(AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

By PAT EATON-ROBB, Associated Press

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — The first of the money donated through the United Way after the Newtown school shooting is being spent.

The United Way of Western Connecticut announced Friday that it’s set up a $200,000 fund to meet immediate needs, such as for first responders, teachers and others who lost wages. That money is also being used for youth programs and for mental health services for those affected by the tragedy.

The fund has already been used to buy two-way radios for Newtown teachers.

The money is separate from the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which has a balance of $8.5 million.

A team, including former U.S. Joe Lieberman, is establishing a foundation that will distribute that money. Officials say victims’ families and the Newtown community will have a say in that process.