Press Releases: Northern California
September 8, 2009
Kaiser Permanente Awards $1 Million to Northern California Non-Profits to Aid Families During Economic Downturn
Community Benefit Essential Services grants will help those most adversely affected by the recession with basic needs such as food, shelter and medical care
OAKLAND, Calif. — Bringing much-needed relief to families struggling through the recession, Kaiser Permanente has awarded over $1 million in Community Benefit grants to non-profit agencies that offer basic human services throughout Northern California, with a focus on the Bay Area and Central Valley.
The grants will allow “one-stop” agencies to enhance critical services to clients most in need of food, housing, medical care and crisis counseling, among other necessities.
“These grants are part of our overall response to the economic downturn,” said Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente vice president, External and Community Affairs. “At a time when individuals and community organizations are struggling, we’re committed to providing support that helps individuals and families stay healthy and safe.”
The grants, in amounts of $50,000 and $75,000, were awarded to 17 organizations that offer essential services ranging from food and shelter to debt management counseling and job training services. The recipients are based in geographic areas disproportionately affected by the recession, which were identified through an analysis of economic health indicators including unemployment, poverty and foreclosure rates.
Among the grant recipients are:
- Salvation Army’s Central Valley and Sacramento Valley programs, which provide a single point of entry for assistance including emergency food and shelter as well as referrals to partner organizations for essential services
- Glide Memorial of San Francisco for its comprehensive service system that provides case management, health services, food and shelter in the city’s Tenderloin neighborhood
- Bay Area Rescue Mission in San Pablo and Richmond, whose on-site and mobile outreach programs bring necessities to homeless individuals and families, including food, clothing, hygiene and medical care
In addition to the Essential Services grants, Community Benefit has awarded grants this year to support other organizations providing basic human services, including San Francisco-based Project Open Hand and the California WIC Association for women, infants and children.
Overall, Kaiser Permanente plans to dedicate approximately $500 million in 2009 to support programs and services that contribute to the health of Northern California communities.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to www.kp.org/newscenter.
