Each year St. Joseph’s Medical Center hosts a luncheon to honor recipients of their Community Grants Awards. Millions of dollars over the years have been given to deserving local organizations to further their work to improve the healthcare for all in our community. Congratulations to each recipient and thank you for the amazing work you do in our community!
Community Grants Program
St. Joseph’s Community Grants Program supports community-based organizations that provide services in communities of concern. The program supports organizations that address the underlying cause of illness – such as lack of access to primary and preventive care, health education, dental care, and culturally competent care, as well as limited access to healthy foods, transportation options, and safe and affordable places to be active.
2015-16 Grant Recipients & Projects
Community Health Connectors
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Stockton in Partnership with Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin & Asian Pacific Self-Development & Residential Association (APSARA)
Community Health Connectors are grassroots health workers that help to bridge the gap between low income neighborhoods and health care providers. They are trusted members of the community and have an unusually intimate understanding of the community served. The Connectors are trained to link community members with preventive health care services and to promote healthy lifestyles. This has been found to be one of the most effective strategies for preventing and managing disease and has been extensively documented and recognized for a variety of health care concerns. The Dignity Health grant will fund six Connectors to work in English, Spanish, Hmong and Cambodian-speaking faith communities in Stockton.
Increased Access to Mental Health Services for Homeless and Working Poor
St. Mary’s Dining Room in partnership with Stockton Shelter for the Homeless & Community Medical Centers, Inc.
An innovative partnership between homeless services providers and a health care provider will bring mental health services directly to the homeless and working poor of San Joaquin County. Mental health services is one of the most important services for the homeless, but transportation and access barriers prevent many from getting the care they need. Community Medical Centers will provide services directly where these individuals live and congregate, at St. Mary’s Dining Room and the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless, allowing many more people to get the care that they need to restore their lives.
Homeless Medical Respite Care
Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Inc. in partnership with Gleason House Clinic & Hospice of San Joaquin
In San Joaquin County the Homeless Medical Respite Care program is located at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission and provides round-the-clock shelter beds for homeless men and women who are ill or injured and are too sick to recuperate on the streets. The Homeless Medical Respite Care program provides a safe, clean and supportive environment where patients can recuperate and heal. The program also leverages the resources of Community Medical Center’s homeless programs, providing direct access to ongoing medical treatment and a health care home.
Photo: Pictured are grant recipients. Representatives shared their inspiring stories and programs while representing Medical Community Centers, Catholic Charities, Gospel Center Rescue Mission, Gleason House Clinic, Hospice of San Joaquin, St. Mary’s Dining Room, Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin, Asian Pacific Self-Development & Residential Association and Stockton Shelter.