FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County has awarded the first round of funding from the “United with Uvalde” fund to six organizations that are providing mental and behavioral health support for the Uvalde community. Several of the selected organizations provided services in Uvalde prior to the horrific shooting at Robb Elementary. All six organizations awarded are providing services today.
Earlier this year, we issued a request for proposals for the “United with Uvalde” fund. A committee comprised of volunteers, including members with experience in the Uvalde community, reviewed the submissions. This first round of funding focused on supporting programs that are already helping the students, families and residents. The six organizations selected are:
- Communities in Schools of San Antonio
- Family Service Association
- Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas
- West Texas Counseling and Guidance Center
- Hill Country Community MHMR Center
“West Texas Counseling and Guidance has been present since the day after the tragic shooting in Uvalde,” said Dusty McCoy, CEO of West Texas Counseling and Guidance Center (WTCG). “Overnight WTCG was working with Community Health Development, Inc. (CHDI) and created a behavioral health unit to serve the community’s mental health needs. WTCG continues to provide mental health services through CHDI five days a week. Our goal is to assist CHDI in building its behavioral health program to serve the community’s needs, and until this is accomplished, WTCG plans to be there for the community. We expect that this will take three to five years.”
More than $1.73 million has been raised for the “United with Uvalde” fund. This first round of support uses more than $400,000 of the fund. In January 2023, another request for applications for the remainder of the available funds will be issued. The process for selecting the second batch of service providers will focus on long-term, multi-year programs. Throughout this process, United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County leaders have consulted with organizations in other communities that have experience assisting after tragedies like this.
“With the support of the ‘United with Uvalde’ funding, Communities in Schools of San Antonio is able to provide a full-time clinician in Uvalde CISD schools to directly support students in their everyday educational environment,” said Jessica Weaver, President & CEO of Communities in Schools San Antonio. We are grateful to come alongside the district to grow the team of support for all students.”
You can find a list of grant recipients, amounts received and a FAQ about the fund on our website.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way.
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Categories: Press Releases Tags: uvalde |
