Non-profit organizations in Idaho, Texas and Illinois who work to end homelessness, care for those with developmental disabilities, and support cancer patients have each been awarded $5,000 by Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands as part of its “Up for Any Challenge” social media campaign.
Sparklight selected the following organizations whose operations have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time seeing a greater need for services:
- CATCH in Boise, Idaho, works to create a safe, healthy, connected community by embracing Housing First best practices, empowering those without housing, building collaborative partnerships, and increasing public understanding to end homelessness. Due to the pandemic, the organization has seen a 25 percent increase in the need for housing services.
- Opportunities, Inc. in Texarkana, Texas, serves children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing day services for children and adults, as well as a residential program for adult clients and the elderly. COVID-19 caused the organization to close its campus in March, and staff began implementing home visits and tele-health services, providing nearly 300 hours of Early Childhood Intervention services for children and families in April, May and June.
- Order of the Eastern Star’s Ruth Chapter in Marshall, Texas, provides meals, food and funds to those in need throughout the Marshall community. The organization also holds an annual female youth empowerment event, during which graduating female seniors receive scholarships to assist in their pursuit of higher education.
- The Lemuel Rhodes Cancer Foundation in Greenville, Illinois, provides financial support for patients and families dealing with cancer treatments – often in the form of gift cards for gas, groceries, or assistance with bills and other expenses. The pandemic has impacted their ability to fundraise at previous levels.
Earlier this year, Sparklight and the other Cable One family of brands donated $150,000 to the Meals on Wheels America COVID-19 Response Fund and $150,000 to local food banks in the markets they serve.
“We are humbled by the needs each of these organizations fulfill in the communities we serve,” said Trish Niemann, Sparklight’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications. “While they each serve a different mission, their underlying goals align with Sparklight’s values to lend a hand and do right by those we serve. We are honored to contribute to their efforts at a time when the need is greater than ever.”