Needy Fund helps Cape grandparents with overdue bills
Substance use disorder is an issue on the minds of Cape Codders and has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. One less-examined impact of substance use disorder is on grandparents, who sometimes step up to become primary caretakers of their grandchildren while a parent is in treatment.
One woman and her wife living on Cape Cod reached out to the Needy Fund after their electricity was shut off. They had recently become the caretakers of their young grandchild while the child's parent is in treatment for substance use disorder.
More: Family blindsided by rising oil prices receives help from Needy Fund
These grandparents had gotten behind on their payments due to missing work to stay at home with their grandchild. The Needy Fund was able to assist in keeping their electricity on, so they can continue taking care of their grandchild.
More about the Needy Fund
Many human service agencies offer assistance to those in need, but the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund has been helping with immediate short-term emergencies such as food, rent, medical costs and other basic expenses since 1936.
More: Needy Fund supports father of three moving into new home
No cash is given to Needy Fund recipients. Instead, the agency pays vendors through a voucher program. The case described above was provided by the Needy Fund on the condition of anonymity.
How to donate to the Needy Fund
Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made at needyfund.org. Checks also can be made payable to the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund and mailed to Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, P.O. Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601.
How to get Needy Fund assistance
Those needing assistance may contact the Needy Fund at 508-778-5661 or 800-422-1446. Questions can be emailed to info@needyfund.org. The Needy Fund is also on Facebook (facebook.com/NeedyFund) and Twitter (@NeedyFund.)
Total Contributions to Date: $172,356.24
Robert Guertin Jewelers – In memory of Bob Guertin: $2,500
Thomas and Elysia Gudas: $1,000
David and Gail Oppenheim: $1,000
In loving memory of Bill Godfrey from Candace Godfrey: $500
In memory of Marlene R. White from Tom and Kenyon: $500
Sara J. Porter: $400
Adam and Robin Antonik: $300
Anonymous: $300
Michael Pierce: $269.73
Joanne C. Spurr: $250
Donald A. Costa: $250
Anonymous: $250
In memory of Pat, Mary, Helen and Phil from Steven Strojny and Lynne Princigalli: $250
John and Nancy Whelan: $206
Francis and Nancy Gorman: $200
Anonymous: $100
Anonymous: $100
Jean Twomey: $50
Donald and Eva Avery: $50
In memory of David Everson from Amy Natiello: $25
Harry and Janet Allen: $25
Ann H. Skibinski: $103
Hazen Jezierny: $50
Kevin and Jeanne Nerrie: $100
Maureen Keefe: $25
Anonymous: $100
John Ameer: $50
Robert and June Barr: $100
Anita and David Powell: $50
In memory of Francis J. Kane: $100
In memory of Bob and David: $100
In memory of GiGi: $50
In memory of Sally Strawn from the Myrbecks: $25
We love you and miss you Gene from Kathy and Bob Haff: $100
In memory of my wonderful husband Robert Labbe from Ann M Labbe: $100
Mary M. MacMillan: $100
Anonymous: $50
Colleen Gallagher: $25
Donna Johnson: $20
Anonymous: $50
Lucy Kayajanian: $25
Sherrie Burson: $100
Jeanne Morrison: $50
In memory of Don Campbell: $50
Thomas and Mary Calise: $100
Walter and Lois Goodrich: $100
Anonymous: $100
Marguerite Lopes: $25
Keith and Karen Chamberlain: $100
Thank you St. Jude – JL: $100
In memory of Muriel Sinclair: $30
Edward Looney: $50
Anonymous: $25
Vicky Hampton: $25
In memory of Bill and Frankie from Sheila Hurteau: $50.55
Anonymous: $25
Anonymous: $100
Carole Lavallee: $25
Kathryn and Steven Lewis: $100
In memory of James and Joan Roderick from Steven Roderick: $100
Joanna Montalbano: $100
Ann O'Connor: $25
Anonymous: $20
In loving memory of Lillian, George, Richard and Conny Cross: $50
John and Donna Bowie: $100
Susan Dahm: $25
Anonymous: $25
Rebecca Bevilacqua: $25
Thank you Needy Fund from Susan Towner: $50
Anonymous: $50
Helga and Joerg Meixner: $150
Gary and Lynne Forester: $100
Anonymous: $25
In memory of beloved family and friends: $100
Carolyn Moulton: $50
In memory of Damian Peros: $100
Anonymous: $25
Elizabeth Lannon: $15
Vivian E. Cushing: $100
Martha and Patrick Laffan: $10
George and Karen: $50
In memory of Jack Denaro: $26
Eugenie S. Shaw: $25
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Needy Fund helps Cape grandparents with overdue bills
