AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN – 4 Service Organizations Request Funding

The American Rescue Plan fund continues to provide meaningful support to businesses, residents, service organizations, and more. In recent weeks, the City has pushed American Rescue Plan funds into service through programs aimed at addiction and mental health services, food and rent/utility insecurity, family services, and education. American Rescue Plan funds have also been distributed to 43 local businesses that applied for and received small business assistance funding.

At today’s New Albany Redevelopment Commission meeting, the board will discuss providing American Rescue Plan funds towards four additional service-oriented organizations within the City of New Albany. The board will analyze funding requests from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, Volunteers of America, and the Friends of the Town Clock Church. Each organization is requesting $50,000 in American Rescue Plan Funding.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF KENTUCKIANA

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana provides 1-to-1 mentoring service for at-risk youth ages 7 to 24. The organization primarily serves children, youth, and their families, and those at risk for mental health challenges. Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking to expand their reach within New Albany by enrolling, screening, and training volunteers to become mentors, matching them with at-risk youth, and provide ongoing professional support and monitoring for each match.

HOMELESS COALITION OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

The Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana (HCSI) is a nonprofit organization serving the homeless and those at-risk for homelessness in New Albany. The coalition is hoping these funds will help them continue their work of increasing housing stability in the community by addressing substance abuse as well as mental illness among at-risk populations. HCSI is seeking funding to ensure non-duplication of services amongst care providers, increase access to mental health services, and reduce barriers so clients may receive substance abuse treatment.

FRIENDS OF TOWN CLOCK CHURCH TOURISM PACKAGE

The Friends of the Town Clock Church is a 501c3 organization that helps restore, maintain, and provide educational programming for New Albany’s historic Town Clock Church and the Underground Railroad Center. The organization is seeking funding for AV equipment that will help further the visitor experience and provide additional tourism and educational visitors to historic downtown New Albany. The steeple and church were instrumental parts of the Underground Railroad, as escaped slaves saw the steeple as a Beacon of Freedom. This funding will help tell the story of the historic structure, as well as promote tourism and increased educational opportunities.

VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA

The Volunteers of America provide community-based programs serving veterans and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization provides around-the-clock comprehensive residential care for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in New Albany / Floyd County. This funding will help VoA retain high health and safety standards while working with their clientele.