Through joint funding from United Way of Tompkins County and the Community Foundation of Tompkins County the Child Development Council is able to respond to inquiries for both baby supplies and child care scholarships for families in need due to COVID-19 impacts on their households. Sue Dale-Hall, Child Development Council's, CEO says, "Families need our help and we are grateful for the partnership with the United Way and the Community Foundation who have been quick to meet these emerging needs in our community."

Families with young children whose monthly household budgets have been upended due to business closings, lay-offs, and unemployment will now be able to access baby formula, diapers and wipes through the Child Development Council. Supplies are limited and can be requested by completing a simple online form. Once the form has been submitted, families will receive more information and an assigned pick up time.

This funding also allows essential workers in need of child care for their preschool and school aged children to apply for child care scholarships. Dale-Hall says, "We really need our health care and emergency services personnel to be able to go to work and care for our community. Child care scholarships will help those who have had to find new care when their circumstances change." If these families do not need financial assistance the Child Development Council will provide support identifying child care placements that are currently open.

The funding for both these projects are made possible through grants awarded by United Way of Tompkins County ($10,254) enabled by donor contributions to their COVID-19 relief efforts through the agency's TMS Flexible Fund, as well as grants awarded by the Community Foundation of Tompkins County ($10,000) through its COVID19 Fund and a donor-advised fund.

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