$169,000 donated to 38 Community Organizations

GOSHEN, Ind. - Goshen Health System gave back to the community during its annual Community Benefit Funds reception - marking the 10th anniversary of the health system program aimed at re-investing in the local community.

Thirty-eight well deserving organizations from Goshen and the surrounding area were selected through the health system's Community Benefit Fund Grant Program to receive a total of $169,000 for 2009. Those organizations were recognized for the success of their programs and received their awards at the June 10 reception in the Arbor Conference Center at Goshen General Hospital.

Improving community health remains at the core of the mission of Goshen Health System, said CEO and President Jim Dague.

"With almost 1,400 Colleagues, Goshen Health System is committed to help make the community the healthiest place to live, work and raise a family," said Dague. "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the health system's commitment - in good times and bad - to re-invest funds to improve the health status of the communities we serve. It's our hope that partnering with these organizations leads to additional programs becoming available to those that need them."

The health system supports area non profit agencies that share its mission, vision and values through the Community Benefit Fund every year. The program is an effort to further the impact these organizations can make and increase the number of beneficial programs available to the community.

On behalf of the Goshen Health System Board of Directors, Del Good, chairman of the Community Benefit Fund committee, complimented the good work of the health system Colleagues and their commitment to the community.

"In these difficult times, Colleagues were given the chance to voice their opinion on whether we should continue to give this year," Good said. "Through Colleague focus groups, we heard strong affirmation that yes - during this year of all years - Colleagues want to be part of giving back to the community."

Each year the Goshen Health System Board of Directors allocates a percentage of the previous year's operating income specifically for the Community Benefit Fund grants, explained Dr. Larry Brooks, Goshen Health System's vice president of marketing and fundraising.

"We are pleased to share our success with the community by giving," he said.

In 2008, Goshen Health System provided over $159,500 in funding to 31 organizations from Goshen and the surrounding area. Since its inception in 1998, the Community Benefit Fund has given over $1.5 million in grant money. This investment is in addition to charity care, as well as prevention and education activities supported through the Goshen Health System operating budget.

The application process for grants begins in the fall each year, with the announcement of grant recipients in the spring or early summer. To be selected, the organizations must not only do good works in the community but also be good stewards of the grant monies, Dague explained. Each organization is required to document the positive outcomes that result from their programming.

Programs that seek to meet the needs of the community and are consistent with the mission of Goshen Health System are encouraged to apply for grants through the Goshen Health System Community Benefit Fund.

2009 Community Benefit Fund Grand recipients:

ADEC, Inc
Aphasia Support Group
Bashor Children's Home
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Boys and Girls Club
Camp Watcha Wanna Do
Care Foundation
CAPS
Center for Community Justice
Center for Healing and Hope
Community Dental Clinic
Council on Aging of Elkhart County
Deaf Ministries Advisory
Elkhart County American Red Cross
Elkhart County Health Department
Families First
Families Living with Celiac Disease
Family Christian Development Center
Family Services of Elkhart County/iFit
Goshen College Department of Nursing
Goshen Interfaith Hospitality
Goshen Middle School
Hispanic/Latino Health Coalition of Elkhart County
LaCasa of Goshen
LaGrange County Council on Aging
LoveWay
Maple City Health Care
Parkside Elementary School
RETA
Ryan's Place
SPA
Teen Parents Succeeding
The SOURCE
Through our Eyes
U-Turn Ministries
United Cancer Services
Wakarusa Public Library
Wheelchair Help.Org

About Goshen Health System:
Goshen Health System is a not-for-profit provider of health care that includes Goshen General Hospital, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, Park Home Medical Equipment, PrimeCare Physician Network, Team:Bariatrics, The Retreat Women's Health Center and Indiana Lakes Managed Care Organization. The health system is an affiliate partner of Clarian Health. For more information about Goshen Health System, contact Bridget Levitz, Public Relations Coordinator at 574-535-2776 or visit www.goshenhealth.org.