HealthPath funding helps four different organizations support emergency needs in their communities.
Earlier this year, the HealthPath Foundation awarded grants for up to $10,000 to organizations addressing community needs in the areas of housing and shelter, food access, caregiving services, and overall healthcare in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this grantee spotlight, we feature the following organizations that received funding:
Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing our Neighborhoods (ACTION): ACTION’S efforts to improve access to healthy food and positive dietary and lifestyle changes serve the population of Youngstown, and most significantly the 18% of Youngstown residents who report that they do not have enough to eat. During the pandemic, ACTION prepared and delivered 9,200 hot and healthy meals to vulnerable populations that included adults and children through its “Grab and Go” and “Snatch and Snack” programs.
Canton City Public Health: Due to the impact of COVID-19 on its families, Stark County THRIVE, managed by Canton City Public Health, provided household disinfection and personal care products to 300 families and individuals. THRIVE certified community health workers delivered approximately 600 bags of items, which were unable to be purchased with SNAP benefits, to pregnant women, caregivers of children under age one, and adults with chronic disease. Many of the recipients of the care packages shared comments of appreciation such as “This is amazing!”, “Thank you for everything!” and “We’re very lucky!”.
First Step Home: During the pandemic, First Step Home was able to continue helping women recover from addiction while staying with their children by offering telehealth therapy sessions. During one individual therapy session, a mom with a rambunctious child was appreciative that she did not have to find childcare since she could stay home for her appointment. During her session, the counselor was able to suggest a parenting skills program for the mother as well as the Child Resiliency Program for her child. Today, this child is receiving services in the Child Resiliency Program, and the mother is learning more about her optimum role as a parent.
The Potter's House Ministries: A faith-based nonprofit ministry, Potter’s House Ministries is a ministry center of the Sciotoville Church of the Nazarene that coordinates and develops resources to assist with urgent community needs. They also offer a food pantry to families in need. During the pandemic, Potter’s House Ministries was able to continue serving their clients and saw many new clients as well. With the grant from HealthPath, the nonprofit was able to stay in business and support its community. They shared that “the community was overwhelmed the Potter’s House Ministries’ generosity” and that they saw an increase in volunteerism during this time.