Image via flickr user Jernej Furman

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has allocated $4.42 million in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) – State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), which will assist six local organizations to implement programs that will benefit Fresno County residents.

Established by ARPA, the SLFRF Program delivered $350 billion to state, local, and tribal governments across the United States to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this effort, Fresno County received approximately $194 million in federal stimulus funding through the SLFRF Program. 

The six organizations that will receive the allocated funds are as follows:

Fresno Metropolitan Ministry was given $512,000 to increase service capacity in its “Food to Share” food distribution program. Through a distribution network of churches, community-based organizations, and community centers; the program saves edible food that would normally be thrown away and redistributes it to those experiencing food insecurity.

Easter Seals Central California will use the $200,000 given to address the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early care and learning services for those living with disabilities and on the autism spectrum.

Exceptional Parents Unlimited, INC will use its $300,815 donated to address the negative economic impacts of the pandemic on the “Engage. Play. Inspire. Connect” (EPIC) Program. The early childhood program provides developmental and speech assessments, counseling, and education for parents and families of children with special needs.

Valley Caregiver Resource Center will use the allocated $451,071 to address the negative economic impact of the pandemic to the “OASIS Adult Day Program”, a daycare program for individuals suffering from early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia impairments.

Twilight Haven was given $500,000, which will be used to provide funding assistance for a one-year pay increase of caregivers of seniors, reduce increased vacancy rates, and retain new senior caregivers to increase capacity at its senior assisted living facility as well as its skilled nursing program.

The City of Mendota was given $2,465,000 to fund the design and construction of a new water storage tank and pup station designed to correct a water system pressure deficiency in the City’s water system. It will also help meet the fire flow requirement standards for firefighting and provide water shortage for drought resiliency for residents of Mendota.