Deaconess Associations Foundation Awards $585,500 to 10 Triangle Nonprofit Agencies

Deaconess Associations Foundation has provided over $16 million in funding since 2012.

Deaconess Associations, Inc., the parent company of Raleigh-based Legacy Healthcare Services, through its philanthropic arm, Deaconess Associations Foundation, has awarded $585,500 in grants to 10 organizations serving Raleigh-Durham communities. These grants support programs that provide access to healthcare services for the underserved, with a focus on primary care, oral and behavioral health services.

“These awards allow us to continue to deliver meaningful and measurable improvements in community health, while giving back to the communities where we do business,” said Tony Woods, Executive Chairman of Cincinnati-based Deaconess Associations, Inc. “During a time in which health needs have intensified, this funding will boost access to healthcare services for the uninsured, underserved, and low-income families in the Triangle area,” added Woods.

Of the 10 agencies receiving funding, Deaconess Associations Foundation awarded $50,000 to Alliance Medical Ministry, which provides access to comprehensive primary care to working, uninsured adults living in Wake County. Pete Tannenbaum, Executive Director of Alliance, explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected many of their patients who could not work remotely, were laid off from their jobs, and suffered higher rates of COVID-19. “The demand for primary care in historically marginalized populations. We have added two physicians that this grant will help support, helping us to eliminate a 500+ waitlist of patients,” said Tannenbaum.

An award of $70,000 has enabled SouthLight Healthcare, a substance abuse and mental health services provider, to pilot an integrated behavioral health program in partnership with NeighborHealth Center, an affordable primary care clinic. Adam Hartzell, SouthLight CEO, explained that integrated care blends behavioral and physical healthcare to decrease barriers to treatment and provide whole-person care, improving health outcomes. Over 250 people will be served, including participants in SouthLight’s Opioid Treatment Program. “We’re proud to partner with NeighborHealth and the Deaconess Foundation to build a healthier community together,” said Hartzell.

SAFEchild, whose mission is to eliminate child abuse, was awarded $65,000 towards its SAFEchild Advocacy Center, the only provider in Wake County of medical evaluations for children suffering from sexual and physical abuse. According to Executive Director Cristin DeRonja, “This grant will provide essential care to at least 375 child abuse victims and their protective family members. It will enable solid coordination and collaboration of Wake County’s Multidisciplinary Team, whose combined efforts eliminate child abuse, hold offenders accountable and foster a safer and healthier community for all children. A child once said to me during her forensic interview, ‘Please remember me,’ and drew a heart beside her unforgettable plea. Thanks to Deaconess, SAFEchild can ensure that children suffering abuse are protected.”

A grant of $50,000 was awarded to Healing Transitions, a peer-based recovery program for homeless and underserved individuals with alcoholism and other drug addictions, which is designed to rekindle a person's desire and ability to return to a meaningful and productive life. Funding will support Healing Transitions’ peer-to-peer long-term recovery program. Executive Director Chris Budnick shared, “We envision a community where addiction is treated as a health issue, and no one dies waiting for services. We work to achieve this by offering peer-based recovery for free, as many times as it takes. This is essential, as we know addiction inhibits individuals’ ability to lead meaningful and productive lives.”

These six agencies also received funding:

• Wake Smiles: $57,500 for oral care for low-income and uninsured adults
• Samaritan Health Center: $65,000 for primary care for low-income adults
• Interact: $63,000 for trauma-informed intervention for youth in the Emergency Shelter Program
• Triangle Family Services: $65,000 for the Sexual Abuse Treatment Program for Children
• TROSA: $25,000 for comprehensive healthcare for individuals with Substance Use Disorder
• Urban Ministries of Wake County: $75,000 for medication access for low-income uninsured individuals

“We continue to invest in community providers who provide healthcare services and education to the under-resourced, especially in the areas of behavioral health, oral care, and primary care services, to positively impact the health outcomes of our communities,” said Woods.

About Legacy Healthcare Services:

Legacy Healthcare Services is a therapist-driven provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and wellness services. Legacy provides these services within independent, assisted living and memory care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and CCRCs across the nation. As an extension of the Deaconess Associations, Inc., Legacy prides itself on excellence through clinical programming to ensure all residents have the highest quality of life.