New Grassroots Effort Aims to Support Local Service Industry Workers
After new restrictions, including closing indoor dining, were announced to help curb the effects of the pandemic, locals wanted to do something to help our friends and neighbors who work in the service industry. The announcements came just a few weeks before Christmas—typically one of the busiest times of the year for bars and restaurants.
The new Greater Johnstown Service Industry Relief Fund provides an avenue for immediate fundraising. Already, the fund has raised more than $4,300. The lead organizer wanted to remain anonymous, and CFA is honored to help make this kind-hearted grassroots effort a reality.
“The Community Foundation is here to benefit our region every day, forever,” CFA President Mike Kane said. “This year, those every day challenges are magnified in ways we couldn’t have anticipated. As always, our community has stepped up to show how much they care, and this is another example. We are proud to help local people support our friends and neighbors right here in our region.”
CFA also established the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund this year to respond to urgent needs arising from the pandemic. That fund provided more than $312,000 in assistance to nonprofits working in our region. CFA also worked to address coronavirus-related needs through the Foundation’s Fall Grants, and a $40,000 Community Initiatives grant is providing funds for a new Cambria County Destination Recovery Program, in partnership with Visit Johnstown. That program aims to support the local business community weather the pandemic. (See more info HERE.)
The Greater Johnstown Service Industry Fund was created to provide support for service industry employees, including food service workers, bartenders, wait staff, and others, whose income has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can make a secure, online donation to fund at the button below. Local fundraisers also have opened a fund specific to people who work in Somerset County. (Read more about the Somerset County Worker Relief Fund HERE).
If you are a member of the service industry looking for help from the Greater Johnstown Service Industry Relief fund, please CLICK HERE to apply.
APPLICANTS, PLEASE NOTE: We realize some people may live in one county and work in another. Please apply to the fund in the county where your employer is located.
People who work in Cambria County should apply HERE.
People who work in Somerset County should apply HERE.
