April 20, 2020 — Clovis, NM — The Board of Directors for United Way of Eastern New Mexico created a Covid19 Recovery Fund for Curry and Roosevelt Counties. The foundational donations from New Mexico Bank & Trust ($10,000) and Pattern Energy ($5,000) will allow UWENM to support the vital work of its partner agencies that have been stretched and challenged by the global pandemic; directly assist local families affected by layoffs and our elderly and disabled residents; and provide material support to the community response. UWENM Board of Directors believes that this crisis will create hardships throughout the coming months and is inviting others to join in providing relief by donating to the UWENM Covid-19 Recovery Fund.
“During this time, we have been connecting people with local resources through 211, assisting low-income families and the newly unemployed with rent and utility assistance, supporting our partner agencies as they adapt to the rapidly changing situation, and calling on our community to volunteer to help meet critical needs,” said Erinn Burch, Executive Director of UWENM. “This Fund will help us do significantly more.”
UWENM will use these funds in two ways. The first will be through direct assistance to families. We will work with pastors, community advocates, and social workers to identify those who are struggling. Secondly, UWENM will support our partner agencies with material and financial assistance for their established programs and clients.
UWENM Board President, Misty Bertrand -General Manager of Clovis Civic Center said, “With the generous donations of New Mexico Bank and Trust and Pattern Wind Energy and other individuals in the community, the United Way of Eastern New Mexico’s Covid-19 Recovery Fund will connect our neighbors with needed assistance. It’s not a fun time, but it is a time for us to come together to take care of each other. I encourage anyone in need in our local area to call 211 to learn more about resources available in the community.”
Those wishing to donate to the UWENM Covid-19 Recovery Fund can call 575-769-2103 or give online at www.UnitedWayENM.org or mail checks to UWENM PO Box 806, Clovis, NM 88102 and write “Covid” in the memo line. Those needing services are encouraged to call 211.
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About United Way of Eastern New Mexico
United Way of Eastern New Mexico unites neighbors and changes lives in Curry and Roosevelt counties by seeking partners who will give, advocate and volunteer to benefit our local community– especially through work that promotes child well-being and youth success. UWENM is the largest grant maker in our area funding 28 programs at 13 local agencies that fight child abuse and domestic violence; end hunger; take care of our elderly and disabled; fight homelessness; and provide youth development. UWENM is the provider of the free information/referral phone service 2-1-1 answering approximately 170 call each month. UWENM is the provider of the free online volunteer portal www.VolunteerENM.org.
About United Way’s 2-1-1 Info-helpline
UWENM also provides direct service through 2-1-1 information referral line. 2-1-1 is a three digit phone number that connects people to the help they need. We refer callers to the agencies, non-profits, churches, and community groups that serve our area. Callers find help regarding food pantries and meals sites, mental health providers, utility bill assistance, assistance getting identity documents, legal aid, employment help, household items and furniture, and more. In addition, 2-1-1 is the access point to United Way provided services like Game Changers, the Successful You Career Closet, and our Volunteer Action Center. Last year, UWENM staff and volunteers helped over 3,500 of our neighbors directly —connect to the help they needed, avoid homelessness, improve their employment situation, and volunteer with local non-profits that changes lives.
About United Way’s Volunteer Action Center
UWENM seeks to create a culture of service and volunteerism in Curry & Roosevelt Counties. www.VolunteerENM.org is a web-portal linking people who want to volunteer with local agencies and organizations doing work to serve the needs of our community. In 2019, 467 people responded to 1,042 volunteer needs with 21 local agencies.
For more information, visit
www.unitedwayenm.org
