The Martha s Vineyard Times
Marthaâs Vineyard Community Foundation
COVID-19 Relief Utility Assistance
M.V. Center for Living is providing COVID-19 relief assistance for household utilities. â Isabel Gitten
Marthaâs Vineyard Center for Living will administer the funding that is now available to assist Island households experiencing severe economic hardship due to COVID-19 with heat and electric utility payments. For information and an application, contact one of the following:
 Edgartown Council on Aging â 508-627-4368
 Oak Bluffs Council on Aging â 508-693-4509
 Tisbury Council on Aging â 508-696-4205
 Up Island Council on Aging â 508-693-2896
 Dukes County Social Services â 508-696-3844
Collaboration, flexibility and technology were key to survival this year, according to six nonprofit leaders from the SouthCoast. Though most of them miss the human element of hugs and in-person events, they say certain tools and lessons born of necessity are here to stay.
Technology becomes a tool to increase reach
Before COVID-19, the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center never provided care virtually, known as telehealth or telemedicine, said CEO Cheryl Bartlett. Now, she said care is about split between in-person and virtual visits.
The United Way of Greater New Bedford was forced to hold its largest fundraising event virtually this spring, but due to its success, Victoria Grasela, the vice president of marketing, said they want to include virtual elements for all future fundraisers.