Completely kids press release
Completely Kids receives $520,000 in United Way of the Midlands grants and American Rescue Plan Act funding
Completely KIDS announced today the receipt of $520,000 in grants from United Way of the Midlands (UWM) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
The UWM grant covers $25,000 for Mental Health Services, $175,000 for Maximizing Academic Readiness through a Multigenerational Approach, and $40,000 for Completely KIDS’ Weekend Food program.
ARPA funds, awarded by the UWM on behalf of the City of Omaha, cover $200,000 to support Youth Development and Academic Recovery Programming, $50,000 to support the Weekend Food Program, and $30,000 to support Mental Health Services. Completely KIDS is eligible for these funds annually for two years.
“The need for mental health services is more important than ever in our community,” said Carla Rizzo, CEO of Completely KIDS. “These funds will help children and their families access resources needed to enhance resiliency, coping mechanisms and encourage self-care.” “In addition, we know that kids are more successful with support for the entire family. Our multigenerational approach benefits families by providing adult programs that cover life skills, self-improvement and self-sufficiency. We are grateful for the funds that help us provide these services.”
Rizzo also commented on how Completely KIDS was the first nonprofit organization in the area to offer weekend food. After observing the connection between a child’s hunger and their success in school, Completely KIDS began sending food home with kids every weekend. At present, Completely KIDS send over 600 bags of food home each week. These funds will help Completely KIDS continue to provide Weekend Food for children.
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About Completely KIDS
Completely KIDS educates and empowers KIDS and families to create a safe, healthy, successful and connected community.
Completely KIDS serves 2,000 children ages 4-17, (and by extension, their families) with a depth of critical services after school and all summer long. The organization partners with Omaha Public Schools, Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools and several community-based organizations, including homeless shelters to provide a variety of needed programs. The KIDS in Completely KIDS programs enjoy a wide range of experiences including Service Learning and Field Trips, Swimming Lessons, Sporting Events, Ballet, Martial Arts, Robotics, Outdoor Learning in our Nature Explore Classroom and Gardening Club, plus Civic Engagement Opportunities and more. To learn more and get involved, see completelykids.org.
