School closures, health worries, lost jobs, and more. Since the COVID-19 virus reached Kansas in March, the pandemic has created many urgent needs in Allen County. Thrive saw a need to step up. We care for the physical, interpersonal, and economic health of Allen County, all of which have been impacted. Our staff has been hard at work helping the community recover and grow through the crisis.
Recovery
COVID-19 has created challenges large and small, near and far. We understand that many people in our community have lost jobs and support systems, and we are working to help them meet their immediate basic needs.
Our care coordinators Greta and Rhonda have worked tirelessly to help people access help during this challenging time. This includes unemployment benefits, utility assistance, and more. Because they have direct contact with the public, their roles look much different today. Visitors and employees must wear masks, undergo temperature checks, and maintain a six-foot distance while in the Thrive office. Additionally, we take new cleaning measures in our office and vehicles.
On June 4, Thrive partnered with area organizations and businesses to host a recovery drive in Iola. Working alongside the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, and many other volunteers, we helped distribute much-needed supplies. Volunteers handed out over 100 care packages of food, household essentials, hygiene items, and gift cards for G&W Foods in Iola. Donations came from these and other generous local businesses:
- Allen County Regional Hospital
- Iola Pharmacy
- Mildred Store
- G&W Foods
- Walmart
- Dollar General
- Rent-A-Center
- Ryan Coffield Dentistry
- Dr. M. Sean McReynolds, DDS
Additionally, lots of food and supplies came from donation boxes. Ordinary Allen Countians, concerned for their neighbors, stepped up to do what they could. We’re more proud than ever to be part of this community!
Growth
Photo by Trevor Hoag, Iola Register
Immediate relief for individuals and families is one piece of the puzzle to COVID-19. Another is ensuring that local businesses and organizations can continue their operations into the future. As an organization with experience and capacity in economic development and grant writing, Thrive has stepped up to help community institutions.
On behalf of the county, we successfully applied for a special Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, distributed through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Part of the CARES Act, CDBG-CV funding goes to small and micro businesses who need help keeping up operations. In particular, this money is meant to help retain low to moderate-income jobs. That means money makes its way back to those who are most at risk. Allen County won $132,000 to distribute to small and micro businesses in need. Thrive is acting as the administrator of this grant by guiding potential applicants, spreading the word about funding, and processing application paperwork. Applications are open until August 14 at allencounty.org.
Our work isn’t stopping yet! The Allen County Commission recently chose Thrive to administer $2.4 million in SPARK funding from the State of Kansas. SPARK, or Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas, is a statewide taskforce dedicated to leading our state forward through the far-reaching effects of COVID-19. Currently, we are meeting with leaders from various sectors of Allen County to start conversations about how to best use this opportunity.
What Comes Next?
The COVID-19 crisis has been tough, but we are confident that Allen Countians are tougher. We know that the road ahead won’t be easy. It will take cooperation, smart decisions, trust in public health, and hard work. But we know that our community is strong, and Thrive’s optimism for the future of Allen County has not wavered.
