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Current NewsUnited Way to Distribute First Grants to Virginia Tech Families Recognizing that there are immediate, emergency needs of the victims and their families, United Way will provide up to $1,000 per family on request. Funds can be used at the families’ discretion to help them with unmet immediate needs. UWMRF Executive Director Kymn Davidson-Hamley explains, “We have learned through meetings with victims’ and families’ liaisons, other service providers and university officials that unmet needs are causing undue stress because of unexpected, out-of-pocket expenses like travel, childcare and high phone bills. We want to offer immediate assistance so families can get help even before navigating through sometimes frustrating and bureaucratic processes.” The amount to be distributed represents over one-third of the current commitments to the United In Caring Fund. UWMRF hopes to raise significantly more than the close to $170,000 committed to date. After this first distribution, a strategy will be developed to address the emerging unmet needs that the victims and their families will have over time. The Fund will also support community-wide recovery through programs like mental health support and children’s programs to address school violence. United Way has activated a volunteer committee of community leaders from the town of Blacksburg, the Ministerial Association, the Virginia Tech Administration, American Red Cross, the Mental Health Association and United Way. The committee also includes two Virginia Tech students. The committee will meet regularly to review applications and develop strategies to address the long-term needs of the victims, their families and our community. Victims and their families can request the initial funds either directly with UWMRF, or through their family liaison. People who want to donate to this fund can: Visit the web site www.unitedwaynrv.org <http://www.unitedwaynrv.org> to read more about the Fund and make a secure credit card donation.
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