United Way of the Coastal Empire

UNITED WAY COASTAL COVID Rapid Response Fund

OF THE EMPIRE

Abrupt change, enormous uncertainty and widespread fear can obviously impact the livelihood of many individuals. Even more, when these things are faced within the climate of a pandemic, it can be challenging to see the light at the end of the tunnel; however, it is there.

For nearly six decades, United Way of the Coastal Empire (UWCE) has persisted to aid those in need within the community. The organization services four counties (or regions): Effingham, Chatham, Bryan and Liberty.

Elizabeth Waters, United Way Area Director for Effingham County, has been a part of the organization for several years. Elizabeth and the rest of the UWCE team have a true heart for what the organization stands for: providing help by bringing “people and resources together.”

The Rapid Response Fund

Diligently seeking to help the community in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the organization created the COVID Rapid Response Fund—a special fund implemented to aid those affected most by the pandemic. UWCE “seeded the fund with $80,000;” at present, the organization has attained over $550,000 to assist their four counties. What is more, 100% of funding goes back into the community. Thus far, $318,000 has been dispersed, providing aid to almost 800 individuals.

The fund was initially created for individuals in serious need of rent and mortgage assistance—those who experienced such misfortunes as job hours being cut, lay-offs or even company shut-downs due to the pandemic. UWCE is also using the COVID Fund to provide emergency aid to any of their 53 funded agencies which have been hit hard, many compelled to cancel events and fundraisers.

“We saw the immediate need to help. When we first started vetting clients for assistance, we were primarily focused on helping with rent or mortgage needs to prevent homelessness,” Elizabeth said.

UWCE understands the nearly insurmountable adversity associated with homelessness and seeks to help residents avoid its hardships as much as possible.

“Our goal is to help prevent homelessness for those most at risk so they are healthier, safe and more likely to be able to step back into employment and thrive again when this crisis passes,” she added.

UWCE expanded their realm of assistance to include utilities, medical expenses and childcare; most assistance needed has been for rent/mortgage, utilities and food.

The organization recognizes that each region has unique needs and is committed to staying up-to-date with consistently changing statistics in order to fairly distribute funds. For this, UWCE uses a system called Asset Limited Income Constrained & Employed (ALICE) which reveals the percentage of individuals in each region who live “paycheck to paycheck”— those who can be negatively impacted by the smallest of financial changes. Effingham’s ALICE population is 25%.

Further, Elizabeth is proud of the selfless efforts of the Effingham team, many of whom have quickly adapted to necessary changes. A lot of staff members have been cross-trained to help with the UWCE Crisis Hotline, 211, which allows potential clients to confidentially call in for assistance. The hotline experienced drastic increases in call volume during the peak of the pandemic.

A Collaborative Effort

UWCE is privileged to have the help and support of some of their partner agencies, including those specializing in aid for homelessness and rental assistance. There has been a great “pooling of resources.” The Effingham Service Center is thankful for their collaborative partnerships with organizations such as the Effingham Emergency Management Agency (EEMA), a helpful and reliable resource.

“Together, we have implemented weekly community conference calls to inform local nonprofits, businesses, churches, and others of the ever-changing needs and available resources. We have not been able to do it alone; it’s a collaborative effort,” Elizabeth noted.

During these trying times, UWCE has prided itself in helping as many residents as possible who are in need of assistance.

“It is definitely very heart-warming to be able to make a phone call to someone and let them know: ‘we’re able to cover your rent for a month or two, so that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about,’” Elizabeth said.

One local resident knows that very well— Sonya Smesta. Sonya is immensely thankful to UWCE. She was employed in Savannah for several years. Sonya lost her job after the venue shut down due to the pandemic. She was not yet receiving unemployment funds, and her rent was nearly due. If that is not enough, her car had recently broken down. The hardworking single mom found herself in a tremendously unfamiliar and difficult set of circumstances. Sonya felt

“They were abundantly helpful and moved quickly to help me beyond what I could have ever hoped for. I found relief, and a lot of the burden was lifted quite quickly. ”

a bit apprehensive to reach out for help; however, she understood the direness of her situation, so she contacted UWCE regarding rental assistance via the 211 Hotline.

“Reaching out to someone for financial help is not exactly easy; I have a lot of pride. Everything was done with kindness and compassion. They treated me with such integrity. I was blown away. They were abundantly helpful and moved quickly to help me beyond what I could have ever hoped for. I found relief, and a lot of the burden was lifted quite quickly,” Sonya stated.

