Program areas at United Way of Merced County
California Creative Corps is a 4.2 million dollar economic and workforce recovery pilot program intended to support pandemic recovery and the environmental, civic and social engagement of Californias most disproportionately impacted communities. Using a variety of art forms, including visual, performing, and traditional arts, artists will advance positive community outcomes by creating locally focused, contextually and culturally sensitive public messaging and work. As the Administering Organization for the three counties, United Way of Merced County will regrant funds to arts and social service organizations and to individual artists and cultural workers throughout Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties. The Heartland Creative Corps represents an unprecedented collaboration between County-designated arts agencies from all three counties. The arts agencies will work cooperatively to support program administration and serve as primary partners, service providers
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization proactively addressed community needs in Merced County by mobilizing funds from individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and other entities. These efforts supported a range of relief programs, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline workers, assistance with rent, mortgages, and utilities, grants for non-profit stabilization, support for community food distribution, tele-education, and the supply of essential items to residents.
The Language Care program employs fourteen bilingual staff members who offer interpreting services to local hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms. Available 24/7, these services include face-to-face interpretation in six languages. Through a partnership with Dignity Health, the program achieves the highest standards of medical interpreting, enhancing the primary healthcare services for Merced Countys residents. This initiative guarantees that patients who do not speak English have access to equal levels of service and healthcare rights as English-speaking individuals.