In 2009 the Foundation awarded $2.9 million to over 40 local health-related programs.
WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES RECENT GRANT AWARDS
March 5, 2010
The Board of Trustees of the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) approved a total of $733,925 in grant funding for two programs that promote community wellness.
WCHF awarded $553,996 to the Williamsburg-James City County School System for its School Health Initiative Program (SHIP). This grant continues funding for SHIP programs already underway in local schools, such as Challenge Clubs and the Wellness Integration Program. Challenge Clubs provide after school activities for students to increase their physical activity and learn more about nutrition. Challenge Club activities include free cooking, dancing, soccer, martial arts, and yoga classes. Transportation is provided so that all students can participate. The Wellness Integration Program instructs elementary teachers on the incorporation of movement into lesson plans as emerging research suggests this approach prolongs student attention spans. SHIP’s Wellness Integration Program has garnered the interest of a number of school divisions. It has been replicated by three school divisions in Western Tidewater and two other school divisions are in the process of replication.
The WCHF Board also approved funding in the amount of $179,929 that will allow for the establishment of a Greater Williamsburg Child Assessment Center (GWCAC) administered by the Colonial Services Board. The need for the GWCAC was identified by members of the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative who noted the community’s need for additional behavioral health services for children and youth as well as improved service coordination. The GWCAC will be staffed by licensed mental health professionals who will offer behavioral assessment and referral services for children, youth and their families. The grant also continues funding for the Network of Care website which includes information on regional behavioral health services, including low-cost services and related news for individuals, families and community providers. The website can be accessed at http://gwcac.va.networkofcare.org/mh/home/index.cfm.
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WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES GRANTS TOTALLING OVER $1 MILLION
December 8, 2009
On December 7th, 2009, the Board of Trustees of the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) approved $1,088,385 in grant funding. The grants, spanning in dollar amount from $18,500 to $382,564 are all part of the WCHF mission to improve the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties.
“The Foundation’s funding priorities target those nonprofit agencies that provide health related services to low-income populations experiencing challenges to accessing health services. The recipients of these grants continue to make a significant difference for the neediest people in our community. In light of the challenges presented by the current economy, WCHF is proud to partner with these organizations to improve the overall well-being of local residents,” reports Kerry Mellette, President and CEO.
Among its decisions, the WCHF Board approved funding for Child Development Resources’ Early Intervention Services program. The $60,000 grant promotes health for the community’s youngest members by preventing and controlling developmental delays that result from various disabilities. Child Development Resources aligns well with WCHF’s focus on the safety net population as the children receiving services come from households that are at or below the Federal Poverty Level. In this season of financial constraints, this program stands out as one of many that support the population disproportionately affected by the downturn in the economy.
Other health-related nonprofits receiving WCHF grants include:
- Avalon: Self-Sufficiency Project for Women and Children Experiencing Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Homelessness: $40,000
- Senior Services Coalition: Core Support: $18, 500
- Virginia Health Care Foundation: A New Lease on Life – Health for Virginians with Mental Illness: $50,000
- Williamsburg Area Meals-On-Wheels, Inc.: Safety Net Nutrition for Low Income Residents During Challenging Times: $40,000
- Chronic Care Collaborative: $382,564
- Olde Towne Medical Center: Core Funding: $482,321
- Senior Services Coalition: Implementation of the Community Action Plan on Aging (CAPOA): $15,000
Nonprofits interested in learning more about the 2010 grant cycles are encouraged to attend a Grantee Information Session to be held at the Foundation office on December 10, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Those interested should RSVP to info@wchf.com.
WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
HONORED
TWO LOCAL PROGRAMS AT ITS ANNUAL
2009 HEALTHCARE HEROES EVENT
October 22, 2009
At its annual Healthcare Heroes event held today, October 22, 2009, the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) honored an individual and a non-profit health service provider that have made outstanding contributions to the local community amidst the downturn in the economy.
