West Bend, Wis., Nov. 15 – The Healthy Community Fund has awarded $222,800 in grants to 10 area non-profit organizations. Representatives of recipient organizations will attend an Award Luncheon at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 24, to receive their funding.
Background
The Healthy Community Fund was created in 2008 through St. Joseph’s Community Foundation to support community programs and projects throughout Washington County that will positively affect the health and wellness of those living and working within this area. The goal of the fund is to bring together non-profit organizations and resources that will support healthy lifestyle choices as well as provide support for programs committed to the promotion of health and wellness.
The agencies selected to receive funding this year include Albrecht Free Clinic, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Casa Guadalupe Education Center, Elevate, Family Promise of Washington County, Friends of Abused Families, Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County, Kettle Moraine YMCA, Senior Citizens Activities, and The Threshold.
Summaries of recipient organization projects
Albrecht Free Clinic, “Healthy Smiles Change Lives” — $58,100
Good oral hygiene and dental care has been identified by the Albrecht Free Clinic as an emerging community health need. Funds will support emergency care, basic restorative and oral hygiene, and education for the uninsured and underinsured.
Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, “Healthy Choices Initiative” — $30,000
With the increasing risk that youth are facing with childhood obesity, the goal of this project is to improve the health and wellness of youth through proper nutrition, education and a positive influence regarding diet and exercise. Funds will provide 20,024 meals for youth in the Hartford, Jackson, Kewaskum and West Bend summer programs.
Casa Guadalupe Education Center, “Healthy Latinos, Healthy Futures” — $15,000
Funds will support health seminars and programs, outreach initiatives and transportation needs to promote education about health screenings, diabetes prevention, active lifestyles and nutrition for Latinos living in Washington County.
Elevate, Inc. “Too Good for Drugs” — $15,000
Funds will be used to implement a “Too Good for Drugs,” a prevention program at all five elementary schools at the fourth grade level in the West Bend School District. The program will give youth access to information regarding alcohol and drugs in their school setting for safe and healthy decision-making.
Family Promise of Washington County, “Homeless Health Services & Housing” — $10,000
The funds will be used to coordinate health services and housing for the homeless, including the first call for help housing hotline, assessment, ongoing case management, and transitional housing.
Friends of Abused Families, “Opening Doors Housing Program” — $25,000
For individuals experiencing violence in their homes or relationships in Washington County, this project supports safe housing, education/job training, childcare and access to 24-hour crisis intervention. These services help individuals escape a violent relationship and gain access to mainstream resources to prevent further victimization for themselves and any children.
Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County, “Senior Transition Program” — $20,000
Funding will help seniors live and thrive in their homes and community by providing transportation to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores/food pantries and exercise and wellness programs. When transportation barriers for seniors are removed, a senior’s access to health care and other vital services such as nutrition and wellness improves.
Kettle Moraine YMCA, “Wellness Programs” — $24,700
Funds will be used for the Diabetes Prevention Program through classes, screenings and community programs. This 12-week program engages adults with a current or past cancer diagnosis who are overweight or pre-diabetic in a group lifestyle intervention to help avoid effects of diabetes. Funds will support LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program through classes, pre- and post-assessments and in supporting survivors.
Senior Citizens Activities, “Healthy Seniors Program” — $20,000
The program supports senior health in four of the top six health issues in Washington County (physical activity, nutrition, chronic disease and injury), by providing age-appropriate and evidence-based interventions through exercise classes/programs and health workshops/screenings to seniors in Washington County.
The Threshold, “Having Fun Getting Fit” — $5,000
The Having Fun Getting Fit program will partner with the Kettle Moraine YMCA and offer three series of eight sessions focused on the basics of fitness and wellness for clients with significant physical challenges working at the Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen Center and those seeking employment in the community.
Oversight of the Healthy Community Fund is provided by a committee of individuals from local communities as well as St. Joseph’s Hospital and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin Community Physicians. The fund is administered through the St. Joseph’s Hospital Community Engagement Department.
For more information about the Healthy Community Fund, eligible organizations or how to apply for funding, go to healthycommunityfund.com.
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital, founded in 1930 by local doctors, community leaders and the Sisters of the Divine Savior, is a full-service hospital serving residents of West Bend and Washington County. St. Joseph’s Hospital, specializing in women’s health and birthing services, cancer care, surgical procedures and rehabilitation services, is part of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health care network, which also includes Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee; Community Memorial Hospital, Menomonee Falls; and more than 30 primary and specialty care health centers and clinics.