KENOSHA, Wis., March 9, 2021 —1HOPE, a local, faith-based nonprofit organization distributed its second round of funding from the 1HOPE Uptown Recovery Fund. In September of 2020, 1HOPE led a community effort that raised over $75,000.00 for their Uptown Recovery Fund in collaboration with local churches, numerous small businesses and countless individuals that came together to support those in need of support after the civil unrest. All proceeds went towards helping Uptown business owners and property owners in their journey to recover, re-start, and re-launch their businesses and livelihood after a challenging season.
In October 2020, 1HOPE announced members of the Uptown Recovery Fund Committee. The first round of grants were approved in November 2020, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,500. Recently, in February 2021, the second and final round of funding was disbursed in amounts ranging from around $2,400 to $4,100 after consideration of the applicant’s request and present circumstances as well as assessment in how previous Uptown Recovery Funds were utilized for reoccurring applicants.
“We were able to use the money for paying rent, food, and living expenses as well as investing money into Uptown Restaurant,” said Yolanda Hernandez, Owner of Uptown Restaurant. “The application process was a positive experience. The information required of us was good, a fair process and very clear. It was also a fast process.”
Uptown Committee Member Matthew Richer shared “As members of the Kenosha community, it is our responsibility to be our brothers and our sisters keeper in their hour of need,” said “It has been an honor to have played a role in serving others, and doing my part restoring faith in Kenosha’s bright future. The members of 1HOPE are the epitome of ‘servant leaders’ who have produced so much support and caring for individuals, business, and families impacted by the unrest.”
Uptown Recovery Fund Committee Members:
- Matthew Richer – Attorney at Alia, DuMez & McTernan, S.C.,
- Joanne Freitag – Vice President & Managing Partner of Parrish & Freitag, LTD.
- Bob Lee – President and CEO of Lee Mechanical, Inc.
- Charlie Swade – Uptown Property Owner & Business Owner of Econo Sewer & Drain
- Bobby Dyson – Pastor of Lively Stone Church located in Uptown
1HOPE Uptown Recovery Fund grants have been awarded to:
- La Estrella Super Market
- Boost Mobile
- City Kicks and Boutique
- Danish Brotherhood
- El Buen Gusto Ice Cream Shoppe
- Faded Barbershop for Men
- Lumuniarias Banquet Hall
- Playspace
- Property Owner – 6306 22nd Ave
- Shrinkwrap Supplies
- Spanky’s Bar & Grill
- Treasures Within
- Uptown Beauty
- Uptown Restaurant
“We are humbled by the generosity of our supporters and sponsors who made the 1HOPE Uptown Recovery Fund possible. Every dollar given expresses hope for a better tomorrow as we work towards our mission of restoring hope and transforming lives after a profoundly challenging season for our community,” said Executive Director Nicole Thomsen-Coughlin. “We are grateful for the business owners, the fabric of the Uptown business community, who remain committed to staying rooted in Kenosha. We are thankful for an excellent Committee who was able to quickly and effectively distribute these funds to ensure that the restoration process wasn’t delayed.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the 1HOPE Uptown Recovery Fund Committee and to be a part of the rebuilding of this important district in our community,” said Uptown Committee Member Joanne Freitag.
Following these final grant awards, 1HOPE remains committed to providing support to the Uptown business, property owners and residents impacted by the recent civil unrest through partnerships with local community resources and professionals who are able to help and provide their expertise and assistance.
“1HOPE was there since day one that all this happened,” said Yolanda Hernandez. “We are very thankful for 1HOPE and all the communication and help.”
