The Jessica Stevens Community Foundation (JSCF) is pleased to announce emergency financial support will be granted to two Talkeetna organizations that have been responding to the needs of the community during the McKinley Fire.
In a special meeting of the JSCF Advisory Board on Thursday, August 22, the foundation decided to grant emergency funds to the Upper Susitna Food Pantry and KTNA Talkeetna Community Radio.
The Food Pantry has opened its doors and shelves to the many individuals and families that have been displaced by the fire. Preparing and serving 3 hot meals a day to displaced residents has taken a toll on the resources of the Food Pantry. JSCF is pleased that a grant of $3,958 is being awarded to the Upper Susitna Food Pantry. Funds for this grant come from the Talkeetna Bachelors Society Fund, an endowment fund created to help women and children in crisis.
Our public radio station KTNA is being awarded $2,000 to support its effort of providing timely, accurate information regarding the fire. Whether it is road closures or detailed reports on the fire, KTNA has enabled all of us to have a shared knowledge of what is happening with the fire and the people impacted. KTNA has also just learned that its state funding has been cut, reducing its total operating budget by some 25%. Funds for this grant come from the JSCF’s Memorial Endowment Fund.
In addition, JSCF will produce a “Fire Wise” workshop this winter. Recognizing that this will not be the last wildfire we face, JSCF asks, “Is your home safe?” JSCF would like to assist in creating a safer environment. JSCF will be planning this event over the next couple of months. The McKinley Fire has created an immediate crisis, but the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation has been able to respond to the immediate and long-term needs of Upper Susitna Valley.
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Jessica Stevens Press Release – Emergency Grant