A United Thread: Anson County Partnership for Children

Our newest series, A United Thread, highlights the importance of pulling together to collectively serve our community through an unprecedented time. In each segment, we feature an organization awarded COVID-19 grant money through United Way of Central Carolinas.

 

As a result of the coronavirus crisis, our community’s most critical nonprofits are feeling the strain as they experience an increased demand for services while simultaneously navigating decreased financial resources. Within multiple counties across the Charlotte region, United Way of Central Carolinas established COVID-19 response funds in partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas, and with the support of corporations, local government and others to assist local nonprofits serving on the front lines.

 

In this segment, we connect with Katie Sewell, program coordinator at Anson County Partnership for Children, to learn how the organization is navigating the pandemic.

 

 

How has COVID-19 impacted Anson County Partnership for Children?

 

Sewell: Anson County Partnership for Children’s priority is to be a resource for childcare providers, children and their families. Our mission is to help make Anson County a better place to be a child and to raise a child.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has been an essential information and resource outlet to childcare providers and families. Anson County Partnership for Children has seen an increase in clientele requesting food and educational resources for their families and children. Many families have caregivers that have been furloughed and the organization has been able to provide resources to help bridge gaps they may be experiencing at this time.

 

 

How has the organization adapted the way it delivers on its mission during the pandemic?

 

Sewell: Anson County Partnership for Children has faced challenges finding food and supplies to support our families. Fortunately, we have been able to partner with Anson County Schools and Second Harvest Food Bank to provide meals, non-perishable foods and supplies such as diapers and wipes for us to give our most vulnerable families. We have has also provided virtual resources including activities for all ages, both indoor and outdoor, to promote play and learning.

 

 

How is Anson County Partnership for Children using the grant money it received through the COVID-19 Response Fund?

 

Sewell: Thanks to the COVID-19 Response Fund, Anson County Partnership for Children has continued delivering lunches and weekend supply bags to families. The organization serves approximately 175 children and their families daily. Monday-Thursday each family is served lunch and breakfast for the next day and on Thursday families receive a weekend bag that contains non-perishable items such as canned goods, diapers, wipes and formula.

 

 

What’s one personal testimonial you can share about the organization’s impact in the community?

 

Sewell: One client said, “It has been humbling to see the love and support from my community during this pandemic. Recently, I was laid off and not sure how I would provide for my family. Thanks to the [Anson County] Partnership for Children, the meals and diapers they have been able to provide has helped relieve some stress.”

 

 

Outside of COVID-19, what is something people should know about Anson County Partnership for Children’s partnership with United Way?

 

Sewell: The partnership with United Way is important to our community because we advocate for early education and promote literacy from birth. The funding that we receive from United Way and other sponsors allows us to purchase books for each classroom and provide family support programming such as Motheread and Proud Parents. We also are able to mail a monthly book to children who register through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

 

Learn more about United Way’s COVID-19 response efforts here.