The grant provided to LifeWire will allow services to domestic violence survivors and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo courtesy of LifeWire

The Puget Sound chapter of the Employees Community Fund of Boeing (ECF) awarded grants recently to 19 nonprofits throughout western Washington. The new round of grants support organizations on the front lines helping our local communities respond to the social and economic impacts of COVID-19.

These grants allow nonprofit organizations to purchase the critical items that provide direct client services to those in need. Items are geared towards helping children and youths, supporting food and shelter programs, health services for the elderly or those with special needs, and community resources and job training.

Some of the needs specifically met by these grants include a new truck to handle food bank transportation, mobile dental equipment, bunk beds to allow social distancing protocols, office classroom for displaced and disadvantaged workers affected by COVID-19, and therapeutic mattresses and bed frames. The grants are already making a difference to those in need. For example, the donation to LifeWire is helping the nonprofit equip its employees with the technology they need to work effectively from home.

“Thank you, ECF of Boeing team, for your wonderful support of LifeWire,” said Rachel Krinsky, Executive Director at LifeWire. “Your computer equipment and technology grant has assisted with a seamless transition, supporting staff as they continue to provide critical services to domestic violence survivors and their children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Equipped with new laptops, monitors, and equipment, LifeWire employees are experiencing improved conditions while working from home. The legal team can still file court documents. The financial team can continue to cut checks for emergency funds. Your support makes a powerful difference – providing compassionate services, safe housing, and hope to survivors and families in our community. You’re wonderful! ”

ECF Puget Sound chapter secretary Sheila Kirkwood shared the intent behind the grants. “The generosity of our Boeing employees’ contributions enabled the Employees Community Fund Puget Sound Chapter to respond to COVID-related requests from across our local region,” said Kirkwood. “We are grateful that we could move quickly to support so many nonprofits as they navigate the growing need for services while adapting to the challenges of operating safely during a pandemic. ECF is proud to partner with these organizations to deliver health and human services in our neighborhoods and communities.”

The following local organizations received grants from ECF:
Child/Youth recipients: Boys & Girls Clubs of Skagit County, Friends of Youth, Secret Harbor, Westside Baby
Food/Hunger recipients: Darrington Food Bank, Hope Creek Charitable Foundation, Stanwood Camano Food Bank
Housing/Shelter recipients: Downtown Emergency Service Center, Mary’s Place, Roots Young Adult Shelter
Health Services: Medical Teams International, Northwest Kidney Centers
Elderly/Special Needs:  LifeWire
Community Services/Job Training: Chinese Information and Service Center, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, Orion Industries, Seattle Clemency Project

By Catherine Rudolph