Ann Tramer currently serves as the Program Manager for the Psychological and Substance Abuse Services (PSAS) Program of York County Division of Juvenile Services. During the Healthcare Heroes event, she accepted a $5,000 WCHF grant on behalf of the PSAS program, which provides early intervention mental health and substance abuse services to youth who have come before the Court. Although based in York County, the PSAS program serves youth in the entire Historic Triangle as it is one of the Colonial Group Home Commission programs. The PSAS program has grown rapidly during the recession and expects approximately 300 referrals from the Court system for the 2009 calendar year.
The PSAS program documents outstanding results, and is also a model for the collection of quantitative data. For the most recent reporting period, 96% of youth remain drug free at 6 months post-release from the program based on the Juvenile Tracking System of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice. Tramer, who has been working with youth and families in a variety of settings since 1991, has lived in Williamsburg for 13 years. “I am thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the PSAS program. My hope is that our success in providing psychological and substance abuse services will only continue in the years to come.”
Dr. Jim Shaw also accepted a $5,000 WCHF grant on behalf of Lackey Free Clinic’s Volunteer Medical Practitioner Recruitment Program. Dr. Shaw, with his wife Cooka and in partnership with the Rising Sun Baptist Church, founded the Lackey Free Clinic in 1995 to serve the local community. Lackey Free Clinic serves patients with no medical insurance, and who have an annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The number of people who fit these eligibility criteria continues to grow as a result of the recession, but Lackey has responded with increased medical appointment slots, additional clinics, and a focused approach to volunteer recruiting. “The Clinic continues to look at ways to serve more patients in a manner that does not compromise the quality of care provided,” says Shaw.
Based on weekly averages and recent figures for 2009, the Lackey Free Clinic has seen a 41% increase in the number of patients served during an average week from March 2008 to March 2009, and they believe this a is direct result of the recession. With only 10 full-time employees, the clinic relies heavily on its many volunteers, 115 of whom are medical practitioners and other clinicians, to provide various medical services to its patients. Lackey reports that its number of volunteers continued to grow during the recession. During 2008, volunteers worked 17,116 hours, and their work is valued at $634,309. The many loyal volunteers make it possible for the Lackey Free Clinic to achieve a high level of productivity and impact, especially during the recession.
Each of these $5,000 grants will be used to strengthen initiatives that deliver a significant level of healthcare and other health-related services to the uninsured, Medicaid, and other vulnerable patients. WCHF applauds the honoree’s dedication to the underserved members of this community and their continued efforts to collaborate with other healthcare providers in the Historic Triangle.
WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
ANNOUNCES GRANTS TOTALING $290,000
October 16, 2009
WILLIAMSBURG -- On October 5, 2009, the Board of Trustees of the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) approved $290,000 in grant funding to strengthen access to quality healthcare services and promote responsible health practices. The grants are part of the WCHF mission to improve the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties.
According to WCHF President and CEO Kerry Mellette, “Despite a tough economy, WCHF is committed to sustaining long-term health initiatives directed at improving the overall well-being of local residents, particularly those experiencing challenges accessing health care services.”
Among its decisions, the WCHF Board approved funding for the Foundation-Directed Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI, formerly known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative). The $132,036 grant will fund the Greater Williamsburg Child Assessment Center (GWCAC), and the new Network of Care website. The website provides information on regional behavioral health services, relevant statutory regulations and related news for individuals, families, community providers and agencies concerned with behavioral health. It can be found at http://gwcac.va.networkofcare.org/mh/home/index.cfm.
Other health-related nonprofits and local governments receiving WCHF grants include:
- The Bacon Street Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Program - provides family-focused, science-based services for people under the age of 19 who may be experiencing problems with alcohol or other drugs. $80,000
- Olde Towne Medical Center’s Project CARE of Greater Williamsburg - creates a regional system of care for low-income uninsured. This system-of-care includes access to primary care, specialty care, hospital-based tests/services, and medications. $60,000
- Olivet Medical Ministry’s Volunteer Practitioner Recruitment Project - utilizes volunteer practitioners to provide medical, dental, mental health, and educational services to reduce the healthcare burden on the safety net in a cost effective manner. $35,000
- The York County Division of Juvenile Services Psychological and Substance Abuse Services (PSAS) Program - provides early intervention/prevention and substance abuse education services to high-risk youth, age 12-18 years, who are referred by the 9th District JDRC and the Court Service Units. $115,000
The WCHF funding priorities target nonprofit healthcare safety net providers and those that provide health related services to low-income populations experiencing challenges to accessing health services.
