United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) announced that as the agency pivots towards pandemic recovery, the Community Covid-19 Fund, through UWGN, is working to address mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic. UWGN has partnered with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to ensure individuals from a diverse cohort learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and local available tools and resources.
Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded and selected organizations will be required to participate in a community of practice geared towards addressing the long-term challenges of addressing mental health in the community. Community development, food distribution, after-school programs and agencies serving Newark residents are encouraged to apply. A train-the-trainer model will allow community agencies learn how to identify and provide resources to community members in distress.
“Addressing mental health and wellness is more important now than ever. The disruptive nature of the pandemic, resulting economic recession and social unrest, has seen an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression on already burdened communities. United Way is not only committed to creating physically healthy communities but also building resilient ones by investing in wellness strategies that promotes mental wellbeing,” said Catherine Wilson, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Newark.
A request for proposals has been released and is open to agencies that want to implement and expand wellness programs for Newark residents. All proposals are due by close of business on May 20, 2022. All questions should be directed to Adaobi Ndupu, andupu@uwnewark.org or Justin Artenant, jartenant@uwnewark.org.
