Lawyers for Civil Rights and Point32Health Team Up to Provide Support to Small Businesses and Local Vaccination Efforts
Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) and Point32Health are collaborating on a project to provide support to small businesses in Fall River and New Bedford that promote the COVID-19 vaccine. The program, open to diverse-owned small businesses in the two cities, will provide $1000 grants that can be used in a variety of ways related to the ongoing pandemic, including:
- Incentives for employees to get vaccinated (paid time off, vouchers, accommodations, etc.);
- Promotional materials located in the business to encourage employees and community members to get vaccinated;
- Purchase necessary protective materials for employees, such as PPE; and
- Providing discounted or free goods and services to community members showing proof of vaccination.
“Small businesses are key trusted resources in local communities, and as such, can play a critical role in helping to champion the COVID-19 vaccines,” said Kevin Rasch, Chief Business Diversity Officer for Point32Health. “We are excited to collaborate once again with the Lawyers for Civil Rights to provide much needed support during these trying times.”
Funding for this initiative was provided by Point32Health. The program is an extension of a collaboration between the two organizations in 2020, which helped local small businesses reopen.
“As many features of the pandemic become endemic, it is critical to promote the economic revitalization of low-income and minority communities,” said Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, Executive Director of Lawyers for Civil Rights. “This is particularly important as our economy continues to transform in response to the pandemic — and as communities of color experience an uneven recovery. We commend Point32Health for launching this creative and meaningful program to support our communities.”
Small businesses can apply through a streamlined application process by visiting bit.ly/BGSmallBusinessSupport. All applications will be considered, and are due by December 2.
For more information about Lawyers for Civil Rights visit their website at www.lawyersforcivilrights.org
