations since the pandemic began.
•    FLIPANY, or “Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth,” supporting meals for children through the USDA federally subsidized child nutrition program while schools are closed.

Other agencies receiving funds for food and essential supplies, particularly for young children such as diapers and formula, include:

Pathways to Prosperity Inc.
Families First of Palm Beach County
Police Athletic League of West Palm Beach Inc.
Farmworker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County Inc.
The Glades Initiative Inc.
Arms of Hope Community Inc.
Guatemalan Maya Center
Redlands Christian Migrant Association
Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope Inc.
Pediatric Oncology Support Team Inc.
Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County
Achievement Centers for Children and Families Foundation
For the Children Inc.
Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless Inc.
Place of Hope Inc.
Youth Empowered to Prosper
Junior League of Boca Raton
CROS Ministries
Boys & Girls Clubs
United Farmers Alliance

Some additional agencies to receive funds for health, wellness and therapeutic services include:

•    211 Helpline, to allow more volunteers and staff to work remotely in responding to the dramatic increase in calls for assistance.
•    Wise Tribe in Delray Beach, to deliver grow-at-home food/garden kits and virtual learning modules to middle school students.
•    Digital Vibez in West Palm Beach, to deliver its Fitness Fiesta program virtually to combat childhood obesity.
•    The Toby Center for Family Transitions in Delray Beach, for child reunification supervised visitations.
•    Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, for therapeutic counseling services.
•    Choice to Change Inc., for community service supplies.

The COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Application process is modeled on a hurricane-relief plan used in Palm Beach County since 2004. Using a single application form, nonprofits can request dollars from multiple funders, who work together to respond in their areas of service. The other partners are Admirals Cove Foundation, Allegany Franciscan Ministries, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Lost Tree Foundation, Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Foundation, Quantum Foundation, United Way of Palm Beach County and Ventus Charitable Foundation.