Ellen Charske Bequest
Ellen Charske recognized that United Way of Rockbridge supports many of the organizations that need funding for specific programs. Upon her death, we were the grateful recipient of a generous bequest due to Ellen's consistent saving and careful planning through her lifetime.
The generous Ellen Charske Bequest has provided UWR the opportunity to grant funding requests that are used by our local nonprofit organizations toward special one-time projects for long-range needs.These grants are above and beyond the annual allocations paid out quarterly to local agencies for programs. UWR is proud to have provided the following 21 grants over the past four years for a combined total of $188,700 to benefit our community.
$4,000 to provide a Child Trauma-Informed Court System Program
$5,000 to provide for a temporary increase in staff due to the effects of COVID19 on the court systems
$6,000 for supplemental staff salary as a result of COVID 19
$2,000 for legal counseling to individuals with critical housing needs and those facing evictions
$18,000 toward the completion of a new lodge roof
$4,500 for parking lot extension
$3,000 toward continued upgrade of infrastructure at the Lexington skateboarding park and to start a park in Buena Vista
$13,000 toward the creation of a workforce center in Buena Vista that will provide plumbing, electrical and HVAC training
$3,000 to make critical roof repairs
$5,000 to sponsor two community events established to reach specific demographic groups
$10,000 to fund special patient transport services
$5,000 to purchase evacuation stretchers for each of their four residential group homes in the area
$15,000 toward the purchase of a new truck
$25,000 toward the purchase of the Piovano building
$10,000 to assist with the development of this organization as a non-profit
$2,000 to provide scholarships for girls to participate in Rockbridge area Girl Scout troops
$3,000 for an outside dining option
$2,000 for carryout packaging supplies to minimize food insecurity
$8,200 toward funding their 2022 summer pilot program that teaches English to children who are speakers of other languages
$25,000 to purchase outdoor play materials and equipment to enhance outdoor learning experiences
$20,000 to fund building renovations for a classroom addition