One year ago, The Episcopal Church of Wyoming granted $1 million to be used by congregations across the state to help offset the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. St. John’s in Powell received $45,000 throughout 2020 to help both individuals in crisis in the community and organizations assisting to meet their needs.

The initial distribution of funds was made in early April 2020, with $10,000 provided to each Episcopal Church in Wyoming. Gary Hartman, Grants Committee Chair of the Foundation Board, said there were four recomemended areas of focus: childcare, vulnerable adults, food insecurity and unemployment issues (such as utilities payments, rent, food, medical bills, transportation and crisis shelter assistance).

St. John’s says it used the initial grant to support 130 individuals and families who needed money due to unemployment or other COVID-19 related issues.

Sue Woods, senior warden of St. John’s, said the dollars helped empower members of St. John’s during the shutdown. 

“We all felt helpless watching our friends and neighbors suffer,” Woods said.

She said the church set up a simple process to get money out into the community: “If a member knew of someone who needed help, a quick email to the outreach community was all it took to get a check in the mail.”

In July 2020, St. John’s received a second grant of $15,000 and used these funds to help 90 additional people. They also gave to Powell Valley Loaves and Fishes and the Backpack Blessings food program for school students.

In October 2020, the Powell church received a third grant of $15,000 and used those funds to focus on local agencies whose budgets were tight due to the shutdown. In addition to a second gift to both Loaves and Fishes and Backpack Blessings, St. John’s made donations to Heritage Health Center, Crisis Intervention Services, Powell Senior Center, Homebound Senior Essentials, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Northwest Wyoming Family Planning (now Northwest Health Care) and Children’s Resource Center.

St. John’s is seeking a fourth grant from the foundation to continue with COVID relief. Rev. Megan Nickles said she is grateful for the generosity of the Episcopal Church in Wyoming.

“We, are so humbled for the opportunity to support those in crisis in our community,” she said. “It’s what St. John’s believes in — to seek and serve all persons.”