First phase of Freeze Fund distributed

The Ventura County Community Foundation announced the first four grants have been distributed from the Freeze Fund through the Community Disaster Fund, a special fund established by the foundation and the United Way of Ventura County to assist farmworkers who are struggling with the aftereffects of the recent crop freezes.

Other contributions have been made from local citizens and community leaders, and more are expected from local area businesses and individuals as well as several statewide foundations.

Initial grants will go to St. John's Health Ministries, $3,587.50; Catholic Charities, $13,632.50; Lutheran Social Services in partnership with Catholic Charities, $11,480; and FOOD Share, $12,300. Each of these charities will use the funds to provide assistance to farmworkers impacted by the freeze.

"We are pleased to work with these nonprofits to get assistance quickly to those who need it the most," said Hugh Ralston, foundation president.

"Thanks to an extraordinary level of cooperation and focus from the community nonprofits to work together to get aid quickly to those who are in need, we were able to get the first cycle of fund distributed within one week of the fund being established," said Ralston.

Discussions among the nonprofit community and growers indicate that the immediate need may involve as many as 15,000 workers and their families. While the immediate need is pressing, long-term impacts of the freeze will affect local farmers, packing houses and distribution centers as well as those working directly in area farming businesses. As other contributions are received, grants will be distributed by the foundation to area nonprofits that provide assistance to farmworkers whose lives have been disrupted by the freeze.

Those seeking assistance should contact 211. Those wishing to make a contribution should make the check payable to VCCF/ Freeze Fund. Contributions are being accepted at the Ventura County Community Foundation, 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 150, Camarillo, CA 93010 and at the United Way of Ventura County, 1317 Del Norte Road, Suite 100, Camarillo, CA 93010.

For more information, visit www.vccf.org and www.vcunitedway.org.