Community Support Services (CSS) has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the County of Summit and Akron Community Foundation through the Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Program, as well as through an additional contribution from Summit DD.

The grant program is distributing federal CARES Act funding to Summit County nonprofits that provide for the basic needs of underserved county residents, as well as nonprofits in the arts and culture sector. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $50,000 and must be spent by Dec. 30.

CSS is using the funds to ensure the safety of its clients and staff through the investment in telehealth equipment, furniture that enables social distancing in the offices, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard pay for staff who are meeting with clients in the field, and other expenses that were unforeseeable before the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than $5.1 million was awarded to nearly 200 nonprofits through the program. Of those, 113 organizations received more than $3 million for basic needs, 57 received $1.6 million in arts and culture-focused funding, and 10 received $440,000 to support the needs of residents with developmental disabilities

ABOUT COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Founded in 1988, CSS annually provides life-changing services for more than 3,000 individuals living with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The agency offers community-based case management, supported employment, supported housing, assertive community treatment (ACT), counseling, and other wellness-promoting services. CSS also offers healthcare through a primary care clinic, which is open to the community.