Worcester, Mass., April 3, 2014 – In its latest round of community grants, the Reliant Medical Group Foundation has awarded nearly $70,000 to a dozen Central Massachusetts organizations in support of healthy living programs. Funded largely by the generosity of grateful patients, Reliant employees and corporate funders, these grants will support the ongoing efforts of non-profit programs that target childhood obesity and increasing access to health care.
“The majority of recipients included in this last round of funding are taking on various aspects of battling obesity, which continues to be a serious health epidemic, especially for those who are economically disadvantaged,” said Kelsa Zereski, director of philanthropy at Reliant Medical Group, “We continue to be thankful for the outpouring of support from the Central MA community. Without them, our charity’s innovative grant -making program would not be possible.”
Non-profit organizations within Reliant Medical Group’s service area are eligible to apply for these grants as a way to help improve the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in Central Massachusetts.
The following organizations received a grant in this latest round of giving:
- A Little Easier Recovery – continuation of the “Jacki® Program” for Reliant breast cancer patients.
- Auburn Youth and Family Services – continuation of Project LAUNCH, a health-focused afterschool and summer youth program for kids ages 6-14, many of whom are from low-income families.
- Barton Center for Diabetes Education – providing camperships for economically disadvantaged children with Type 1 Diabetes.
- Dismas House – funding for the Family Farm program, a community farming initiative.
- Growing Places – a gardening education program that includes growing produce and health/wellness education for low-income families in North Central Mass.
- Pernet Family Services – An expansion of youth services provided by Pernet, this program aims to reduce obesity among Worcester’s inner city youth through outdoor activities and youth development.
- Rachel’s Table (part of the Jewish Federation of Central Mass.) – The Children’s Milk Fund program delivers hundreds of gallons of fresh milk per week to 21 Worcester-based agencies assisting children and families in need.
- Regional Environmental Council – “YouthGrow” is a youth initiative of the Food Justice program, which focuses on urban agriculture employment and leadership development for low-income teens.
- Seven Hills – continuation of Healthy Hills nutrition, health and cooking program which educates children and adults with disabilities, ages 8-65, as well as their caretakers, about the importance of healthy living.
- Visitation House – a transitional home offering a “Healthy Moms and Babies” program to support to young pregnant woman who are homeless or leaving an unsafe situation.
- VNA Care – continuation of Worcester Elder Wellness Clinics which offer access to important health care services for local Seniors at 3 sites in Worcester.
- YouthConnect Summer – a collaboration of eight non-profit agencies in Worcester to provide summer programs for disadvantaged middle school aged children.
The Foundation also provided a grant to Reliant Medical Group Rehab and Sports Medicine to fund the purchase of much-needed exercise equipment for the organization’s Bariatric Boot Camp program for adults.
Reliant Medical Group Foundation supports Reliant Medical Group patient needs through targeted funding in service to education, comfort, and access to care. Additionally, the Foundation supports public and community health in Central Massachusetts through funding education and intervention programs.
The next deadline to apply for community grants is September 12, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. Initiatives that battle childhood obesity will be given first consideration. Guidelines and information on how to apply can be found at www.reliantfoundation.org.
About Reliant Medical Group Foundation
Established in 1988 as a public charity, Reliant Medical Group Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals of all ages in Central Massachusetts. As the charitable arm of Reliant Medical Group, the Foundation offers grants to non-profit organizations within Reliant’s service area that deliver programs to battle the obesity epidemic, create access to healthcare for underserved populations, and support “Innovations in Healthy Living”, such as early literacy. The Foundation also supports Reliant’s patient needs by delivering targeted funding in service to education, comfort and access to care.
