Saint Clare's Hospital Awards $43,000 in Ministry Health Care Funds to Support Area Agencies

Continuing its mission to support local non-for-profit and government entities working to improve the health of the people in its service area, Saint Clare's Hospital has awarded $43,000 to six agencies, the hospital's Foundation has announced.

Projects were requested and evaluated based on the proposed projects service to the poor, alignment with the strategic goals and objective of Saint Clare's Hospital, outcomes measurement, long-term viability and sustainability, personal and organization capacity for success and collaboration with and support of community partners.

Agencies funded in the 2008 by Saint Clare's Hospital include:

The Women's Community, Inc.
Improving Abused Women's Access to Health Care: $12,500

Funds will be used to support services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, so they feel less isolated in the community through advocacy and staff support. These funds will give victims direct financial assistance to obtain medical care, dental care, and medications. The majority of those served will be women who fall within low-income guidelines.

The Neighbors' Place
Multicultural Outreach: $7,500

Funds will be used to enhance the well-being of Hmong and Hispanic individuals and families in north central Wisconsin by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services that assist families in overcoming barriers. This project will serve the poor by providing services that empower clients to meet their basic needs and improve their quality of life.

Randlin Adult Homes
Reintegration Assistance: $7,500

Funds will be used to ensure stable housing for homeless and those at risk of being homeless. Specifically, funds will be allocated to help purchase a home to provide basic needs for poor and under-served residents who suffer with physical, mental and chemical dependency illnesses. All Randlin residents meet low-income criteria.

Community Corner Clubhouse
Health and Wellness Initiative: $6,000

Funds will be used to build a system by which club members who are living with the effects of mental illness can keep themselves well and delay the onset or progress of disabling chronic diseases. More specifically, funds will be allocated for meal planning, healthy food purchases, reduced lunch fees, YMCA access, tobacco quit kits, monthly wellness programs, and a weekly evening meal. Currently 73 percent of the Clubhouse members fall below the federal poverty level (FPL) of $850.83 per month.

Faith in Action
Medical Transportation for Elderly/Disabled Residents of Marathon County: $5,000

Funds would be used to recruit and train caring volunteers to provide transportation to and from medical appointments.Volunteers will help escort elderly and disabled residents and provide door-to-door service. This program and its volunteers support a vulnerable population.

Good News Project, Inc.
Health Equipment Lending Program (H.E.L.P.): $4,500

Funds will be used to add inventory for hospital beds, bath benches, walkers, wheelchairs, and other health equipment for local residents. The inventory is loaned at no cost to help underinsured or uninsured residents recuperate and improve daily living skills. Funds will also be used for equipment shelving.

This marks the third year that Saint Clare's Hospital has administered Ministry Health Care Funds in the community totaling more than $140,000 in support of area agencies in Marathon County.

Project requests were reviewed by an evaluation team that included representation from the Saint Clare's Foundation Board of Directors, Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Saint Clare's Hospital senior management and the Marathon County Health Department.

The newest member of the Ministry Health Care system sponsored by the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, Saint Clare's Hospital is an 86-bed all-digital provider of quality, compassionate care in central Wisconsin offering a wide range of primary and specialty care.