Written by Chris Mosby in Patch on 01/29/2021
The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) announced four new grants to help the community through the COVID-19 crisis.
"Although we've been living with COVID-19 for almost a year, the pandemic's devastating effects have only become more acute for many," said HLF President Jeanine Gergel. "Many people have lost jobs or income, and we know some residents are struggling with food insecurity. Some are also worried about having their utilities shut off or being evicted."
Grants of various sizes have been awarded to the Barton Senior Center, the Lakewood Community Services Center, the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. Details on each grant are below.
- $4,000 to the Barton Senior Center for an internet connectivity pilot for senior residents of the Westerly apartments;
- $35,000 to Lakewood Community Services Center for food assistance for Lakewood residents for the period of February through June 2021;
- $25,000 to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland for services and outreach to Lakewood residents; and
- $25,000 to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland to support capacity to provide school-day care for Lakewood's elementary school-age children while learning is remote or hybrid for the period of January through March 2021
"We are concerned about the effects of the continued isolation on our senior residents, many of whom do not have access to the internet," Gergel said. "And, our hearts go out to families that are scrambling to find ways to keep their children safe and well cared for while school continues to be delivered in a remote or hybrid format."