iSupport: Self-Care & Emotional Wellness

A Mental Wellness Campaign from United Way

The United Way of Paducah-McCracken County, along with several partners, begins a social media mental health awareness campaign this December. The information initiative is designed to empower community members to stay in-tune and attentive to self-care and emotional wellness - especially in light of the stress created during the pandemic.

The effort comes from the United Way’s newly formed Community Impact/COVID-19 Response Committee, which is charged with addressing community-level challenges in the face of the pandemic.

“When we started meeting, the focus was all about identifying needed support,” explained Catherine Sivills, United Way Board Member and CI/COVID-19 Response Committee Chair. “The United Way wanted to make sure the community stayed connected in such a way that certain needs didn’t slip through the cracks.”

Newly Launched Social Media Campaign

The committee quickly realized one of the top concerns in our community is mental health education and support. The newly launched social media campaign is designed to promote mental health practices and resources, while normalizing accessing those services and tools.

“We find one of the components preventing people from seeking support is just not knowing who to call and we wanted to check that box,” said Anne Bidwell, United Way Community Impact Manger.

In addition to the resource list, committee members compiled about 30 days of content, including videos highlighting quick meditation practices, testimonials, and yoga.

“This type of campaign is meant to be organically shared by all of our partners and neighbors as daily reminders we all need support, now more than ever.” said Sivills. “It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. Many are struggling and it’s important we recognize the signs of mental illness.”

Serving the Community in a Pandemic

The campaign to address the community’s emotional wellness is only the latest in a series of collaborative partnerships in response to the pandemic. One of the first system-level changes the United Way had to face was handling the volume of calls when COVID-19 began to affect Paducah-McCracken County in March. The City of Paducah allocated several employees to assist in a community-wide helpline. Those who needed help could call for resources; those who wanted to volunteer could reach out for direction.

The United Way staff trained city employees to handle the calls using its newly updated quick reference, community resource guide. United Way staff also delivered stacks of guides to emergency service workers, government offices, the library and non-profit organizations. Handfuls of guides were also left in free, mini-food pantries. Guides are available by calling the United Way office. A digital copy can be found at unitedwaypaducah.org/2020ResourceGuide.

Addressing Hunger in Our Community

When food became scarce at grocery stores and pantries, the United Way worked with Family Service Society, Paducah Cooperative Ministry, the Salvation Army and the City of Paducah to convert pickup service to contactless delivery instead. The city allowed Public Works drivers to take food boxes to individuals and families in need daily at lunch for about two months.

In the beginning of the pandemic, the United Way checked in weekly to provide support for its 15 local partner agencies and other nonprofits. As the COVID-19 crisis stabilized a bit over the summer, that contact support became bi-weekly. Currently, partner agency directors meet with the United Way Chief Executive Officer monthly to share needs and determine whether any gaps in community service exist.

The United Way has a close partnership with the business and industry community, so staff also reached out to companies to evaluate their employees’ needs and provide resource referral.

"Text to Give" Line

As more and more of our neighbors began to feel the direct impact of furloughs, lay-offs and terminations, the United Way established a text to give line – the start of a COVID-19 Response Fund. Through that fund, community donors raised $68,500 which the United Way passed along to people in the form of Necessities Grants or $250 or $500 Visa gift cards depending on the families’ size. The remaining balance of the COVID-19 Response Fund will be given to a partner agency to augment rental assistance in the wake of the current wave of employee impact.

Consider a Donation – Round It Up!

Giving is always possible! Beyond COVID-19, there will still be a need. A United Way donation serves the community by improving conditions in education, income and health. You can choose to give a one-time gift or an on-going donation at unitedwaypaducah.org/ donation. The newly launched Round Up feature links to a payment card of your choice. When you swipe at the register, your total will be rounded up to the whole dollar. The additional change will be funneled to support the Paducah-McCracken County community.

If there is anything good to come from the challenges we’ve seen in 2020, it’s our local community #LivesUnited in any circumstance. We are grateful!