2020 was a challenging year for residents of the Palmer area. Local nonprofits rose to the occasion to provide food, shelter, and socializing opportunities for those suffering due to the pandemic. PCF chose to support the efforts of our friends and neighbors with our grantmaking priorities.
In partnership with The Alaska Community Foundation, Palmer Community Foundation provided funds for food security. The Palmer Methodist Church vowed that no student should go hungry. They funded a small program to provide food bags to local elementary and middle school students. PCF provided two grants amounting to $1750. Similarly, Palmer High School instituted a Sandwich Project to ensure students could focus on learning. PCF provided an additional $750.
Looking to long-term food security, PCF joined with other funders to build a garden on Alaska Family Services’ property. Through this project, families learn to grow food to sustain their own health. The community garden has the added benefit of providing a safe place for our community to socialize during the pandemic. $2000 went to Alaska Family Services to support this project.
Many seniors have become even more homebound during the pandemic. Meals on Wheels not only provides sustenance but also allows isolated seniors to see a friendly face. Further, Mat-Su Senior Services can check up on folks to make sure they are OK. PCF was able to help with a $7000 grant.
Family Promise helps families who are homeless. The PCF grant, funded from an ACF basic needs allocation, helps provide transitional housing and rent and utility subsidies. Though $5000 will not solve all the problems, it will help many families.
Telehealth services have become vital during pandemic-related isolation. Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults further developed their capacity for these services with the $2000 grant from PCF. This project will be useful to expand telehealth services into the future.
Though the pandemic seems to be loosening its hold on our residents, needs like this will remain vital in the Mat-Su. It makes us smile to think PCF, in collaboration with ACF and other funders, could help during 2020. As always, donors make these efforts possible. Your donation to Palmer Community Foundation directly supports projects like these. Please give today!