In the wake of economic devastation caused by the threat of a coronavirus outbreak, the Ventura County Community Foundation has launched a new fund depository to support nonprofits that provide essential services like food, housing, child care, eldercare and mental health care.<\/p>\n
The so-called Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County has been created with aid from the County of Ventura, Amgen Foundation, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give an Hour, and the Economic Development Collaborative, according to a statement from Vanessa Bechtel, the community foundation\u2019s CEO.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile public health officials are working diligently to prepare for and respond to COVID-19, VCCF\u2019s Rapid Response Fund makes financial support available to those organizations experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, and to enable these organizations to maintain and increase services,\u201d Bechtel said.<\/p>\n
Mike Powers, Ventura County CEO, thanked the organizations involved in the fund\u2019s creation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring difficult times, it is wonderful to have so many community partners throughout our county who continue to give in profound and generous ways,\u201d Powers said in a statement. \u201cRecent emergencies in our region have demonstrated our resiliency and strength of community. As this situation continues to evolve, the Rapid Response Fund will be powerful in meeting the needs of so many.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the beneficiaries of the fund, Give an Hour, offers free mental health services. The nonprofit has been highly active in the region since 2018\u2019s mass shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encourage all to pay attention to your emotional wellness through this stressful time,\u201d said Kirsti Thompson, chief development officer for Give an Hour California.<\/p>\n
As a result of the fund, the YMCA, closed through March 31, will be offering financial assistance to nonprofits in need. Those seeking funds are asked to call Megan Glynn, chief development officer, at (805) 497-3081, ext. 1008.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Southeast Ventura County YMCA understands the impact across our region will be vast,\u201d said Ronnie Stone, the Y president\/ CEO. \u201cWe are honored to work closely with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance and support during these difficult times.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bruce Stenslie, president and CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative, said the organization and its Small Business Development Center will remain open throughout this crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile our primary concern of course is for our community\u2019s individual and public health, we\u2019re also very concerned about the health of our businesses and economy,\u201d Stenslie said. \u201cAt the same time, as we adhere to safe practices in hygiene, we also encourage everyone to keep spending with our local businesses, contributing to their survival and investing in our economic resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
To support the Rapid Response Fund, VCCF welcomes financial contributions from individuals, organizations, companies and institutions. Donations can be made at\u00a0vccf.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n The foundation will not take any administrative fees from this fund\u2014100% of donations will be awarded based on the criteria of the fund, Bechtel said.<\/p>\n