“Uplift has changed my life. I have a much healthier way of managing my money. I know how important saving and budgeting can be, but most of all I have been on this journey of mutual support with people who have become family.”-Deborah

Dear Uplift Partner, To say the least, 2020 has been a unique and challenging experience for Uplift. When the COVID-19 epidemic hit, we set two important goals: to quickly and effectively transition to a remote community, and to focus on keeping participants in a place of stability.

We first ensured all our participants had access to the technology needed to connect remotely, then worked with everyone to get them comfortable using it. We re-examined the curriculum, modifying it to work over Zoom. You could often find our facilitators driving around Elk Grove dropping off materials and supplies for participants. Despite the challenges, we held our graduation for Cohort 3 in August over Zoom! For participants in later phases of the program, we adapted our activities to work on a remote platform. Since we aren’t able to provide the social interaction of our weekly community meals, we created other connections including craft activities, social time and story time for the children.

Though Uplift is an organization focusing on the future, keeping participants stable during this time of uncertainty became a huge priority. Through the help of donations and a city grant, we were able to offer all participants in need a weekly grocery gift card to help offset financial losses they may have experienced. For participants without transportation, Uplift provided rides to the grocery store, food bank and medical appointments. We also partnered with individuals and organizations to provide healthy foods, household items, furniture, a holiday adopt-a-family program and even Easter baskets to our participants.  This transition hasn’t been easy, but it’s allowed us to be effective in continuing service to our community. There have even been a few silver-linings. We’ve seen an increase in regular attendance since transportation challenges, gas costs and conflicting work schedules are less of an issue. Some have even joined us while being out of town or during hospital stays.

“I was stagnant before I came into this program” -Crystal

Throughout all this, our participants never cease to amaze us with their strong determination to reach their goals. Here are just a few accomplishments from 2020:  Participant got their driver’s license Five participants got jobs Participant family paid off all debt Participant entered and is thriving in a drug rehabilitation program Participant who was sedentary is walking regularly Two participants are working on removing clutter and excess in their homes Participant got a car Youth participant has improved school grades and is now getting A’s and B’s Participant family able to take vacations and travel regularly Participant returned to college even while navigating mental health barriers Participant became reconnected with family after a long separation Participant has been promoted to manager at fast food restaurant Participant is getting caught up on overdue health care issues Three participants are actively engaged in community work All participants have remained stable during the COVID epidemic

Now more than ever, it’s critical to offer our participants a sense of community and support. Uplift continues our mission to rise up from poverty together and that mission can only be accomplished with your continued support. If you are able, please consider including Uplift People of Elk Grove in your year-end giving. Donations can be made by clicking on the button below or by mail to Uplift at 8986 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95624. Donate

Thank you and on behalf of our entire Uplift family, have a blessed holiday season! Sincerely, Mark Hedlund  Mark Hedlund President, Board of Directors Uplift People of Elk Grove

Visit our website [8986 Elk Grove Blvd. Elk Grove, Ca 95624] • [916-900-6991] • [www.upliftelkgrove.org] ‌