Highland Park foundation issues more COVID-19 grants
The Highland Park Community Foundation has released an additional $25,000 in emergency funds to help Highland Park and Highwood residents who are still suffering from the impacts of COVID-19.
Since the March 2020 launch of the HPCF's Emergency Response Appeal, the foundation has provided six rounds of emergency grants. The total disbursement to nonprofits who support residents' needs has now reached nearly $200,000, distributed through 90 grants.
Community members still struggle with urgent COVID-related needs. The most recent grants provided funding for food, housing and utility assistance for Highland Park and Highwood victims of domestic violence and their minor children; PPE and cleaning supplies; needs of individuals with disabilities who are re-acclimating into public life; sanitizer and cleaning supplies for preschool classrooms; virtual mental health for community children and adults, including victims of sexual assault; and programming to support children who have lost parents to COVID-19.
"We continue to be so grateful for the foundation's strong support, especially during these trying times. Mental health care is a critical need for so many in our community right now, and we are glad we can partner together to support Highland Park and Highwood residents in need," said Elli Krandel, JCFS Chicago.
Round 6 grants recipients included: A Safe Place, Catholic Charities - Lake County Senior Services, Center for Enriched Living, Collaborative Community Housing Initiative, Family Focus Highland Park, Glenkirk, Gratitude Generation, Highland Park Community Early Learning Center, Highwood Public Library, JCFS Chicago, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Project Shop N' Drop, Rainbows for All Children, Tri-Con Child Care Center, and Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center.
"As more residents are eligible for vaccines, the HPCF looks forward to COVID recovery and greater stability within the community. With this additional round of grants, the foundation will transition our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Appeal into a COVID-19 Recovery Appeal," said Eric Ephraim, HPCF Grants Committee co-chair.
"COVID-related needs will continue through the recovery phase of COVID, which is likely to last for some time," said Wally Nathan, HPCF Board and Grants Committee member.
"The Highland Park Community Foundation Board is committed to addressing urgent needs brought about by COVID, as well as non-related needs of residents. The generous donations of the community will make a real difference in the HPCF's ability to help community organizations address as many needs as possible."
To contribute to the HPCF COVID-19 Recovery Appeal, or to make a donation that will support the ongoing needs of our community, visit hpcfil.org.
Contributions of any size will make a difference. Donations may also be mailed to HPCF, P.O. Box 398, Highland Park, IL 60035.
To learn more about the Highland Park Community Foundation and its work, visit hpcfil.org.
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