Elizabeth and the UWCE team love to hear such meaningful stories.

“That is the purpose of our organization. We’re thankful to be able to live out that purpose everyday, especially now in this time of need,” she commented.

UWCE insists on being proactive, so the team continues to plan for their annual campaign which is in the fall. Also, though several events had to be canceled, UWCE is planning for some virtual activities in the near future. It is all about doing what is needed to help people in the best ways possible.

Those in need of assistance may visit: www.uwce.org or call: (912) 826-5300. Additionally, donations are welcome to provide essential help to the community. Individuals or businesses who would like to give may do so online or by calling (912) 826-5897. n

On the rivers, trails and backroads of Effingham County, you’ll feel the stress of your daily routine fade into cozy comfort, tranquility and warm smiles. Immerse yourself in our natural beauty, compelling history, and friendly southern hospitality.

Explore our inviting downtown areas, bike routes, wineries, secluded fishing spots and farms. Effingham County has one-of-a-kind shops, and restaurants to suit any taste. Gather with us at our seasonal festivals and events, escape into the past in a restored 1940s movie palace, and so much more. We welcome you as one of our own to ensure your experience feels like home.

Photo by: Rick Lott (912) 754-3301 www.EffinghamCounty.com

Pappy's Pressure Washing

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

SIDING • BRICK • CONCRETE • DRIVEWAYS

PATIOS • SOFT WASH • ROOFNG • LICENSED & INSURED

912.596.6550 • dyer100@yahoo.com

CONTACT US FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

Thank you for reading Your Community Magazine

Life is wonderful at the farm. We’d love to show you why more and more people are choosing LucyBelle.

SIMPLE ELEGANCE | COUNTRY SETTING MINUTES FROM POOLER

Corporate Retreats Family Reunions Events & Parties Weddings & Elopements

Planning & Coordination Catering Full Bar Services Tables, Chairs, Linens Decor & Floral Arrangements DJ Services Photography & Videography Outstanding Hospitality

912.484.1449

Minor repairs, punch lists, painting...and so much more!

(912) 547-2776 Michael Brown Owner solowsolutions1@gmail.com

Melissa A. RHODES

CPA

Small Business and Individual Tax Preparation Quickbooks ProAdvisor Chartered Digital Bookkeeper Association Member

229.630.4605 | mrhodescpa@gmail.com

6/30/20 8:06 AM

RUSTIC TO RITZ EVENTS EXCELLENCE AND ELEGANCE IN EVERY EXPERIENCE

Rustic to Ritz Events is a full“We have taken care of every detail so No wedding would be complete service event planning company our Petite Couples can have that magical without flowers. PWS’s floral designer is that specializes in weddings in Savannah wedding in a beautiful venue,” Kati Esser of Kati Esser Designs (www. Savannah, Georgia, and the surrounding said Anna. “We have gathered a team katiesserdesigns.com). A Savannah School areas, including Bluffton, South Carolina. of some of the best wedding vendors in of Art & Design graduate, Kati loves to Savannah to create a wedding as unique as design and will create an original look Planning- Precision- Peace of Mind our couples.” for each wedding. Working with Anna

Anna Swanson started the company in The package includes event design and on the design board colors and style, she 2015 after a long career in the hospitality management, photography, videography, will create a stunning floral backdrop industry. Renee Peterson joined Anna last florals, officiant, cake, live entertainment, unique to each venue. The PWS package year after moving here from the midchampagne toast, stylish chairs, coordinated includes the bridal bouquet, a matching Atlantic states. Anna and Renee work as a linens, set up, clean up, as well as hair and boutonniere for the groom and fresh team and take on more flowers for the wedding than thirty weddings a year, many of them 2020 Wedding Schedules cake. (Upgrades are available for bouquets from engagement to the and boutonnieres for honeymoon. SEPTEMBER 27, 2020—12:00 PM, 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM at the Alida Rooftop honor attendants as well

