GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Community Health Programs (CHP) Family Services to recieve a series of new grants to help area residents financial challenges, including troubles caused by COVID-19.

 

Awards from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Gilson Family Foundation will help CHP Family Services answer a range of client needs.

 

"Even before Covid, the economic challenges facing some of our area families were quite tough, and COVID-19 has only made life harder for many who have lost jobs, fallen behind on rent, or had trouble keeping the refrigerator stocked," said Michelle Derr, director of CHP Family Services. "These donations and grants help us to help others through this period of stress and financial hardship."

 

Funding includes a $40,000 cash award from Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (through the state's Community Foundations Grant Program for COVID-19 Relief). This money will help CHP clientele with rent, utilities, food access, emergency childcare, technology needs for work and school, transportation and other day to day expenses that can't be covered.

 

A $10,000 grant from the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts will support Family Services outreach to women and girls in need of assistance and support.

 

A grant of nearly $2,000 from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will pay for a new freezer for Family Services, which collects food donations and distributes hundreds of grocery bags each month to individuals and families. And a $10,000 gift from the Gilson Family Foundation will also support CHP's response to food insecurity.