More and more celebrities are giving back to help those in amid the coronavirus pandemic.
As people continue to stay home to help stop the spread of the coronavirus and flatten the curve, safer-at-home and shelter-in-place orders have, unfortunately, given rise to alarming secondary effects – including an increase in domestic violence and mental health issues.
Beyonce’s foundation, BeyGOOD, recently announced that they have partnered with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey to help out organizations providing mental health wellness services, donating jointly $6 Million to the cause.
“BeyGOOD recognizes the immense mental and personal health burdens being placed on essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement on her website read. “In our major cities, African-Americans comprise a disproportionate number of workers in these indispensable occupations, and they will need mental health support and personal wellness care, including testing and medical services, food supplies and food deliveries, both during and after the crisis.”
“BeyGOOD has partnered with Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall to provide $6 million in funding to organizations providing mental wellness services, through a key national partnership with UCLA,” the statement continued. “The initiative is also partnering with the National Alliance in Mental Illness (NAMI) to offer local support in Houston, New York, New Orleans and Detroit.”
Their donation will benefit United Memorial Medical Center, Bread of Life, Mathew 25, No Kid Hungry, World Central Kitchen and Dia De La Mujer Latina.
She also encouraged fans to help if they are able.
“The impact of this pandemic is far reaching, and it’s going to take each and everyone of us to help make a difference. If one of the organizations we are supporting speaks to your heart, you can join us and contribute by clicking the link in my bio,” she wrote alongside a video message on Instagram.
Beyoncé’s hubby JAY-Z is also supporting COVID-19 rapid response efforts in the U.S. and abroad. He recently teamed up with Rihanna and Jack to jointly fund $6.2 million in grants through their respective foundations – JAY-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation, Dorsey’s #startsmall initiative, and Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation.
Charlize Theron’s foundation, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP), is also contributing to COVID-19 relief efforts in the U.S. and her home country, South Africa.
CTAOP has donated $1 million – with $500,000 designated for domestic violence shelters and community-based programs through Together for Her.
The foundation has issued a statement detailing that the donations will go toward services such as shelters, support and counseling, helplines, crisis intervention, health services, legal services and other forms of support for women and children experiencing domestic violence. They’ve also partnered with two other organizations, CARE and the Entertainment Industry Foundation, to designated additional funds domestically and internationally.
“As the global spread of COVID-19 has forced people indoors, life has become even more dangerous for women experiencing domestic violence, especially for those who are most marginalized and are at increased risk of experiencing violence,” the statement read, in part.
“Charlize and these three organizations are calling upon other influential women and organizations to join this critical cause to provide safe spaces and lifesaving programs for women in need,” the statement continued.
