Oakland Family Services awarded grant to support new COVID-19 safety protocols

Oakland Family Services is one of 84 non-profits hurt by the pandemic that will share $9.7 million in grants from Oakland Together Community Response and Recovery Fund.

Oakland Family Services’ $50,000 grant will help pay for personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies to accommodate COVID-19 precautions for when the agency’s buildings re-open.

“The high cost of PPE and cleaning and sanitizing provisions is something no entity could have predicted in budgets, yet it is having a huge financial impact,” said Oakland Family Services President & CEO Jaimie Clayton. “This grant will help us cover these costs, thereby allowing us to keep directing more money toward helping those in our community who need us even more right now.”

Oakland Family Services will purchase disposable and reusable face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and dispensers, thermometers, signage, disinfectant wipes, and multi-surface cleaners. The agency also is assembling "Back to Work Kits" for every staff member. The kits include a drawstring bag with washable masks and hand sanitizer. These materials will play a considerable role in helping to keep children, families, staff, and planned visitors safe during a time when heightening sanitization procedures are essential.

The Oakland Together Community Response and Recovery Fund supports community non-profits that have been negatively impacted by the shutdown and need assistance re-opening safely under new protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state and the Oakland County Health Division. Highest priority was placed on organizations that support the basic needs of county residents, including food, housing, health care (including both physical and behavioral) or financial assistance.

The grant program was administered in partnership with United Way for Southeastern Michigan.