FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2020
United Way of St. Clair County Approves Grant to Curb Social Isolation
United Way of St. Clair County (UWSCC) announces the granting of funds for Life Skills Centers, Inc. through their Emergency Services Fund ~ COVID-19 Relief. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us into social isolation for periods of time, some very lengthy. Many individuals, due to age and pre-existing conditions, have a difficult time wearing a face mask for any length of time which makes leaving the house and having visitors even more difficult, if not impossible. Life Skills Centers will use their grant from UWSCC to address the social isolation and skill regression of vulnerable adults who are unable to leave their homes.
Funds awarded will enable the organization to purchase about 10 user-friendly mobile devices; to be loaned to clients and their caregivers to facilitate Telehealth visits. Karen Trisch, is one of the caregivers in St. Clair County who will be helped by these devices. “It makes me more comfortable sharing my story with someone when I can see the person’s face,” she exclaimed. “Being able to see who I am talking to helps to develop a connection.” Life Skills Centers Memory Care Services will also utilize the devices to connect with caregivers of seniors with dementia and provide support to assist them with caring for their loved ones during the pandemic and moving forward with a virtual caregiver program. “Having a caregiver ‘coach’ to give me advice and support while going through the hardest times would be like someone throwing me a lifeline,” Karen added. Visit www.lifeskillscentersinc.org to learn more about Life Skills Centers.
Grants are still available for St. Clair County organizations and businesses with unexpected costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit uwstclair.org/EmergencyServicesFund-Covid-19-ReliefAid to learn more and apply for a grant.
UWSCC recommends all individuals with any type of need to dial 2-1-1, or (888) 636-4211, to be connected with available information and resources. Visit uwstclair.org/HealthFirst for additional household resources.
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For further information, please contact: Brent Gillette - Executive Director
bgillette@uwstclair.org 810.985.8169 ext.118
About United Way of St. Clair County