A few short weeks ago, the global pandemic COVID-19 upended all of our lives. Many of us are adjusting to working from home, managing children who are switching to online learning, and living socially distant from our families, friends, and neighbors.

I am still employed and can work from home, but there are many Madison families who are not so fortunate. Some are facing extreme financial hardship having lost their jobs and having little or no savings.

Prior to the outbreak, Madison Youth & Family Services supported 300 Madison individuals and families. This number is expected to rise significantly in the coming weeks and months. These town residents rely on energy assistance, rent rebate programs, and the local food pantry to meet their basic needs. But where can they turn when all the local, state, and federal programs have been exhausted?

The answer is Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N). Founded 11 years ago, N2N is Madison’s social safety net for our neighbors in need. Since March 15, N2N—the largest component fund of The Madison Foundation—has received nearly $50,000 in small and large donations from concerned residents to help those who cannot afford the necessities of life.

Now is the time for all of us who love Madison to rally together to help those in need. We don’t know when things will get back to normal. Nor can we predict the overall need of those affected by this crisis. One thing is clear, we are starting to climb a mountain but are nowhere near the peak.

I am so grateful for those generous donors who’ve already contributed to the N2N fund to help those less fortunate. For more information on N2N, visit www.themadisonfoundation.org. Thank you

Renee Pallenberg, President

The Madison Foundation

Board of Directors