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July 2020 Updates
Hello, Forward Wayne County Partners!
This month's Forward Wayne County newsletter includes a look at health initiatives, some local treasures for us to appreciate and plan trips to, ways to navigate back-to-school in the "new normal," and some important news for businesses looking to recover. Please continue to support the initiatives that speak to you and share this information with friends, family, and colleagues.
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Wear it, Wayne County!
In order to support local businesses enforcing compliance with the state-wide mask mandate, we have partnered with Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce to produce window clings encouraging mask usage. These window clings are free to local businesses and can be picked up at the Wayne County Foundation & Chamber Offices, 33 S. 7 th Street, as soon as Monday, August 3.
We'll continue to promote safe practices for residents and business owners with posts and hashtags like #MaskUpHoosiers and #WearItWayneCounty. We encourage you to review and pull any of those image assets directly from our Facebook page to use on your own pages. |
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Rapid Recovery: HUGE Changes
Federal funding through the CARES Act has enabled the temporary expansion of Next Level Jobs as part of the Rapid Recovery for a Better Future initiative. This expansion adds a significant number of training programs and extends eligibility to Hoosiers who have an existing two- or four-year degree. These Rapid Recovery Expansion programs and eligibility will expire December 30, 2020.
Not only are there more programs added to the Rapid Recovery program, but eligibility is now extended to small businesses, too. The Employability Coalition is working collaboratively to launch a campaign over the next month to educate Wayne County residents on this amazing opportunity and how they can use it to grow their employees. Stay tuned! |
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Health and wellness is an important part of our mission at Forward Wayne County. While many aspects of health and wellness feel outside of a person's control these days - especially during a pandemic - some things we can take strides to improve are physical activity and mental health - specifically: getting out of the house and trying new things. Lucky for us, we have some great local treasures here in Wayne County that will give you the option to get out, get active, or simply take some time for yourself in a beautiful setting. If you're looking for something fun to do that's safely distanced from others, won't break the bank, and will keep your family entertained, check out our list of things to do in Wayne County HERE.
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2020 Challenge Match Program Announced
Do you know of a not-for-profit organization that could use some funding assistance? The Wayne County Foundation Challenge Match program is an opportunity for not-for-profit organizations to cultivate new donors and encourage increased giving from current contributors, especially for general operating support. Participating organizations are given the opportunity to secure a dollar-for-dollar match from the Foundation, up to a specified match goal, based on qualifying gifts they receive from the community in a designated period of time. In the last eight years, the Challenge Match has helped 72 organizations raise over $9.73 million, including $1.58 million from the Foundation.
Any charitable not-for-profit organization, school, or government agency in Wayne County that has had a prior application history with the Foundation is eligible to apply. New applicants or those not selected previously should contact the Foundation’s Program Officer, Lisa Bates, to schedule a meeting at lisa@waynecountyfoundation.org or 765-962-1638. The online application will open on Friday, July 24, 2020 and close on Friday, August 14, 2020. This year, the Challenge Match Program will be held from November 2 to November 10. Visit the Foundation's website for more information.
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Boy Scout Seeks to Add New Monument
Veterans Memorial Park may get a new monument, thanks to the devotion of one local Boy Scout. We're thrilled to watch this story evolve and we're so grateful for the precious gift we receive when teens choose to get involved in our community. To learn more about Nick Rader, his Eagle Scout project, and how you can support him, read our article HERE.
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Loan Opportunities Available
For-Profit Businesses
Up to $900,000 has been pooled from several public and private resources to assist small businesses who are experiencing business disruptions and loss of revenue due to COVID-19. Small businesses can apply for loans for up to $25,000 with 0% interest with a 60-month term, and deferred payments for 6 months. The deadline for funding has passed, but plans are underway for a second funding. Keep checking in for updates.
Not-For-Profit Organizations
The Wayne County Foundation has set up a loan program for our local non-profits who need support recovering from the COVID-19 disruption. 501(c)(3) organizations with a history of predictable revenues and three years of operation can apply for up to $25,000. More information on requirements and how to apply can be found on the Foundation's website.
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What does "back to school" mean these days and how can you help your kids navigate the new norm? Local mom, writer, and parenting guru Megan Imhoff wrote a guest blog on tips and techniques for Back to School During COVID 19. |
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We Need Your Help
Do you use social media? If so, we need your help to spread the word about all the good things we're doing in Wayne County. Over the last six months, we've grown our Facebook following by 28% - and we want to do even better than that in the next six months. Be sure you're following us and invite your family and friends to follow our pages, too. Help us by liking posts that you think are important and join the conversation by adding a comment to share your thoughts or tag a friend who cares about these issues, too. Click on the icons in the footer below for a direct link to each of our social media platforms.
If you don't use social media - that's okay! There's another way you can help: share our newsletters with your friends, family, and colleagues. Forward this email and encourage them to subscribe.
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