Portage Plains United Way has a program for granting funds to more than just their member agencies. It's called their Community Response Fund Grants.

"Portage Plains United Way gave away three Community Response Fund Grants," says executive director Mandy Dubois. "We provided funding to other non-profit organizations, programs or initiatives in our catchment area, in addition to the funding that we already provide our member agency. So, this is above and beyond. This could be for organizations that might not fall under our member agency criteria."

Eric Delong of the Oakville Community Club (photos supplied by Portage Plains United Way)She notes Oakville Community Club received the first of a two-year commitment of $2500, to total $5000 a year from now. Those funds will be used for their new community hall and daycare that was recently announced. She notes there aren't too many applications within their catchment area outside of Portage. She notes the day care need is always at the top of a community's list.

John Dolloff of the Portage & District Refugee CoalitionThe Portage and District Refugee Coalition was given $2600 amounting to a month's worth of rent for both families who came to Portage. She explains their delay in coming caused a shortfall in the cost for their housing. Housing was paid for over a lengthy amount of time before they actually arrived. Seeing as the coalition must also provide housing for a year after their arrival, Dubois adds the cost can be substantial.

Janice Delf of Westend Day CareThe third grant was given to the Westend Day Care Centre who received $1500 for supplies and program material for the Improve School Readiness program. Over 120 children attend the facility, and the program helps them prepare for the time when they enter school.

Dubois says there are still funds available in the Community Response Grant to be issued in 2017, even though they did not fully reach their overall 2016 goal.