The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine
Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter
When we think of heroes we often think of celebrities or those faced with a split-second decision that saves a life; but that view is quite myopic. And, the fallacy of this restrictive perspective has become increasingly obvious in the past few weeks. We have seen our community, Muscatine County, displaying countless heroic efforts every moment of every day. Heroism by our neighbors for our neighbors.
The outcome of disruption is growth and the illumination of the stark goodness that exists. This goodness is displayed through our friends and neighbors actions in both quiet and visible ways. We have seen:
• Local health care providers working around the clock to manage the changing demands that are happening and ensuing to ensure those in our community get the care we need.
• Wilton Café and Jeff’s Market in Wilton and West Liberty providing food for children that would be without, because school is where they eat. These businesses don’t know what this economic disruption will do to their livelihood, but they chose to selflessly help their neighbors.
• 30+ non-profits and area leaders coming together to discuss changing needs and ways to collaborate.
• Non-Emergency Transport providing free delivery to ensure the home-bound can get their medical and other needs met.
• Muscatine Community College leadership locating extended housing for displaced students in the matter of hours.
• Muscatine and Louisa-Muscatine school officials planning meal distribution for area children in need.
• People volunteering to deliver food to shut-ins when they might prefer to stay home and not expose themselves to unnecessary risk.
• People generously opening their pocketbooks to ensure helping agencies can handle the increasing demand of need.
• Grocery workers, volunteers, and truckers working around the clock to meet demands.
• People calling and visiting with those that are isolated and alone.
• Workers continue to adjust to produce essential products and services to meet our community and broader needs.
• Childcare providers taking children so parents can work when they would rather shut their doors.
• Muscatine Power and Water extending grace in policies that will keep our neighbors lights glowing bright during troubling financial changes.
• People displaying patience and understanding for the shifting decisions being made; knowing local leaders are tasked with immeasurable consequences as they balance individual and community needs in a shifting, untested landscape.
• Tens of thousands of people in our community listening to the recommendations and being compliant further protecting the most vulnerable.
• And, the list goes on….and on….
Heroes – each of them. Heroes – each of you. When we think of the greater good, when we think of others and not ourselves – that is heroism.
And, I am proud to say we just have to glance about and we see it everywhere. It is there everyday. Times of disruption just shine a light on it.
Unusual times. This too our community will marshal past. But, I am confident we will look backward and forward with pride as we reflect on those we call our neighbors.
Thanks to all for showing your humanity in untold ways. For that, we are grateful.
Charla
This grant has been established to assist nonprofits and support the immediate and emerging needs of our neighbors in Muscatine County caused by coronavirus containment efforts. This application is open to Muscatine County non-profit organizations.
Click HERE for application
Our Board leadership team has established a Community Continuity Fund and committed $50,000 in matching money. This fund has been established to assist nonprofits and support the immediate and emerging needs of our neighbors in Muscatine County caused by coronavirus containment efforts. Donate and Help Support Recovery in Muscatine County. We will match each gift to this fund up to $50,000.
We know that assistance is best provided by a network of experts and experienced service providers, but funding may be a barrier to successful implementation and continuity. We will work to align the resources received to fill the identified gaps quickly and effectively.
On our Donate page, select Muscatine County Funds, Community Continuity Fund. If you are interested in your donation aligning with specific communities, please indicate that with the gift in the comments box.
We, in Muscatine County, will all be impacted in small or large ways by these containment efforts. We trust that you will lend a hand in support whether through adherence to recommended protocol, effectively managing your resources, sharing your time, or providing emotional support for those most impacted and those tasked with the role of caretaker or care provider.
This is an unusual time and it is OK to feel a bit confused or overwhelmed. Please know if you need resources or mental health support you should reach out.
State and federal measures are being taken in an attempt to shorten the time we are impacted by COVID-19. Hang in there. Our community cares!
Ben Winchester has notified us that he needs to postpone his presentation scheduled for March 26th.
In addition to Ben’s work as an educated and talented Keynote Speaker, he is also employed by the University of Minnesota. The college has imposed a short-term travel ban which precludes Ben from being able to be in Muscatine on March 26th, as intended.
We will update you once we have rescheduled this event, which we anticipate will be in the late summer. We hope that you will be able to join us then! Thank you for your understanding.
Our next Learning Lab is Early Talk and Brain Development presented by Betty Collins on April 15 at noon in the Muscatine Community College Student Center.
On March 26, 2020, Ben Winchester, national keynoter speaker, researcher and rural sociologist, will be presenting “The Future of Rural Communities: Moving In, Moving Out, Staying Put and Moving Over.” To reserve a seat please call 563-264-3863 or email info@givinggreater.org
Our office will be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of President’s Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, February 18, at 8:00 a.m.
The latest Social Innovation Learning Lab on 2020 Census – Why is it Important? video is now available. Click HERE.