$2,000 awarded to help those affected by COVID-19 
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The COVID-19 pandemic is woven into almost every aspect of our lives today. Nonprofit organizations are still working to serve at risk and low-income populations in our community to ensure that everyone has access to medical care to combat COVID-19. The Emerging Philanthropists Fund recently awarded $2,000 for the Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Outreach Clinic at Christ Lutheran Church.
The grant funds will be used to purchase blood pressure kits, thermometers, vaporizers, and other medical tools for clients to use at home to monitor and maintain their health status. Clients who have been afraid to venture out due to the COVID-19 infection rate will greatly benefit by owning items they normally would come to the clinic to use. Empowering clients to proactively monitor and manage their chronic health issues at home allows them to take preventative measures and intervene before a health situation escalates to a medical emergency.
The Health Ministries of Christ Lutheran Church is located in the South Allison Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg where the population has the highest poverty, unemployment, and /or uninsured rates as well as the lowest educational attainment among residents in Dauphin County, according to a 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. In the last year, the clinic has seen approximately 1,500 clients for hypertension and an additional 100 for asthma. Because of the generous support from mission partners in the community and local congregations, the Health Clinics have been able to sustain operations throughout the pandemic and the doors have never closed.
The above image is of members of the Emerging Philanthropists Fund Advisory Committee presenting a check to Ms. Vanessa Garcia, Director of Medical Outreach for the Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Outreach Clinic at Christ Lutheran Church. From left to right they are: Kimberly Pottinger, Vanessa Garcia, Jenna Reitz, Devin Langan.
EPP is now accepting applications for the class of 2022! EPP seeks to engage Harrisburg’s emerging business and community leaders with the great possibilities that lie within philanthropic endeavors in our region. The program provides resources and educational opportunities for those who wish to be actively engaged in philanthropic endeavors. Applications are due on January 14, 2022 so apply today! To learn more visit https://www.tfec.org/epp.
To learn more about the Emerging Philanthropists Fund visit https://www.tfec.org/funds/emerging-philanthropists-fund/.
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About The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC), a community foundation, inspires giving by partnering with donors to achieve their charitable goals, and strengthens our local communities by investing in them now, and for future generations. TFEC has been serving the South-Central Pennsylvania counties of Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry, and the Dillsburg Area for 100 years. Regional foundations of TFEC include the Greater Harrisburg Community Foundation, the Franklin County Community Foundation, the Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation, the Perry County Community Foundation, and the Dillsburg Area Community Foundation. For more information on TFEC, please visit www.tfec.org.
About the Emerging Philanthropist Program
The Emerging Philanthropists Program seeks to engage Harrisburg’s emerging business and community leaders with the great possibilities that lie within philanthropic endeavors in Harrisburg. The program has been running for seven years and graduated over 100 young professionals. The program engages emerging philanthropists in questions such as: What does it mean to be philanthropic? How do I understand the needs of our community? and What can I do to make an impact? Additionally, the Emerging Philanthropist Program provides resources and educational opportunities for Harrisburg’s developing leaders who wish to be actively engaged in giving back to their community.
