Dignity Health awards grants to four Merced groups

Dignity Health, Mercy Medical Center’s parent company, recently awarded more than $112,000 to Merced nonprofit groups with projects that aim to improve the health and life of local residents.

In a luncheon Tuesday, four Merced organizations received their monetary awards: The Merced County Rescue Mission received $70,000 for its Hope Respite Care program; the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County received $17,674 for its family programs; JMJ Maternity Homes received $15,000; and the Girls Scouts Heart of Central California was awarded $10,000 to help with its annual summer camp.

Janice Wilkerson, the director of mission integration and grant representative, said the hospital received 10 grant applications this year. A committee selects the recipients based on letters of intent.

“It’s heartwarming to read what organizations and volunteers are doing in the community,” Wilkerson said.

JMJ Maternity Homes, for example, provide housing to pregnant women who are either homeless or estranged from their families. They help with medication, transportation and in connecting women with resources to get them back on their feet, she explained.

“We have wonderful people in the community doing wonderful things,” she said. “These are all worthy causes.”

Project ideas from the past include: summer youth programs, family nutrition workshops, as well as groups that address top health issues such as mental illness and obesity.

The Dignity Health Community Grants Program, Wilkerson said, allows the hospital to fulfill its mission of partnering with others to improve the health of the community.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Dignity Health awards grants to four Merced groups."