Donation stems from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ COVID-19 Collaborative Grant Fund
Georgetown, Texas, May 15, 2020 – OWBC announced it was awarded a $3,500 grant by the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) through funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) to help with COVID-19 relief efforts.
The grant funding is part of a $1 million donation from BCBSTX’s COVID-19 Collaborative Grant Fund to CFT to support community foundations and nonprofits throughout Texas providing critical services such as personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders, childcare for first responders and healthcare professionals, and services for senior adults, including meal and grocery delivery.
Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties has continued to operate as an essential business during COVID-19. Operations have been altered but programming has continued to serve clients in need. Meals on Wheels clients are receiving one-week supplies of frozen meals by home delivery. Community Services clients still receive support from case managers and the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is actively accepting applications. Head Start teachers are providing virtual lessons to families, while also delivering breakfast, lunch, and snacks for Head Start children. Support from community partners has allowed us to carry out operations so successfully.
“We are very grateful for the amazing support we have received from our community partners,” said Lauren McAndrews, OWBC’s Director of Development. “Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding this pandemic, Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties has been blessed with the ability to still provide meals, supplies and much support to our neighbors in need. Our community is better due to these partners and the assistance they provide. Thank you Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas for helping us to help others.”
“Now, more than ever, it’s important to support the areas where our communities need it the most, which is why we established the Collaborative Grant Fund,” said Dr. Dan McCoy, president of BCBSTX. “Through these grants, we are working to move resources to community-based organizations that are directly supporting local residents and families who are most impacted by the emerging health, economic, and social impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties is the area’s community action agency. OWBC’s mission it to empower children, families and seniors to achieve and maintain independence by partnering with area organizations to provide education, nutrition, housing and community support. For the most up-to-date announcements regarding COVID-19, please visit https://owbc-tx.org/opportunities-news/ or follow us on Facebook.