Security Health Plan gives to women in crisis
For Hub City Times
MARSHFIELD – “It is critical to meet the needs of families at an early stage and at an early stage of a child’s development,” Marshfield Clinic Health System Center for Community Health Advancement Community Connections Team Health Educator Jennifer Paape said. “The Hannah Center enables us to do that with some of the patients and community members that request assistance from our Community Connections Team program.”
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., will invest $1,000 in The Hannah Center as part of its Employee-Driven Corporate Giving grant program. Each month Security Health Plan awards a $1,000 grant to a different charity or organization nominated by a Health System employee. Employees are encouraged to nominate organizations making a positive difference in the community.
Paape nominated The Hannah Center for the grant because she knows how important the services they provide are to those they serve. She said she has referred, and continues to refer, women to The Hannah Center, which is a non-profit home that helps women in life crisis through compassion and guidance in a caring environment.
The Hannah Center Program Coordinator Tricia Fancher said while the organization started out in 1993 as a home for pregnant women in crisis, today they serve a wider range of women, whether they are pregnant or not, single or not.
“This is our 26th year in operation and due to the generous support of our amazing community we are able to operate this five-family household on $150,000 per year,” Fancher said. “That covers staffing, office costs and resident costs.”
She said the organization’s grant income is generally under $10,000 each year. They also hold several fundraisers each year to help with the costs including a Mother’s Day rose sale, annual golf outing and their biggest event of the year, the Giving of Life banquet in October.
“Without the support of our community through grants like this, The Hannah Center wouldn’t be here. And the five women and five children we have in-house right now wouldn’t have access to the services they need to become successful, healthy, independent community members,” Fancher said.
The Hannah Center is always in need of volunteers and is always accepting donations, Fancher said. To volunteer, contact the center during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Donations can be dropped off during those hours as well. The program coordinator said anyone in need can call during those same business hours.
“We use volunteers in Hannah’s Caring Closet and to come in and teach our residents life skills,” Fancher said.
For more information, visit www.hannahcenter.com or www.facebook.com/The-Hannah-Center-Inc-110291275693888/.