Making the Most of Distance Learning as Additional Grants are Awarded to Agencies
St. Gerard House is designed to support families and children touched by autism. In light of the quick pivot to remote learning this Spring, the program recently received a grant from the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund to enhance their distance learning support for students with autism.

Executive Director Caroline Long shares that St. Gerard House instructors have been thrilled with the ability to continue to serve their students during the stay at home order. Through technology secured through the grant, they have been able to meet with students and continue to work on important skills. Teachers have gained new perspective and insight after seeing their students in their home environments and many students have blossomed with the new virtual model. While they will be thrilled to get back to normal (like all of us), they feel fortunate to have been able to continue serving their students and families during this unprecedented time.

With thanks to our nonprofit network throughout Henderson County, and the additional support of the COVID-19 Response Fund , more families are able to receive the help and assistance they need to get by.  

United Way has assembled an online guide to local resources serving the community during the COVID-19 health crisis. Click here to find local food pantries, parenting support programs, legal advice and much more. For a comprehensive list of services, call 2-1-1 or visit NC211.org
$273,000 in COVID-19 Fund Grants Awarded to Local Agencies Responding to Coronavirus
Another round of relief grants totaling $45,416 has been awarded to eight agencies working directly with individuals affected by the coronavirus crisis in Henderson County. This brings the total of grants awarded to $273,956 distributed to 34 agencies. Over $340,000 has been donated to the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund since its inception on March 20.

Grants were awarded in the areas of behavioral health support, food for drive-through distribution, facility cleaning and sanitizing support, PPE, and laptop computers to enable remote programming for adults with disabilities.

The fund distribution committee continues to evaluate grants and release funds on a rolling basis. Read more about the grant recipients and grant award process here.
Special thanks to Amplified Media for their time and talent to create this Public Service Announcement for the Henderson County COVID-19 Response Fund!
Volunteers Wanted!
Henderson County residents can now visit one website to find and sign up for volunteer opportunities at local non-profit agencies. Visit www.volunteerhendo.org to find a volunteer position that meets your skills, interests, and abilities.

Henderson County non-profits that are in need of volunteers are welcome to post volunteer opportunities on Volunteer Hendo. During this time of increased need we ask that all agencies requesting volunteers provide opportunities that allow for safe social distancing standards. 

If your agency would like to post opportunities on Volunteer Hendo, please log on to volunteerhendo.org , or contact volunteer coordinator Malisia Wilkins at volunteer@liveunitedhc.org.
Discounted Prescriptions and Financial Resources Available from Familywize
The coronavirus doesn’t discriminate who it infects—from world leaders like Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and celebrities to our neighbors and family members. And although everyone is at risk for infection, the toll that the pandemic is taking financially and socially is far from equal. Low-income families and minorities are bearing the biggest burden of all.

Our partners at Familywize have created a guide that can help you stay healthy and provide financial stability during this incredibly uncertain time. Click here for tips on finding low-cost internet, free or reduced cost prescriptions, health insurance for children, and much more as we navigate this crisis together.
Meet Thea - United Way's 2020 Bearfootin' Bear
Thea is an inspirational work of art created by local art legends Miriam Hughes and Laura Bell and sponsored by BMW of Asheville. In Greek mythology, Thea was a goddess of light. This beautifully brilliant bear is a reflection of the light and love and compassion that is evident throughout Henderson County.

Like Thea, United Way also brings light to dark places and believes in the shining potential of positive change when we work together.  Thea is residing at the corner of 1st and Main on the Courthouse side through October before being auctioned off to benefit UWHC. Learn more about the Bearfootin' Art Walk here .