Williamsburg Community Health Foundation
Awards More Than $75,000 In Additional 2009
Grants
to Nonprofit Agencies
June 9, 2009
WILLIAMSBURG --The Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) today announced grant awards totaling $77,216 to three area health-related nonprofits.
According to President and CEO, Kerry C. Mellette, “This funding is in addition to the more than one million dollars in grants made earlier this year to safety net providers and related agencies.” WCHF adheres to the Institute of Medicine’s definition of healthcare safety net providers as organizations that deliver a significant level of health care and other health-related services to the uninsured, Medicaid and other vulnerable patients. Mellette adds, “Even during a time of economic uncertainty when the Foundation has less money to give, WCHF seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of area residents by strengthening access to quality health services and promoting responsible health practices.”
The three WCHF grant recipients each have strong preventive health maintenance components. A snapshot of each grantee follows:
- The Foundation-directed Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) is a collaborative of mental health providers awarded $53,356 for their work to plan an integrated children’s mental health and delivery system and develop a community wide website that will provide mental health resource information for both consumers and service-providers.
- Williamsburg Faith in Action is the recipient of $13,860 to provide transportation to medical appointments to the elderly, chronically ill, and disabled adults in the Greater Williamsburg Area.
- Colonial Service Board’s program, “Parenting for Positive Outcomes,” will receive a grant of $10,000 to support six parent education programs. Classes are designed to build parenting skills and community support systems, decrease parental stress and reduce the potential for parental abuse and neglect.
Williamsburg Community Health Foundation
Places More Than $1,000,000 In Area Nonprofits
March 17, 2009
Eight local nonprofit organizations will receive $1,036,490 this month in grants from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) to strengthen access to quality healthcare services and promote responsible health practices. The grants are part of the WCHF mission to improve the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties.
According to WCHF President and CEO Kerry Mellette, “This funding is part of an estimated
$3 million in new grants the Foundation anticipates it will award by year’s end to healthcare service providers and health-related agencies in 2009. Despite a tough economy, WCHF is committed to sustaining long-term health initiatives directed at bringing about systemic change in the overall well-being of local residents as well as select projects with a shorter horizon that contribute to this goal.”
In the fight against the onset of chronic disease and childhood obesity, Williamsburg James City County Schools will receive a grant of $870,096 to continue the School Health Initiative Program (SHIP). This program strives to create a culture of wellness among school age children, their families, educators and ultimately the community by promoting and supporting healthy eating and lifestyle habits. As a result, SHIP seeks to create a paradigm shift toward making healthy choices that often takes many years to accomplish.
Other health-related nonprofits and local governments receiving WCHF grants include:
- York County to place Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public locations, $50,000;
- The Lackey Free Clinic for dental care, $31,700;
- Community Housing Partners to provide low-income neighborhood access to healthcare, $26,134;
- Lafayette High School Helping Hands Scholarship fund for practical nursing students, $20,000;
- The partnership between the College of William and Mary and the Colonial Services Board with the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail to help families connect and link inmates children and families to health resources, $15,000;
- Williamsburg AIDS Network for HIV testing and outreach to at risk populations, $13,560; and,
- The Peninsula Agency on Aging for its work to assist elderly residents of Greater Williamsburg pay for adequate heating or cooling of their homes, $10,000.
Future WCHF funding priorities will target nonprofit healthcare safety net providers such as low cost or no cost clinics and those that provide health related services. The work of these providers is critical because they meet the most fundamental public healthcare needs of the community and deliver direct services to people without insurance or those who may be underinsured.
WCHF ANNOUNCES INVITATION TO SUBMIT
LETTERS OF INTENT FOR HEALTHCARE SAFETY NET
PROVIDERS aND HEALTH-RELATED
NONPROFITS
February 6, 2009
The Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) invites healthcare safety net providers and nonprofits that deliver health services to apply for funds to meet emerging needs linked to the downturn in the economy. Safety net providers organize and deliver a significant level of health care and other health-related services to the uninsured, Medicaid, and other vulnerable patients. As a first step in the process, applicants are asked to submit brief Letters of Intent (LOI) by 12:00 pm, Monday, February 23, 2009 on the Foundation’s web site for consideration. The Foundation will then invite the applicants of meritorious LOIs to submit a full proposal. Final decisions will be made in June.
