Mercy issues $53K in grants to area nonprofits

Mercy has issued more than $50,000 in grants to two local nonprofits, part of $500,000 in systemwide funding announced by the health system.

The Mercy Health Foundation recently presented a $30,000 check to The Free Store Ministry in Lebanon and $23,000 to Life Change of SWMO in Cassville, according to a news release. Of the $500,000 awarded systemwide, $450,000 is from the Mercy Caritas (Latin for “charity”) initiative, supporting community-based programs.

“This year, there was a special emphasis in each community to align Mercy’s strategic partnerships with those organizations that assisted in a particular manner to meet the social determinants of health,” said Kevin Minder, Mercy senior vice president of mission and community health and Caritas committee chairperson, in the release. “As we know, we find much value for our patients most in need when we can meet their nonclinical needs in addition to their traditional health care experience."

At The Free Store Ministry, funding from Mercy will help cover the cost of basic needs such as rent and groceries for residents in need.

Derek Cornelius, Life Change director, said in the release that its grant covers more than a third of the organization's annual budget. The nonprofit assists residents with daily needs, including child care and vehicle repairs.