impact report
2022 NORTHEAST WYOMING COMMUNITY HEALTH FOUNDATION
president's note
PARTNERING WITH YOU IN THE HEALTH & WELLNESS OF YOUR COMMUNITY
As Mother Teresa said, “I may not do great things, but I can do small things in a great way.” So many in our community go above and beyond sharing their time and talents. Donating is not just about giving money; it’s about making a difference.
More than 45 years ago, a group of inspired and dedicated individuals created what is now the Northeast Wyoming Community Health Foundation. What was once a vision to raise scholarships for local students has grown into a foundation which has raised millions of dollars not just for aspiring nurses and doctors, but for cancer patients, Legacy residents, families facing end of life care and other projects created to meet our mission of “Partnering with You in the Health and Wellness of Your Community.”
We've gifted over $3 million in scholarships to local students seeking careers in the healthcare field.
Cancer Care financial assistance to patients and their families is only a small part. We offer exercise programs and support groups. We also created a boutique at the Heptner Cancer Center, to provide private fittings for prosthetics, undergarments, wigs, and other comfort items to patients as well as survivors.
We provide hundreds of community members with LifeLine services to ensure they have instant access to emergency to keep them living independently.
We support residents at The Legacy with activities such as bingo, holiday events and wheelchair accessible golf carts to make venturing out easier.
We’ve partnered with Candlewood Suites to provide a discounted or free stay for patients and families traveling to Gillette for medical treatment.
We’ve recently created Hospice Giving to support patients and families during end of life care by offering grants to help with medical expenses, respite needs or supplies.
Our success as a foundation is a testament to you, our donors and volunteers, and the time and money you invest in the health of our community.
DaNece Day, Board President
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board & staff
ADVOCACY FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Leigh Johnson (Cancer Care), DaNece Day (President), Chris Shelledy (Treasurer), Francesca McCaffrey (Youth Programs), Lori Dougherty (Youth Programs), Holly Tate (Secretary), Mike McNutt (Legacy) Not Pictured: Emily Arthun (President Elect), Justin Holcomb (Hospice Giving), Kristin McKenney (Past President), Kelly Morehead (Hospice Giving), JC Reynolds (Past President), Sydney Wilson (Festival of Trees)
NACHELLEMCGRATH
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DIRECTOR
PROGRAM COORDINATOR ASHLEYBRINTLE FOUNDATION ASSISTANT RENAE REARICK-BALLARD
financial overview
03 2022 REVENUES
2022 EXPENSES 56% PROGRAM SERVICES 31% FUNDRAISING 13% GENERAL ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT 13centsoneverydollarspenttosupportoperations-nationalaverage=23% 58% CORPORATE DONATIONS 39% PRIVATE DONATIONS 3% GRANTS
a place to stay
SO GRATEFUL FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE THAT HELP SUCH A GREAT PROGRAM
Wendy had been dealing with searing arm pain and sleepless nights for months when she decided to see a medical professional to help diagnose what was going on. Wendy was referred to the amazing team of orthopedic surgeons at Wyoming Orthopedic and Spine. Within 5 minutes of evaluating her x-ray and MRI, Dr. Ulibarri had recommended cervical spine surgery.
Wendy, a dental hygienist from Sheridan, needed to make immediate accommodations in Gillette while preparing for cervical spine surgery. Wyoming Orthopedic and Spine gave her the recommendation of the Foundation’s hospitality support. Wendy called and was able to get a hotel room for a reduced rate to prepare for her surgery.
“I have been blessed with an amazing surgeon and great results! I’m still healing and will probably have some discomfort for the next year, but this surgery literally changed my life. I thank God for Dr. Ulibarri, Shawn, his Physician Assistant, and for the help I received from the Community Health Foundation. I cannot express my gratitude enough, for helping make such an emotional, scary time in my life more manageable. Your community helped put not only my mind at ease, but also my anxiety. The whole experience, from the easy location and accessibility to the most kind and compassionate way I was treated.
Most importantly, so grateful that there are still beautiful people out there that help fund such a great program.”
The Foundation’s hospitality support is a partnership with the Candlewood Suites. Rooms are available to anyone receiving medical care in our community for a reduced rate of $55/night. These rates are reduced thanks to our donors who give to support the need for people traveling to our community needing medical treatment.This program began in March of 2022 and has provided 38 nights and over $650 in hotel fees to help patients with their stay.
Almost 6 months later, Wendy is back to work, enjoying her family including her husband of 35 years, daughter, son and 5 grandkids.
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survivors exercise group
SUPPORT GROUPS COME IN ALL SORTS OF PACKAGES
Paula had never been a “joiner”, too self-conscious to attend a group where she doesn’t know everyone before she walks in. Towards the end of her grueling battle with colon cancer, Paula wanted to get back in shape, but wasn’t sure when and where to start.
Paula was diagnosed in August of 2021 with stage 3 colon cancer. “When I heard the words STAGE 3 and CANCER, I thought I was going to die.” She then spent the next 24 weeks enduring chemotherapy every two weeks followed with infusions at home for 48 hours with a pump.
Nearing the end of her treatments, Paula experienced neuropathy and was referred to physical therapy. While Paula was at Rehab Solutions, Emily Swanson, PT Assistant, and class instructor, invited Paula to the Cancer Survivors Exercise Group. Immediately Paula thought she would just observe, but the group made her feel so welcome, she decided to stay and participate.
Paula didn’t understand support groups until then. She has learned that “support groups” come in all sorts of packages. Paula quickly realized that all these women were recovering from something cancer related.
"I didn’t know just being in a room where everyone had endured the physical and emotional rollercoaster that I’ve been on would matter, but it turns out, it’s a safe comfortable place.”
Paula is grateful for stepping out of her comfort zone. She began to feel better due to the increased blood flow and improved balance and strength. The Cancer Survivor Exercise Group is a 12-week session hosted by Rehab Solutions and sponsored by the Foundations’ Cancer Care Committee. This class supports everyone and their cancer journey. For more information, contact Rehab Solutions 307.686.8177.
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Paula (top left) and her friends at their exercise group.
community health award speaks volumes
WENDY'S EXPERTISE AND CARE IS A BLESSING TO HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY
Wendy Echols has been in our community since 2019 bringing her much needed expertise to our community. Wendy graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky and then completed her Masters in Communications Sciences Disorders from Western Kentucky. She is completing her Doctorate in Speech Language Pathology this year.
Wendy specializes in assessing, diagnosing, treating, and improving communication in children and adults, improving their quality of life in speech and swallowing disorders. Wendy uses creative games and technology to engage her patients in their treatments. In the span of her career, she has provided clinical supervision and mentorship for multiple graduate level clinical externship students. She has served as a mentor for five post-graduate clinical fellowships with the goal of obtaining their certificate of clinical competence (CCC’s). Since practicing with Campbell County Health, Wendy grew the outpatient clinic from only one traveling speech-language pathologist to three full time caseloads of adults and children.
Last fall Wendy was nominated (by multiple people) for the Outstanding Community Health Award, given out by the Foundation at the 17th Annual Black Cat Ball. Wendy was in complete shock and honored. After reviewing the nominations, it is obvious why Wendy won that night. She exemplifies the three pillars of what the award stands for: Leadership, Community and Professionalism.
A patient’s mother wrote, “Mira loves to spend every Tuesday and Thursday with Wendy. She has made major gains in communication with the most excellent care.”
Wendy’s expertise and care is a blessing to have in our community.
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1901 ENERGY COURT, SUITE 265 GILLETTE, WY 82718 307.257.7057 www.newcommunityhealth.org