According to President and CEO, Kerry Mellette, “The timing and focus of this round of grantmaking allows WCHF to better align its funding cycles with the state and federal government thereby promoting consistent budget administration by grantees. The Foundation will then be able to respond to the impact of the recession on the local economy in the next quarter. WCHF seeks to strengthen those segments of the community shown to be disproportionately at risk. One of the Foundation’s critical findings is that many people who have not relied on health-care safety net providers in the past are now turning to them for services.”
Mellette adds, “Not unlike other grantors in 2009, WCHF will have fewer grant dollars to disperse. WCHF is working on how best to accommodate potentially greater needs with fewer resources.”
The Foundation wants to ensure the nonprofit community remains strong and can meet the needs of the medically underserved. It has identified as a funding priority those programs that strengthen the health-care safety net and provide quality healthcare services. Healthcare safety net providers that are able to document a significant increase in the number of patients who are currently unemployed and without health insurance will receive special consideration for funding. Special consideration will also be provided to proposals that have programs which educate clients about how best to stay healthy on a limited budget; inform and encourage clients to maintain or secure health insurance; educate clients on how to recognize the signs of behavior likely to signal future health and mental health issues or any form of abuse; and have a strong preventive health maintenance component that will reduce the likelihood of clients needing to utilize the health safety net system.
The Williamsburg Community Health Foundation is a private non-profit dedicated to improving the health of people living in Williamsburg and surrounding counties by strengthening access to quality health services and promoting responsible health practices. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has given over $37 million in support of community health programs, the majority of which are implemented in the City of Williamsburg, James City and York Counties.
WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION PLACES
ADDITIONAL $1.5 MILLION IN TWO HEALTH-RELATED
NONPROFITS AT THE END OF 2008
January 12, 2009
At a time when more than 90 million Americans nationwide live with a chronic disease; and, studies show inadequate access to prescription medications due to costs is at an all time high – the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation (WCHF) made 2008 year end contributions of $789,763 and $800,000 to the WCHF Chronic Care Initiative and the WCHF Greater Williamsburg Medication Assistance Program (GWMAP) respectively.
According to WCHF President and CEO, Kerry Mellette, “WCHF’s Chronic Care Initiative and WCHF’s GWMAP are established grantees. The two programs complement one another and have a track record of success. Each is supported by WCHF through a commitment of funds as well as human resources. Last year WCHF awarded Competitive, Foundation-directed and Capacity Building grants to health-related nonprofits totaling $5,721,468.50.”
In 2008 ten medical services organizations participated in WCHF’s Chronic Care collaborative. They work together under a WCHF contract with Community Health Solutions, Inc. to facilitate a detailed plan to strengthen specialty, pharmacy and patient services as well as systems integration and performance monitoring of their patients with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, cancer and other chronic diseases.
Dollar amounts awarded to individual clinics participating in WCHF’s Chronic Care Initiative are: Angels of Mercy, $116,000; Gloucester Mathews Free Clinic, $192,313; Olde Towne Medical Center $ 95,330; and, Lackey Free Clinic, $329,120.
GWMAP is a collection of health service organizations that match low-income area residents who are un-insured or under insured with programs to receive free medications through the Virginia Health Care Foundation.
GWMAP funding is over a two year period. Participating organizations will continue their services through $800,000 in WCHF funding and include: Central Virginia Health Services’ Charles City Health Center and King William Dawn Community Doctors; Colonial Service Board; Gloucester-Mathews Free Clinic; Olde Towne Medical Center; Lackey Free Family Clinic; and, Northern Neck Free Clinic.
Since its inception in 1997, WCHF has placed more than $37 million in the local community to meet the health-related needs of the people of the City of Williamsburg, and the Counties of James City, York, Charles City, Gloucester, New Kent and Surry.
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 10, 2010