United Way of Eddy County announces grant recipients

United Way of Eddy County (UWEC) has announced it will be providing grant awards to 19 participating agencies across Eddy County.

“Our participating agencies are meeting critical health and human service needs across the county,” said Executive Director Kyle Marksteiner. “The United Way of Eddy County is honored to partner with these outstanding nonprofit organizations by supporting key programs that make Eddy County a better place to live and work.”

Three organizations previously not funded by the UWEC will be receiving awards: Haven of Hope in Artesia, the Pregnancy Help Center of Artesia, and Community Lawn & Services in Carlsbad.

Haven of Hope, located on West Richey Avenue between the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and Artesia Country Club, provides services aiding single mothers and their children. The Pregnancy Help Center offers free pregnancy services, and Community Lawn & Services provides free lawn care to seniors, veterans and others in need.

UWEC provided more than $100,000 in grants in this allocation process. Other participating agencies this year include: the Artesia Literacy Council, Eddy County CASA, Grammy’s House, Lifehouse Inc., Permian Basin Counseling, the Southeast New Mexico Community Action Corporation (SNMCAC), Affirming Heart/Foundry Home, the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Anti-Drug/Gang Coalition, the Carlsbad Battered Families Shelter, the Carlsbad Literacy Program, Carlsbad MainStreet, Carlsbad Transitional Housing, and Community of Hope.

Grants are awarded for specific programs. For example, the SNMCAC funding will go toward providing meals for Eddy County seniors. UWEC also supports Calvary Assembly of God’s food outreach efforts in Carlsbad.

“Our grant process is a critical part of our community service,” said Marksteiner. “In addition, we have also been working very hard to expand our 211 services to include electrical bill relief, in addition to water and gas bill support. We have expanded our own food distribution effort. We are in the process of developing our annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive campaign and reinstating our annual Day of Caring.

“We sincerely thank everyone across Eddy County for their tremendous support, especially our generous donors and wonderful participating agencies.”