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Coronavirus impact on the Kaufman Fund presented challenges in 2020

The coronavirus has been a challenge like no other that The Kaufman Fund has faced as a nonprofit. The last year has caused the to re-think its entire organization and analyze each part to see how it should www.londoff.com www.donheneferjewelers.com continue it during this time and if we can effectively operate a program right now.

The Kaufman Fund operates five programs that benefit veterans and families. The Dental Program is currently on hold and not taking any new veterans for treatment. The group is continuing to log all veterans requests for dental assistance and holding that information until the volunteer dentists ready to take on patients again.

However, the Legal Program, which provides primarily pro bono legal work by one of over 40 attorneys, has been operational throughout the pandemic. In the first few months of the pandemic the group was able to

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take almost 50 new cases. That is with most attor-

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neys working remotely and the court system operating at far less than normal levels. The Kaufman Mental Health Collaborative is operational but all providers have been doing pa- tient care remotely during this time. This includes the VA and seven other partners in our community. The Casino Night event for May t was cancelled for this year and will resume next year. Veteran Warm-Up, which is held on Veterans Day is still planned. The fund gives at least 100 Veterans brand new winter clothing to get them through the season safely. The Kaufman Fund Trees for Vets held every December will be on Dec. 13 this year. The fund still anticipates giving away at least 300 free Christmas trees and stands to deserving veteran families. Decisions on how to hold this event safely are still being worked on.

The year of 2020 will be remembered as one of many unusual circumstances and probably one of the greatest challenges to so many organizations who will need to find solutions and new ways to be effective in serving the needs of their constituents. The Kaufman Fund is confident it will weather the storm and is gratified by the loyal support of so many people who believe in the mission of helping veterans and children “at risk for basic needs.”

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