Planning- PrecisionTerrace, located in historic downtown Savannah with panoramic river views. as for additional blooms Peace of Mind is one of their slogans, and they truly take it to heart. NOVEMBER 15, 2020—1:30 PM & 4:30 PM at Savannah Botanical Gardens, a romantic setting of roses, herbs, perennials, and seasonal blossoms. for the bridal bouquet.) The Rustic to Ritz Events professional They are hyper attentive, DECEMBER 6, 2020—1:30 PM & 4:30 PM (Fabulous venue to be determined) vendor team will detail oriented, and they love what they do. Their service standards are JANUARY 10, 2021—1:30 PM & 4:30 PM at Wilmington Island Plantation, a gorgeous historic locale on the Intracoastal Waterway. manage your wedding celebration to flow smoothly and on time, award-winning; they allowing you to enjoy were voted 2020 pick of every minute of your The Knot's Best of Weddings. This year has makeup services for the bride. They have celebration. Anna and her team will give been interesting for Rustic to Ritz Events as optional features such as Leopold’s Ice you a truly unforgettable and stress-free it has been for all event planning companies, Cream, a Coffee Cart, Savannah Square wedding day. Call or visit their website but they have risen to the challenge. Pops, and even a “getaway experience” in a and reserve your wedding today! classic car from Callan’s Classics! Petite Weddings Savannah The Petite Weddings Savannah

Anna and Renee have long desired to Package is available for certain dates at offer an option to couples that includes all a variety of locations each with its own the fun and gorgeous details of the best of unique design and color palette. Anna Savannah without the planning or the high says, “With so many fabulous venues price tag, so they created Petite Weddings in Savannah, we did not want to limit Savannah (PWS). The Petite Weddings ourselves to one space. Each day will be Savannah, GA Savannah experience is designed for the bride and groom, and up to 28 guests, at a very budget friendly price of $7500. at a different venue which will give every event its own vibe.” Couples have their choice of venue, date, and time of day. 678.787.0374 www.rustictoritz.com

WORKING FROM HOME? 7 Ways to Adjust during Covid-19

The Covid-19 situation has many of us stressed about our health, finances, family, and just wondering will we ever get back to “normal.” Maybe you find yourself working from home. Basic work from home guidelines may or may not be possible. What can you do to make working from home “work” for you? Here are some of the basics pre-COVID-19 work at home skills reframed for the current situation.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES. What are healthy boundaries? When our boundaries are healthy, we can identify our own limits, be confident in our opinions, and stand up for ourselves when necessary. We also respect others’ abilities to define and set their boundaries. Even if this is something you already have in your relationships, “shelter in place” can be a challenge to your boundaries. Use these guidelines to strengthen them: a. What are your limits? Example- yelling at me to get my attention is not acceptable. Consequence, I will not respond to you if you yell, please use a calm voice. b. Separate your needs, wants and emotions from others. No one is responsible for your emotional state but you. Someone cannot make you feel something and conversely, you can’t make someone else feel something. Own your behavior and let others own theirs. c. Mirror the behavior you want from others. If you say, “do not yell at me,” then do not yell at others. d. Be consistent. Anything we do consistently becomes a habit which then becomes a belief.

DRESS AND GR OOM FOR WORK. With Covid-19, maybe you have Zoom calls every day. Look your best by adding a clip on LED light.

HA VE A DEDICATED AREA SPECIFICALLY FOR WORK WHERE YOU CAN HAVE LITTLE OR NO INTERRUPTIONS. With Covid-19, everyone is home so there is not enough space to create privacy. Use headphones to create quiet and let others know that when you have headphones on you are working.

HA VE A DEDICATED SCHEDULE. With Covid-19 maybe you have a program on your computer or phone that you sign in and out of that tracks your activity. This may seem stressful to be "observed” all day. Reframe it with the positive; I do not have to drive to work, etc.

USE A C ALENDAR TO KEEP YOU FOCUSED AND ON TASK. Use a handwritten calendar rather than a software. Writing with pen and paper allows you to remember and retain information more easily then typing alone.

W ORKING FROM HOME CREATE ISOLATION. Covid-19 means you can’t meet in-person to get the usual feedback from coworkers. Schedule video feedback sessions. Seeing others will help lessen your sense of isolation.

RELIEVE S TRESS. Allow yourself mistakes, we all make them. Reframe them as an opportunity to be aware and learn something about yourself. Schedule regular breaks. Get up from your desk at least once every hour even it is just 5 minutes to stretch or take a few breathes.

Sharon Hathaway is Go outside whenever possibly take a walk, get some sun.

a Certified Health and Life Coach specializing in weight loss, stress reduction and lifestyle changes. Sharon uses a habit healing method of curated information, empowerment and support to inspire her clients to successfully make lasting changes in their lives.

For more information or to schedule an Individual Discover Session or group event, visit habithealingtransformations.com or email sharon@habithealingtransformations.com.