Forward Janesville - TheReport - Second Quarter 2020

G HOPE K Janesville packaging company Prent Corp. switched gears to design and make face shields to fill the dire need for protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic and address shortages at local hospitals and clinics. The company made the switch within days of hearing of the need—a remarkable feat. Prent has dedicated a full production line to make the face shields and will continue into the foreseeable future. Shortly after the COVID-19 crisis hit home, JP Cullen was able to source and donate 2,400 N95 masks to local Janesville hospitals. Similarly, the Janesville Home Depot also donated masks to the Janesville Fire Department to protect firefighters and paramedics. The YMCA of Northern Rock County converted its buildings in Janesville and Milton to host child care for the kids of essential workers. The Y buildings have plenty of space to allow social distancing; with each site accommodating 50 children and 10 staff members. The United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) Facemask Warriors Facebook Group was started shortly after the pandemic began by FJI Goodwill Ambassador Jennifer White. The group was founded to support makers, cleaners, and distributors of face masks, posting helpful information as it happens, with the goal of assisting and protecting health care workers with masks. To offer support during this time of need, Janesville law firm Nowlan & Mouat LLP is providing assistance with the drafting and execution of Power of Attorney for HOPE AND ASTOUNDING GENEROSITY IN A TIME OF CRISIS By Laura Barten COVID-19 has changed all of our lives in an unprecedented and dramatic fashion. It feels as if the entire world shapeshifted overnight. The new normal is so far removed from what we knew before that it can be difficult for our minds—and emotions—to process this transformation quickly enough. Yet periods of crisis inevitably build resolve and often bring out the best in many of us. This is no exception. Our local community mobilized with remarkable speed and creativity to help each other navigate radical challenges with a bit more comfort and grace. Today, we want to celebrate the beautiful contributions our friends and neighbors are making. This is by no means a comprehensive list, as things are moving quickly and change is the only constant. Still, now and going forward, let’s take a moment to honor the incredible kindness, ingenuity and giving spirit that fuels these efforts. Please feel free to share your stories with us, via email or on social media. We want to hear what you are doing a n d s e e i n g — a n d celebrate the many unsung heroes among us. JP Cullen YWCA Velocity Multi-Sport