EDGE 21 receives more support from United Way

United Way of Putnam County presents a check for $12,700 to EDGE 21. Present are Linda Hunter, EDGE 21 Executive Director Beth Hamilton, Victor Hunter, United Way board member Scott Monnett and United Way Executive Director Chris Flegal.

Courtesy photo

The EDGE 21 program was recently selected by the United Way of Putnam County to receive a portion of their COVID-19 relief funding.

The check, totaling $12,700 is to be used for the purchasing of technology resources to expand EDGE 21’s reach into the local schools through virtual meeting access, along with providing members of the EDGE 21 volunteer team with the necessary tools to carry out their mentor and administrative roles.

“Over the past year, COVID-19 has disrupted the ways in which our local children learn and develop,” United Way Executive Director Chris Flegal commented. “As Putnam County families continue to struggle through the pandemic and classrooms are disrupted by hybrid models of learning, children can end up internalizing the weight of these burdens.”

Flegal continued by describing how this grant will impact EDGE 21 and our county’s youth.

“These challenges are negatively affecting the educational and mental health of youth across our communities,” he said. “United Way is proud to partner with EDGE 21 to address these immediate needs brought on by COVID by encouraging kids through mentorship and educational support that guide students toward healthier outcomes in life.”

The total amount of funding EDGE 21 received from the United Way is $15,200 that includes this recent check and an additional $2,500 during a round-four grant cycle for COVID-19 relief funds.

EDGE 21 Executive Director Beth Hamilton expressed her gratitude for the gift and looks forward to utilizing the funds in a positive way to benefit more students.

EDGE 21 is a multi-generational program to enroll eligible 21st Century Scholars, complete readiness requirements and provide weekly mentoring through “huddles” in each Putnam County high school. The goal is to embolden these scholars into post-secondary educations and successful careers.

For more information about EDGE 21 and the work it is accomplishing in Putnam County, visit the newly-launched website at www.Edge21.org. You may also reach out to EDGE 21 Executive Director Beth Hamilton at beth@edge21.org.