On Mental Health, Rebuilding and Other Needs (NAPSA)—For people affected by the events of September 11th, the loss is incalculable—and not just on an emotional level, but also with the loss of property, jobs and homes. Fortunately, the recovery effort is evolving to meet the continuing needs of employment, mental health, legal services, health care and the rebuild- ing of small businesses. A primary exampleof this is the September 11th Fund, created by the New York Community Trust and United Way of New York City. To date, the Fund has provided cash assistance, counseling, legal services and job referrals to more than 100,000 people—making grants at an average of more than $1 million a day. Now, the Fund is implementing its Ongoing Recovery Program. While existing services remain in place, more people will be helped and a wider rangeof needswill be met with the new program. Eligibility has been expanded, benefits added, moreflexibility and choice provided. In addition, help will be easier to get. “Even with the generosity of millions of donors, the needs of those directly affected by September 11th are so great that alone we could not cover them all,” said Board Chairman Franklin Thomas. “But working hand-in-hand with government, other charities and agencies to coordinate assistance will ensure that together we meet as many needsas possible andfill gaps as theyarise.” The Ongoing Recovery Program includes such initiatives as: Mental Health Counseling— The Fund will introduce a flexible mental health-care benefit that provides up to $3,000 per individual. This benefit can supplement medical insurance for those who have it and will be the primary source of payment for those who The Maddison family, who lost their father and husbandin the disaster, attend Healing Hands, an art therapy program for kids. don’t. The Fund will train teachers, clergy and others to recognize Fund will provide one-on-one Employment Assistance— The Fund will enable comprehen- applyingfor services. assistance to more than 10,000 when treatment is necessary. people who need help finding and sive employment services to sur- Children and Schools—The Fund will help an estimated viving family members, the severely injured and dislocated workers wholost jobs or experienced a severe loss of income. Health—The Fund will support health insurance for an estimated 14,000 victims of the attack who cannot afford private health insurance and are not eligible for public programs. * Legal Advice—The Fund is the only charity to continue supporting free legal services for those directly affected by the attacks. Service Coordinators—The 25,000 children in schools who were evacuated or directly witnessed the attacks with art therapy, enrichment and after-school programs. Community Rebuilding—The Fund has made possible loans, grants and other help to more than 4,000 small businesses and nonprofit organizations in lower Manhattan. To learn more about the September 11th Fund, and for information about how assistance is provided and whoiseligible, visit www.september11fund.org.
