The Local 1857 Hardship Fund has concluded its second year successfully with grants given to 54 members in good standing.
The Hardship Fund was an idea borne of the knowledge that this past year our members were affected by economic downturns and fewer available KCLS hours to supplement our paychecks. This reality – combined with careful stewardship of union finances and decreased costs to our union during the pandemic – created an opportunity to again award members grants of $400.
It is the strength of our Union and the support of our fellow members which make this possible.
This year saw an increase in participation and repeated validation of the need to support each other in various ways. We learned the awards helped members make car payments, pay student loans, close out medical bills, reduce debts and better care for children and parents among other necessities. Applicants stated they didn’t wish to take away from others more in need and were grateful for this economic grant made possible by our membership.
The Executive Board is thankful for the input of members in designing this program and the efforts of the Task Force which carried it out. In this second year of the Hardship Fund we built on our experience from last year and further refined our systems for promoting, communicating and delivering the awards.