SUPPORTING THE NON-PROFITS SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY
The Poughkeepsie Journal recently published a very sobering article on the economic challenges facing so many non-profits in our area. The economic contraction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic , as well as the economic anxiety that we are all feeling, is resulting in a substantial decrease in funds available for so many worthy non-profit organizations.
The decrease in available funding comes at a time when the demand for the services is substantially increasing as we strive to help so many vulnerable members of our community cope with the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
For more than 15 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving on the board of RECAP, our local Community Action Program. RECAP is observing its 55th year of providing a hand up out of poverty to those in need in our community. I have observed the heroic efforts of the RECAP staff in the last several weeks, working with other area non-profits provide and deliver meals to those who do not have the means to secure those meals for themselves, and also delivering meals and treats to those heroes in the health care industry who have been on the front lines fighting this pandemic.
In addition, RECAP’s Head Start program staff is checking in on families and providing remote services to our Head Start children to make sure they are prepared to thrive when they enter the public school system. RECAP case workers continue to work with our clients to insure that their needs are met. RECAP facilities staff is doing whatever they can to make sure that the supportive housing provided is a safe haven. Staff at the Trust Center continues to work with those recovering from addiction to insure that they can cope in these trying times.
I likely have failed to list many of the other services that RECAP provides and I know there are several other area non-profits literally putting their health and lives on the line to support those in need in our community.
It is incumbent on all of us to support the efforts of these great organization in whatever way we can whether financially, through volunteering, or expressing your support for the work these organizations do to your local, county, state and federal officials.
We need these organizations to thrive not only now as we face the health implications of the pandemic, but in the future as we face the economic fallout from the pandemic and the ongoing problems of income disparity in our region.
This is not intended to be legal advice. You should contact an attorney for questions regarding your specific situation.
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John C. Cappello is a partner practicing Land Use/Environmental and Municipal Law. He can be reached by phone at 866-303-9595 toll free or 845-764-9656 and by email.
