First anniversary for Pioneers Healthcare Foundation

MEEKER I In June 2011, Pioneers Healthcare Foundation held its formation meeting. Twelve months later PHF is proud of the progress the organization has made. The first step was to form the foundation with bylaws and governance policies, then to file for our 501c3 status.
“We feel that the first 12 months have been a success,” says Trina Zagar-Brown, PHF Chairperson. “Our mission is to be a catalyst for philanthropic giving that will support preventative care, healthcare education, services, equipment and technology in our community. We have half-a-dozen programs that really speak to our mission.”
Pioneers Healthcare Foundation’s primary programs are:
n Grow Your Own—scholarships, internships, certified nurse assistant course and other programs that support our future workforce in healthcare.
n Kris Borchard Strive for Excellence Scholarship Fund for students pursuing masters-level studies in healthcare (i.e. medical school, pharmacy school, physical therapy, etc.).
n Marvine Ranch Cancer Screening Fund to assist low-income and uninsured residents to receive mammogram screenings.
n Meals on Wheels which provides a nutritious meal five days a week to many area elderly residents who may not be able to cook for themselves.
n Meeker Streaker which provides transportation to the senior and disabled community needing a ride to doctors appointments and/or to run errands for both in-town and out-of-town needs.
n Capital improvement projects that will help sustain quality health care services for our hospital.
“The ‘administrative paperwork’ that must be done when establishing a new organization did not keep our team from hitting the ground running. We got right to raising money, applying for grants and putting that money directly into our programs.” continued Zagar-Brown.
Pioneers Healthcare already has some significant successes to share:
n Received IRS designation as a 501c3 not-for-profit.
n Received first grant for $10,000.
n Established the Kris Borchard Strive for Excellence Scholarship Fund and raised more than $10,000 to establish the fund.
n Awarded grant for $10,000 to purchase pharmacy equipment for Pioneers Medical Center.
n Hosted the fifth annual scholarship dinner. In May, Pioneers Healthcare Foundation (through the generosity of many supporters) awarded scholarships to ten individuals.
In the past six months PHF has helped fund cancer screenings for seven community members.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community members and organizations we are off to a great start but we can’t slow down now, we are pursuing more and more grant opportunities to work with private foundations, whose mission align with ours; to support sustainable healthcare,” said executive director Margie Joy.
In partnership with Haselden Construction, Pioneers Healthcare Foundation will sponsor a golf tournament Aug. 17. Proceeds will go to support the foundation, and the Marvine Ranch Cancer Screening fund. Funds will be used to assist area residents afford necessary cancer screenings.
To kick off the holiday season, Pioneers Healthcare Foundation and Pioneers Medical Center will celebrate the fifth annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 5. “We plan to add a few elements that will add to the fun of evening,” Joy said.
For more information about the Pioneers Healthcare Foundation please call Margie Joy at 970-878-9317.