These past several months, while exceptionally challenging at times, have also been inspiring. We’ve seen our community come together to care for our neighbors in need, springing into action to support those most adversely affected by the pandemic.
Through our COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, were able to invest $7 million to support low-wage workers who have been laid off, expand access to medical care, provide shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness, increase food access, and so much more. This would not be possible without our compassionate donors – a diverse group of individuals and businesses who helped us mobilize $8 million for coordinated relief and recovery efforts. Thank you for standing with us to make a difference.
You can read about our impact here – and, below, learn more about how our nonprofit partners helped create this impact. Their stories of kindness and courage are truly inspiring.
DC Rape Crisis Center
It’s not just a crisis line – it’s a lifeline” - Indira Henard, Executive Director
The DC Rape Crisis Center is dedicated to creating a world free of sexual violence. It is the oldest Rape Crisis Center in the country—and the only in Washington, DC—providing mental health counseling, a 24-hour crisis hotline, and community education and outreach, among other services.
Requests for its services have doubled since the start of the pandemic. With Community Foundation support, it was able to expand a 24/7 crisis hotline to serve an additional 80 clients a month.
“Our advocates bear witness and hold space to the unimaginable. They let survivors know that they are not alone and it is not their fault,” said Henard. She shares more of her story above in her 2-minute #COVIDImpactStories video.
DC Central Kitchen
DC Central Kitchen, whose mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities, has doubled its weekly food production in response to our community’s needs. As a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund partner, DCCK was able to increase the amount served from 36,000 to 92,000 meals each week.
In the process, it was also able to help hospitality workers who lost their jobs and local farmers. DCCK also:
Employed 10 Culinary Job Training graduates, who were laid off from their hospitality industry jobs. Each were hired full-time with benefits.
Partnered with local farmers to produce fresh, healthy ingredients. Since March 31, DCCK has purchased an estimated 286,000 pounds of local produce. Currently, 90% of fruits and vegetables are sourced locally.
Implemented thorough safety protocols to ensure workers stayed healthy, including securing three commercial kitchens to properly space, and additional PPE.
Mary’s Center
In Prince George’s County, the surge in demand for low-cost prenatal care has been tremendous. Many women have found themselves suddenly uninsured – one devastating bi-product of the pandemic.
In response, Mary’s Center’s Adelphi site enhanced their telemedicine services with a COVID-19 Response grant, reaching nearly 570 expecting mothers. Their telemedicine outreach was especially impactful for one postpartum patient:
“If she hadn’t stayed on me and hadn’t kept calling and texting – I could have died with a newborn.”
Mary’s Center also expanded their general healthcare capacity, serving nearly 3,000 patients, in-person and virtually. And, they hosted public COVID-19 testing, with 45% of tests coming back positive.
Community crisis services, inc
Since its inception in 1970, Community Crisis Services, Inc (CCSI) has been a 24/7 resource for anyone facing personal turmoil in our community. CCSI’s mental health hotline provides immediate, compassionate assistance to those in need. Additionally, their emergency shelter services offer a safe place to stay.
Through the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, CCSI expanded their crisis hotline and emergency shelter services in Prince George’s County. So far, CCSI has answered nearly 14,000 COVID-related calls—covering topics from government regulation of COVID, to personal anxiety.
They also increased their shelter beds from 50 to 250, and moved into a new space that accommodates 2 beds per room, versus dormitory-style.
COMMUNITY YOUTH ADVANCE
Community Youth Advance, an educational nonprofit offering services for K-12 students, transitioned to virtual tutoring and instruction for 85 middle school students in Prince George’s County. Students received JLA GoVirtual reading and math instruction, personal tutoring and enrichment courses.
“Distance learning has been a fun experience. We learned and got rewarded for being there and participating. If I had a choice, I would probably do this rather than going to school. Thank you for having me!”
On average, participants increased their Math pretest scores from 69% to 81%. In reading, students reported they read 80% more material weekly while participating in the GoVirtual program.