The first round of the Ogden CARES grant program ran from July 1 through August 16; Ogden City received complete grant applications from nearly 90 businesses and nonprofit organizations. The city approved grant awards for 60 businesses and nonprofits that were eligible under the first round program guidelines, totaling an estimated $4 million in approved grant awards.
EnableUtah, an Ogden-based nonprofit operating out of the Ogden Business Exchange, was one of the organizations to be approved for an Ogden CARES grant. EnableUtah’s mission is to give people with physical and cognitive disabilities the chance to work, earn a paycheck, and live productive, more independent lives. Over 200 clients are provided a job coach, taught job skills to be better prepared for employment in the community, and given a caring place to be productive and successful.
“The CARES grant has helped us stay in operation and keep these good people coming back to their job in a safe way, day after day," said Zeb Williams, EnableUtah’s marketing and development manager. "It is huge for their physical and mental health to stay productive. They also rely on their wages to supplement any disability benefits they may be receiving."
Another local business approved for a CARES grant is Wing Wah, a Chinese restaurant operating in Ogden with a history 35 years in the making. Sue and Joe Lee started their first restaurant, Ho Wah (on 24th St. and Monroe Blvd.), in 1985. With the Lees now retired, their daughter, Nancy Keys, runs Wing Wah (on 12th St.) as the general manager.
Keys said the Ogden CARES grant is going to help keep the family business alive and continue serving the Ogden community.
"I remember seeing the [award] letter come through, and I just cried," Keys said. "This is going to help us survive this wave. My parents ran this restaurant for 34 years; this is their legacy, and I didn’t want to see it disappear. I also have employees and their families who rely on this place to keep going."
Ogden City looks forward to supporting more businesses and organizations through Round Two of the Ogden CARES Grant Program, which is open now!
For-profit businesses in Ogden City and nonprofit organizations in Weber County are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on Sunday, October 4, 2020.
The updated program guidelines, and a streamlined application, are now available at www.ogdencares.com. Please contact the Ogden CARES team with any questions at ogdencares@ogdencity.com. •