While the pandemic has affected everyone, our vulnerable populations have been disproportionately impacted by both the virus and economic consequences of the shutdown. This includes children, communities of color, non-English speaking residents, and those who live in areas with little access to essential supplies and services. Impact Alamance has stayed connected with community partners providing integral resources and worked with them to assess and identify needs.
“We are grateful for the work our community partners are doing to address the disparities illuminated by the virus,” says Tracey Grayzer, President of Impact Alamance. “In this rapidly changing environment it’s through these relationships that we can better understand the community’s needs so we can read reality truthfully and invest to make the most impact.” She adds.
One crucial gap is connectivity. The move to remote learning for public schools has created many challenges for students and teachers without access to internet. Impact Alamance invested $200,000 in Chromebooks and laptop devices for Alamance-Burlington School students, along with an upgraded data plan, literacy software programs to assist children with reading and translation, and resources for students with special needs. Likewise, with program participants needing access to remote learning while onsite, funds were allocated to Alamance County Community YMCA to up fit its technology infrastructure.
Other investments address a variety of gaps in access and equity. Alamance Aid received funds to provide direct access to money for individuals that need essential items such as food and medicine. Dollars were granted to the Community Recovery Loan program to aid minority and women-owned businesses in recovery and growth. Funds were also allocated to the Alamance Partnership for Children to launch a leadership development program for childcare center directors, and the CityGate Dream Center to establish a community kitchen to continue providing hot meals to food insecure families.
Board members and staff are committed to Impact Alamance’s mission of hope, health and prosperity for all. The foundation will continue to fulfill its mission by strategically investing in strengthening the community’s grid of resources, including those gaps intensified by COVID-19.
Below details the investment made to each organization that received funding:
| Organization |
Investment |
| Alamance Aid |
$5,000 |
| Alamance-Burlington School System |
$200,000 |
| Alamance Community Foundation |
$50,000 |
| Alamance County Community YMCA |
$10,000 |
| Alamance Partnership for Children |
$35,000 |
| CityGate Dream Center |
$20,000 |
| Total Investment |
$320,000 |