VCT’s first round of checks should make a real difference, according to Harrison.For example, FOOD Share’s check will be used to purchase diapers, infant formula and Pediasure for dozens of low-income families.“These food items provide important nutrition as the clients we serve do not always have access to complete and nutritious food sources,” said Bonnie Weigel, executive director of FOOD Share. “Coupled with diapers this purchase will help fill part of the enormous gap that currently exists for these core staple items that families most need.”Fred Bauermeister, executive director of the Simi Valley Free Clinic, applauded his organization’s grant of $2,250.“This grant will allow us to provide our patients with $23,500 worth of diagnostic labs so our doctors can diagnose and provide the most effective plan of care for our patients,” said Bauermeister.The VCT coalition that currently includes 30 social service organizations is headed by United Way, First 5 Ventura County, the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Community Commission for Ventura County. Information regarding “The Buck Starts Here” campaign is available at www.venturacountytogether.org.
Checks issued by Ventura County Together
November 06, 2009
Santa Paula News
Ventura County Together, a countywide coalition of social service agencies, announced today that the coalition’s first checks -- totaling $30,000 -- in support of critical social service needs have been issued.
Ventura County Together, a countywide coalition of social service agencies, announced today that the coalition’s first checks -- totaling $30,000 -- in support of critical social service needs have been issued. According to the coalition, checks have been issued to:* $9,000 to FOOD Share, the county’s main food bank, and its partner agencies* $9,000 for rental assistance and eviction prevention distributed to eight organizations focused on housing issues in the county* $9,000 to four free health-care clinics located in Oxnard, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks for diagnostic labs serving more than 1,800 people* $3,000 to the county’s 2-1-1 information and referral hotline to handle the increased call volume of people seeking help with basic needs“We are extremely pleased that Ventura County Together’s first allocation of resources is being released to support critical needs in our community,” said Claudia Harrison, executive director of First 5 Ventura County, one of the founding VCT partners. “The release of these funds is a testament to the importance of collaboration in support of critical needs that continue to exist in our community today.”The initial round of VCT funding was achieved through $10,000 contributions from First 5, the Ventura County Community Foundation and United Way of Ventura County. In addition, VCT is currently raising funds through the recent launch of a countywide campaign labeled, “The Buck Starts Here” which received an important boost three weeks ago when the Amgen Foundation announced it would provide matching funds for all dollars raised prior to Dec. 4, 2009, up to $150,000.“Thanks to the very generous support of the Amgen Foundation, we have the potential to realize $300,000 for this important project,” said Harrison. “We are most hopeful local residents and businesses will recognize the significance of this challenge grant and will step forward in support of this important effort.”
