MEDIA ADVISORY

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 6 May 2020  

CONTACT: scarboroughhelps@gmail.com
Project GRACE, Steffi Cox
Town of Scarborough General Assistance, René Daniel
Scarborough Police Department, Lauren Dembski-Martin 

Town of Scarborough, Scarborough Police Department, and Project GRACE Jointly Awarded $15,000 Grant from United Way's COVID-19 Community Relief Fund  

SCARBOROUGH, MAINE - United Way of Greater Portland has awarded $259,073 in the second round of grants from the Greater Portland COVID-19 Community Relief Fund to 25 local nonprofits, schools, and faith-based groups on the frontlines working with individuals and families disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.  
 
"The outpouring of support is a testament to the caring spirit that exists in our community," said Liz Cotter Schlax, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Portland. "We are pleased to be able to quickly award grants to organizations addressing urgent needs across Cumberland County, which continue to mobilize food and supplies and provide access to safe and reliable shelter to individuals and families who desperately need it."  
 
"We are very appreciative to be a United Way of Greater Portland grantee in this second round of very timely investments in keeping communities safe and whole," said Steffi Cox, Executive Director, Project GRACE. "This generous $15,000 grant comes as needs are increasing, but it also builds on our very long and successful history of working together as a community to give a neighbor a helping hand when it is most needed."  
 
The Scarborough Police Department, Project GRACE and Scarborough General Assistance often collaborate to help our community's most vulnerable access essential services like food, shelter, and healthcare. "In recent weeks the three agencies have been at the forefront of helping families and individuals impacted by COVID-19," says Lauren Dembski-Martin, SPD's Social Services Navigator. "Some needed meals or groceries, others needed a warm place to stay, while some just needed someone to listen to their fears and be reassured that it's okay to be worried or ask for help." RenĂ© Daniel, the Director of Scarborough's General Assistance program added, "These are difficult times for everyone, and this grant from the United Way's COVID-19 Community Relief Fund will allow us to respond to urgent and immediate needs before they escalate to a crisis stage. These funds will provide meaningful assistance to families and individuals all across town."  
 
The Town of Scarborough, Scarborough Public Library, and Project GRACE have already been working together to provide information about opportunities to help a neighbor and how to get help for oneself, a family member, or neighbor. For more information about Scarborough's collaborative community response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit ScarboroughHelps.org.   
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Neighbors Helping Neighbors